Automated transaction machine

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to an automatic transaction device.

Automated trading devices are known. A common type of automated transaction machine is an ATM. Machines for the automatic processing of transactions, including the dispensing of banknotes, have been developed. Other types of automated transaction machines issue banknotes and other types of sheets to users such as retailers and cashiers and other service providers. Other types of automated transaction machines issue items such as tickets, traveller's checks, receipts, or gambling material. Automated transaction machines generally issue such materials while receiving appropriate fees or credits on the relevant user, machine owner and material supplier accounts. For the purposes of this description, the automatic transaction machine will be considered as the machine which carries out the value transfer transactions.

Automated transaction machines that dispense bank notes or other types of value-representing sheets are generally designed to prevent unauthorized access to the sheet stock inside the machine. In most cases, such automated trading devices include a secure chest or other secure enclosure. Access to the housing is controlled by a lock or other security device so that its interior can only be accessed by appropriate personnel. The interior of the secure casing generally includes storage areas for banknotes and other types of sheets that are of value. The storage areas are often internal removable cans or other types of enclosures that can be easily mounted and removed from the device when the containment area is accessible. Sheets are delivered by the machine to users in the sheet storage areas. When storage areas require replenishment, the operator opens the secure crate and replenishes supplies. In some cases, this is done by removing exhausted or partially exhausted containers and replacing them with filled containers. In other situations, it may involve inserting a bundle of banknotes or sheets into containers or other sheet stacking areas to replenish the sheet stocks.

A drawback with the design of such conventional automated transaction machines is that sheet replenishment requires opening a secure area of ​​the machine. This gives the operator access to all the valuable sheets as well as sensitive electronic equipment inside the device. This creates an opportunity for theft and break-in. When the containers are replaced, several people may access the container while the containers are loaded, transported and installed in the machine. Likewise, partially exhausted containers returning from refilling facilities can pass by multiple hands. This can create opportunities for theft, liability for which cannot be easily proven. Break-resistant and anti-break-in sheet containers have already been developed. However, such containers are not protected against damage and can still be endangered by professional thieves. The sheet containers may also be stolen in full as they are shipped to and from equipment. The use of money containers is also costly. The use of such containers increases the cost of automated transaction machines due to the need for mechanisms that can open, close and operate in conjunction with the containers containing sheets. The handling of containers and their transport also increase the cost of operating the device.

Less expensive automated banking machines are often installed at gas stations, modern stores, and other retail outlets. Such automated banking machines often only carry out issuing cash transactions. Although the reduced capabilities of such devices result in a lower cost to purchase the device, problems still exist with sheet handling. As security in such retail outlets is often not as high as in the banking environment, it is not uncommon to carry cash for restocking in such devices in armored vehicles. This increases the cost of operating these devices.

Operators of automated banking machines in retail outlets would like to replenish banknote stocks in such machines with cash, which is

PL 198 214 B1 available from the enterprise. This would avoid the cost of paying a third party to carry out such cash replenishment, which would reduce operating costs. However, in many business transaction environments, it is impossible to verify that staff are trustworthy. As a result, the operator of the machine may not want to give his personnel access to the large amounts of cash available within the automated banking machine. Replenishment of stock in such devices may be an activity intended only for supervision level personnel. However, despite these precautions, shortages and incompatibilities can occur. This is especially true when several people have access to the interior of the device.

Recently, automated transaction devices which are capable of providing the recirculation of money have been developed. Such devices can accept banknotes from the user or operator and determine the truthfulness and type of each banknote. Such devices selectively store deposited banknotes at certain locations within the device. Recently, when the same or a different user requests the issue of banknotes, the machine issues the previously deposited banknotes to the user. While such devices are capable of replenishing banknote stocks without accessing the interior of the device, these devices are generally complex and expensive. Installing such a device would normally be an unjustified expense in situations where relatively cheap cash-only devices are currently used.

There are also many other types of user-operated self-service and vending machines that could be improved by adding banknote receiving and dispensing capabilities to such machines. Common examples of such devices include engine fuel dispensers, vending devices, automatic ticketing devices, and automatic gaming devices. Often times such devices already have a user interface that is capable of reading a user's credit card. Such devices also have the option of debiting the user's account in return for the sale or service made. Increasingly, self-service devices are equipped with the ability to accept a smart user card. Such cards contain memory that has data representing a monetary value. Instead of debiting the user's account, such devices also have the option of subtracting a monetary value from the value represented by the data in the user's smart card memory.

The ability to receive and spend cash is not normally provided for in most self-service or vending machines for a number of reasons. First, cash dispensing and receiving mechanisms have traditionally been expensive and would therefore discourage their purchase and use at the expense of such devices. Secondly, such devices usually do not include security measures in vending machines or cash dispensing machines, as the items normally dispensed by such devices cannot be easily converted into cash. Another reason why such devices are not equipped with a cash receiving and / or dispensing function is that it would require the operator of the device to incur additional costs related to the handling of cash, as described previously, which often occur in the operation of automatic cash registers and cash dispensing devices. . A further disadvantage is that making cash in and out an integral part of such devices can limit their operation to selected times and locations where greater security can be maintained. Thus, while users may benefit from having devices such as motor fuel dispensers and vending devices that accept and receive cash, equipping such devices with these capabilities is held back by cost.

Thus, there is a need for an automatic transaction device that is inexpensive to manufacture and operate, but also highly reliable. There is also a need for an automatic transaction machine that is capable of being refilled with banknotes or other sheets having a value without accessing the banknote storage areas within the machine. There is furthermore a need for an automatic transaction machine that includes a banknote receiving and dispensing component, increasing the manufacturing and operating cost of the machine only to a limited extent.

Automatic transaction machine capable of receiving and dispensing banknotes, comprising a housing, at least one opening, at least one transport unit, a storage area, a banknote validity unit, at least one drive unit, and a controller in operative connection with the validity unit and the unit according to the invention, is characterized in that it comprises a banknote feed opening provided in the housing

A banknote exit port and a banknote exit port provided in the housing, the banknote entry port and the banknote exit port being spaced apart, and comprising a note receiving and dispensing mechanism in operative connection with the storage area, the mechanism including a passage area through which banknotes accepted by this mechanism for storage in the storage area and banknotes issued by this mechanism from the storage area pass, a banknote transport unit running between the banknote input opening and the passage area, where the banknotes are movable, including the banknote input transport unit, the banknote output transport unit running between the passage area and the banknote discharge opening, while the banknote validity unit is used to test whether banknotes are valid, the banknote validity test unit is to examine banknotes in the banknote insertion transport unit, and the at least one drive unit is operatively connected to the banknote insertion transport unit and the output banknote transport unit, the drive unit selectively for moving the banknotes in the insertion transport unit banknotes and in the banknote transport unit, while the driver is used to cause that the banknotes introduced through the banknote input port and validation by the validity team are moved by the banknote feeder to the gangway area and further serves to cause the banknotes discharged by the banknote feeder to be moved by the banknote discharge transport to the exit port banknotes.

Preferably, the housing includes a first side and both the banknote exit port and the banknote input port extend through the first side of the housing.

Optionally, the housing includes a first side and a substantially opposite second side with the banknote exit port extending through the first side and the banknote entry port extending through the second side.

Preferably, the device further comprises a gate movably mounted in support connection with a housing extending at the passage area, the gate in operative communication with the drive unit, and when the drive unit actuates the output banknote transport to move the banknotes towards the banknote exit opening. the gate is moved to the driving position, wherein banknotes coming out through the gangway area are directed outwards through a gate in a directing position for engagement with the discharge banknote transport.

Optionally, the device further comprises a gate movably mounted in support connection with the housing and extending along the passage area, and when the drive means actuates the billet insertion transport to move the banknotes towards the passage area, the gate is located in the accepting position at which the banknotes are the transport unit of the inserted banknotes are directed through the gate to move inwards through the passage area, and when the banknotes move out of the gangway area, the gate is positioned at a guide position in which banknotes passing out through the gangway area are directed through the gate to interface with the output banknote transport.

In particular, the gate is operatively connected to the drive unit via a limited slip gear mechanism.

In particular, the output banknote transport unit includes a rotating member, and the limited slip gear includes a slip member in operative engagement with the rotating member, the slip member sliding relative to the rotating member when the gate is in the steering position.

Preferably, the output banknote transport, the output banknote transport, the gate and the driving device are operatively connected to each other, and when the driving device pivots in the first direction of rotation, the output banknote transport moves so that the banknotes in communication with it move in direction from the crossing area to the exit hole, and the gate moves to the driving position, and when the drive unit moves in the other direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction, the banknote insertion transport unit moves so that the banknotes in communication with it move in a direction from the banknote entrance port to the passage area and the gate moves to the accept position.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a first arcuate movable member operatively connected to the banknote receiving and dispensing mechanism and a first separating member.

Coupled to the first arcuate movable member, the first separating member serving to separate the individual sheets from the first arcuate movable member.

In particular, the first arcuate-shaped movable member comprises a web supporting the movable sheet.

Optionally, the device further comprises a second arcuate movable member at the passage area, the second arcuate movable member being in operative connection with the drive unit, and furthermore the first separating member is coupled to the second arcuate movable member.

In particular, in cross-section, the first separating member has a first end and an opposite end, the first end engaging the first arcuate movable member and the second end engaging the second arcuate movable member.

Optionally, the device further comprises a pull member in operative engagement with the first separating member, the pull member being operable to pull the first separating member to engage both the first arcuate movable member and the second arcuate movable member.

In particular, in cross-section, the first separating member delimits the passage on the first transverse side and further comprises a guide, the guide being in supportive connection with the housing and delimiting the passage on the transverse side substantially opposite to the first transverse side.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a storage module which includes a banknote storage area, and the storage module is removably mounted in support connection with the housing, the storage module comprising a module opening and the passage area extending through the module opening.

In particular, the apparatus further comprises a first separating member extending through the module opening and, in a cross section, delimiting a first transverse side of the passage area, and a first arcuately-shaped movable member in support connection with the banknote depositing module, the first separating member engaging the first arc-engaging with the first. shaped movable member and serves to separate banknotes therefrom.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a passage sensor at the passageway, the passage sensor in operative communication with the controller, and the controller is responsive to the sensor detecting a banknote being output by the bill receiving and dispensing mechanism by activating the banknote discharge transport to move the banknote within the direction from the transition area to the banknote discharge port.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a passage sensor at the passage area, the passage sensor in operative communication with a controller, which controller is responsive to the sensor detecting the passage of a banknote in the banknote input transport unit at the passage area to activate the note receiving and dispensing mechanism. to accept the banknote in the banknote storage area.

Optionally, the banknote insertion transport unit includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion adjacent to the banknote validity unit, and the second portion includes a limited slip engagement member, and the first portion holds the banknote in substantially non-skid engagement with each other when the banknote is in a non-slip engagement. is passed towards the transition area from the first part to the second part, then the note is in sliding engagement with the engaging member until the note engages with the first portion.

In particular, the controller serves to move the first portion and the second portion in the first direction when the banknote validity testing unit examines the banknote, the notes being forced to move towards the passage area as they have moved in the first direction, and the first portion is intended for moving the banknote in the opposite direction to the banknote entrance when the banknote validity unit examines the invalid banknote.

Alternatively, when the note in the first portion is moved in the opposite direction, the controller serves to cause the second portion to move in the first direction with the note in engagement with the limited-slip engagement member moving in the opposite direction in substantially non-skid engagement with the first portion. .

Preferably, the device further comprises a user interface that includes at least one input device in operative connection with the controller, the controller in response to

The input signal from the input device serves to cause delivery of a banknote from the banknote storage area to the banknote output port.

Optionally, the device further comprises a user interface that includes at least one input device, the controller responding to an input from the input device to accept a banknote inserted into the banknote input port and to place such a note in the banknote storage area.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a banknote separating mechanism in operative communication with the controller, the banknote separating mechanism being located between the banknote input port and the banknote validity unit, and the controller to cause the banknote separating mechanism to provide individual banknotes from the stack of banknotes inserted into the banknote. through the banknote feed opening.

