Cash dispensing automated banking machine deposit accepting system and method

The present invention relates to automated banking machines. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and corresponding methods for receiving items for deposit in an automated banking machine, and for providing items such as empty deposit envelopes to users of banking machines, which items may be useful in carrying out transactions.

State of the art

Automated banking machines are known in the art. A typical type of such automated banking machine is an automated teller machine (ATM machine). ATM devices are used to conduct banking transactions on a self-service basis. ATM devices can withdraw cash to users from their accounts. Certain ATM devices can accept deposits. Other ATM devices can perform functions such as issuing stamps, printing tickets, generating receipts and statements, cashing checks, printing money orders, and performing other types of transactions. For the purposes of this disclosure, any device capable of carrying out a value transfer transaction will be referred to herein as an automated banking machine.

Automated banking machines that accept deposits often require the user to insert the deposited item into the machine where it is handled and / or stored until later removed by authorized persons. Occasionally, such a deposit item may be an envelope or other container in which the contents are on deposit. Such content may include items of value such as cash, checks, money orders, gift certificates, coupons, coins, or other types of instruments. When the deposit items are deposited in this manner, the user is sometimes required to input a signal via input devices on the banking machine indicative of a value associated with the item being deposited. Typically this is the total value of any cash, checks, or other content contained in the deposited item. The automated banking machine may store information on the indicated deposit value and / or may print value information on such deposited item along with the transaction number, account number, or other information that enables the retrace history of the deposit to the user and / or the specific transaction.

In order to verify the indicated deposit value, the operator of the banking machine often has to later collect the deposit from the storage area on the machine. The operator opens the deposited item and determines whether the content and the actual value of the deposit match the indicated deposit value. In most cases, the actual deposit value corresponds to the indicated deposit value and the client's account is credited accordingly. In other cases, there is a discrepancy between the actual deposit value and the indicated deposit value. In such cases, the customer may be notified of the amount of credit that will be granted to him for this deposit, instead of the indicated deposit value indicated on the device.

Sometimes, when deposited items are removed from the banking machine, the items are damaged. Such damage may include, for example, tearing or otherwise opening the envelope. In some cases, the deposited item or its residues may not contain any deposited content. In some cases, the contents of the deposit may be dispersed throughout the storage area of ​​the banking machine. In other cases, such content may not be found at all.

The deposited items are sometimes removed in a tamper-evident deposit holder and transported to a remote location for verification. In other situations, the deposited items may be transferred to a bag or other container at the location of the automated banking machine. These items may be taken to a remote location to verify the contents of the deposited items.

Under certain circumstances, at a remote location, the contents of a damaged or open deposited item may not be found. This can create doubts as to whether a customer has intentionally deposited an empty and damaged envelope in an automated banking machine. Alternatively, there may be questions as to whether the persons responsible for withdrawing deposits from the device may have taken the contents of the deposit. Finally, questions may arise as to whether the persons responsible for verifying the amount of the deposit may have lost or misplaced the content of the deposited item. In some circumstances, when the person responsible for the lack of content cannot be identified, the ATM operator may choose to credit the customer for a specified deposited value even if the content of the deposit is not found. In some circumstances, a user may attempt to commit fraud by intentionally attempting to deposit a damaged deposited item.

Damage to a deposited item may be caused by a number of factors. The inclusion of various types of deposit items, such as envelopes containing folded notes or sheets or coins, may result in the deposit items being irregularly shaped. Envelopes containing such items may break as a consequence of their irregular shape. In addition, the tearing of such uneven deposit envelopes may give rise to doubts as to the content of such deposit envelopes.

Another potential problem with deposits is that a customer of a banking machine wishing to make a deposit may not have an envelope available. While envelope trays may be used, such open trays may be subject to vandalism and / or the removal of all deposit envelopes. Such open receptacles may also contribute to the scattering of unused envelopes in the immediate vicinity of the automated banking machine, resulting in an unsightly appearance of the environment.

Another problem may arise as a result of the inability to put the appropriate marks on the deposit envelopes. While many different types of printing units have been used to mark such envelopes, it is not uncommon for such printing units to fail resulting in missing legible information printing on deposit envelopes.

Deposit envelopes are also often difficult to spend. This is sometimes due to the need to deliver envelopes that have a peel-off seal or that have a flap of glue and are secured. The use of such adhesives can avoid the user having to lick or otherwise wet the seal of the envelope. The use of such envelopes may be desirable to provide a more hygienic environment. Nevertheless, the presence of such adhesive mechanisms can present a challenge with the need to transport and distribute empty envelopes to users of an automated banking machine.

Deposited items often have significant value. For this reason, criminals may attempt to use unauthorized assemblies to obtain deposited items. For example, criminals may attempt to insert certain items into the depository opening to capture deposited items so that they can be removed. Alternatively, criminals may use devices designed to retrieve deposited items that have already been moved to the storage area inside the device.

