Transaction processing enclosure

[71] Applicant: Otis Herbert Hastings of Mahwah, New Jersey, Ver. St. v. Am.

[74] Avg .: Dr. ir. S. Rosenthal et al

United Patent Offices

Nieuwe Parklaan 107

2587 BP The Hague.

[21] Application No. 7807902.

[22] Filed July 25, 1978.

[32] Priority from 25 August 1977.

[33] Priority country: Ver. St. v. Am. (US).

[31] Number of the priority application: 827593.

[23] - [61] - [62] -The documents attached to this sheet are a copy of the originally submitted description with claim (s) and possible drawing (s).

[43] Available for inspection February 27, 1979.

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5518

Otis Herbert Hastings, of Mahwah, New Jersey, United States of America.

Transaction security system.

The invention relates to a transaction protection system.

The development of devices that provide security for the customer and the employee as well as for the transaction itself, whereby items of value are transferred or held in custody by the customer or the employee and the institution he represents, has always been in the spotlight and has become increasingly significant in recent years. The proposed devices for providing a sufficient degree of security have taken a wide variety of forms. Most security systems are designed for use in banks and similar institutions that generally yield the richest and easiest to convert loot for those seeking to seize objects of value through physical violence or threats to do so. For the sake of convenience, most of this description will focus on application at such institutions and facilities. It will, of course, be clear to those skilled in the art that, however, the invention can also be applied at paying offices, tax offices, place card offices and other institutions and businesses.

Among the most widely used security equipment to date are closed television systems in which television cameras are strategically positioned in an area involving transactions involving the transfer or safekeeping of valuables. The cameras are designed to record the illegal acts occurring in the transaction area on the image band. These systems were often rendered ineffective by covering the lenses of the television cameras, these cameras normally being positioned at a height sufficient to survey a given area and yet allow a sharply defined image of the robber or other unaffected one. At higher altitudes, the cameras have been shown to provide an insufficiently clear image to ensure subsequent identification. In any case, masks or other disguises can easily prevent the intended identification. Similar devices with film cameras have also been used, but have failed for the same reasons and occasionally due to the lack of a sufficient amount of film. Furthermore, these systems have a guarding function only and are not intended to overwhelm the criminal or protect the employee or customer from injury or intimidation.

More recently, increasing use has been made of automated equipment used in unguarded stations, e.g.

outside buildings, was believed to be resistant to damage or abuse. However, this assumption has proven to be incorrect and these devices have often been destroyed and damaged with the associated high cost of replacing the equipment.

Furthermore, a single or multiple electronic data processing equipment or other specialized device used alone or in conjunction with a handheld transaction system or automatic transaction devices normally requires an accurately controlled environment to function. This environment was usually created by all data processing equipment required for an organization, with the exception of eg from remotely arranged terminals, etc., in a single large space in which all conditions could be kept uniform. This can only be realized at great cost, the placement of the equipment is often inconvenient and adapted more to necessity than to efficient use and failure of the mains voltage, etc. if no emergency power supplies are available, the entire data processing system of the organization will lead to a breakdown. If it concerns a bank, the entire company and its dependent companies will have to be closed. This vulnerability also exists in sensitive control systems and will usually shut down and disable the security systems and equipment used to protect the electronic data processing system from damage.

As far as the transaction security aspect of the invention is concerned, it should be noted that, of course, there have been devices before

have been developed for the purpose of securing bank employees or similarly in dealing with other things of value with the publicly engaged persons.

For example, U.S. Patent 2,460,917 is directed to a security cell for a cashier or bank employee, which includes a hinged wall that can be swung out through a bulletproof wall to protect the cashier from injury by the customer or another person from the public. to protect; the wall has a passage through which the valuables can be exchanged between the customer and the employee. Such devices designed to reduce the operator's physical exposure while maintaining communication between the operator and the customer have often been found to be unsatisfactory in preventing robbery, robber escape or injury to security guards or other bank personnel, as the transaction area remained open to the public and the robber was able to escape.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,700,944 describes a hinge shield protection equipment that can pop up and block the transaction interface between the clerk and a threatening customer or other person from the audience. The use of this device requires proper timing and the operator's willingness to run the risk of injury and involves the difficulties inherent in the above-described system of U.S. Pat. No. 2,460,917.

US patent 3,537,409 provides additional security in bank security systems in which the payment space can be closed and can be brought out of control by persons within the bank, so that even under threat the clerk cannot unlock the payment space, bureaux, safe, etc. A major difficulty with this system is that it has to be activated, which will normally only occur with the occurrence of overt violence and if it is carried out at a sufficient speed or if it is not reacted sufficiently quickly, the activation of the system can be completely blocked .

Thus, a significant improvement over the prior art could be achieved if a transaction room or cell could be designed in which the clerk, cashier or similar person involved in the transaction could be protected from injury or threat, or a transaction machine used to replace the aforementioned person, resists attacks from a customer or another person on the opposite side of a bulletproof transaction interface defined on one side of the cell or space, giving the customer only the ability to close transactions through this interface as long as it is prevented from leaving the room.

A second advance of similar importance could be achieved if means could be provided to provide access between a transaction space, as described above, and an automated transaction processing device or equipment disposed in a protective module disposed within the cell , whereby this module should be easy to remove and re-position and selectively accessible through a single opening for maintenance as well as for customer transaction operations.

In addition, if the equipment could be constructed in such a way that one or more units of an electronic data-processing device could be incorporated under the environmental conditions that must be accurately maintained for their survival and could be independent of the cooperation in the transaction security equipment for maintenance purposes. used, a further important step forward could be obtained compared to the prior art.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a transaction protection system comprising a bullet-proof or projectile-resistant cell in which the transactions with a bank-operated or automated transaction machine can normally only take place as long as the customer is prevented from leaving the cell.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a control member associated with this space or cell and thereby forming an integral control element, which ensures that the door to the cell is opened when the cell's interface is closed and that when 7807902

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....... 5 this door is closed the transaction interface is open.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means for disabling the control by the integrated control means.

A further object of the invention is to provide automated transaction equipment in combination with the cell or a housing, said device being selectively accessible from a single location in all aspects.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a protection and control of conditions such as temperature and humidity condition, in such a way that it requires a minimum of space, this property being combined with a possibility of convenient housing, mounting and disassembly and mobility.

According to the invention this is achieved by supplying a cell of such a material and such a construction that selectively permits voluntary access and involuntary detention of personnel within that cell, and preferably comprising at least a wall or a part of the cell and, preferably, the entire inner wall is made resistant to bullets or other projectiles, in the wall of the cell an entrance and a transaction interface are provided, as well as a door or closing member for at least the entrance and a control member for securing and de-securing the closing member and a member for rendering that member inoperative.