Specifically, the apparatus further comprises a banknote thickness sensor in operative communication with the controller, the note thickness sensor being positioned between the note separating mechanism and the note validity unit, and the controller to cause the note separator mechanism to return the note to the stack upon determination. by a banknote thickness sensor delivering the plurality of banknotes by the mechanism for separating the banknotes from the stack.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a gate at the aisle area, the controller serving after the invalid banknote is detected at the insertion note transport to advance the invalid banknote to the gangway area, and then the controller is operable to cause the invalid note to be coupled to the gate and the output banknote transport. and moved by the banknote discharge transport towards the banknote exit port.

A variation of an automatic transaction machine capable of dispensing banknotes, comprising a housing, a banknote exit port, a passage area provided in the housing, a passage area within the housing, a banknote delivery unit extending in the housing between the passage area and the banknote exit port, the banknote exit area having a surface area. engaging the separating member, and having a banknote storage module mounted removably in support connection with the housing, the banknote stacking module having a banknote storage area therein, according to the invention, characterized in that the banknote storage module comprises a first module wall having a module opening that is arranged therein. at the aisle area when the banknote stacker is in the operating position, wherein banknotes from the banknote depositing area are selectively delivered from the banknote depositing module through the opening of the module and including a first separating member movably mounted in support connection with the banknote depositing module, wherein in the operating position of the banknote depositing module the separating member extends through the opening of the module and functionally it engages the engaging surface of the separator.

In particular, the banknote depositing module comprises a first arcuate movable member, the banknotes moving towards the module opening pass in support connection with the first arcuate movable member, and in the operative position of the banknote depositing module the separating member functionally engages the first arcuate-shaped member. movable, and banknotes moving in support communication with the first arcuate-shaped movable member are forced into engagement with the separating member.

Optionally, the banknote stacking module comprises a moving web, and banknotes moving between the banknote stacking area and the passage area are moved in supportive connection with the web, and the first arcuate movable member comprises a web surface.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a pull member in support connection with the banknote depositing module and in operative connection with the separating member, the pull member in an operating position of the banknote depositing module for pulling the separating member towards engagement with the separating member.

In particular, the banknote stacking module comprises a first arcuate movable member, the banknotes moving towards the opening of the module being moved in support connection with the first arcuate movable member, and in the operating position

In the banknote depositing module, the separating member operatively engages the first arcuate movable member, and further the pull member is operable to pull the separating member into engagement with the first arcuate movable member.

Optionally, the first separating member is movably mounted in support connection with the first wall of the module.

Optionally, the banknotes passing through the module opening extend substantially in the banknote plane and further the separating member is movable with respect to the banknote storage module in a direction substantially transverse to the banknote plane.

In particular, the separating member is movably mounted to additionally move in rotation with respect to the plane of the banknotes.

Preferably, the device further comprises an mutually engaging protrusion and a slot, the slot extending along a direction substantially transverse to the plane of the notes and the protrusion being rotatably movable with respect to the slot, and one of the separating members where the first wall of the module is operatively connected is operatively connected. to the projection and a second of the separating members where the first wall of the module is operatively connected to the slot.

In particular, the slot is delimited by an lug in support connection to the front wall of the module, and the banknote storage module comprises a pair of lugs situated on opposite transverse sides of the module opening and a pair of substantially opposing projections in functional connection with the separating member, each projection being movable in a suitable manner. fissure in the ear.

Preferably, at least one ear includes a cut area through the ear of the slit, the cut area being configured such that the projection is able to pass through the cut area.

Preferably, the device further comprises an mutually engaging projection and a slot, wherein when the banknote stacking module is positioned in the operative position in support connection with the housing, either the projection or the slot is in operative connection with the housing and the other is in engagement with the housing. workbench with the banknote stacker.

In particular, the housing includes a substantially cylindrical support member having a circumferential recess, and the banknote storage module further comprises an arcuate-shaped projection engageable with the recess.

In particular, the cylindrical support member includes a pair of axially spaced circumferential recesses and the banknote storage module further comprises a pair of arcuate-shaped protrusions, each protrusion engaging a respective recess.

Optionally, the protrusion includes a substantially U-shaped portion.

In particular, the banknote storage unit is operatively connected to the plate projection and the U-shaped projection delimits the opening in the plate projection.

Preferably, the housing is operatively connected to a pair of arranged cylindrical support members, the banknote storage module comprising a pair of spaced-out lamellar projections and, in the operating position of the banknote depositing module, the substantially U-shaped projection portion in support connection with each lamellar projection engages a recess in the support connection. with a corresponding cylindrical support member.

Preferably, the housing comprises a support member in support connection with itself, and the banknote storage module comprises a plate-shaped projection in support connection therewith, the plate-shaped projection having an opening, and further, in the operative position of the banknote storage module, the opening receives the support member.

In particular, the support member is an axially elongated member and the banknote storage module includes at least one plate-shaped projection engaging the support member at a plurality of axially spaced locations.

In particular, the banknote depositing module comprises a plurality of plate projections, said plate projections being axially spaced apart from the support member in the operating position of the banknote depositing module.

Preferably, the housing is operatively connected to the distal support member, the further support member being arranged transversely to the support member, and the banknote storage module further includes a further lamellar projection which engages the distal support member in an operative position of the banknote storage module.

PL 198 214 B1

Preferably, the banknote stacking module includes a plurality of plate projections each having an opening, the openings substantially aligned and elongated along the first direction, the housing including a pair of spaced support members, and further movement of the banknote stacking module along the direction from the rest position is for displacement. holes in the plate projections to engage the support members, the banknote storage module being moved to the operating position.

Optionally, the banknote stacking area of ​​the banknote depositing module includes a rotating member, and the banknote depositing module further includes a locking member, the locking member selectively operatively engaging the rotating member to hold the rotating member in a fixed rotational position relative to the banknote depositing module.

In particular, the locking member and the rotating member include an mutually engaging protrusion and recess, and further, when the protrusion and recess are engaged, the rotatable member is rotatably held stationary with respect to the banknote depositing module.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a servo motor in support connection with the banknote depositing module, the servo motor for moving the locking member to hold the rotating member stationary in response to detachment of the banknote depositing module from the housing.

Preferably, the device includes a source of electrical signals in the housing, and further includes an electrical connector releasably connecting the servo motor to the source of electrical signals, the connector electrically disconnecting the servo motor in response to the output of the module from the support connection to the housing, and the actuator for causing the locking member to was holding the rotating member after disconnecting the electrical connector.

Optionally, the banknote stacking area of ​​the banknote depositing module includes a rotatable member, and the banknote depositor includes a locking member that selectively engages the rotatable member to hold the rotatable member in a fixed rotational position with respect to the banknote depositing module.

A second version of an automatic transaction machine comprising a housing, a sheet storage drum, pivotally mounted in a support connection to the housing, a collecting drum, pivotally mounted in a support connection with the housing, a flexible web extending between the storage drum and the collecting drum. the web extends at the transition area of ​​sheets between the storage drum and the collecting drum and the first drive member selectively movable with respect to the housing in a first direction and in the opposite second direction, according to the invention, characterized in that it has a gear member operatively connected to the first drive member, wherein in response to movement of the first drive member in a first direction, the gear member is moved to the first position, and in response to movement of the first drive member in the second direction, the transmission member is moved to the second position, and further, when the gear member is in the first position, the first drive member is forced into operably engaged with the collecting drum in response to movement of the first drive member in a first direction, the collecting drum advances the web in the sheet dispensing direction so that that the sheets in support connection with the web on the storage drum are moved past the passage area, and in the second gear member position the first drive member is forced into operative engagement with the collecting drum, the storage drum being moved by movement of the first drive member in the second direction web in the direction of sheet receiving yes, that the sheets in support connection with the web past the passage area are moved with the web towards the storage drum.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a second drive member operatively connected to the first drive member and a gear member, the second drive member being operatively positioned between the first drive member and the drums, and movement of the second drive member in response to movement of the first drive member serves to move both the first drive member and the drums. gear unit and drums.

In particular, the device further comprises a first stop member operatively connected to the second drive member, the first stop member being arranged to resist a movement of the second drive member when transmitting the movement between the first drive member and the drums, and the first abutment member being operable to cause a movement of the second drive member. was a member

The gearbox was moved to the first and second positions in response to movement of the first drive member in first and second directions, respectively.

Optionally, the device further comprises a gear stop member in operative connection with the gear member, the gear member for pushing the gear member to remain in its then current first or second position.

Preferably, the first drive member is a pivot member that pivots about the first pivot axis and the gear member pivots substantially about the first pivot axis as the transmission member moves between the first and second position.

Specifically, the device further comprises a second drive member operatively connected to the first drive member, the second drive member rotating with respect to the gear member about the second rotation axis, and the second rotation axis rotating about the first rotation axis as the gear member moves between. first and second position.

In particular, the storage drum includes a substantially annular drive surface of the storage drum and the collection drum includes a substantially annular drive surface of the collection drum, wherein in a first gear member position the second drive member is operatively engaged with the drive surface of the collection drum, and in a second position the second drive member is engaged. operably coupled to the driving surface of the storage drum.

In particular, the storage drum and the collection drum are identical.

Preferably, the device further comprises a locking member in support connection with the housing and a servo motor that selectively serves to hold the storage drum in a relatively fixed rotational position.

In particular, the storage drum and locking member are disposed within the storage module, and the storage module is removably mounted to the housing, the locking member serving to hold the storage drum in a fixed position relative to the storage module in response to removal of the module from the housing.

Optionally, the device further comprises an electrical signal source disposed in a housing outside the storage module, the servo motor housed within the module, and the device further includes a removable electrical connector electrically connecting the servo motor and the electrical signal source, the electrical connector being disconnected when the module is disconnected. it is removed from the housing and, moreover, the servo motor is used to cause that the locking member holds the storage drum due to electrical disconnection via the servo motor connector from the source of the electrical signals.

Preferably, the device further comprises a user interface in support connection to the housing comprising an input device, the device further comprising a drive unit in operative connection with the first drive member and a controller in operative connection with the input device and the drive unit, the controller in response to the input device. at least one input signal to the input device serves to activate the drive unit, to cause the web to move in the sheet delivery direction, the sheets in support connection with the storage drum being moved towards the transition area.

Preferably, the housing further includes an output port and a sheet transport mechanism for moving sheets from the transition area to the output port, with sheets from the storage drum being delivered to the output port in response to inputting an input signal into the input device.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a member for imparting a directional resistance to the storage drum in operative communication with the sheet storage drum, the member for providing a directional resistance to the storage drum to provide a relatively large resistance to the movement of the sheet storage drum as the web moves in the sheet dispensing direction. compared to the resistance to movement as the web advances in the sheet receiving direction.

In particular, the directional resistance member against the storage drum includes a stretchable portion that is configured to be stretchable only in the stretch direction only, wherein as the web moves in the sheet-receiving direction, the stretchable portion is stretched in the stretch direction.

Optionally, the storage drum resistance member comprises a belt portion extending in engagement with a substantially annular braking surface in operative communication with the storage drum.

PL 198 214 B1

In particular, the tape portion comprises a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being operatively connected to the housing, and the other end operatively connected to the housing by an extendible portion that extends the effective length of the tape portion as the web moves toward the housing. sheet acceptance.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a member providing directional resistance to the collector drum in operative communication with the collector drum, the member providing directional resistance to the collector drum to provide relatively high resistance to the movement of the collector drum as the web moves in the sheet receiving direction as compared to the collector drum. with resistance to movement as the web moves in the sheet-dispensing direction.

In particular, the member providing directional resistance to the collection drum includes a stretchable portion that is configured to be stretched in a substantially stretch direction, wherein the stretchable portion is stretched in the stretch direction as the web moves in the sheet-dispensing direction.

Optionally, the abutment member against the collecting drum comprises a belt portion extending in engagement with a substantially annular braking surface in operative communication with the collecting drum.

In particular, the collector drum resisting member includes a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being operatively connected to the housing, and the other end operatively connected to the housing via an extendible portion that serves to extend the effective length of the strip when the web moves in the direction of sheet dispensing.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a banknote input port in the housing, a banknote validity unit operatively connected to the banknote input port, and a drive unit in operative connection with the first drive member and the banknote validity unit, the drive unit, when the banknote validity unit determines that a valid banknote is inserted into the banknote input opening, serves to cause that the drive means moves the web in the sheet receiving direction and further stores a valid banknote in support connection with the sheet storage drum.