Taking deposits in automated banking machines is also an additional challenge. Such depository units can be difficult to repair or replace. Moreover, the containers used to store deposited items may be subject to abuse or breach.

Further features of existing depository assemblies and systems in banking machines could be improved through improvements.

The essence of the invention

According to the invention, the automated banking machine comprises a housing, at least one input signal unit, positioned in support connection with the housing and adapted to receive at least one input signal associated with each user of the machine. The cash dispensing mechanism is in support connection with the housing and a container for storing empty envelopes is also provided

PL 214 866 B1 in support connection with the housing. The device comprises: a housing including an upper cabinet portion and a secure chamber portion below the upper cabinet portion, the container containing the deposit envelopes being located in the secure chamber portion; a container containing empty deposit envelopes connected to the housing and located at the top of the cabinet; a depository mechanism transferring an empty envelope from the empty envelope holding container through the deposit opening to the outside of the housing and the deposit envelope after passing through the deposit opening to the container containing the deposit envelopes.

Preferably, the device comprises a visual display connected to the housing.

Preferably, the device further comprises a door to the cabinet portion movably mounted in support connection with the cabinet and adapted to control access to an interior area of ​​the cabinet portion, and includes a lock for the cabinet portion operably in communication with the door to the cabinet portion and being repositionable. locked and not locked, and in the locked position of the cabinet, the door to the cabinet part works in such a way, that they prevent access to the interior area of ​​the cabinet part.

Preferably, the device further comprises a chamber part door movably mounted in support connection with the housing and adapted to control access to an interior area of ​​the chamber part, and further comprising a chamber lock in operative communication with the chamber door and capable of being moved to a locked and non-locked position at the same time. in which, in the locked position of the chamber, the chamber door works in such a way, that they prevent access to the inner region of the ventricular portion.

Preferably, the device further comprises a partition wall extending through the housing, the partition wall separating an interior area of ​​the chamber portion and an interior area of ​​the cabinet portion, the partition wall including an opening for deposit envelopes, and the deposit mechanism operating to advance the envelopes toward the end of the cabinet portion. slot for deposit envelopes.

Preferably, the deposit mechanism is mounted in support connection with the partition wall, whereby, in the door open position to the cabinet part, the deposit mechanism is movable in support connection with the partition wall from the operating position to the maintenance position, the deposit mechanism extending outside the housing.

Preferably, the container for storing empty envelopes is movably mounted in support connection with the partition wall.

Preferably, the empty envelope storage container is mounted in support communication with the deposit mechanism, with the empty envelope storage container extending outside the housing in the maintenance position of the deposit mechanism.

Preferably, the container for storing the deposit envelopes is movably mounted in support connection with the housing.

Advantageously, the container for storing deposited envelopes is moveable between a deposit receiving position in which the container for storing deposited envelopes can receive deposit envelopes therein through an opening for depositing envelopes, and an extended position when the container for storing deposited envelopes is folded out. from the deposit envelope opening to not receive the deposit envelopes through the deposit envelope opening.

Preferably, the device further includes a locking mechanism in operative communication with the deposit-receiving container and the deposit-making mechanism, the deposit-mechanism not being able to move into the maintenance position when the deposit-receiving container is in the deposit-receiving position.

Preferably, the depository mechanism is movably mounted in support connection with the housing via at least one guide, and in the position of receiving the deposit into the deposit envelope storage container, the deposit mechanism is not able to move in support connection with the at least one guide to the maintenance position.

Preferably, the deposited envelope holder is not able to move into its extended position unless the compartment lock has been moved to the unlocked position.

Advantageously, the container for storing the deposited envelopes is operably coupled to the chamber door and cannot move to an extended position unless the chamber door is moved to gain access to the interior area of ​​the chamber portion.

PL 214 866 B1

Preferably, the deposit envelope storage container is movably mounted in support connection with the housing, the deposit envelope storage container being removable from the chamber portion once the chamber lock has been placed in the unlocked position.

Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a movably engaging member that operatively engages the depository envelope container in the deposit receiving position and disengages the deposit envelope container when the container is moved to the extended position.

Preferably, the device further comprises a moveable gate, the gate being movable to selectively block the deposit receiving opening.

Preferably, the device further comprises at least one controller in the housing and at least one drive in operable communication with the at least one controller, the at least one controller selectively operable to move a gate.

Preferably, the at least one controller is in operational communication with the cash dispensing unit, with the cash dispensing unit operating to issue cash in response to operation of the at least one driver.

Preferably, the depository mechanism further comprises a printhead, the depository mechanism being in operative communication with the at least one controller, and the at least one controller operable to cause the printhead to print indicia on deposit envelopes moved through the deposit mechanism. between the deposit opening in the housing and the opening for deposit envelopes in the partition wall.

Preferably, the device further comprises a movable wiper, the wiper being arranged to engage a printhead, the wiper being operatively connected to the gate, the wiper moving with the movement of the gate.