Interacting with that cell and disposed therein or in a preferred embodiment of the invention independent therefrom, at least one secondary housing or module is provided containing such equipment, such as e.g. electronic data processing equipment, transaction processing devices, or other devices, this housing containing one or more turntables on which said equipment is placed, as well as a fixed wall, a member providing access to the interior of this housing, and one or more shut-off members rotate about one or more turntables and be brought in front of the access member. The previous housing and one or more turntables defining the module can be configured to maintain ambient conditions and not only in terms of temperature and humidity control for a single unit of data processing equipment, but also built-in fire detection and control. According to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention, the housing and the turntables can also be completely separate from the first or outer cell and for instance form a receiving space for data processing equipment or special devices or pieces of value such as money, documents, shares, etc. Also, according to the invention, an access means is provided for use as an access means for the module or cell or independently thereof as a means for controlling the physical communication and movement through a passageway comprising at least two vertically disposed screens bent horizontally and rotate about a common axis, to effect passage through those screens such that at least one of those screens terminates communication or movement to the portion of the passage from which access is desired before communicating with the portion of passage to which access is desired.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transaction protection cell according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the transaction protection cell of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of the transaction protection cell of Figure 1 and Figure 2;

Figure 4 is one. horizontal cross section of the transaction security cell taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the transaction protection cell of Figures 1 to 4 configured for use with a bank transaction machine;

Figure 6 is a side view of a number of alternative cells embodying the invention;

Figure 7 is a horizontal cross-section of the cells depicted in Figure 6 taken along lines 7-7 of Figure 6;

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Figure 8 is a side view of a modification of a passage opening and closure device for insertion into the transaction interface of the cells of Figures 1 to 4;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a transaction protection cell and the separately housed transaction processing centers disposed within that cell in which the invention is embodied;

Figure 10 is a further perspective view of the cell and processing center of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a horizontal cross section of the transaction protection cell and processing center of Figure 9 taken along lines 11-11 of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a vertical cross-section, partly in elevation, of the transaction protection cell taken along lines 12-12 of Figure 9;

Figure 13 is an interrupted side view, the elements of which are schematically indicated, of an isolated transaction processing unit or module modified for operation separated from the transaction protection cell in which it is incorporated in Figures 9 to 12, in another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the transaction processing module taken along line 14-14 of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a partly broken perspective view of a number of transaction processing modules of the type shown in Figures 13 and 14, with some elements shown schematically;

Figure 16 is a side view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a processing center or module as depicted in Figures 13, 14 and 15 configured to accommodate instrumentation of limited dimensions;

Figure 17 is a front view of the equipment shown in Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a vertical cross-section, partly in elevation, of a self-contained barrier member to provide a security passageway system or unit that can also be used in cells and enclosures of the invention;

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the passageway protection unit taken along lines 19-19 of Figure 18;

Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of a typical electrical circuit for use in controlling the activation and deactivation of the terminating member and the transaction interface panel in the transaction protection cell of the invention together with a controller disabling control;

Figure 21 is a schematic of an electrical control circuit for use in a specific application of the equipment of the invention.

In Figures 1 to 4, the cell 10 is shown with a number of panels 12 formed of a material and of a construction suitable for enclosing persons and preferably transparent and impact-bullet-proof, with a panel 12a is modified such that a transaction interface 13 can be provided therein. Panels 12 (and 12a) are mounted within at least equal impact or ball resistant rigid vertical support members 14 which are attached to the periphery of the cell ceiling 16 and optionally to the bottom or floor 18 of the cell. It is of course also possible to use a single panel 12 to form the wall of the cell or the housing 19. The access 20 to the cell 10, as shown in Figure 1, is partially bridged by the slidable closure member 22 mounted on tracks or a rotatable support and drive shaft (not shown) in the ceiling 16 or the floor 18 or in both. In a preferred embodiment, the closing member 22 is driven by a motor and worm gear drive (not shown) and a locking mechanism is provided in the drive mechanism which can only be operated from one end, ie the closing member 22 can only be actuated by the operation of the motor moved. Thus, when the door or closure member 22 is closed, it is also locked and cannot be opened manually, but opening the door requires reversing the direction of rotation of the motor. It will be understood, however, that any standard method known to those skilled in the art can be used to close and lock, respectively. effecting opening or unlocking access 20. It will thus be appreciated that the locking and unlocking of the closing member can be performed as a separate option associated with closing and opening the closing member.

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An additional panel 12b, similar in construction to the panel 12 which forms the wall of the cell and thus also transparent and bullet and projectile resistant, forms in a particular embodiment the closing member 22 and is mounted within the vertical door chassis member 23. It will be appreciated that the door or barrier 22 may also be opaque or impervious to light, and although this is considerably less preferred, it can be hinged to the cell and include a latch and unlock mechanism and can be either flat or round .

It is convenient to use a number of cells 10, more particularly as will be further described in a facility employing entrance doors shown in Figures 6 and 7, with a filler panel 24 spaced between adjacent cells 10 lined up. The drive motor (not shown) for operating the shut-off member 22 is disposed within the fill panel.

For example, the closure member can be easily operated by a customer or other person by manipulating the control panel 26 schematically depicted in Figures 1 to 5 and adapted for similar use in the cells of Figures 6 and 7. The access for maintenance of the control panel can be obtained from outside the cell, if desired, by removing the outer cover plate 27 shown in Figure 6.

As is depicted more in the special example in the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 7, the closing member 22 has the double function of locking the intermediate surface 13 or the access 20 while simultaneously unlocking and opening the access 20 or the intermediate surface 12 respectively. This means for carrying out the method according to the invention is particularly easily obtained when the cell 10 has a round cross-section and the closing member 22 has a width sufficient to close and lock the intermediate surface 13 when the inner space of the cell is accessible from the outside via the entrance 20 and to unlock the interface 13 when the entrance 20 is completely closed and locked by the closing member 22. This closure member 22 defines a semicircle of about 180 degrees, as depicted in Figure 7, to achieve this objective with an access 20 and an interface that can also be shifted 180 degrees.

The closure member moves in a path about an axis that coincides with the axis of the cell in which the closure member or door is mounted. This is the case with the cell embodiments of Figures 1 to 5. It will be appreciated that by limiting the lateral margins of the interface and access and alternatively or also by arranging the interface and access to position the cell circumference closer together, the lateral width of the closure member can be reduced without adversely affecting his ability to achieve the above-described objective.

The cell 10 will come into contact with the counter 28 of the bank clerk as shown more particularly in Figure 7 or overlap as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 8. In any case, the transaction interface 12 includes the passage opening 29, which may be of any conventional construction and e.g. includes a trough defined at the counter of the bank employee by a cut-out 30 in the interface panel 12a, as shown in Figure 8, which allows business transaction between the bank employee, cashier or other authority and the customer. This device can be closed or opened using a standard shut-off element, eg a bullet-proof screen 32. This element is mounted in the pair of vertically arranged guides 34 mounted on the bank operator's side of the panel 12a. The screen can be guillotine raised or lowered manually or automatically, but locking and unlocking the screen is accomplished in the most desirable embodiment using an integrated circuit control system provided in accordance with the invention and is shown in Figures 20 and 21.