Specifically, the apparatus further comprises a sheet insertion transport for moving banknotes from the banknote validity unit to the banknote passage area in response to the detection of a valid note by the banknote validity unit.

A third version of an automated transaction machine comprising a housing, a sheet storage drum pivotally mounted in a support connection to the housing, a collection drum pivotally mounted in a support connection with the housing, a flexible web extending between the storage drum and a collection drum, the web extending over the area the sheet transitions between the storage drum and the collecting drum according to the invention are characterized by that has a drum driving mechanism operatively connected to the storage drum and the collection drum, the drums driving mechanism selectively to advance the web with the sheets in support connection with the web between the storage drum and the sheet passage area; and a drum directional resistance member in operative communication with at least one of the drums, the drum directional resistance member serving to resist relatively more motion of one drum in a first direction than in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Preferably, as the web moves in the sheet dispensing direction, the sheets are moved in support connection with the web from the storage drum to the passage area, the directional resistance member being in operative connection with the storage drum and serving to provide relatively more resistance to the drum movement. as the web moves in the sheet-dispensing direction.

Preferably, when the web moves in the sheet receiving direction, the sheets are moved in support connection with the web from the transition area to the storage drum, the directional resistance member being operatively connected to the collecting drum and serving to provide relatively more resistance to the drum movement. collector as the web moves towards the sheet receiving.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a directional resistance member for the storage drum operatively connected to the storage drum and a directional resistance member for the collection drum operatively connected to the collection drum, the sheets in a support connection with the web moving in the sheet dispensing direction. storage drum

Are moved in support connection with the web to the transition area, and when the web is moved in the sheet receiving direction, the sheets in support connection with the web are moved in support connection with the web from the transition area to the storage drum, and further, the directional resistance to the storage drum serves to provide a relatively greater resistance against the storage drum as the web moves towards the sheet dispensing; and a member providing directional resistance to the collector drum serves to provide relatively more resistance to the collector drum as the web advances in the sheet receiving direction.

In particular, the apparatus further comprises a storage module mounted on the removable housing, the storage drum, the collection drum, the storage drum directional resistance member, and the collection drum member providing a directional resistance to the storage drum module.

Optionally, the directional resistance member includes a stretchable portion that is stretchable in the stretch direction, the stretchable portion extending in the stretch direction as the associated drum rotates in the second direction.

Preferably, one drum in operative engagement with the directional resistance member has a substantially annular braking surface in operative engagement therewith, the directional resistance member including a band portion extending in engagement with the annular braking surface.

In particular, the directional resistance member includes a first end and a second end that are operatively connected to the housing, the second end being operatively connected to the housing by an extendible portion for extending the effective length of the strap portion when the drum is operatively connected to the directional member. resistance rotates in the other direction.

Optionally, the band portion is engaged with the braking surface substantially over an angle range of at least 180 °.

Preferably, the device further comprises a user interface comprising an input device in operative communication with the housing and a controller in operative communication with the input device and a drum driving mechanism, the controller in response to inputting an input into the input device to actuate the drum driving mechanism to advance the web. Yes, that the sheets in support connection with the web on the storage drum are moved to the passage area.

In particular, the device further comprises an exit port in the housing and a discharge transport extending between the passage area and the exit port, the discharge transport being operatively connected to the controller, and the controller further being responsive to the input to move the at least one the sheet from the transition area to the exit slot.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an entrance port in the housing and a banknote validity unit operatively connected to the entry port, the banknote validity unit for validating a banknote inserted through the entry port, and the banknote validity unit is operatively connected to the drive mechanism. drum, wherein in response to detecting in the banknote validity unit a valid banknote inserted through the entrance opening, the banknote validation unit serves to cause the drum drive mechanism to move the valid banknote from the transition area to the support connection with the web.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a banknote entry port in the housing, a banknote validity unit in operative connection with the banknote entry port, the banknote validity unit for checking whether a banknote introduced through the banknote entry port is a valid banknote, a banknote entry transport unit extending through it. between the banknote validity team and the crossing area, wherein the banknote validity unit and the banknote insertion unit are in operative communication with the controller, and the controller serves, when the banknote validity unit determines that a valid banknote is guided through the banknote input port, to transport the banknote in conjunction with the banknote insertion unit from the validity unit banknotes to the passage area and to activate the drum drive mechanism, to move the valid banknote from the aisle area to the storage area.

PL 198 214 B1

A fourth version of an automatic transaction machine comprising a housing, a sheet storage drum, pivotally mounted in support connection with the housing, the storage drum being rotatable with respect to the housing about a first axis, a collection drum, pivotally mounted in support connection with the housing, a flexible web extending over the housing. between the storage drum and the collection drum, the web extends at the transition area of ​​the sheets between the storage drum and the collecting drum and further joins the storage area at the nip, according to the invention having a drum driving mechanism in operative connection with the storage drum and the collecting drum, the mechanism being The drum drive is selectively actuated to move the sheets in supportive connection with the web between the storage drum and the passage area. a separating member movably mounted in support connection with the housing, the separating member including an edge portion that engages the web and serves to detach sheets therefrom, and the edge portion engages the web at a location remote from the nip to the transition area and, furthermore, the separating member is rotatably mounted with respect to the housing about the second axis, the second axis is angularly spaced from the nip substantially at least 90 degrees relative to the first axis.

Preferably, the device further comprises a pull member for pulling an edge portion to engage the web.

Optionally, the separating member comprises a diverter surface that extends from an edge portion substantially facing the web and substantially parallel thereto.

In particular, the device further comprises at least one movable member that is operable to move in engagement with the sheets supported on the web, the diverter surface being to extend on at least one transverse side of the movable member.

In particular, the surface of the diverter extends on two lateral sides of the movable member.

Preferably, the device further comprises a guide surface which is arranged facing the web in the region of the transition, the diverter surface extending on at least one transverse side of the guide surface.

Preferably, the device further comprises an arcuate web support member at the transition region and an auxiliary separating member engaging a portion of the web covering the arcuate web support member, the auxiliary separating member being arranged to engage an opposite side of the web than the side of the web engaging the member. separating.

In particular, the apparatus further comprises a pull member which is arranged to pull the auxiliary separating member into engagement with the web.

Optionally, the device further comprises a user interface in support connection to the housing, the user interface having an input device, the device further comprising an exit port in the housing, a discharge transport extending between the passage area and the exit port, and a controller in operative communication with the input device. drum drive mechanism and banknote transport unit, the controller is arranged to cause, in response to an input to the input device, the movement of sheets stored in support communication with the storage drum to the output opening.

In particular, the apparatus further comprises a banknote validity unit in support connection to the housing, the banknote validity unit being used to validate the notes thereon, and the banknote validity unit being in operative connection with a controller and the controller in response to the validity of the notes thereon. when the validity testing unit detects a valid banknote, it moves the valid banknote to the storage drum.

A fifth version of an automated transaction machine comprising a housing having at least one sheet opening for passage of sheets therethrough, a user interface in support connection with the housing including at least one input device, a sheet storage drum movably mounted in support connection with the housing. a collecting drum movably mounted in a support connection with the housing of a flexible ribbon running between the storage drum and the collecting drum, the ribbon extending at the area of ​​the sheet transition between the storage drum and the collecting drum, the drum drive mechanism in working connection with the storage drum and the collecting drum,

Wherein the drum drive mechanism is selectively actuated to advance the sheets in support communication with the web between the sheet storage drum and the passage area, the sheet transport mechanism selectively actuated to advance the sheets between the sheet passage area and the sheet opening, a controller that is in working connection with input device, drum driving mechanism and sheet transport mechanism, the controller, in response to at least one input applied to the input device, causes the sheets to be moved between the storage drum and the sheet opening, according to the invention the web comprises a plurality of machine readable characters thereon, each of the characters corresponding to a certain location relative to the end of the web, and the sensor in operative connection with the controller, the controller for generating at least one signal in response to detecting the characters by the sensor.

Preferably, the spacing between adjacent machine readable characters varies with a site-to-end distance, the signal being generated by the controller when adjacent machine readable characters have a predetermined spacing relationship.

Optionally, the web includes a first end in functional connection with the collection drum and a second end in functional connection with the storage drum, and furthermore, the spacing between adjacent machine readable characters varies with the distance of the site from the respective end.

Preferably, the spacing between adjacent marks decreases as the site approaches the end of the web.

In particular, the spacing between adjacent marks decreases as the location approaches the first or second end of the web.

Preferably, the web includes a sheet-conveyed engaging area wherein the sheets are in support engagement with the web engaging the sheet engaging area, and the web further includes a peripheral area that is transversely spaced from the sheet engaging area, and the marks are in support engagement with the web. peripheral area of ​​the web.

In particular, the web includes a peripheral area on each transverse side of the sheet engaging area, each transverse side having indicia.

In particular, the web includes a first end in operative connection with the collection drum and a second end in operative connection with the storage drum, and further marks in each circumferential region indicate the distance of the site from at least one of the ends.

Preferably, the spacing between adjacent marks changes as you approach the end.

In particular, the spacing between adjacent characters decreases as you approach the end.

In particular, the spacing between adjacent characters decreases as you approach either the first or the second end.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a passage sensor adjacent to the passage area and operatively connected to the controller, the passage sensor being used to detect sheets at the passage area, and the controller causing further sheets to stop being stored on the storage drum after detecting marks corresponding to an end location. ribbons.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a passage sensor in operative communication with the controller for detecting sheets at the passage area, the web including a first end in operative communication with the collecting drum and a second end in operative communication with the storage drum, and the controller for actuating the mechanism. drum drive to transfer the web to a support position with the banknote storage drum yes that a portion of the web in engagement with the take-up drum is reduced to a first web region at the first end, and the controller then actuates the drum drive mechanism so that increasing amounts of web are in support communication with the take-up drum until an transition sensor detects the sheet in the transition region, wherein the controller generates a further signal to denote where the sheet is detected by the transition sensor.

In particular, the further signal includes data representing the number of sheets currently stored in support connection with the web.

Preferably, the web comprises a first end in operative communication with the collection drum and a second end in operative connection with the storage drum, and a signal is generated when the sensor detects marks corresponding to a distance from the second end.

In particular, the signal includes data representing the number of sheets remaining in supportive connection with the web.

PL 198 214 B1

The automatic transaction device of the invention is illustrated in the example embodiments in which Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the device, Figure 2 - a rear view of the device of Figure 1 with the access door in the open position, Figure 1. 3 is a schematic view showing the controller of the automatic transaction machine and the transaction function units and other units operatively connected thereto, Fig. 4 - transparent side view of the sheet handling mechanisms, such as bank notes, in the device of fig. 1, fig. 5 - schematic view showing the components included in the sheet paths of the device of fig. 1, fig. 6 - schematic view of the drum driving mechanism; for moving the storage drum and the collecting drum towards the sheet dispensing, fig. 7 - schematic view of the first and second driving members of the drum driving mechanism with a gear member that connects the driving members, fig. 8 a schematic view similar to fig. 7 with a drum driving mechanism for moving the storage drum and collecting drum in the sheet receiving direction, fig. 9 is a simplified side view of the sheet handling components in the passage area, 10 - enlarged view of a passage area including first and second separation members for separating sheets from the sheet supporting web, Fig. 11 - schematic side view of a gate member which serves to guide sheets between sheet feed-in and out-feed units in the passage area, Fig. 12 - a schematic side view of the auxiliary separating member and its suspension on the banknote stacking module, Fig. 13 - schematic side view of directional resistance members used in conjunction with the storage and collector drums, Fig. 14 - projection on the banknote stacking module coupled to the cylindrical support member, Fig. 15 - axonometric view of the cylindrical support member shown in Fig. 14, fig. 16 - an axonometric view of a flexible web supporting banknotes with machine readable indicia thereon, the web being shown in support connection with the banknotes, fig. 17 schematic side view showing the movement of parts of the sheet handling mechanisms during sheet ejection, fig. 18 - schematic view from side showing the movement of the sheet handling mechanisms when the banknote validity unit is operating to determine if the inserted note is valid, Fig. 19 - schematic view showing a banknote that has passed from the banknote validity unit to the passage area; Fig. 20 - schematic view showing the operation of the sheet handling mechanisms in moving the banknote through the passage area and in supportive connection with the web and sheet storage drum, Fig. 21 - schematic view of an alternative to an automatic transaction machine that includes a common insertion and exit transport unit in conjunction with a banknote validity test unit, fig. 22 - schematic view of a further alternative that has a banknote input port on the opposite side of the machine to the output port banknotes, fig. 23 - a schematic view of a device according to the invention suitable for receiving and separating a stack of banknotes; Figure 24 - a schematic view of the mechanism used to separate banknotes individually from the stack in the embodiment shown in Figure 23, and Figures 25-30 are schematic views of a user interface; and its operations that can be used in conjunction with embodiments of the device of the invention.