Preferably, the device comprises at least one roller coupled to at least one cam, the gate and the wiper being operatively connected to each other via the at least one roller and the cam.

Preferably, the depository mechanism includes an empty envelope picking assembly arranged to move the empty envelopes substantially one at a time from the empty envelope storage container in response to operation of the controller.

Preferably, the gripping unit is operatively interconnected with the gate, and as the gate moves the gripping unit operates to engage the envelope to allow the envelope to move into from the empty envelope storage container.

Preferably, the empty envelope storage container is adapted to hold a stack of empty envelopes in support connection with the support bottom, and as the gate moves the support bottom also moves with respect to the housing.

Preferably, the device further comprises at least one cam, the gate and gripping assembly being operatively coupled through the at least one cam.

Preferably, the device further comprises a movable wiper, the wiper adapted to engage a printhead, the wiper being operatively interconnected with the gate and the gripping device, the wiper moving as the gate moves.

Of course, it should be understood that the assemblies, systems, and methods described herein are exemplary and the basic features described herein may be used in other systems and / or that additional features and functions may be used.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an automated banking machine in operative communication with a transactional network of ATM devices;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a deposit item transport and components for measuring the properties of the deposited item and for writing indicia on the item.

Figure 3 is an embodiment of a deposited item on which indicia are recorded corresponding to thickness and to a specific transaction;

Fig. 4 is a graph plotting thickness of a deposited item versus the time interval or time that the item passes a sensor according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic front view showing sensing features of an exemplary deposit item including instruments such as checks.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a deposited item on which machine-readable indicia relating to properties of the item have been recorded, and a reading unit for reading such machine-readable indicia and for recalling information relating to the properties of the deposited item from memory. ;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of an exemplary deposited item that has been damaged and includes thickness information recorded thereon, suggesting that the item was empty at the time of deposit at the automated banking machine;

Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an alternate depository mechanism that operates to deliver empty deposit envelopes to a user of an automated banking machine.

Figure 9 is an isometric view of a portion of the envelope dispensing mechanism of the deposit accepting mechanism shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is an alternate isometric view of the envelope dispensing mechanism. Figure 11 is a right side view of the envelope dispensing mechanism. Figure 12 is an end view of the envelope dispensing mechanism.

Figure 13 is a right side view of the envelope dispensing mechanism shown in an envelope dispensing ready position.

Figure 14 is an end view of the envelope dispensing mechanism shown in an envelope dispensing position.

Figure 15 is a right side view of the envelope dispensing mechanism and ship shown with an envelope that has moved away from the envelope stock and slides in the ship toward the customer.

Figure 16 is a right side view of an envelope dispensing mechanism operated to minimize the risk of additional envelopes leaving the stock with the first envelope grasped.

Figure 17 is a schematic view of a base assembly used with an exemplary deposit accepting mechanism.

Figure 18 is an isometric view showing the base assembly and envelope stock for the printhead maintenance activation arm used in the embodiment of the envelope dispensing mechanism.

Figure 19 is a schematic view of a curved portion of an envelope transport used with an embodiment of the deposit accepting mechanism.

Figure 20 is a schematic view of a portion of the envelope transport shown in Figure 19 with an envelope shown therein, and a schematic representation of forces acting on such an envelope.

Fig. 21 is a top plan view of the transport shown in Fig. 20, together with the belt and transport rollers used in connection with the assembly.

Figure 22 is an isometric view of the structure adjacent the outer end of the envelope transport including the belts and rollers adjacent thereto.

Figure 23 is a right side schematic view showing the exterior of a transport including a gate in an open position for allowing items to be delivered from or deposited therein from the transport.

Fig. 24 is a schematic view showing the co-operation of the rollers adjacent the outer end of the transport that may occur due to receipt of regular shaped deposit items;

Figure 25 is a front plan view of the outer end of the transport including its associated gate, shown with the gate in an open position;

Figure 26 is a schematic view of the outer end of the transport showing the receipt of an irregularly shaped deposit envelope containing coins.

Fig. 27 is a view of the outer end of the transport showing the receiving of an irregularly shaped deposit envelope containing sheets and the movement of the roller shaft associated with the reception in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 24;

Figure 28 is an isometric view of rollers and a support shaft that may be used with an embodiment of the envelope depositing system.

Figure 29 is a cross sectional view of the rollers illustrated in Figure 28.

Figure 30 is a schematic view showing the assembly of the rollers in Figure 28 onto a shaft.

Fig. 31 is an isometric view showing alternative rollers using similar mounting features as illustrated with the rollers in Figures 28-30.

Figure 32 is an isometric view of an alternative exit end structure for an envelope transport system including members to facilitate the receipt of irregularly shaped items into the transport.

Fig. 33 is a side view of the structures illustrated in Fig. 32;

Figure 34 shows an alternative structure for the output end of the transport including laterally spaced envelope guides to facilitate the outward movement of envelopes that may be misaligned in the transport.