This locking and unlocking mechanism integrates, as indicated above, the previous means for locking and unlocking the closing member or the door 22, so that when the element 22 is opened, the passage opening 29 is closed and will be automatically closed locked. When the door is locked, the passage opening 29 is unlocked and open or at least can be opened manually to such an extent as is necessary to enable the commercial transaction between, for example, a bank employee and the customer.

As shown more particularly in Figure 5, the. 11 counter of the bank clerk are replaced by an automated or automatic bank transaction machine 38, the exchange unit 40 of which is disposed in the cut-out portion 30 of the panel 12a. If desired, one can continue to use the screen 32 in this application to prevent tampering with the exchange unit 40 or the control unit can simply alternatively or additionally close the exchange unit completely when the access is opened and vice versa.

The foregoing transaction security system of the invention can be modified in a wide variety of ways as well as easily adapted to use for bank transactions inside and outside the bank building, as has already been stated. The cell located outside the building is usually used in combination with automatic bank transfer machines. When used within the building, the cubicle is attached to the bank operator's standard counter, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, in combination with the filler panel or outer counter 24 of Figures 6 and 7. A preferred embodiment of the invention for use with bank transaction machines for reasons of increasing security, mobility and more efficient use of space, as will be further described, is where the cell 10 encapsulates a second envelope or module in which the bank transaction machine is arranged.

The trough 29 in the transaction interface of the counter of the bank clerk 28 may consist of a cylindrical turntable mechanism as described in U.S. Patent 3,702,101. Equipment for improving or enabling audio communication can also be used to advantage. A wide variety of conventional intercommunication systems included in an excision (not shown) of the transaction interface panel 12a can serve this purpose. For example, the speaking boxes described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,298,329 are sufficient for this purpose.

As noted above, it will be appreciated that the transfer mechanism, whether trough or other variety, can be closed in the preferred embodiment of the invention so that the transaction interface presented to the customer in cell 10 has a uniformly impermeable bullet resistance interface. As will be described elsewhere, the closure member 22 in the most desirable embodiment cooperates with the door lock and release mechanism so that the valve member 22 is locked in the closed position when the pass-through opening is opened, and this opening is closed and locked when the door is opened is.

As already noted, the cell may have any desired shape, ie round as in the figures, oval, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal or square, but with inner dimensions defined in a preferred embodiment of the invention such that cell occupancy may be increased by then one person is excluded. This objective can easily be achieved without causing claustrophobia by arranging a shelf within the cell of sufficient width to write on it or to put parcels on it, so that the walls of the cell are clearly the visitor of the cell deleted.,

The panels 12 (and 12a) of the cell as well as the door 22, as already indicated, although they should be bulletproof, are most desirably transparent and made of glass or clear plastic for aesthetic reasons and for an undesirable sense of isolation to prevent the customer from otherwise experiencing confinement and the secure cell. Furthermore, the visibility will of course facilitate the monitoring of the visitor of the cell.

Also, the aforementioned panels may be treated to be opaque from the outside to the interior of the cell and transparent from the inside to the outside, thereby providing the visitor with privacy while still being able to visually perceive his surroundings, which is desirable when the cell is in a remote location outside a building.

A communication device can be installed within the cell so that the visitor can obtain police protection before leaving the cell when circumstances require it. The opaque and transparent properties of the panels can of course also be reversed.

In a further embodiment, one or more inlet grids are present, preferably in the door 22 and in the ceiling 16, so that air can be drawn into the cell. A fan can be installed in the cell to aid ventilation and remove hot air by removing the grille placed in the ceiling 16 of the cell while also providing an air conditioning unit of sufficient capacity. The air inlet grille, if fitted, is generally located on the underside of the door and provided with rigid bullet-resistant blades on the inside and the outside, which face the floor in the usual manner to allow passage of a ball from the outside to the door. interior of the cell.

Also, a grating covering means may be provided so that the interior of the cell may be temporarily sealed, if desired, when using tear gas or other fluid to render the visitor harmless.

The door or closure member may also be modified, as noted above, to be hinged to the cell, as a sliding panel mounted from the ceiling or generally less preferred from the floor rises from the entrance.

It is noted that the designations closed, blocked, closed and locked have equivalent meanings in this description as do the terms unlocked, unblocked, opened, unlocked and open with their grammatical variations, all of which are used with reference to the door or lock 22 , as shown in the figures, locking and unlocking of the closing member 22 is effected by means of a drive motor. This is the case both in the transaction interface 13 and in the case where a motor-driven closing member serves both the interface 13 and the access 20. When instead of a driving motor, for example, a locking actuating magnetic coil is used, the transaction interface can be opened or unlocked, but the actual opening of this interface must be performed separately, such as, for example, by manually lifting the screen 32 in figure 8.

This description also applies to the closure member 22 and the access member 20. A door lock actuating solenoid would be particularly useful for a hinged non-motorized door or other manually operated shutoff device, particularly from the interior of the cell.

The base 18 of the cell 10 is normally and most desirably secured with bolts or other members to the floor of the bank or other transaction area in which the cell is located.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, cell 10 includes a second envelope or as shown in Figures 9-12 a number of such envelopes 200. These secondary protective envelopes are arranged to receive electronic data processing equipment, communication devices and automatic transaction equipment or other transaction processing equipment, including bank transaction machines, associated safes, etc. which require physical protection or alternatively or in addition equipment for maintaining a special and carefully maintained and controlled environment, as well as a means which immediately responds to a deviation from that control, eg a fire detector and fire fighting device and, if desired, a small emergency power supply.

As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the door or access chassis member 23, as well as the cell ceiling 16 and the floor 18 on each side of the access 20 and with the perimeter of the cell 10 are angled inward oriented, panels 204 are arranged which contact their shut-off member 22a with their vertical inner edges and are disposed opposite them. The closure member is slidably disposed to be able to move about a vertical axis parallel to the axis of the transaction protection cell between a first and a second position, the diameter of the preceding closure member 22a being considerably smaller than the diameter of the outer housing 19 is.

The closure member has an arc in horizontal cross-section and moves between a first position in which the access 20 is opened for access to the cell as shown in Figure 9, and a second position shown in Figure 10 where the access is closed and access. until the secondary envelope 200 is issued. In order to prevent marginal access to the secondary casing during the period in which the closure member 22a, which is shown in cylindrical form in Figures 9 to 11, moves from the first to the second position and the access 20 is not completely closed. the closing member should be designed only in such a way that it defines in horizontal cross section an angle greater than 180 but less than 270 degrees. The number of closing members 22b and 22c can advantageously also be used in the manner described below with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 18 and 19. It is also possible to reduce the distance between the access 20 and the access to The secondary shell or the module by 180 degrees and by decreasing their distance reduce the arc defined by the closure member 22a as at the closure member 22 and the interface 13 which occurs, for example, in Figures 1 to 4.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the lateral edges 212 of the closure member coincide with the inner edges of the panels 204 both in the first position (access opened) and in the second position (access closed) shown in Figure 12 image. When more space is desired in the cell, the panels 204 can be projected outwardly from the access chassis elements 23 and the closing member can be moved outwards and a spout can also be fitted in the relevant part of the cell ceiling in order to match the arc shape of the closing member. to give the second position an adjustment. A similar spur can be placed in the floor 18 of the cell if it is not at least flush with the floor surrounding the cell.