The drawings, and in particular Figure 1, show an automated transaction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 10. The machine 10 is an ATM, the main functions of which are the dispensing and receiving of banknotes. However, it should be understood that other embodiments of the invention may be devices whose main purpose is to perform other types of transactions. These may include, for example, dispensing engine fuel, issuing tickets, issuing receipts, issuing gambling materials, or other tasks that the user can perform with the device.

Device 10 includes a housing 12. In this application, housing 12 denotes the outer housing of the device as well as internal structures that support the component members of the device within it. A user interface, generally designated 14, is supported on the housing and is accessible to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface includes input devices and output devices. One of the input devices is a 16 card reader. The card reader 16 in the apparatus shown is a reader that is used to read magnetic stripe cards 18 that are passed through the reader by customers. 18 cards can be all kinds of cards,

Such as credit or debit cards that contain information that identifies a user and / or his accounts.

The user interface 14 in the described embodiment also includes other input devices. These include a keyboard 20 and function buttons 22. Users are able to input data and commands into the device by selectively pressing the buttons that make up the keyboard as well as the function buttons 22.

The user interface 14 further includes an output device that includes a display 24. The display 24 in the described embodiment may be a cathode ray tube display or a liquid crystal display that serves to display messages to the user, including messages that guide the user in operating the machine - the processing device. the transaction.

It should be understood that the illustrated input devices and output device are exemplary and that other embodiments of the invention may employ other types of input and output devices. These include, for example, other types of card readers for reading magnetic stripe or other types of cards. They may, for example, include mechanized readers or rainfall readers. Other types of cards can also be used with the machine. Such cards include so-called smart cards which contain programmable memory with data on it. Such data may include user and billing information. They may also include information that represents a monetary value. This value may be output from memory when the card is used for shopping. Some cards may have value periodically topped up on them. Other types of input devices that can read items such as optical encoded items that can be used to identify you or your accounts may be used. Other types of input devices may include biometric type reader devices such as fingerprint readers, retinal scanning devices, iris scanning devices, speech recognition devices, or other type of input devices that are capable of providing an input that can identify a specific user and / or his bills.

The keyboard and function buttons that serve as input devices in the exemplary embodiment described may be replaced in other solutions with other types of devices that selectively receive data and commands from the user. Other types of output devices can also be used. They may contain other types of visual or non-visual output devices that convey a message to the user and can guide the user in operating the machinery. Of course, when the automatic transaction machines of the invention are linked to other devices that perform other tasks, other types of input devices for carrying out these other tasks may also be included. These may include, for example, switching devices and devices for controlling the dispensing of motor fuel when the machine according to the invention is contained in a fuel dispenser. The specific accessory devices will depend on the environment in which the invention is used.

Returning to the description of the machine 10 shown in Figure 1, the housing includes an opening 26 for providing the user with printed receipts for transactions performed with the machine. The housing further includes a banknote dispensing opening 28. The bill dispensing opening 28 serves to deliver banknotes discharged from the machine to the user. It should be understood that the banknote discharge port may also be referred to as the sheet discharge port, and in embodiments of the invention sheets other than bank notes may be machine received and dispensed.

The machine 10 further includes a banknote input port 30. The banknote input opening 30 serves to insert banknotes or other types of sheets into the storage machine. As shown in dashed lines, in some implementations the banknote insertion opening 30 may be made inaccessible by the moveable cover 32. The cover 22 is selectively secured by a suitable locking mechanism 34. This cover can be used when the company using the machine wants only selected authorized personnel to be able to insert banknotes for storage in the machine. This may be the case if the machine-owning company wants users to only use the machine for cash pickup. In some embodiments, the cover may provide a bill support surface or include a bill holding structure, such as a pocket to facilitate holding of notes issued to a user of the machine when the lid is in position.

PL 198 214 B1

As shown in Fig. 1, the machine housing further includes a connector 36. This connector 36 serves to removably receive a pluggable memory element 38. The plug-in memory element in the illustrated embodiment is used to hold messages to be delivered to users of the machine through display 24. As discussed later, plug-in memory 38 may hold promotional messages that are displayed to users of the machine on a time basis. Such promotional messages may include, for example, discounts on certain purchases or special offers that expire on a date. Preferably, plug-in memory 38 may be supported on a smart card. The memory may contain one or more promotional items that are only promoted at certain times of the day, on certain days of the week, or at certain times. The use of this function is described in more detail below.

Figure 2 shows the rear of the machine 10. The machine housing 12 includes an access door 40 which is shown in the open position in Fig. 2. The access door 40 has a locking mechanism 42. This locking mechanism 42 is normally used to secure the access door 40 in the closed position. The locking mechanism 42 may be opened by authorized personnel to allow access to the interior of the machine.

The interior of the machine includes various components which are shown schematically. Such components may include, for example, a banknote storage module 44. As further described in detail, the banknote storage module 44 includes a banknote storage area for holding banknotes within the machine. The banknote storage module 44 is easily removed and mounted in the machine once the access door 40 is in the open position. Other components within the machine housing may include the journal device 46. This journal device 46 may be e.g. a journal printer that performs a printout of the transactions performed by the machine. Other devices inside the machine may include the communications device 48. This communication device may be, for example, a modem, a radio transmitter, a leased line interface connector, or any other suitable device for communicating with other computers to transact with a machine. These other computers may include, for example, computers on credit and / or debit card networks that are suitable for handling transaction messages and for accounting between users, money sources, and the machine operator. Another device shown schematically inside the machine in Fig. 2 is an acknowledgment printer 50. The receipt printer 50 is used to print the receipts that are issued to customers through the receipt slot 26.

Figure 3 shows schematically electrically controllable devices which are included in the described embodiment of the machine 10. The controller 52 serves as a device for controlling the electrical devices inside the machine. The controller 52 includes an internal clock 54. The controller is operatively connected to a memory 56, which is also referred to herein as a data memory. The controller 52 may, in various embodiments, include one or more processors or operably linked computers that serve as an electrical signal source for devices that are operably coupled to the controller.

As shown in Fig. 3, this controller is for communication with the previously described transaction function devices. These include a card reader 16, a keypad and function buttons 20 and 22, and a display 24. The controller also communicates and controls the operation of the acknowledgment printer 30 and the journal device 46, which in this case is a journal printer. The controller is also functionally connected to the plug-in memory 28 and to a communication device 48 that is used to communicate with other devices. In the described solution, the controller 52 is also used for communication with other devices. These include e.g. a banknote validity device 58, which will be described in detail later. This banknote validation device examines banknotes for validity and to distinguish between valid and invalid banknotes entering the machine. The controller 52 is also operatively connected to the modular drive 60 and the transport drive 62, which are the control circuits of the motors for moving the banknotes within the machine. They are described in detail later. It should be understood that these transaction function devices are exemplary and that other embodiments of the invention may include different and / or additional types of transaction function devices.

Figure 4 is a view of the sheet handling mechanism that is used to store and dispense banknotes inside the machine. This sheet handling mechanism, generally designated 64, includes a banknote stacker 44, discussed previously, which is removably mounted on the machine housing. This banknote depositing module comprises a storage drum 66 which is rotatably mounted in a support connection

PL 198 214 B1 with the machine housing in the storage module. The take-up drum 68, which is preferably the same as the storage drum, is also rotatably mounted on the machine. A flexible web 70 extends between the storage drum and the take-up drum.

The banknote storage module of the described solution includes a drum drive mechanism 72 thereon. The drum drive mechanism serves as described later to selectively drive the storage drum 66 or the receiving drum 68.

The banknote stacking module 44 also includes a servo motor 74. The servo motor is in operative communication with the movable closure member 76. The closure member 76 is moved by the servo motor 74 between a position in which the storage drum is allowed to rotate and a position in which the closure member holds the closure member. a rotatable storage drum at a relatively fixed position with respect to the banknote storage module 44. This is done in the locking position of the closing member by engaging cooperating projections and recesses, schematically indicated by 78, on the closing member and the storage drum.

The servo motor 74 is electrically connected to the controller 52 via a removable connector 80. The controller 52 serves as an electrical signal source that actuates the servo motor substantially to allow movement of the storage drum 66 when properly positioned within the machine. When the banknote storage unit is placed in the machine and the detachable connector 80 connects the servo motor 74 to the electrical signal source, the projections and recesses of the enclosing member and drum are disengaged and allow the drum to move. This feature helps to keep the banknote storage drum, which serves as the banknote storage area, in a fixed position relative to the module when the banknote storage module is removed from the machine. As a result, it is difficult for unauthorized persons to remove the banknote from the banknote stacker after it has been removed from the machine.

The banknote storage unit 44 is supported on the machine by projections 82. The projections 82 have semicircular openings or slots 84 (see Fig. 14). The axially elongated cylindrical support members 86 are inserted into the openings 84 when the banknote storage module 44 is in the operative position inside the machine.

Openings 84 in projections 82 extend in substantially planar members and are delimited by a surface 88 which serves as an arcuate protrusion having a substantially U-shape. The protruding U-shaped surface 88 is positioned to extend into substantially annular recesses or slits 90. which extend around cylindrical support members 86. The mutual engagement of the U-shaped projections and the annular recesses enables the banknote storage unit 44 to be positioned correctly in the machine housing. Moreover, it allows the projections and the cylindrical support members to be connected and disengaged from the connected and disconnected positions by moving the banknote stacking module in the direction shown by arrow I in Fig. 14.

In the described embodiment, the cylindrical support members 86 also serve as support members for building a structure surrounding the banknote storage module inside the machine. The members 86 include threaded holes at each end to facilitate their engagement with other parts. The positioning of the annular cutouts 90 in the cylindrical support members is also asymmetric to facilitate proper positioning of the banknote storage module. When assembling the machine, the correct positioning of the cylindrical support members is ensured by having threaded holes at each end of the support members of a different size and / or thread shape. This design, together with mating fasteners that are used to hold the machine parts together, ensure that the cylindrical support members are assembled correctly during assembly. Of course, the structure of the support structure and the removable banknote storage unit is exemplary, and other suitable structures and mounting methods can be used in other embodiments. This includes using a certain configuration to position the storage module which is substantially the opposite of that shown in Fig. 14, as well as other arrangements of the projections and slots engaging each other.

The banknote manipulation mechanism shown in Fig. 4 further includes a passage area 92. The passage area 92 extends through the opening 94 in the front face of the banknote depositing module (see Fig. 10). The banknotes passing between the banknote receiving mechanism and the banknote dispensing mechanism of the banknote storing module pass through the passage area 92.

PL 198 214 B1

As shown in Fig. 4, a banknote discharge transport unit 96 extends between the transition region and the banknote discharge opening 28. The banknote removal transport 96 serves to move the banknotes in connection therewith. The banknote input transport 98 serves to move banknotes between the banknote input opening 30 and the passage area 92. The banknote input transport 98 includes a portion that extends through the banknote validation device 58. As previously discussed, the banknote checking machine inspects banknotes as they pass through the banknote insertion transport. This banknote validation device examines banknotes as they move in the banknote insertion transport. The banknote validation device is used to determine whether or not valid banknotes are valid, to machine accept them, and to distinguish between valid and invalid banknotes.

The robbery transport 100 is operatively connected to banknote input and output transport assemblies 96 and 98. The banknote input and output transport units are shown in more detail in Figure 5. Banknote output transport 96 includes a belt 102 and a plurality of idle rollers 104 engaging the notes. The belt and idle rollers engage the notes between them so that the notes move with the movement of the belt between the passage area and the banknote discharge opening 28. It should be understood that while the described solution for discharging banknotes uses belt and rollers, other configurations of mating belts, rollers, or other movable members suitable to engage and move the banknotes may be used in other implementations.