Figure 35 is another isometric view of the outer end of the transport shown in Figure 34 including envelope guides.

Figure 36 is an end view showing the operation of the disclosed envelope guides in handling envelopes that are misaligned.

Figure 37 is a schematic plan view showing the outer end of the transport with the envelope misaligned with the assembly.

Figure 38 is a top view of the slide assembly showing a misaligned envelope as it travels through the slide.

Figure 39 is a top plan view of the outer end of the shipment showing the envelope not aligned therewith, with the transport of Figure 39 not being provided with the guides shown in Figure 34;

Figure 40 is a top plan view of the envelope transport with the envelope illustrated in Figure 39 advancing through the envelope transport.

Figure 41 is an end view of the transport shown in Figure 39 and showing the condition that may occur upon rejection of a misaligned envelope and when dispensing a misaligned envelope if the guides in Figure 34 are not used.

Figure 42 is an isometric view of the structure of the support base for the outer end of the transport.

Figure 43 is a bottom isometric view showing the assembly of the base components used at the outer end of the transport.

Figure 44 is a side view showing the connected members forming the base of the outer end of the transport.

Figure 45 is an isometric view showing the outer end of the transport including overlapping socket and moving portions of the goal.

Fig. 46 is an isometric view schematically showing components associated with the displacement of a gate that selectively blocks access to the transport.

Figure 47 is a side view showing the gate of the transport in a fully open position.

Figure 48 is a side view similar to Figure 47 showing the goal in a partially open position.

Figure 49 is a side view similar to Figure 47 showing the gate of the transport in an open position.

Figure 50 is a view similar to Figure 47, with the gate in the fully closed position wherein the gate engages adjacent structures to minimize unauthorized access to the transport.

Fig. 51 is a schematic side view showing an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a transport including an ink printing unit and a further ink capturing unit or vessel for capturing excess ink from the printing unit.

Figure 52 is an isometric view showing the ink handling unit of Figure 51 with the access door in an open position;

Figure 53 is an isometric view similar to Figure 52 but illustrating the ink handling unit with the access door in a closed position and schematically showing its pivotable detachable mounting;

Fig. 54 is a schematic side view showing a mechanism for preserving the nozzles of an ink cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention by a wiping action.

Fig. 55 is a side view showing an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, together with a movable wiping member provided with a rubber roller portion to assist in the wiping action.

Fig. 56 is an isometric view schematically showing a wiping member on the printhead.

Fig. 57 is another isometric view showing the wiping member and the printhead.

Figure 58 is an exploded view of a movable deposit holding container and movable door mechanism used in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 59 is an enlarged isometric view of the upper portion of the receptacle and associated movable door mechanism.

Figure 60 is an isometric sectional view showing the structure of a movable door mechanism used in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 61 is an isometric view of the deposit holding container and movable door mechanism of an exemplary embodiment of the invention including features to facilitate the replacement of the movable door.

Figure 62 is a top isometric view showing a locking mechanism used in conjunction with locking of the movable door of the deposit holding container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 63 is a side isometric view showing the exemplary mounting for a deposit holding container and interlocking features used in conjunction with certain embodiments of the invention to prevent access to the deposit accepting mechanism when the deposit holding container is in the open position.

Figure 64 is another isometric view showing an exemplary locking mechanism with the deposit holding container in the open position.

Figure 65 is another isometric view showing a locking mechanism allowing the deposit accepting mechanism to move when the deposit holding container has been moved from its operating position.

Fig. 66 is a right side view similar to Fig. 65 showing the deposit holding container removed and a lock to allow the deposit accepting assembly.

Figure 67 is a top plan view similar to Figure 62 but with the exemplary locking mechanism shown in a position for opening the door of the deposit holding container.

Figure 68 is a right side schematic view showing exemplary sensors for providing enhanced security against tampering with or unauthorized access to the deposit accepting mechanism.

Figure 69 is an isometric exploded view illustrating the engagement of the exemplary outer end of the deposit accepting mechanism with a suspended portion of a console movably mounted relative to the console of the automated banking machine. fig. 70 is a front isometric view showing a slot at the outer end of the deposit accepting mechanism engaged with the movable portion of the console of the automated banking machine.

Best Embodiments of the Invention

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Fig. 1, an embodiment of an automated banking machine, generally designated 10, is shown. The embodiment of the automated banking machine is an automatic automated banking machine suitable for for carrying out banking transactions such as issuing cash and depositing items. It should be understood, however, that the essential features of the present invention may be applicable to other types of automated banking machines that perform different or additional functions.