The aforementioned outlet is not necessary if, for example, a suspended ceiling is arranged in the same plane of the ceiling 16 of the cell 10. The closure member 22a can also be replaced by the closure members 22b and 22c described below with reference to Figures 18 and 19, in order to obtain the diameter of the cross-section that would otherwise be required for the effective operation of the closure member 22a in the access 20. significantly reduce.

The closing member is otherwise mounted in the same manner and is operated in the same manner, and the access is closed and opened and locked and unlocked in the same manner as in this description elsewhere with reference to the figures shown in Figures 1 to 8 inclusive. The exemplary embodiment is described. The closing member is preferably of an impact-resistant and, more particularly, bullet-proof construction.

The secondary shells 200 in a preferred embodiment of the invention are adapted for use in conjunction with the closure member 22a of the outer cell 10.

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Secondary shells or modules 200 of the type disposed within the cell are also used with particular advantage when the cell 10 is not present, as shown in Figures 13 to 15 and will be described in more detail hereinafter.

A representative module 200, for the embodiments of which reference is made to units arranged in the cell 10, consists of a housing 220 which is generally cylindrical, although a wide variety of shapes or combinations of shapes may be used, composed of a fixed vertical rear wall 222 one or more access members and one or more slidably arranged arcuate rotatable secondary closing members, or a second closing member 224 (and 225 when an additional inner second closing member is present) whose transverse edges are disposed in the closed position and thus when the access member is covered opposite the rear wall 222. In the fully opened position, the second closing members 224 and 225 are preferably resp. disposed inside and outside the rear wall 222, the second closing members 224 and 225 moving in a path defining an axis identical to the axis of the curved rear wall 222. The fixed rear wall 222 and the secondary closure member elements 224 and 225, in a preferred embodiment, define semicircles each about 180 degrees, and as will be apparent in the closed position provide a closed cylinder.

The housing 220, which consists of the aforementioned movable and fixed components, can be formed from a wide variety of materials. When a computer is to be included within the envelope 200, it is desirable to form the one secondary shutoff member 224 from a transparent, impact resistant and normally missile and bulletproof material, and preferably in combination with a number of concentrically arranged shutoff members 225, which formed a metallic material that is both fire and impact resistant.

When two concentric housings are used as sealing members, the outer one in this description is designated 224 and the inner one is designated 225. When these members are horizontally divided into segments, they are designated 224a for the upper outer housing element, 224b for the lower outer housing element, 225c for the inner housing upper element, and

225d for the bottom element of the inner housing.

As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the outer closure member 224, which is made of a transparent impact-resistant (eg bullet and projectile-free) material, is mounted on a track §26a which is at the periphery of the upper module portion 274 and additionally or alternatively (as shown in Fig. 226b) is provided in the periphery of the module base 284 to provide or block access to the equipment installed in the housing. Within the outer access element 224, a second access element 225 is provided, which is made of steel or other protective material. In the closed position, these closing members or access elements with their transverse edges are arranged opposite the fixed wall 222 by means of closing plates 202. The secondary closure member 225, when it is opaque, as is normally the case, may also be horizontally segmented, and its upper component 225c may be opened to open the front face of the outer secondary closure member 224 or 224a. release or at least make the equipment and its operation visible. The above-described embodiments can be used when the module 200 is used within the cell 10 as well as when the module is a free-standing unit as shown in Figures 13-15. When used to house a bank transaction processing device such as an automatic payment or receiving machine, the movable and fixed portions of the housing 200 must be of burglary-free material, which implies the use of 3/8 inch stainless steel 25 for these machines as ASTM Designation A167- 70 or similar materials.

When the cell is used to house an automatic bank transaction machine, its vault will usually be positioned below the transaction surface 232 of the machine 230. In this case, as shown in Figures 9, 10 and 12, the outer and inner secondary shut-off members 224 and 225, which otherwise consist of single units, segmented horizontally to yield two separately rotatable components, an outer upper component 224a (shown in Figures 9 and 12) and an outer lower component 224b and an inner upper component 225c and an inner lower component 225d 35 of equivalent vertical and lateral dimensions. The upper secondary shutoffs 224a and 225c may remain open during bank hours and be closed at other times or arranged to open when the first or other cell shutoff 22a moves from one position to the second position.

When access is required for the maintenance of the machine or the vault located below the automatic transaction machine or bank transaction machine, the lower secondary shut-off members 224b and 225d are rotated alone or together with cb upper secondary shut-off members 224a and 225c and preferably also together with the shut-off of the access to the cell by rotation of the closing member 22a to the second position, so that the service technician or other authorized person can access the safe from the secure enclosure of cell 10.

In the preferred embodiment of the cell as shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11, a second module, also indicated by 220, may also be provided, which is adapted to receive electronic data processing equipment 240 required to operate the bank transaction machine. . The housing thereof can, if desired, be formed from a material of the same type as the first module and consist of an impact and fire resistant material. The housing 220 of the latter module has a similar shape and consists of a fixed rear wall 222 and one or more access elements with secondary closing members. In this case, however, it is not desirable for the secondary termination member 224 (and 225 when the inner element is present) to be segmented, but it should be in one piece because normally no access is desired by the different classes of personnel for which the illustrated bank transaction machine 230 is the first module is installed. In this case, the secondary closing member can, if desired, also be divided into segments. Furthermore, it is desirable that at least one movable secondary shutoff member 224 of the second module housing 220 be transparent in order to easily observe the operative data processing device 240 disposed therein without disturbing the environment in which this device is held, as in Figures 13 to 15. is shown. Often, in this second module, a second secondary barrier or protective screen 225 is preferably disposed within the fixed wall 222, which is made of an impact and fire resistant material such as a metal, and is generally opaque.

In any event, the module 200, regardless of whether it is the above-described first or second module, further includes a turntable, plate or platform 244 independently rotatably disposed within the housing 220, and located in a preferred embodiment adjacent its periphery. As will be appreciated in this connection, the turntable 244 is flat, may include other additional turntables 246 and 248 which are independently mounted thereon and located within the housing 220 as shown in the free-standing embodiment of Figure 13 and horizontally a round or have a circular shape. The internally disposed housing 225 and the sum of horizontally segmented portions thereof 225c and 225d will normally terminate below the periphery of the platform of Figure 13 at the bottom edge and in the outer edge of the rotation plate 280 with which it is shown. is firmly attached at its top end. When a bank transaction machine such as an automatic payment or receiving machine is included within the module, preferably the inner terminating member or access element 225 will extend from the upper portion 274 to the base 284 by means of a flange 289.