The banknote insertion transport in the described embodiment includes a banknote validation device 58. In the described solution, banknote validator 58 is a standard commercial banknote accepting device that serves to examine and validate certain types of banknotes. In a machine that is designed to receive and issue $ 20 notes, the validity checking device may be a device for examining whether the inserted note is a valid $ 20 note. The banknote validation device 58 includes or includes a substantially non-skid portion 106 of banknote insertion transport 98. This portion 106 serves to engage the banknotes and move the banknotes introduced through the banknote input port 30 through the banknote validity machine. The substantially non-skid portion 106 serves to advance the banknotes past the examination mechanisms within the banknote validation machine 58 as required to inspect the banknote and validate it for admission within the machine. If it is determined that the inserted banknote is invalid or otherwise unacceptable inside the machine, the non-skid portion 106 after the banknote has moved inwardly into the banknote validation device serves to move the banknote back out through the banknote input opening 30. This is accomplished by a banknote validation device running on its own internal software or alternatively running in conjunction with the controller 52.

If the banknote introduced through the banknote insertion opening 30 is inspected valid and acceptable by the validity checking device 58, the non-skid portion 106 of the banknote insertion transport 28 causes the note to be released onto the restricted slip portion 108 of the banknote transport device 98. This limited slip portion 108 includes a belt 110 and idler rollers 112. Belt 110 and idler rollers 112 serve as limited slip coupling members that engage notes extending inward from validity check device 58. However, the limited slip portion 108 does not serve to exert sufficient force on the note to remove it from engagement with the non-skid portion 106 until the non-slip portion comes out of engagement with the note. Thereby, the validation device 58 of the described structure moves the note sufficiently backward so that it can engage the limited-slip engaging members 110, 112 still with the possibility for the non-skid portion to reverse the direction of the note so that it can be pulled back out. through the banknote feed slot in case the banknote is determined to be invalid. This feature allows the use of standard commercially available miniature banknote validation devices in the illustrated solution.

Although the banknote insertion transport unit 98 shown in the described embodiment has a substantially non-skid portion and a limited slip portion, other embodiments of the invention

These parts may not contain such parts, depending on the type of banknote validation device used. An example of such a solution is described in detail below. Moreover, while the substantially non-skid portion is shown as a plurality of intermeshing rollers and the limited-skid portion 108 is shown as a belt / roller conveyor, other embodiments of the invention may include other types of cooperating movable members to move the sheets as desired.

A gate 114 is located adjacent to the passage area 92. The gate 114 serves to selectively guide the sheets and allow the sheets to pass relative to the sheet feed and sheet output. As shown in more detail in Figures 9 and 11, gate 114 includes a pivotally mounted gate member 116. The gate member 116 includes a curvilinear guide surface 118 that is located adjacent the passage area. When this guide surface 98 is downstream of the position shown in Fig. 9 and the mechanism for moving sheets out through the passage area 92 is actuated, the outwardly moving banknotes engage the guide surface and are directed into engagement with the belt 102 and idle rollers 104 of the assembly. 96 transport of withdrawn banknotes. In this position, the banknotes are conveyed outwardly by the banknote discharge transport to the banknote discharge opening 28. Similarly, as banknotes are advanced by the banknote insertion transport towards the passage area 92, the guide surface 118 is moved against the accept position with respect to Fig. 9. In this position, banknotes transported by the banknote insertion transport 98 are allowed to enter the passage area 92.

At the gate 114, a guide 120 extends substantially between the banknote input and output transport units. The guide includes rotatable guide rollers 122 supportingly connected thereto. A guide roller 122 is substantially engaged and rotates with belt 110. The guide 120 and guide rollers 122 further assist in guiding the sheets through the passage area as discussed later. The passage area is also delimited on the opposite side of the guide by the separating member 124. The separating member 124 also described in detail later engages a surface of the belt 110 which serves as an arcuate actuating member in the area located above the belt support roller 126. The separating member 124 also it engages on the opposite side with the strip 70 in an area located above the support roller 128 which is supported on the banknote storage module 44. The belt 70 serves as an arc-shaped actuating member as it moves the roller 28 in engagement with the separating member 124.

As shown in Figure 11, the gate 114 is moved between an accept position, that is, a position where banknotes are received into the transition area from the banknote insertion transport, and a direction where notes passing out through the passage are directed to the transport. discharged through the limited-slip transfer mechanism. The limited skid transfer mechanism of the described embodiment includes a skid member 132. The skid member 132 is a small, relatively slippery belt or similar force transfer member that may be used to bias the gate member 116 to a desired position with subsequent skid due to a propelling movement without causing damage to the member or other attached components. In the described embodiment, a skid member 132 is attached to a roller member 134 that is functionally attached to the gate member 116. The skid member 132 is also attached to a roller portion 136 that is attached to a roller 138 supporting the belt 102 of the output banknote transport unit. The bumpers 140 limit the rotation of the gate member 116.

When the banknote discharge transport is driven to move the banknotes out of the passage area 92, the belt 102 is driven in the direction of arrow O. Thereby, the guide surface 118 of the gate member 116 moves downward until the gate member engages the stop 140. that restricts its anti-clockwise rotation. Since the belt 110 is moved in the direction of arrow N at this position, banknotes moving through the passage area 92 engage the guide surface 118 in the driving position and move in conjunction therewith into engagement with the outwardly moving belt 102. In the outward direction, the belt continues to run as long as it is controlled by the controller. However, when gate member 116 is opposed to stopper, slide member 132 slides relative to at least one of the pulleys.

Parts 134 and 136. Thereby, the gate member is held in the steering position, but no further movement is caused or any component parts are damaged.

As is apparent from Fig. 11, when banknote insertion 98 moves strip 110 in the opposite direction of arrow N to deliver banknotes into passage area 92, belt 102 moves in the opposite direction of arrow O. Due to this movement, roller 138 rotates disc portions 136 and 134 to rotate gate member 116. The gate member 116 is rotated clockwise in the position shown to the accept position, where clockwise rotation of the gate member is stopped by engagement with one of the stops 140. After the gate member has moved to the accept position, the slide 132 slides against at least one of the disc parts without damaging any of the components. In this position, the notes can pass the gate member by moving inward in support connection with the strap 110 to reach the passage area.

While in this described embodiment, gate 114 includes a gate member that is moved by the same drive mechanism as the belt, other gate movement mechanisms, including separate actuators, may be used in other implementations. Alternative embodiments of the invention may employ passive gate members which allow notes to pass inwardly by biasing or transmitting the movement of the gate member in conjunction with the notes. Such passive gate members may, due to their configuration, engage with outwardly moving banknotes and cause them to engage with suitable mechanisms for moving the banknotes outward. Various arrangements of gate members and sheet transfer members may be used in embodiments of the invention. In addition, it should be understood that while individual sheet transfer belts in the input and output transport units are described herein, preferred embodiments of the invention may include a plurality of parallel moving belts, rollers, or other banknote movement mechanisms that serve to move banknotes in the directions described.

Figure 12 shows the operation of the separator member 124 that delimits a first side of the passage area where banknotes move to and from the banknote storage module 44 in more detail. Banknotes moving through the passage region typically move in a banknote plane schematically indicated by 142 in FIG. 12. The banknote plane extends substantially along the inner surface 144 of separating member 124. The interior surface 144 of the exemplary embodiment has a plurality of projections as shown. These protrusions serve to minimize surface tension so that the notes move more easily over the inner surface 144.

Banknote storage module 44 includes an inner wall 146. This inner wall is provided with a through hole 94. The opening is delimited on each lateral side by an ear 148. Each ear 148 has a substantially vertically extending slot 150. A cutout 152 extends through the eye into a slot. The separating member 124 includes a pair of outwardly projecting projections 154 that are dimensioned to be movable in the gap 150. The protrusions 154 also allow the separating member 124 to rotate relative to the banknote storage module 44. The separating member also includes an eyelet 156. The eyelet 156 engages the tightening member 158. The separating member serves to pull the separating member 124 down substantially downward as shown.

When the banknote storage module 44 is mounted in the machine housing, the separating member 124 is moved to a position where the first end of the separating member engages the strips 110 above the roller 126. The opposite end of the separating member 124 also engages in the operative position with the web 70 extending. over the roller 128. In this way, the separating member 124 engages at its opposite ends with the arcuate-shaped movable members that move the sheets in support connection therewith. A separator member of the exemplary solution is intended to ride on the movable members and to engage the sheets supported thereon. This engagement of the separating member with the sheets on the movable members serves to separate the sheets and direct them substantially along the plane 142 of the notes through the passage of the notes. The separating member 124 minimizes the risk that banknotes will be taken by the supporting belt or web under the separating member where they may jam or otherwise interrupt the operation of the mechanism. The floating nature of the separating member allows it to correctly locate its position, both vertically and rotatably in the mechanism, when the banknote storage module is in its operating position. Separating member

The PL 198 214 B1 is thus able to correct slight deviations from the correct alignment and still perform its task by engaging the arcuate actuating members on both sides. Moreover, the shape of the slot 150 and the cut area 152 facilitates the replacement of the separating member. This is because the projections 154 can pass through the cutout area. Moreover, the pull member 158 can be easily detached from the mesh 156. Thus, disassembly of the existing separating member and assembly of a new member can be easily carried out.

It should be understood that while in the example described the projections are associated with the separating member and the slots are associated with the support housing structure, in other embodiments the properties may be inverted such that the projections are associated with the support housing and the slots are associated with the separating member. Likewise, in other embodiments, additional or intermediate structures may be used.

As best shown in Fig. 10, the banknote storage module of the exemplary embodiment further includes a separating member 160. The separating member 160 is coupled to the opposite side of the web than the side engaged with the separating member 124. The separating member 160 minimizes the risk that the banknotes are supported by the by web 70 on the storage drum, they will remain with the web as the web moves in the sheet dispensing direction. A diverter 160 assists in separating the sheets from the web and directs them to the transition area as the storage drum rotates in the direction shown in Figure 10.

The separating member includes an edge portion 162. The edge portion 162 engages the web at 164. The diverter surface 166 extends from site 164 to the passage. The diverter surface is positioned to extend substantially parallel to the web 70 in the area between where the web joins the storage drum and the transition area.

Movable member 168 engages web 70 substantially to overlap roll 128. Moveable member 168 engages inwardly moving notes so that they can be guided through the diverter surface into nip 170 substantially in the area where the web engages with storage. web material on the storage drum 66. Likewise, the movable member 168 engages the sheets that are separated from the web by the separating member 160 and moves the sheets outward through the passage area.

The separation member 160 is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis 172. The separation member 160 is pulled for clockwise rotation as shown about the axis 172 by the extractor 174. The drum 66 rotates with respect to the housing and the banknote storage unit about. axis of rotation 176. In the described embodiment, the axis 172 about which the separating member rotates is angularly displaced from the axis 176 about which the storage drum rotates from the nip substantially at an angle of at least about 90 °. This configuration enables relatively controlled angular movement of the edge portion in place when the amount of web material stored on the storage drum varies during machine operation. This relatively limited movement provides a more reliable separation and guidance of the banknotes from and to support connection to the storage drum. This configuration further minimizes the wear of the web material while maintaining the desired relative positions of the edge portion 162 and the web.

As shown in FIG. 10, diverter surface 166 is generally positioned to extend across opposite sides of movable member 168. In some preferred embodiments, movable member 168 may include a plurality of transversely movable members across the web. The diverter surface may be configured to extend in intermediate spaces between the movable members. Moreover, the guide surface 120 also extends into the intermediate regions of the diverter surface. The positioning of the diverter surfaces transversely between the movable member 168 as well as the guide surfaces 120 creates relatively movable fit conditions which facilitate the guiding of the sheets through the transition area. It should also be noted that the use of separating members 172 and 124 that engage opposite sides of the web substantially helps to avoid uneven web wear and uneven build up of stress along its surface. This along with the configuration and orientation of the separating members helps extend the life of the web.