Automated banking machine 10 includes a housing 12. Housing 12 in this embodiment includes a chamber portion 14 and an upper housing portion 16. Each of the chamber portion and the upper housing portion, which may alternatively be replaced herein as a cabinet portion, are accessible to authorized persons through appropriate access doors that are controlled by locking mechanisms. As schematically illustrated, the chamber portion has a chamber door which includes a combination lock, schematically indicated 18, operable such that access is restricted to authorized persons only. The upper housing section includes a key lock (not shown separately) in operative communication with a door that is movable relative to the housing and allows authorized persons to gain access to the interior of the upper housing section. Of course, other control and locking mechanisms may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

The automated banking apparatus 10 further includes input signal units. These input signal assemblies in this exemplary device include a keyboard 24 via which users can manually input signals. Another input signal assembly in this embodiment of the invention is the card reader 22. In certain example embodiments of the invention, the card reader may be adapted to read magnetic stripe cards and / or so-called smart cards that contain programmable memory thereon. Of course, in other embodiments, card readers that read contactless cards or other devices may be used.

This embodiment of the invention further comprises an image capturing device, schematically indicated 24. In some embodiments of the invention, the image capturing device may include, for example, a camera that captures one or more images of an operator. In other embodiments, the image capturing device may include a biometric reader such as an iris scanner, an input device for operating the facial recognition system, or other similar device for inputting signals for identifying a user. Of course, the input signal units discussed are exemplary, and other types of input signal units may be used in other embodiments of the invention, such as fingerprint readers, retinal scanners, voice recognition systems, touch screens, voice input systems, and other types of units that receive. introduced signals that can be used to identify the user and / or his accounts, or may be operated to deliver instructions to or from the device.

This example of the automated banking machine 10 further includes output assemblies. Such output signal assemblies include a visual display 26. The visual display 26 may be operable to provide instructions to the user regarding operation of the device and to provide information to the user. The device further includes a printer unit 28 which also functions as an output unit. The printer assembly 28 in certain example embodiments of this invention may include an assembly for printing receipts that are provided to a user to document transactions conducted on the device. Of course, other types of printing units may be used in other embodiments of the invention. These may include, for example, teams that print tickets, statements, money orders, checks, coupons, or other documents or instruments.

It should be understood that such output signal assemblies are exemplary, and other types of output signal assemblies may be used in other embodiments of the invention. For example, other embodiments of the invention may include voice control systems, communication interfaces for communicating with wireless devices such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) or cell phones, electrical connectors for communicating with headphones or the like, or the like, or other devices used to send output signals to the user.

PL 214 866 B1

In this exemplary automated banking machine 10, users may receive cash from the machine as well as make deposits on the machine. This exemplary device includes a cash dispensing mechanism. The cash dispensing mechanism includes cash gripping mechanisms 32 and 34 that operate to pick bills from one or more cartridges on the machine. For example, US Patent No. 4,664,369, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses examples of banknote gripping mechanisms that may be used in certain example embodiments of this invention. Of course, other types of banknote picking mechanisms may be used in other embodiments.

The cash dispensing unit 30 further includes a banknote transport 36 that transfers the banknotes to a file arranging and dispensing mechanism 38. For example, US Patent No. 5,342,165, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, discloses some kind of file stacking and bill dispensing mechanism that may be used in certain example embodiments of this invention. The cash dispensing mechanism operates to deliver banknotes to the user through the cash dispensing outlet 40. As schematically indicated, a suitable gate or other locking mechanism 42 is positioned adjacent the cash outlet to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing the cash dispensing mechanism. This exemplary gate 42 may move in response to the operation of motors, solenoids, or other appropriate motion control mechanisms, which may alternatively be referred to herein as drives, to allow cash to be properly delivered to the user of the machine from the file stacking and dispensing mechanism, and to block access. in other cases.

This embodiment of the automated banking machine 10 further includes a deposit accepting system including mechanisms for receiving and storing deposited items. In this embodiment of the invention, the deposited items are envelopes. However, in other embodiments of the invention, other types of deposit items may be received, such as checks, money orders, tickets, coupons, escrow bags, escrow bags, and other types of deposit items. Device 10 includes a deposit opening that may alternatively be referred to herein as an inlet extending through the housing and dimensioned to receive deposited items such as envelopes. A suitable gate mechanism, schematically indicated by 46, is movably positioned adjacent the deposit inlet. The gate 46 is movable by solenoids, motors, or other mover to prevent access to the interior of the device through the deposit inlet, except when the device is operating in a suitable mode to accept deposits.

In this embodiment, the deposited items are moved along the deposit path through the transport 48. The deposit transport 48 operates to move user-deposited envelopes from the area adjacent the inlet port to the storage area 50. In some embodiments, the deposit transport may be of the type set forth in US Patent No. 4,884,679, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the storage area 50 is delimited by a movable deposit holder 52. The exemplary form of a deposit holding container has an internal storage area that functions to hold deposit items 54 therein. The deposit holder 52 may be removed from the apparatus by authorized personnel and also transported to a remote location where the validity of the deposits may be validated. This can be done, for example, by using a self-locking and tamper-indicating deposit holding container, as will be discussed in more detail below, that locks when removed from the device and can only be properly opened by authorized persons at a remote location. Alternatively, the deposit holding container may be such that persons who are authorized to access chamber portion 14 can retrieve items individually deposited from the container and verify their contents either at the device or at a remote location. Alternatively, other concepts may be used to verify the items deposited depending on the type and nature of the deposits made.