The platform provides easy access to butchering or to another part of the transaction processing machine or electronic data processing device provided in the module for on-site maintenance and through the same secondary termination or access element used for all other purposes. This saves functions and use of space as previously unknown. The rotation can be integrated via a standard hesturine panel (not shown) with the opening of all segments of the secondary closure member and with the closure of the closure member 22a.

All functions described so far, as well as the locking and unlocking of the cell or the module, are performed with the aid of electric circuits known to those skilled in the art. The controller is the same as the one described with reference to cell 10 of Figures 1 to 4.

In any case, the turntable is easily and independently controlled by the operation of a drive motor 250 and a drive shaft 252 coupled through a standard bevel gear system 254, with the drive shaft mounted on its underside of the turntable 244 as in the axis of rotation. freestanding module of Figure 13 is shown. Also, the rotation of the turntable can be effected by a wide variety of mechanical means known to those skilled in the art, or even though this is less preferred to be done manually. The turntable position can be fixed using an externally actuated brake or locking mechanism acting on the drive shaft 252.

A similar drive mechanism 270 is mounted on the top module portion 274 disposed within the super module housing 275 of Figure 13, using the rotatable shaft 276 passing through the portion 274 in which it independently rotates using a bearing assembly (not shown). arranged to terminate in the axis of the circular, horizontally disposed top module or rotation plate 280, which is attached to and rotated thereby to this axis 276. The inner protective casing member 225 of the module 200, although it can be mounted on the turntable 224, is preferably located adjacent to the periphery of the rotatable top module plate 280, as noted above, and can be operated both manually and mechanically . When the inner closure member 225 is divided into horizontal members 225c and 225d, the support and drive mechanism for 225c may be identical to the mechanism described above for 225 as a single unit. The support and drive mechanism for 225d consists of an arcuate track on base 284, with a circular shape and an internal drive ring (not shown), as well as a drive motor (not shown), or a wide variety of techniques known to those skilled in the art methods are applied. Of course, manual operation in conjunction with an electrical controller or as a method of disabling the operation of the shut-off device in the event of a failure of the drive mechanism is also an alternative, but this is less preferred. Although this has been described with reference to the inner shutoff member 225, it will be appreciated that the outer shutoff member 224 may be similarly segmented and the above described modes of operation of the inner shutoff members

- 21 whether elements 225 can also be applied to the outer closing elements. The lateral edges of the access element 225 are configured to face the fixed wall 222 in the open position and the bottom edges to the base 284. The upper edges can also come opposite the supramodule portion 274 via the previously described flange 289. The solid wall or screen 222 is mounted within the outer edge of the top or supramodule portion 274 outside the outer periphery of the plate 280 and extends to the floor or base 284 on which the unit or module is located. As already noted, in a preferred embodiment, the upper end of the rotatable, protective secondary closure member 225 is disposed adjacent and slidable with respect to the upper module portion 274 and sealed by means of the flange 289 and when the module will be used to encapsulate a bank transaction machine. in particular, the lower end thereof contacts the base 284 of the module in the same manner as described above. Secondary shutoff members 224 and 225 may also be vertically segmented, but this alternative is normally less preferred.

The rotational guide member consists of the posts 285 that serve to support the platform 244. These guides can be telescopic and thus extend to support the platform or turntable 244 at any desired level above the module base 284 and, of course, below the portion 274. At the same time, the flange 289 is similarly leveling the rotation plate of the inner secondary shutoff member 225.

According to a further feature of the invention, the system described so far may also respond to an alarm or override control in a manner generally similar to that described with respect to the cell of Figures 1 to 4, so that in a preferred embodiment, the seismic shock of a physical attack or an unprogrammed or unauthorized access attempt, such as experienced by a bank transaction machine as a result of an attempted break-in or other tampering, will close the inner secondary shutoff member 225 or its components 225c or 225d while holding the shutoff member 22a in place thereby confining the criminal within cell 10 . Referring to Figures 13 to 15, with respect to the transaction processing module 220, and more particularly, the free-standing embodiment thereof, it is apparent that the top or super module house 275 is disposed adjacent to or suspended from a suspended ceiling 286, which ceiling as in the Figures 13 and 15 schematically show the usual heating, includes ventilation and air-conditioning systems as well as electrical and communication lines to which the module may be connected in order to provide, when incorporated in that module, electronic data processing equipment, the controlled environment required for its operation. The ascending channel 290 serves to effect the transmission of the previous environmental components to the interior of the module 200 of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 13. The e.g. support members 14 shown in Figure 1 used in the solid wall of the second shell as well as in the outer cell may be integrated with the ascending channel 290 to direct the flow of the gas components through the shell. For this, section 274 is perforated (not shown). Also, the turntable 244 and the top rotatable module plate 280 are perforated (not shown in the figure) to ensure access and even distribution of the aforementioned atmospheric environmental components within the module. It is also contemplated, according to the invention, that a duct equal to the duct already described can similarly form the transfer between the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system from the floor on which the module is located, as indicated in Figure 15 by the module base 284. It is also consistent with the foregoing description to arrange individual units suitable for ensuring the necessary atmospheric control within the super module housing 275 to ensure delivery to the module interior or chamber in which the equipment is located. As shown schematically in Figure 13, fire detectors 294, fire extinguishers 295, an engine control unit 297 and an emergency power supply 299 are provided in the super module housing without appreciably affecting the easy assembly, disassembly or mobility of the enclosure module 220. These organs are also contained in the transaction protection cell described above

........

of Figures 9 and 12. These elements can also be placed on the base 284 or the module 200 or under the floor 18 of the cell 10 and resp. below the turntable of the casing 200 or under an elevated floor system in the cell.

In Figure 15, a number of freestanding (i.e. freestanding in the sense of absence of surrounding cell 10) modules are shown having a suspended ceiling above or below or a combination thereof. The cells contain the supramodule housing 275, a solid wall or housing 220, an access element, and the barrier or screen 224 of a transparent nature, so that the operator of the computer equipment 230 in the modules 200, schematically shown in Figure 15, can observe their operation. in any case without opening the shut-off members or shields 224 and while on the console 292. However, a second inner (or outer) reinforced protective barrier member 225 may be used to monitor the access opening, which, as previously noted, consists of a fire-resistant and impact-resistant material such as steel, etc., and is thus normally opaque, as in the module 200c 15 is left open and retracted within the housing. The normally translucent outer concentrically arranged occluding member 224 serves, as already noted, to primarily protect the environment within the module 200 while also allowing observation of the equipment installed in the housing during use. The normally heavier opaque shutoff member 225 can be closed when the data processing equipment is not in operation or can be closed automatically in the event of fire, flood, or vandalism or improper use of the equipment contained in the home.