As discussed in detail below, the banknote storage module 44 of the described embodiment includes a banknote receiving and dispensing mechanism generally indicated at 77 in FIG. 4. The banknote receiving and dispensing mechanism includes drums 66 and 68, respectively. A web 70 that extends between the drums, a roller 128 and a movable member 168 that engage the web in the transition area and a separating member 160 serve to provide

The notes are separated from the web and directed to and from the transition area. In operation of this described solution, the drum drive mechanism 72 operates to move the drums so that banknotes can be delivered to and dispensed from the passage area. It should be noted that, in alternative solutions, a number of different types of banknote handling mechanisms may be positioned at the aisle area to perform the delivery of banknotes to customers or the collection of banknotes from customers.

The transport mechanisms described herein, while useful, do not include all types of mechanisms that may be used. The banknote storage module 44 of the described embodiment is useful because the structure of this module can be used with many types of such transport mechanisms, including very low-cost mechanisms that are fit for installation in machines carrying out other types of basic tasks. This includes the ability to upgrade the cash dispensing function of such machines by using appropriate mechanisms to connect the aisle area and one or more outlets that the customer may have access to. Moreover, the banknote storage module 44 can be easily removed by authorized personnel from inside the machine. For example, when dispensing motor fuel, the system operator can easily remove the module 44 from the fuel dispenser while the dispenser is out of service and store it in a safe place. The removal and reinstallation of such components can be done quickly in order to minimize the work that personnel have to carry out on the device.

The operation of the bill accepting and dispensing mechanism within the banknote storage module 44 is controlled by the operation of the drum drive mechanism 72. This drum drive mechanism serves to selectively control the rotation of the drum 66 for storing banknotes from the receiving drum 68. By controlling the rotation of the drums, banknotes can be brought into support connection with the web 70 and stored on the banknote storing drum. Likewise, by controlling the rotation of the drums, banknotes stored on the storage drum may be dispensed to the passage area.

The drum drive mechanism 72 of the exemplary embodiment includes a motor or other drive unit designated at 178. Operation of the drive unit and its direction of rotation are controlled by signals from the controller 52 when the banknote storage module 44 is installed in the machine. The drive assembly 178, as shown in FIG. 6, is for rotating the first drive member 180 about the rotation axis 179. The first drive assembly 180 is in the described embodiment a gear. However, in other embodiments, rollers, belts, or other force transmitting members may be used.

The first actuator is for rotating the second drive member 182. In the described embodiment, the second drive member is rotatably connected to a gear member 184 that is rotatable about a rotation axis 179 of the first drive member 180. The second drive member rotates about a rotation axis 185 that is movable with the gear unit. Of course, other drive systems could be used in other solutions.

As shown schematically in Fig. 7, the first thrust member 186 is operatively connected to the second drive member 182. The first thrust member 186 serves to apply a force to the second drive member opposing movement of the member. The first drive member preferably resists movement of the second drive member in each direction of rotation. The first thrust member may include a thrust washer, a friction plate, a sleeve, or other suitable member to provide a limited and controllable degree of resistance to the movement of the second drive member. The first thrust member 186 operates such that when the first drive member 180 rotates in a clockwise direction as shown in Fig. 7, then the resistance force applied by the first thrust member 186 will also tend to cause the gear member 184 to rotate clockwise with the second drive member. However, when the clockwise rotation of the gear member is stopped, e.g. due to engagement of the second drive member with the distal drive surface, the second drive member will rotate counterclockwise upon the rotation of the first drive member. Similarly, anti-clockwise rotation of the first drive member will move the transmission member and the second drive member counterclockwise until the second drive member engages the driving surface, in which case the second drive member will rotate clockwise. clock. Note that these structures are exemplary and that intermediate drive members and other mechanisms may be used while still providing similar results.

PL 198 214 B1

As shown in Fig. 7, the drum drive mechanism 72 further includes a geared thrust member 188. The geared thrust member 188 serves to provide limited resistance to rotation of gear member 184. This limited resistance to rotation is intended to provide a limited and controlled resistance to movement of gear member 184. . It also serves to generally hold gear member 184 in its current position until it is deliberately displaced by rotation of first drive member 180. The thrust gear member may include a thrust washer, friction plate, bushing, or other suitable device to resist movement of the member. gearbox.

As shown in Fig. 6, anti-clockwise rotation of the first drive member 180 serves to move the transmission member and the second drive member 182 counterclockwise to a position where the second drive member 182 engages the driving surface 190 of the drum. receiver. The drive surface 190 of the drive drum is preferably a surface including gear teeth adapted to mesh with the teeth on the second drive member 182. It should be understood, however, that other drive surfaces capable of receiving energy transmitted by the drum drive mechanism may be used in other embodiments. As shown in Fig. 6, the second drive member is operable to rotate the take-up drum 168 counterclockwise. As a result, web 70 moves in the sheet-dispensing direction as indicated by arrows on web 70. As the drum drive mechanism causes the take-up drum to move, the sheet storage drum 66 moves counterclockwise as shown to unwind the web 70 from there. of this drum and deliver banknotes to the passage area in a support connection with the web.

Figure 8 illustrates the operation of the drum drive mechanism 72 as the web 70 is moved in the sheet receiving direction. The sheet-receiving direction is the direction in which the web moves as the banknotes in support connection thereto are rolled into a banknote storage area supported on the storage drum 66. Clockwise rotation of the first drive member 180 shown in Fig. 8, for rotating the second drive member 182 clockwise with respect to the first drive member until the second drive member engages the drive surface 192 on the storage drum 66. When the second drive member 182 engages the drive surface 192, the second drive member engages is rotated counterclockwise for drum 66 to rotate clockwise. Clockwise rotation of the drum 66 causes the web 70 and the notes supported thereon to be coiled into a storage web on a storage drum. As the storage drum pulls on the web, the web 70 unwinds from the receiving drum 68.

The action of the resistance mechanism on the gear member as well as on the second drive member helps to ensure that the first drive member remains in positive engagement with the desired driving surface of the drums during their movement. Further, in Fig. 4, it should be noted that the drive surface 192 of the storage drum 66 preferably includes teeth adapted to engage the second drive member 182. The adapted teeth may also form engaging protrusions and recesses 78 which allow the locking member 76 to hold the storage spool in place when the banknote storage module 44 is removed from the housing.

To facilitate the controlled rotation of the storage drum 66 and the receiving drum 68, a controlled resistance mechanism is included in the banknote storage module 44. An exemplary embodiment of this dragging mechanism is shown schematically in Fig. 13. The storage drum 66 has an annular brake surface 194 thereon. Directional resistance member 196 extends around the annular brake surface over an angle greater than 180 ° as shown. Directional stop member 196 includes a first end 198 and a second end 200 that are substantially stationary with respect to the housing in the banknote storage module.

Directional resistance member 196 includes a band portion 202. The band portion 202 extends substantially in engagement with the annular braking surface 194 of the storage drum. Directional resistance member 196 further includes an extendable portion 204. The stretchable portion 204 includes an elastic drawback portion which is stretched in the direction indicated by arrow E in Figure 13.

In operation of the drum drive mechanism 72, the storage drum 66 is rotated in a clockwise direction when it is necessary to move the web 70 in the sheet receiving direction so that the web and the banknotes supported thereon are wrapped on the storage drum. As the storage drum 66 is moved in the clockwise direction, the stretchable portion 204 tends to be stretched

In the direction of arrow E, under the action of a force applied to the band portion 202 by the relative movement of the annular brake surface 194. Thereby, the storage drum 66 can rotate clockwise relatively easily under the force applied by the stretch portion 204. However, when the storage drum 66 is rotated by the anti-clockwise movement of the web 70, which corresponds to the movement of the web in the sheet-dispensing direction, the resistance to movement of the storage drum is relatively greater. This is because the stress in the strap portion 202 is greater due to the lack of a stretch portion between the strap portion and first end 198. As a result, a relatively high tension is maintained in the belt portion as the storage drum is moved counterclockwise. This provides a relatively greater drag force on the storage drum, which minimizes the risk of overloading.

A similar but oppositely situated structure serves to apply a drag force to the collecting drum 68 in this exemplary embodiment. The collection drum, which as previously discussed in this embodiment is the same as the storage drum, carries an annular brake surface 206 thereon. Directional resistance member 208 includes a band portion 210 that engages the annular brake surface 206 over an angle substantially greater than. 180 °. The directional resistance member is substantially stationary with respect to the housing at the first end 212 and the second end 214. The directional resistance member 208 includes an extendible portion 216 at the second end 214. The stretchable portion 216 is stretchable in a stretch direction generally indicated by the arrow X.

During operation of the drum drive mechanism 72, when the collecting drum 68 is rotated counterclockwise to advance web 70 in the sheet-dispensing direction, the stretchable portion 216 of the resistance member 208 stretches to provide relatively little resistance to the movement of the collecting drum 68. However, when the collecting drum 68 is moved in a clockwise direction as the web is moved in the sheet receiving direction, a relatively large drag force is exerted on the collecting drum.

Due to the directional resistance mechanism as described herein, the drag force on the drum driven by the second drive member 182 is relatively low. This reduces the amount of force that the drum drive mechanism must generate to move the pick-up drum and the storage drum. This is advantageous over systems in which the resistance members act equally on the storage drums regardless of their direction of movement.

Referring again to Fig. 5, web 70 extends between the storage drum and the collection drum along the web path. The path of the web passes at the transition region in which the web is supported by a roller 128. The path of the web further includes two guide rollers 218, 220 which guide the web 70 along the path of the web to the collecting drum 68. A sensor 222 is located along the path of the web between the guide rollers. The sensor 222 is functionally connected to the controller and is for examining the machine readable characters in a support connection with the web.

Figure 16 illustrates a portion of web 70 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The web includes a mid-sheet region 224. This sheet engaging area 224 functionally engages the sheets in the passage area and holds the sheets in support connection to the storage drum 66.

Two edge regions 226 and 228 extend transversely outward from the sheet engaging region 224. These edge regions extend transversely on both sides of the web at the transverse edges thereof. The edge regions 226 and 228 have machine-readable indicia 230 thereon. In the embodiment described, these machine-readable indicia are marks on the web that serve to block transmission of radiation therethrough. This blocking of radiation is examined by sensor 222. Of course, in other embodiments, other types of marks may be used that can be inspected or read by the sensor device.

As discussed previously, the opposite ends of the web are attached to a collection drum and to the storage drum, respectively. In the described solution, the machine readable characters are configured to correspond to a position on the web with respect to the end. In the described embodiment, the machine readable characters are symmetrical on the web and are configured such that the spacing between adjacent characters decreases as you approach each end. Such a construction in the described solution allows the web to be mounted in one of four possible orientations. The person replacing the ribbon need not worry that the ribbon may be incorrectly installed. It is thanks

The symmetry of the machine-readable characters in the edge regions, as well as the decreasing spacing between the machine-readable characters as you approach the end.

During machine operation, the sensor 222 causes the controller to store in its memory data representing the location of the machine-readable characters that are located close to the sensor 222. In the example described, this data may include data on the number of machine-readable characters that have passed the sensor from the reference position. at the first end of the web at the first end region adjacent to the collecting drum. By keeping this data corresponding to the count, the controller can be used to determine the relative position of the web to the ends of the web. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may also include data representing the count of sheets that are currently stored in support connection with the storage drum. This number of sheets can be correlated with the location marks such that the controller coordinates the location information provided by the marks with the data corresponding to the number of sheets in the magazine.

Alternatively, decreasing the spacing between characters as it approaches the ends of the web allows the controller in the described solution to detect a condition that suggests the web is approaching the first end or the second end. In this way, the controller can send a signal via the telecommunication device or other output device indicating that the machine is either reaching a state where it cannot hold any further notes or is approaching a state where it will be outputting notes. For example, the web must move at least a distance slightly greater than the length of the banknote when dispensing one sheet. If, while the web is moving over this distance, the sensor 222 detects that more than a predetermined number of marks have traveled on the web during sheet delivery, the controller may determine that the web is approaching the other end, which means that there are few notes left on the storage drum. By the number of machine-readable marks passing the sensor when ejecting one note or sheet, the controller knows quite accurately how close the web is actually from reaching the end area when no further notes are stored on the storage drum.