PL 214 866 B1

Exemplary device 10 further includes at least one computer that may alternatively be referred to herein as a controller, indicated schematically by the reference numeral 56. The controller operates in conjunction with at least one data carrier or memory 58, which may contain program instructions. transaction information, communication information, and other data used while the device is operating. The controller 56 is in operational communication with the functional transaction units on the device and controls their operation according to programmed instructions.

The controller 56 is in operational communication with at least one communication unit 60. The communication unit allows an exemplary device to communicate with at least one remote computer and data bearer to perform transactions. As schematically shown in Figure 1, the automated banking machine 10 is in operative connection with a network schematically indicated by 62. This network is in operational communication with computers and financial institutions 64 and 66 that operate the system, which in turn authorizes and stores information about user transactions in an automated banking machine. Of course, this concept of communication over a banking network is exemplary, and other concepts relating to communication and / or granting entities may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the deposit transport 48 used in exemplary automated banking machine 10. In this embodiment of the invention, deposited items in the form of envelopes 68 are moved along the transport path in the direction indicated by arrow D from the deposit inlet to the storage area. As the deposited items are moved along the transport path, properties of the deposited item are detected. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the deposited item is detected by the sensor 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 70 is a contact sensor that physically contacts the deposited item 68 to determine its thickness. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the contact roller 72 has an axis that moves in response to the thickness of the envelope and deflectively engages the deposit envelope as it travels along the transport path between the contact roller and the reference surface of the stationary axle roller 74. The movement of the contact roller 72 from its reference position indicates the thickness of the deposited item along its length. This displacement of the contact roller causes one or more signals from the sensor 70 to be sent to the controller and used for purposes that will be discussed later.

It should be understood that while an embodiment of the invention employs a contact type sensor for determining thickness, in other embodiments of the invention non-contact sensors may be used to detect thickness or other properties of a deposited item. For example, non-contact sensors of the type set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,101,266, 6,242,733, and 6,241,244, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, may be used to determine thickness or other properties of deposited items. Such non-contact sensors may be used in place of, or in addition to, contact-type sensors to determine the thickness of the deposited item.

Additionally or alternatively, other types of sensors, such as magnetic-type sensors, may be used to detect and / or determine the contents of the envelope. Magnetic sensors can be used, for example, to detect the presence of magnetic ink on checks, coins, cash or other instruments that are contained in deposit envelopes. Such non-contact sensors are schematically illustrated by reference numeral 76 in FIG. 2. It should be understood that, in certain example embodiments of this invention, the thickness or other properties of the deposited item may be detected within one detection area or along such an area in the path of the envelope. In other embodiments of the invention, detection may be performed over all or a portion of the transverse width of the deposited item. The particular nature of the thickness and other properties of the deposited item that may be detected and used in a particular embodiment of the invention may depending on the nature of the

Of the deposited item as appropriate, and the needs of the operator of the automated banking machine.

As shown in Fig. 2, one or more recording units, schematically indicated at 78, are positioned adjacent the deposit track. In this embodiment of the invention, the recording units may include printers that operate to print indicia on the deposited items. Such printers may include, for example, dot matrix printers, matrix type printers, inkjet printers, or other suitable devices for recording indicia on a deposited item. In other embodiments of the invention, systems may be used that operate to label the deposit item, such as the assemblies set forth in US Patent No. 4,435,243, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

In this embodiment of the invention, the recording devices operate to record on the deposited item indicia corresponding to the properties of the item according to the detection result. This may include, for example, writing numerical indicia on the deposit which indicates the thickness of the envelope at one or more places on the envelope. In other embodiments of the invention, the recorder may operate to record identifying indicators such as an account number or transaction number on an envelope. Such identifying indicia may then be correlated with the thickness or other properties of the deposited item by reference to data stored in a memory located at the device or elsewhere in an operatively linked computer. Alternatively or additionally, the indicia recorded on the deposited item may include an indicated deposit value corresponding to the amount that the user of the device has indicated as being included in or represented by the deposited item.

Figure 3 shows an example of deposit item 80 that has been moved by a depository in an exemplary automated banking machine. For this deposited item, indicia on the item include transaction identification number 82. This identification transaction number may correspond, for example, to a specific transaction performed on the device and may correspond to information stored in memory, such as the identity of the specific user who carried out the deposit transaction. In this embodiment of the invention, the deposited item 80 has an indicated deposit value 84 assigned to it. This indicated deposit value may include, for example, a predetermined amount value indicated by the user as the value deposited with the device by inputting signals via input signal units at the time of making the deposit. Incorporating an indicated deposit value into the recorded indicia may facilitate verification of the deposit when it is removed from the device, as will be discussed later.