As further depicted by the module 200a of Figure 15, the transparent screen 224 is closed to maintain a controlled environment in the module. In the module 200b of Figure 15, the outer transparent shutoff member 224 as well as the inner protective shutoff member 225 are shown in the open state, exposing the back of the data processing equipment 240, which equipment is rotated on the turntable 244 for maintenance. Module 200c of this figure is in the same operating condition as

7807002 module 200a. The module 200d is shown with both the external and internal termination members and their segmented components 224a, 224b, 225c and 225d in the closed state.

A particular advantage of the invention becomes clear from the exemplary embodiment of Figure 15, that the entire environment of the room in which the modules are arranged need not be subjected to the rigorously controlled conditions required within the modules in which electronic data processing equipment is incorporated. Access to and exit from the computer room can be free, yet each module is vandal-protected and each access screen or panel 224 can be locked as described elsewhere for cell 10. At the same time, any desired part of the electronic data processing equipment can be easily removed with its module from the indicated location and immediately positioned elsewhere in a riormal manner by plugging the module into the existing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning lines.

An extendable inclined platform can be provided for the installation and removal of data processing or transaction processing equipment from a module or cell, with the turntable on which this device is located above the level of the floor.

Figures 16 and 17 show a protective housing 300 for use with smaller devices than previously assumed. Illustrative of such equipment is a table computer terminal or microcomputer 304 schematically shown in Figures 16 and 17. The housing consists of a protective fixed housing 305, a closure member (shown closed in Figure 16 and opened in Figure 17), a preferably opaque metal protective screen that can rotate about a vertical axis that forms the axis of the fixed housing 305. The rotatable closure member or access element 306 may shift about the previous axis and is mounted for that movement in the same manner as described with respect to the access element 225 of the above. Similarly, the housing 304 is housed on a turntable. 310 mounted. Furthermore, within the housing or enclosure 300, there may also be a ventilation member, such as a fan assembly, a fire detector, a fire fighting device, and devices (not shown) for detecting an attempt to damage or misuse the housing incorporated and to the device attached to the housing. 13 to 15, although lines within the housing are usually very practical for this purpose.

The closure member 306 can be arranged to rotate about a horizontal or intermediate axis between the horizontal and vertical surfaces. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 16 and 17, the shape of the envelope is spherical. It will be appreciated that a wide variety of shapes can be used for the envelope 300 and that the configuration of the fixed screen 305, eg spherical and of the closure member 306 eg will be semi-spherical, highly dependent on the shape of the enclosed computer terminal or microcomputer 304. The drive element of the protective screen or access element 306 may include a slip clutch to stop the arcuate movement of the closure member or screen 306 when its path is obstructed. Detection elements may also be placed along the edges of the shutter or screen 306 so as to operate such that objects placed in the path of movement of screen 306 will cause temporary interruption of movement of the shutter until those unwanted objects are removed. Advantageously, the enclosure 300 can be mounted on a counter or desk top or on any other height-adjustable support surface.

In Figures 18 and 19, the device is shown the operation of which utilizes the shut-off members 22b and 22c which serve as an alternative to use in the cell 10 alone or in conjunction with the module 200 or the other embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, this equipment serves as a person access interface 340 for the controlled access of persons to areas e.g. require a security investigation or license as a body for protecting the protected area from direct exposure to the external environment.

As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the system is constructed to include a closure member consisting of two arcuate shields 22b and 22c which operate independently of one another but move in a circular path about a common axis. Although they are arranged concentrically, the 7807902 transverse edge of one screen will come opposite to the other when they occupy complementary portions of the cylindrical path in which they move. Although both vertical screens can be semicircular in horizontal cross section, in a preferred embodiment they will differ from each other in the cylindrical circumference they occupy. In this way, the inner primary screen 22c will define an arc of about 180 degrees. The outer or secondary screen will have an arc between 90 and 180 degrees. The smaller end of the latter area is preferably chosen because a secondary screen 22b of this size, in addition to achieving the objectives for which it is used, also allows objectives such as monitoring and deprotection. Also, protection of the protected area is performed using a surprisingly considerably smaller cross-sectional area than would be necessary, eg, using a single 270 degree screen. The inner screen 22c is fixedly connected to the rotation plate 280 at the top. The rotation plate 280 is attached with its shaft to the vertically disposed rotatable support and drive shaft 276, which itself is again connected to the motor and the drive assembly 350 and is secured to the support plate 352 by a known bearing assembly (not shown). The outer or primary screen or access element 22b, which can define an angle of 90 to 180 degrees, is mounted for a cooperative but independent movement in a known drive ring assembly that can slide around the circumference of the rotation plate and is separately driven by a second drive assembly 354 although in a preferred embodiment it is electrically powered, it may also be mechanical, pneumatic electric, etc. The latter drive system 354 is mounted eccentrically on the rotation plate 280 in conjunction with the drive shaft 276. The second drive system is controlled by a detection mechanism 356 on one of the two support beams 358 of the system and the drive system 354 and unit 356 are as shown. described by a known electrical controller connected for cooperation. The support beams 358 maintain the stability of the system by contacting the transverse edge of the support plate 354 and using posts 360 extending from each of the support beams 358 to the opposite edges of the aforementioned plate 360.

Seals 22b and 22c move between three primary positions in operation and return to the first of those positions upon completion of a cycle. In this way, someone who wants to access a cell (or a computer room as shown in figure 5 or a corridor in which this unit 340 is used) will find the access blocked and eg within the perimeter of the unit defined by the rotational path of screens 22b and 22c steps in or near to which provisions for identification have been made such as by using a person identification card or alternatively or stepping on a pressure sensitive mat 400 which normally responds only to a single identified person or through the use of other known activators which, upon removal of security are common. Upon activation, however, the visitor or occupier of the previous perimeter will face an inner screen 15c with a 180 degree arc defining a concave portion for the visitor. Concentrated behind it is the preferably smaller outer shield 22b. This is the above first position. Activating unit 340 once this e.g. through the detector control mechanism 356 causes the inner screen 22c to rotate in a direction opposite to that of the outer screen 22b. The relative directions shown in Figure 19 are counterclockwise for the inner shield 22c and clockwise for the outer shield. It will be clear that within the scope of the invention these directions can be reversed and that the relative inner and outer positions of the screens can also be changed, although the relationship defined for example in figure 19 is a preferred embodiment.