In the banknote receiving operation, the drum drive mechanism likewise advances the web through a distance that is substantially slightly larger than the length of one note. If, during the bill acceptance process, sensor 222 determines that more than a predetermined number of machine readable characters pass the sensor, the controller may determine that the web is approaching the first end at which point there is no more web material on the collector drum. Based on the number of machine-readable marks passing the sensor on receipt of banknotes, the controller is able to quite accurately determine the position of the web. In this way, the controller and its operably linked memory can determine and quantify the state data that means the machine needs to be refilled, the machine full state, and / or the state several banknotes need to be removed from the machine at a certain time. The machine is still able to do this even if the part of the memory which can store information corresponding to the exact location of the web is damaged.

Referring to Fig. 17, an example of how an exemplary embodiment of the invention may operate in dispensing sheets and storing the count remaining counts is discussed. In the described solution, the sheets are output after the user inputs an input signal through one or more input devices. This may for example consist in the fact that the customer passes through the reader a card containing the customer account data. If the card is a debit card, then the customer must also enter his personal identification number (TIN) using the buttons on the keyboard. The client may then indicate that he wants to take notes and specify the value of the notes to be output via input signals generated by the function buttons and / or keyboard buttons. In response to these inputs, the controller 52 in the described solution activates the communication device 43 to determine by communicating with another computer system whether the customer is authorized to collect the requested amounts. Assuming that the customer is authorized to collect money, the communication device 43 receives back from the host computer or other system connected to it a message signaling that the requested download by the customer is allowed. The controller then actuates the drum drive mechanism to rotate the collecting drum 68 in the direction indicated. As a result, the storage drum rotates in the direction shown. Rotation of the storage drum separates the banknotes from the web 70 and moves them to the banknote passage area 92.

PL 198 214 B1

As shown in Fig. 17, in the described embodiment, the passage sensor 232 is located at the passage area 92. The passage sensor 232 is operatively connected to the controller 52 and is used to inspect the sheets therein. The transition sensor 232 serves to detect when the leading edge of the banknote enters the transition area. In response to the signal from the transition sensor, the controller 52 actuates the transport drive assembly that moves the banknote discharge transport 96. The banknote discharge transport operates so that banknotes in conjunction with it move towards the banknote discharge opening 28. Such movement of the banknote discharge transport also causes the gate 114 to move to the steering position to engage the banknotes with the banknote discharge transport. In the described configuration of the invention, the banknote discharge transport and the limited-slip portion 108 of the banknote delivery transport 98 move in cooperation to move the banknotes from the transition area to the interface with the banknote discharge transport.

The drum drive mechanism moves the web 70 in the bill dispensing direction until the passage sensor 232 detects an end-of-sheet passage. The passing sheet of the passage sensor is conveyed by the output banknote transport unit 96 to the discharge opening 28 where it is delivered to the customer. This is represented by banknote 234. The banknote at the exit aperture may be held in the tray or by other suitable holding devices until removed by the customer. Alternatively, a suitable exit sensor that is attached to the controller may serve to hold the sheet in conjunction with the banknote discharger in a stopped state until the customer physically pulls the sheet out of the opening. Depending on the type and nature of the banking machine, different sheet delivery approaches may be used.

Extra sheets besides one may be provided. The controller 52 actuates the drum drive mechanism to dispense additional sheets through the passage area and deliver them through the sheet delivery transport to the customer. When the desired number of sheets corresponding to the user input has been output, the controller stops both the drum drive unit and the billet discharge transport.

Each sheet is sensed by the passage sensor when the sheets are discharged from the storage drum. This transition sensor may be a radiation type sensor which is capable of sensing both the leading and trailing edges of the sheet. Of course, other types of transition sensors may be used in other embodiments of the invention. As the web 70 moves to guide one or more sheets into the transition region, the web sensor 222 transmits signals to the controller 52. In response to detection by sensor 222 of the machine-readable characters, the controller generates signals. These signals contain data representing the number of sheets. These may include, for example, in some implementations a simple count that corresponds to the length of the web remaining on the storage drum. Since the notes are substantially uniformly spaced, such count data represents the number of notes remaining. This data can be stored in memory 56 as a quantitative state that corresponds to the number of sheets remaining.

Each sheet is sensed by the passage sensor when the sheets are discharged from the storage drum. This transition sensor may be a radiation type sensor which is capable of sensing both the leading and trailing edges of the sheet. Of course, other types of transition sensors may be used in other embodiments of the invention. As the web 70 moves to guide one or more sheets into the transition region, the web sensor 222 transmits signals to the controller 52. In response to detection by sensor 222 of the machine-readable characters, the controller generates signals. These signals contain data representing the number of sheets. These may include, for example, in some implementations a simple count that corresponds to the length of the web remaining on the storage drum. Since the notes are substantially uniformly spaced, such count data represents the number of notes remaining. This data can be stored in memory 56 as a quantitative state that corresponds to the number of sheets remaining.

Alternatively, in exemplary embodiments, sensor 222 may be used to test the number of characters the sensor passes as the sheet is passed through the passage area inspected by sensor 232. The number of characters the sensor 222 passes when a single sheet is dispensed may be correlated with location distance. at the sensor from the end of the web. The controller, when the sensor detects more than a predetermined number of such marks while dispensing a single sheet, may be programmed to record and signal a quantitative status which means that the machine needs to be refilled with banknotes.

PL 198 214 B1

In addition to using the machine readable characters on the web to obtain data representing the amount of notes remaining, controller 52 may also be used to store current count data or data representing a value into memory 56. In this way, the controller can be used to keep track of how many notes remain stored in the machine at any given time. This may allow the user to ask the controller to determine the number of notes remaining.

Should the volatile memory of the remaining banknote data be damaged with the controller embodiment described, the controller may run the machine to recover this data to determine how many notes remain. The realizable steps necessary to perform this recovery operation can be stored in the non-volatile memory so that the machine can almost always perform the data recovery operation regardless of what action it is undergoing. In a data recovery operation, the controller responds to a loss of data in available memory by actuating the drum drive mechanism to roll the web 70 onto the storage drum 66. The drum drive mechanism continues rolling the web onto the storage drum until a first end area is detected at the end of the web attached to the drum. the collector. This can be done in many ways, e.g. with a sensor 22 examining a set number of machine readable characters on the web at a given time, which the controller determines using the timer 54.

Once the controller has determined that the web has been wound on the storage drum substantially completely, the controller activates the drum drive mechanism to begin moving the web from the storage drum to the collection drum. When the drum drive mechanism is actuated by the controller for this purpose, the controller generates signals in response to the characters detected by the web sensor 222. These signals indicate how far the ribbon has traveled in a given time. The winding of the web onto the collector drum is stopped when the transition sensor 232 detects that the first note enters the first pass 92. At this point, the controller 52 generates a further signal that corresponds to the location on the web where the first sheet was detected. Since the sheets are generally stored at relatively uniform intervals, a further signal generated indicates the number of sheets remaining in support connection with the web on the storage drum. Thanks to this, the driver can determine exactly how many sheets are left in the warehouse. Further operation of the sheet dispensing and receiving machine may then continue using data corresponding to the number of sheets specified by the data recovery operation. Of course, this is only one example of machine operation in relation to the described embodiment. In other embodiments, other approaches to calculating and determining the number of sheets in stock at any given time may be used.

In the following with reference to Figs. 18-20, the operation of the machine for receiving banknotes will now be described. Inputs of banknotes into the machine may require appropriate input by an authorized user using input devices. These can include special cards or codes that are used by operating staff to replenish banknotes in the machine. Alternatively, as described with reference to Fig. 1, the machine housing may contain a physical security device that can be accessed by authorized personnel and that only allows such personnel to insert banknotes into the entrance opening. Alternatively, the entrance opening may be positioned with respect to the housing such that it is normally only accessible by authorized personnel. Finally, in some embodiments, users of the invention may both introduce cash into the exit port and receive cash through the exit port. The actions that may be performed by the user to allow the machine to accept banknotes through the banknote insertion port will depend on the particular machine and the programming of the controller 52 by the operator.

When banknotes are to be received, the banknote is inserted through the input port 30 into the banknote input transport 98. In the banknote insertion transport 98, the banknote first enters the non-skid portion 106 of the banknote insertion transport which extends at the banknote validation unit 58. The banknote validation unit comprises sensors for testing whether the inserted banknote is a banknote valid for machine acceptance. For example, in this solution the banknote validator unit may be configured to accept only $ 20 notes and to discard all other inserted sheets as invalid for that machine. The controller 52 operates in conjunction with the banknote validity unit 58 and the sheet is schematically indicated at 226

PL 198 214 B1 therein by the non-skid portion 106. As shown in FIG. 18, sheet 236 may extend from the non-skid portion into a limited-skid portion 108 that is driven by the transport drive assembly to move in the direction shown. This limited slip portion engages the sheet but allows it to be moved back and forth through portion 106. Should the sheet be determined invalid, then the non-skid portion may lead the note out of the limited slip portion 108 and move it back out through aperture 30. If the note is determined valid, then portion 106 releases note 236 into limited slip portion 108. which moves the note in engagement therewith towards the transition area 92.

Since in the described embodiment the limited slip portion 108 and the output banknote transport unit 96 are moved by a common drive mechanism, movement of the limited slip portion in the direction shown also causes the output banknote transport to move in a manner that causes the gate 114 to rotate. to the banknote accept position. As a result, banknote 236 is moved to the passage area 92 as shown in Fig. 19. When the banknote reaches the transition area, it is sensed by the transition sensor 232.

After detecting the banknote by the walk sensor, the controller activates the drum drive mechanism. A controller causes the web 70 to move in the bill accepting direction as shown in Fig. 20. The drum driving mechanism moves the web such that the banknote engages in support engagement therewith and is wound onto the bill storage drum 66. The controller causes the drum driving mechanism to continue operating until the transition sensor 232 detects that the trailing edge of the banknote has passed through. Thereafter, the controller may actuate the drum drive mechanism to advance the banknote sufficiently to allow clearance from the next note that is inserted. When the controller has displaced the already inserted banknote by sufficient size onto the banknote storage drum, the drum drive mechanism stops until the controller is instructed to continue to move.

While in this first embodiment, the non-skid portion of the drive at the sensors 58 of the banknote validity assembly serves to immediately eject banknotes that have been inspected invalid, alternative embodiments of the invention may be programmed to operate differently. For example, the controller 52 may be programmed to move a banknote in the banknote input transport at the banknote validation unit. If the banknote validation unit determines that the note is invalid, then the note may be retained in the passage area after passing the gate 114 by the trailing edge of the note. The controller then may reverse the direction of movement of the transports 96 and 98 whereby the gate directs the note outward through the exit port. The controller 52 can activate both the banknote delivery and banknote delivery units as well as the drum storage mechanism to perform this operation. This may include, for example, causing the invalid banknote to be stored partially or temporarily in support connection with the web 70 before the note is reversed to lead it out. These are examples only, and other embodiments of the invention may perform differently for banknote rejection.

Alternative aspects of the invention may be implemented using other types of banknote validation mechanisms. Fig. 21 shows an alternate embodiment of a banknote manipulation mechanism, generally designated 238. Mechanism 238 is substantially similar to that previously described, unless otherwise noted. It includes a banknote receiving and dispensing mechanism 240 similar to the mechanism 77 described above. Mechanism 238 further includes a combined feed-in and out-feed arrangement 242. The input and output banknote transport assembly 242 selectively serves to both feed in and out of the passage area 244. On this transport unit 242 banknote sensors 246 are arranged. The banknote sensors 246 may be used to verify that a banknote is valid, e.g. whether the banknote passing through the transport 242 is a valid $ 20 banknote. An example of a banknote inspection apparatus suitable for this purpose is described in US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 749.260, which is owned by the assignee of the present invention and is fully incorporated herein by reference.

If the banknote is inspected as valid, it may be passed by the transport 242 through the gate 248 and to the storage location on the storage drum 250. Likewise,

When a banknote is to be delivered from the storage drum, the web 254, which holds the banknotes in support connection with the storage drum, can move the note to the passage area 244. Gate 248 is moved by a servo motor (not shown) to direct the note to be coupled to transport 242. Then, transport 242 acts to discharge the note from the transition area to the banknote exit at the end of transport 242.