In the deposited item 80, indicia corresponding to thickness have been written on the item. The thickness stamps 86 contain numerical information about the thickness of the deposit envelope at various locations along the length of the envelope at the time of deposit. These various locations in the illustrated embodiment are spaced along a single longitudinal line near the center of the envelope as the envelope passes through the transport. In this embodiment of the invention, thickness indicia are printed adjacent the transverse edge of the envelope so as not to conflict with other indicia printed thereon. Of course, it should be understood that other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

As will be discussed later, the thickness and other indicia associated with an envelope may be used when the envelope is later opened to verify that the envelope contained deposit items at the time of deposit and / or the nature of such deposited items.

Fig. 6 shows an alternative form of written indicia on a deposited item 88. In this embodiment of the invention, the recorded indicia on a deposited item include indicia 90 readable by a machine. In this embodiment of the invention the device readable indicia comprises a bar code or similar code scheme being readable by the device.

The machine-readable characters correspond to a specific number or other indicator that is correlated with data related to a given deposit, such as the customer's identity and an indicated deposit value. In this embodiment of the invention, the indicia also correspond to specific deposit data, such as given thicknesses and / or other properties. This data, which is captured from contact or non-contact type sensors on the device, is correlated with the indicia 90 readable by the device. Such data may be accessed from a data carrier in the automated banking machine. Alternatively, such data may be transferred to another storage medium to verify that the indicated deposit value corresponds to the actual deposit value for the contents of the envelope.

The reading unit 92 operates to read the device-readable indicia when the deposited item 88 is removed from the storage area within the device by an authorized representative of the operator of the device. The reading unit 92 is in operative communication with a computer or other unit 94 which contains or accesses the data carrier 96. Data bearer 96 preferably includes data such as the indicated deposit value, user identity, and properties of the particular deposited item as detected by sensors in the automated banking machine at the approximate deposit time. With this information, the verifier of deposits can verify that the contents of the envelope at the time of verification have the actual deposit value corresponding to the indicated deposit value. In the event of a discrepancy, the person who verifies the deposit may use the thickness data or other data that has been recorded in connection with that deposited item to determine whether the deposited item actually contained items having the expected thickness properties and / or other properties at the time of the deposit. making a deposit. This enables the person responsible for verifying deposits to more accurately determine whether the items were not included in the deposited item at the time the deposit was made, or whether the contents of the deposited item were lost or compromised after the deposit was made. Such information is useful in deciding whether to credit a client's account for the indicated deposit value, which will be discussed later.

Figures 4 and 5 show typical types of data relating to deposited items that may be represented by indicia recorded on these deposited items. For example, fig. 4 is a graphical illustration of the thickness of the deposited item as a function of time or interval as the item engages and passes a single contact type sensor while the deposit item moves along a deposit path in an automated banking machine. Line 98 corresponds to one or more signals from the thickness indicating sensor. Various embodiments of the invention, such as the deposit system used to handle the item 80 in Fig. 3, for example, record the thickness independently at multiple discrete locations 100. In this embodiment of the invention, movement of the envelope may be controlled by the operation of a speed controlled motor, stepper motor, or other motion controlled assembly such that the thickness indicia at each location corresponds relatively closely to a corresponding area on the deposit where the thickness is detected. . A suitable circumference is used, so that when the marks corresponding to the thickness, as illustrated in Fig. 3, represent peacocks that accurately reflect the thickness at various points at the time the envelope was deposited. As can be appreciated, in embodiments where the deposited item is moved at a predictable and substantially constant speed, the determination of the thickness may be made based on the passage of time since the leading edge of the envelope is detected. In other embodiments, decoders or other distance sensors may be used to directly detect the movement of the envelope. The graph in Fig. 4 may be representative of signals obtained from any type of system.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, it may be sufficient for the indicia to correspond to the maximum thickness of the deposited item as indicated in FIG. 4 by a maximum of 102 for line 98. This maximum indicates the maximum thickness of the envelope and may, in many embodiments, be sufficient to indicate the nature of the contents. such an envelope. Thus, for example, in maximum thickness recording systems, only the indicia corresponding to one numerical value may be written on the envelope and / or stored in memory as corresponding to the indicia recorded on the envelope.

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In still other example embodiments of this invention, it may be important to correlate with a deposited item an amount indicative of the volume of the item. This may correspond to the area 104 below line 98 in Fig. 4. As can be deduced, area 104 which is integral with the overall thickness measured by the thickness sensor may indicate the total contents of the envelope.

Fig. 5 shows still other data that may be recorded in connection with the particular deposited item. For example, certain contact and non-contact sensors can generate a detailed profile of the deposited item including thickness in conjunction with folds, folds, and items contained within the envelope. Non-contact sensors may also detect other properties such as magnetic properties and the presence of ink or other indications on or within the content.