Initially, upon reaching the above-mentioned second position, the arrangement in the ring drive assembly on the rotation plate 280 of the outer shield 22b can be said to move clockwise although it simply remains in place while the inner shield 22c is operated using the rotation plate 280 and the motor drive system is driven counterclockwise to the point where a transverse edge of each of the two screens is opposite the other and the circumference is occupied by the screens is equal to the sum of the arcs defined by the two screens individually. In this position 7807902, access to the interior of the cell 10 or the space in Figure 15 or another passageway or secondary sheath or module 200 remains blocked and the exit to the area from which the periphery access was locked is substantially reduced or eliminated depending on the arc defined by the outer shield 22b. The screens then continue their clockwise and counterclockwise movement to the third and final positions in the sequence in which the two screens are again concentrically arranged, but this time around the portion of the perimeter from which access was initially obtained, with the screen 22c completely covering this portion. completely enclose the perimeter and the outer shield is placed behind it. The opposite side of the perimeter is open in the third position and provides the visitor with unobstructed access from the inside of the perimeter and when moved forward from the perimeter, the detector member 356 will cause the screens to change direction and to their return to first position. The movement through the three aforementioned positions is a continuous movement which substantially encourages the use of an outer shield of limited arcuate size in the practice of the invention. Although a criminal or vandal is unlikely to gain access to the envelope defined by the elements 22b and 22c in their non-overlapping state resulting from their arcuate motion in opposite directions, including the inner screen 22c alone. it is possible for an individual to eg to fire a rifle or to drop a bomb or incendiary bomb into the space occupied by another when the outer or protective screen as recommended by the invention does not describe an arc greater than 90 degrees. To prevent injury to an authorized user of a cell or enclosure secured by the shutoff member 22b and 22c, the actuators are fitted with slip clutches to temporarily stop the movement of the shutoff member when the road is blocked, in which case controller at the most desirable embodiment will return the screens to the first position. Likewise, slidable detection elements may be mounted on the edges of the screens on tracks placed on the slidable shutter to communicate electrically with the controller 356 so that when they are deflected in their way by an object, the movement of the shutter may become temporary discontinued until such obstruction is removed or, preferably, this movement is reversed.

Locking the access or the intermediate surface resp. the unlocking thereof is carried out by means of an electrical circuit in the cell according to figures 1 to 5 according to the invention. Regardless of which equipment is used, whether the cells are designed as eg Figures 1 to 4 or 6 and 7 are shown, or the cells are used in a bank transaction machine as shown in Figure 5 or Figures 9 to 12, it will be clear in this connection circuit, for which reference is made in particular to figures 6 and 7, can be less complicated if the control of the valve member 22 closes or responds simultaneously. opening of both the transaction interface and of the access device, and a system such as that shown in Figure 8, whether the secondary terminations of Figures 9 to 12 are omitted. However, this omission results in a major drawback, because then the interface and the entrance cannot be locked simultaneously in the closed position when the alarm cancellation operation to be described further is performed.

Figure 20 is a simplified schematic of a normal electrical control circuit for locking and unlocking the door in conjunction with the transaction interface. An electrical circuit member is also provided to disable the normal locking and unlocking member of the closure member or the elements of the transaction interface and of the access member according to the invention as shown in Figures 1 to 8.

Thus, the system includes a door control mechanism for the cell 10 for normal operation with a control canceller that can be used, for example, at the discretion of the bank clerk or other band personnel.

The control override and alarm device will, upon operation, prevent the door or valve 22 from opening. Authorities removed from the cell can also be alerted by an audible alarm or a light on the outside of the cell, which devices are included in the control override circuit. The invention has the particular advantage in this regard that the criminal can be detained at the scene of his crime, which is a unique and desirable situation from the point of view of the victim and of the prosecuting authority. The power source 50 is connected to the motor reversing control circuit 62 through the normally closed contacts 70 of the alarm relay 68 and the door closing switch 72. When this switch 72 is closed, the shutoff member 22 is caused to close and lock, either by the above-described worm gear drive (not shown) or by an independent latch (not shown). When the shutoff member 22 is closed, the door close switch 54 is caused to close, energizing the transaction initiator coil 56. This coil unlocks the transaction interface 13 or can open it if desired.

When the transaction has been closed via the interface by the customer in cooperation with, for example, a transaction processing machine or a bank employee, the employee activates the transaction shut-off switch 58, so that the interface is closed. When a bank transaction machine is present in place of the bank clerk, switch 58 is activated by the machine, allowing the door opener 60 to unlock the shutoff member 22 while simultaneously opening the door closing switch 54, shutting off the transaction initiating coil and interfacing 13 by a spring return of the coil is locked. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any action attributed to the bank employee in this description may also be performed by a transaction processing machine or the associated equipment. The cycle can moreover be adjusted such that, if desired, a time delay of variable duration occurs between the locking of the intermediate surface and the unlocking of the door or of the closing member 22.

The operation of the locking unlocking member can be overridden by an alarm provision, also arranged in the chain. When the alarm relay 68 is activated, the normally closed contacts 70 of that relay will open, causing the door opening and closing functions to be blocked. Although as shown When the alarm is operated the door 22 will stop moving or simply remain in one position, provisions may also be made to cause the alarm to activate when the alarm is activated.

...... 31 door closes no matter what position it is in at that moment. The alarm relay 68 is activated by closing switch 64. Contacts 80 on the alarm relay close, maintaining the alarm condition until switch 82 is actuated and the circuit is opened.

Figure 20 can be modified in an alternative and less preferred embodiment of the invention. This modification includes removing switch 54, from the spool 56, and from the connecting wires. In this form, the chain maintains the door opening and closing functions along with the alarm function. The customer's ability to leave the cell is temporarily disabled during the transactions by the bank clerk or the automatic operation of the transaction termination switch 58.

In any case, for the preferred embodiment of the invention it is characteristic of the cooperation between the door 22, the closing member and the transaction interface 13. The transaction interface is normally locked in the closed position. It is unlocked by the fact that the door 22 is completely closed. When the door is unlocked or opened, the transaction interface can be locked, if desired, by means of a certain element. Also, the operator's controls normally used to unlock or open the door are inoperative unless the transaction interface is locked. This is done by designing the transaction initiating switch in a form in which the state of the transaction interface 13 can be registered. When the interface is closed, switch 58 is closed, thus unlocking the door controllers. When the interface is open, switch 58 is also open and the controls are locked.

In the foregoing, the operation has been described with reference to a bank-operated cell, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the security system can function equally well when a bank-transaction machine is substituted for the operator. In the latter case, the controller as also described above can only activate the transaction machine when the door 22 is closed and locked.

A further more detailed embodiment of the circuit for carrying out the above-described operations and for obtaining other objectives and advantages according to the practice indicated in this description will be described in more detail with reference to the diagram shown in figure 21. This illustrates the control system which is connected to a standard power source 100 and is actuated by the bank employee, a similar operator or some other means turning the mode switch 110 on. This step serves to energize the door control system and causes the cell to light indicator 111.

Depending on the position of the closure member or door 22 at this time, one of the door open and door closed indicators 131 and 116 or both will light. For example, if the door is not fully open, the bank employee or a substitute member can open the door or the shutoff member by operating the push button 120, which will energize the door open relay 125 and the door drive motor 63 (shown schematically in Figure 20). When the door is fully open, the customer can enter the cell and the door closing indicator 116 will then light up.