If the mechanism controller 238 checks for notes entering the machine and sensors 246 check the validity of the note, the transport 242 may immediately reverse to discard the note. Alternatively, if it is not desired to discard the banknote outside the machine, the banknote may be moved by transport 242 to the passage area 244. The banknote may also partially pass onto the web 254 if necessary for machine operation. Then, after the banknote has been moved to the storage area, the position of the gate 248 may be changed and the controller may cause the rejection transport assembly 256 to operate. The rejection transport assembly serves to move the banknote inward to the storage area 258 within the machine housing. As a result, suspect banknotes are held inside the machine housing until they can be removed by authorized personnel.

An advantage of the described embodiment of the invention, shown in conjunction with mechanism 238, is that one transport unit can be used to transport both entry and exit banknotes. This may be advantageous in certain embodiments where the validity of the banknotes is examined along one note path that provides the selectable movement in opposite directions.

An alternative banknote manipulation mechanism 260 is shown in Fig. 22. The banknote manipulation mechanism 260 is similar to the first described banknote manipulation mechanism unless otherwise specified. The banknote manipulation mechanism 260 includes a banknote discharge 262 that extends between the passage area 264 and the banknote discharge opening 266. Mechanism 260 further includes a banknote insertion hole 268. The banknote input opening passes through a machine housing wall which is substantially opposite the housing wall in which the exit opening is provided. Insertion opening 268 is operatively connected to banknote validation assembly 270, which may be of the type previously described. A banknote validation unit 270 is attached to the first transport section 272 with limited slip and the second transport section 274. These transport sections 272 and 274 are for transporting the banknotes that have passed through the banknote validation unit 270 to the passage area 264.

Operation of mechanism 260 is substantially similar to that of the first described embodiment. However, an advantage of the structure shown in Fig. 22 is that the machine operator has the option of introducing banknotes into the machine from the rear. Some preferred embodiments of the invention are sufficiently small such that they can be supported on a counter or a normal interior wall of a building. As a result, the machine operator introduces the banknotes into the machine from behind the counter or from inside an internal room in the building. This can facilitate the loading of banknotes into the machine as the operator of the machine does not have to block access to the machine with staff while loading the banknotes, which could discourage customers from using the machine. Further, this configuration may eliminate the need for covers or other devices on the banknote input port to prevent agitated customers from attempting to insert items into the banknote input port. Further advantages of this alternative structure shown in Fig. 22 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Yet another embodiment of a banknote manipulation mechanism, substantially designated 276, is shown in Fig. 23. This alternative banknote manipulation mechanism 276 is intended in the described embodiment to work in conjunction with the first embodiment banknote receiving and dispensing mechanism 77 including a banknote storage module 44. which was previously described. The alternative banknote manipulation mechanism 276 avoids the need for the user to insert banknotes one at a time for storage in the machine.

The banknote handling mechanism includes a banknote discharge 278 that extends between the passage area 280 and the banknote discharge opening 282. Gate 284 is located at the transition area 280 and operates as previously described.

PL 198 214 B1

The banknote insertion transport unit 286 includes a first portion 288 that extends adjacent to the banknote validation unit 290. The second part 292 of the transport extends between the banknote validation unit and the transition area 280.

The banknote separating mechanism, generally designated 294, is located substantially at the banknote validity unit. The banknote separating mechanism serves to separate the banknotes individually from the stack 296 and feed the separate banknotes to the banknote validity unit 290. A banknote thickness sensor 298 is located at the disassembly of the stack. The banknote thickness sensor 298 serves to check that more than one banknote has not been removed from the stack. If the sensor detects that more than one note is passing from the stack towards the note validation unit, the controller causes the note separating mechanism 294 to reverse the direction of movement of the note. The banknote is moved back into the stack and another attempt is made until a single banknote is separated, as detected by the thickness sensors, and fed to the note validation unit.

An exemplary separating mechanism is shown schematically in Fig. 24. The structure includes a central transport roller 300, on the sides of which are two additional belt-supporting transport rollers 302. The transport rollers 300 and 302 are rotated by the drive unit 304. The drive unit is selectively actuated in responses to signals from the controller.

A contact pull roller 306 and a pair of non-contact pull rollers 308 are positioned substantially opposite to each other in contact with transport rollers 300 and 302. Rollers 306 and 308 are connected on a common shaft to a one-way clutch 310. This one-way clutch serves to resist rotation of rollers 306 and 308. in a direction that would facilitate movement of the sheets from the stack to the banknote validation unit. However, the clutch 310 readily allows the rollers 306 and 308 to be rotated in a direction to advance substantially the sheets from the note validation unit to the stack. When the drive unit 304 moves the rollers 300 and 302 to advance the sheet at the bottom of the stack 298 toward the validity unit, the rollers 306 and 308 both counteract the movement of the sheet. As a result, all sheets are prevented from moving except the first sheet at the bottom of the stack past the sensors 298 to the portion 288 of the drive assembly at the validation unit 290. However, if sensors 298 determine that several sheets have been taken from the stack, the controller reverses the direction of travel of the drive unit 304. In this situation, rollers 306, 308, 300, and 302 work together to easily help the sheets move back into the stack.

As shown in Fig. 23, in the described embodiment, the stack 296 can be inserted into the tearing area 312 of the stack in the machine housing. Access to the unloading area of ​​the stack may be controlled by door 314. In the described embodiment of the mechanism shown in Fig. 23, the machine operator is able to place the stack of banknotes in the unloading area 312 and then close and secure the door 314. The machine then works to separate the stacked banknotes to check their validity and store the banknotes in the storage drum of the attached banknote storage unit. If invalid sheets are found during sheet inspection, the invalid sheets may be directed by the operation of the gate 284 to the transport 278, which can deposit sheets in the area adjacent to the banknote discharge opening 282. Alternative embodiments of the invention may include other storage areas for holding invalid sheets. Further alternative embodiments of the invention may provide for interrupting banknote validation and stacking in the machine for a user who wants the machine to operate for discharge purposes. Of course, those skilled in the art may devise other alternative designs and configurations taking advantage of the principles of the invention.

Alternative forms of user interfaces may be envisaged for use in conjunction with the embodiments of the invention. Such an alternative embodiment is shown in Figs. 25-30. This alternate embodiment includes a display 316, which in various embodiments may be a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube display, or other type of visual or non-visual output device. The interface further includes a magnetic stripe card reader 318 input device. The interface further includes a reset button 320. In this simplified user interface, the controller serves to display messages to the user on the display 316. These various messages, which include pre-programmed text and / or graphics, are referred to herein as screens. While the machine is waiting for the customer to start machine operation, the display shows the initial screen 320 shown in

Fig. 25. This initial screen 320 prompts the user to insert the card into the reader and withdraw the card when the screen shows the desired amount.

Figure 26 shows a magnetic stripe card 322 to be inserted into reader 318. When the card is inserted and held, a first screen 324 is displayed showing the amount. This first screen with the amount, generated by the driver, proposes the customer a certain amount and withdraw the card from the reader, if the amount shown on the screen is consistent with the amount he wants to receive. In the described embodiment, approximately five seconds after the first screen has been displayed, a second screen 326 is displayed with the amount as shown in Fig. 27. This second screen shows a different amount and again prompts the user to withdraw the card from the reader if the amount he / she wants is displayed. get. Suppose the user does not withdraw the card from the reader after the second screen 326 is shown with the amount. Shortly thereafter (about five seconds in this example embodiment), the third screen is displayed with the amount. As the described embodiment issues $ 20 bills, each subsequent screen shows the amount increased by $ 20. This sequence continues until the screen with the maximum amount is displayed or the customer presses the clear button 320.

Suppose a customer withdraws his card from reader 318 when the amount of $ 60 is displayed. The card withdrawal screen 328 shown in Fig. 28 will then be displayed. The card withdrawal screen 328 tells the customer the amount that will be debited from his account. Again, suppose the client does not quickly press the reset button 320. The controller then connects via the associated telecommunication device to the respective host computer or other system to check that the customer is entitled to the requested debit. During this waiting time, the waiting screen 330 shown in Fig. 29 is displayed. When the machine obtains an authorization signifying that the customer is authorized to collect the requested amount, the controller activates the machine components to cause the requested amount to be delivered to the customer through an output aperture in the housing. The driver also prints a transaction confirmation. Upon doing so, the completion screen 332 shown in Fig. 30 is displayed. The completion screen prompts the customer to collect his cash and confirm his confirmation. Of course, if for any reason the transaction is not authorized, then an alternate screen is displayed informing the customer of this fact. The controller then returns to the initial screen 320.

The advantage of this sample user interface is that it can be used with machines that issue cash based on credit cards and requires no further input devices other than a checkout button and a card reader. These components are very common in many types of banking machines that do not have the primary purpose of spending cash. Such an interface facilitates the application of the banknote dispensing mechanism of the present invention to other types of banking machines. In addition, other embodiments can eliminate the reset button by allowing the customer to clear the transaction by removing the card when a specific screen is displayed. Many alternatives using these principles can be given.

A further new aspect of the described embodiment of the invention is the possibility for the machine to display selected promotional messages to the customer at a specific time frame. Such a promotional message is shown on the screen 330 and is related to the sale of beverages. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, such a promotional message is generated based on data stored in a plug-in memory 380 which is connected to connector 36 on the housing. The data stored in the plug-in memory, which in the embodiment described is a smart card, contains the promotional message as well as the time parameters associated with the promotional message. For example, if a special offer presented on screen 330 is valid only until a certain date, the controller and associated timer record that that date has passed, and such promotional message is no longer displayed after that date. For example, if the machine operator does not remove the plug-in memory and the controller detects that the message is already beyond the scheduled time, then screen 330 may only contain a blank space or a blank area below the text PLEASE WAIT on the screen while the machine is busy executing checking and issuing cash to the user.

Likewise, other data can be stored in the plug-in memory module such that certain promotional messages are displayed at certain times of the day or at certain time periods. The plug-in memory module may also contain several promotional messages to be displayed at different times or sequentially to the machine users. Alternatively, the data stored in the plug-in memory module may contain public service messages, such as promoting various charities or events. The data stored in the plug-in memory can also be used for

To generate graphic presentations as well as other types of video and audio presentations that may be of interest to the user. Other data stored in the memory module may include, for example, a logo or other advertising elements of the company in which the automated transaction machine is operating.

Since the exemplary embodiment of the invention allows the display of promotional messages selectively by simply inserting a smart card into an associated interface, the promotional messages can be changed easily from outside the machine and very cheaply. For example, a trading company or companies sponsoring promotional events may deliver promotional messages on smart cards to machine operators. Machine operators can insert cards into the machine and messages will be displayed in the selected time windows for the presentation of messages. When the memory informs that such messages should not be displayed, the screens containing the messages are not presented to the users of the machine. Promotional message providers can therefore avoid showing their promotions after the expiry date or at any other time when it is not appropriate.

Of course, the automated banking machine may output such promotional messages at other times during its operation. This may include, for example, periodic display of promotional messages instead of the home screen. This may include, for example, displaying the promotional message and the home screen 316 alternately over relatively short times, e.g., five seconds. In this way, the user approaching the machine will receive instructions on how to operate the machine in a very short time. However, the user will also receive at least one, and possibly several, promotional messages before he starts inserting his card into the reader 318. The embodiment of the invention thus described enables the machine operator to conduct additional marketing activities relatively simply and reliably, and with minimal cost.

It should be understood that while, in an exemplary embodiment, the plug-in memory element includes a smart card, other embodiments may include other types of plug-in memory devices. They can contain, for example, floppy disks, PROM memories, compact disks of permanent memory (CD-ROM) or other devices. Moreover, it should be understood that access to such removable memory elements may be restricted by a cover, such as e.g. Thus, access to the connector or the plug-in memory reader is restricted to persons who are authorized to change the plug-in memory. However, these persons do not need to have access to the banknote storage area inside the machine to replace the plug-in memory.

The preferred embodiment of the automated banking machine according to the present invention thus achieves the above-mentioned objectives, eliminates the difficulties associated with using prior art devices and systems, solves the problems, and achieves the desired results described herein.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding, but should not be unnecessarily limited as these terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly understood. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations are given by way of example herein, and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown and described.

In the following claims, any features described as means for accomplishing a task are intended to include any means known to those skilled in the art suitable for such a task, and will not be limited to the structures shown herein or merely their equivalents.

After describing the properties, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it was constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results obtained, new and useful structures, devices, elements, systems, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods and dependencies are presented in the accompanying patent claims.