After entering the cell, if at least inside the cell a control panel is arranged as shown in Figures 1 to 8, the customer must press the push-button 152, thereby energizing the closing travel 113 and motor 63 initiates the door or the closing member 22, which movement takes place on a track (not shown) to the closed position. At that time, the door indicator 131 will light up to signal to the customer the closing of the door. The customer can, when not want to stay in the cell and close a transaction, reverse the operation of the closing member 22 by pressing the door open button 119. When the door is completely closed, the closing limit switch 114 will be activated, energizing the transfer coil 117 and releasing the screen 32 of the transaction interface 13 for its opening and, if desired, bringing it into the open position. When the interface is open, the interface limit switch 127 will be operated, extinguishing the door opening indicator 131 and locking the door opening pushbuttons 119 and 120. At that time, a transaction can be performed via the interface.

When the transaction is completed and the interface is closed, the limit switch 127 will close, causing the door open indicator 131 to light and unlock the pushbuttons 119 and 120. The bank employee or a substitute for him may then initiate the opening of the door by depressing one of the pushbuttons 119 or 120, thereby energizing the relay 125 and the door drive motor 63 and initiating the opening of the shutter 22. The opening of the door or of the closing member will in reality not occur until the closing limit switch 114 is actuated, whereby in the example of Figure 10 the actuation of the transaction interface coil 117 is broken and the interface is locked in the closed position. The door closing indicator 116 lights and the customer can again reverse the direction of the door by pressing the button 152 when he changes his mind and wants to perform a further transaction through the interface. Contacts 136 and 156 are holding contacts of the door opening relay 125 and the door closing relay 113 which serve to keep the relays energized after the buttons 119, 120 and 152 are released. The switch 128 is for extinguishing the door opening indicator 131 when the door is in the fully opened position. The contacts 115 and 129 serve to extinguish the indicators 116 and 12, respectively. 131, when the door drive motor 63 is operating.

The bank employee can disable the door closing push button 152 of the customer by pressing the door open button 120. The bank employee can also lock the door in any position and at any time by moving the mode switch 110 to the off position 167. Furthermore, the bank employee can disable the customer's controls and close the access by means of the door or closure 22 by moving the mode switch 110 to the closed position. The cell can also be decommissioned, if desired, by putting the mode switch 110 to the off state 167, which extinguishes the indicators and blocks the controllers.

When a warning signal occurs from some source, for example from the push button 138 of the bank employee, the indicator 141 and the relay 130 will be energized and locked by the holding contact 146. Activating relay 130 will open normally closed contacts 126, extinguishing door open indicator 131 and blocking door open pushbuttons 119 and 120 to prevent opening of the door by the drive motor.

Also, optionally and preferably in the system, a switching system, eg a step relay, may be provided (not shown) so as not to connect the cell to a tape recorder. During a warning condition, the door closing and interface functions are not blocked. The warning state can be canceled by resp. pressing the warning reset button 149 or the master reset button 147.

When an alarm signal occurs from some source (such as one of the alarm push buttons 164), the alarm relay 137 and the alarm indicator 155 are energized and locked by the hold contact 170. At that time, a signal is sent over the alarm bus 159 whereby the warning relay 130 and the warning indicator 141 of the cell are energized, and when several cells are present in the transaction area, the aforementioned relays 130 and indicator 141 of all these cells are energized simultaneously. The diodes 157 and 158 of Figure 21 serve to isolate the warning system, the alarm system, and the alarm bus 159 to prevent interference between these portions of the circuits.

Energizing the alarm relay 137 will open normally closed contacts 112, thereby blocking the indicators 116 and 131, the pushbuttons 119, 120 and 152 and the interface or transmit coil 117, and thus access to the cell that is the source of the alarm is locked.

The alarm broadcasting loop contacts 161 which are normally closed are opened and an alarm is sent to a remote deployed support security unit outside the transaction area, such as the police. Furthermore, the warning state in all cells, initiated via the alarm bus 159 as described above, will block the door opening function in all other cells. Also in a preferred embodiment, the alarm state activates the switching system (not shown) that connects the tape recorder and the tape player to the cell that is the source of the alarm. During an alarm condition, relays 130 cannot be reset. The alarm condition is cleared by pressing the alarm reset button 172. However, the warning state will continue until reset. The operation of the master reset push button 147 will trip alarm relay 137 and warning relay 130 of each of the affected cells simultaneously. The warning and alarm reset controllers are located on a main control panel (not shown in Figure 21) which is located in a protected area which is disposed away from the bank clerk at the cell interface and inaccessible to this clerk.

At any time, the door or closing member can be opened by operating the emergency switch 139 located on the above main control panel. Also located on this panel is the key switch 153 which unlocks the so-called police key switch 154, whereby the closing member can be opened or closed at any time under the supervision of the appropriate authorities. Diodes 143 and 145 serve to isolate parts of the circuit to prevent interference between emergency switch 139, normal door opening control and warning system. The switches 122, 123, 134 and 135 are provided to protect the motor control circuit 62 (shown schematically in Figure 20) and the motor 63 (also shown schematically in Figure 20). The safety switches 121 and 133 are mounted on the door edges 23 to stop the door when a body is present between the edge of the door and the chassis 14 of the cell.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain components can be duplicated in a number of locations described above. For example, on the control panel within the cell, and on the panels of the bank employee and the main control panel, the indicators can be duplicated. Similarly, in the bank teller station and on the main control panel, alarm push buttons 164 or similar controls may be included.

It will be clear that in the detailed control system of Figure 21 the intermediate surface or the transfer surface 13 must be locked in the closed position before the closing member 22 can be unlocked or opened. For this purpose, the limit switch 127 will be closed by closing the interface or de-activating the banking machine unit to unlock the door opening controls.

The transaction interface coil 117 must be energized to unlock the interface 13 and open it if desired or to activate the bank transaction machine 38. Moreover, the pre-alleged coil 117 can only be energized when the closure member is completely closed. This is accomplished with the aid of the limit switch 114, which is operated only when the door or closing member is completely closed, in order to unlock the interface unlocking.

Although the safety system as described above is controlled by electrical circuits, this system can at least partly use mechanical, optical, hydraulic, pneumatic or other fluid or equivalent means to control the movement of an element such as door 22, or to effect pass-through 32.

It will be clear that the term transaction protection system or the equivalents thereof as used in this description not only includes exchange units in which the physical exchange of money, place cards, etc. occurs, but also, for example, also relates to the supply of information from a data processing equipment or the visual observation of that equipment.

It will be understood that the terms and expressions used in this description have been used for the sake of description only and not as a limitation. The use of these terms and expressions is not intended to exclude equivalents from the described features or parts thereof, and many modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.