Fig. 5 shows, for example, a deposited item 106. Non-contact sensors of the aforementioned type may use radiation to determine the thickness and the shape of the envelope, as well as additional areas of thickness associated with envelope features such as tabs and flaps 108. Moreover, such non-contact sensors may detecting additional thickness in areas 110 and 112 in the envelope. In areas 110 and 112, the appearance of additional thickness is caused by the presence of sheets such as instruments inside the envelope. Radiation sensors, which can detect the radiation-absorbing properties, can detect areas that have been printed on objects inside the envelope. Additionally or alternatively, the magnetic sensor may define regions of magnetic activity represented by regions 114. Such magnetic activity may correspond to areas where magnetic ink has been printed on checks or other instruments.

As can be seen, certain embodiments of the invention may allow a detailed profile of the deposited item and its contents to be obtained. This profile can then be correlated with the characteristics recorded on the deposited item, so that the person responsible for verifying the deposits can conclude that the content of the deposited item when it is verified corresponds to the content at the time it is deposited.

In operation of an embodiment of the invention, the automated banking machine 10 is operated by a user to perform banking transactions. This includes, for example, the user supplying the card reader 22 in the device with a debit card that identifies the user and / or his account, such as the user's primary account number (PAN). The user may further verify his identity by entering a personal identification number (PIN) into the device via the keypad 20. If the entered PIN corresponds to the data stored on the card, the user may be authorized to conduct transactions on the device. It should be understood that the use of these user inputs into a device to identify that user is exemplary, and other types of inputs identifiable for a specific user or account may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

The user also provides one or more inputs via input signal assemblies on the device to indicate the type of transaction he wishes to perform. If the user enters one or more inputs indicating that he wishes to perform a deposit transaction, the controller in the device will operate as programmed and will send messages to the user via the display 26 or other output signal assemblies containing a request to the user has indicated the value of the deposits for the item or items he wishes to deposit. After the indicated deposit value is provided, the controller controls the device such that the gate 46 to the deposit transport 48 is opened so that the user can insert the deposit item. When the user inserts the deposited item, the item is moved through the transport 48 in which the properties of the deposited item are detected. This includes, in embodiments of the invention, detecting the thickness and / or other properties of the deposited item as discussed previously. The controller 56 further controls the recording unit 78 such that the one or more printers write on the deposit item indicia corresponding to the specified properties or detected.

Characteristics. Once the indicia have been recorded on the deposited item, the item is moved to the storage area 50 where it is stored in the automated banking machine until later verified.

At certain intervals, the operator of the device or another authorized entity gains access to the interior of the device to remove and verify the deposited items. This is done in an embodiment of the invention by opening the lock 18, moving the door of the chamber and accessing the chamber portion 14 to remove the deposit holding container 52. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the deposit items may be removed from the deposit holding container on the device and opened for verification in an area adjacent to the device. Alternatively, the deposit holding container may be locked and shipped to a remote location to verify the deposits.

In this embodiment, the deposit holding container is to be transported to a remote location and the empty deposit holding container is placed in the device to accept further deposits. The automated banking machine then returns to normal operation. Deposit items are removed from the deposit holding container in a remote room where the contents of these deposits are inspected. Content, which may include cash, checks or other deposited items, is added up for each deposited item to get the actual value of the deposit. This actual deposit value is then compared to the indicated deposit value to see if there is a discrepancy. If the actual deposit value and the indicated deposit value are different, the user of the machine may have made a mistake in providing the indicated deposit value. Alternatively, the user may have attempted to fraudulently enter the value of the deposit. Alternatively, the deposited items may have been misplaced by persons gaining access to the deposited items either in the machine or during transport at the location where the deposited value is verified.

The actual deposited value may be compared to the indicated deposit value by analyzing the numerical indicia corresponding to the thickness recorded on the deposited item as indicated in Figure 3. Alternatively, numerical transaction data and other machine-readable indicia may be electronically correlated with the indicated value. deposit. Of course, in cases where the actual deposit value corresponds to the indicated deposit value, the user has deposited the indicated amount and the account of that user or other appropriate entity is credited for the indicated deposit value.

In some circumstances, however, the indicated deposit value does not correspond to the actual deposit value for the item. In the room where the deposit verification is carried out, persons verifying the deposits may check whether the deposit items have not been damaged. For example, this may include torn deposit envelopes or envelopes that have not been sealed or appear to be cut or otherwise opened. An example of a damaged deposit envelope is shown at 116 in Figure 7. A damaged or otherwise opened deposit envelope may be missing or may still contain some items. In a situation where there are still items in the envelope, the question arises whether all items are still inside the damaged deposited item.

When those responsible for carrying out deposit verification discover damage to or otherwise open deposit items such as envelopes, questions may arise as to whether such items were damaged and / or emptied at the time the deposit was made, or whether the contents were lost or stolen. after depositing on the device. By being able to analyze the marks on the deposited item, corresponding to thickness and / or other properties, such problems can often be resolved.

For example, if the deposited item was already empty at the time of deposit, then the recorded thickness and item information can be used to verify that the thickness of the empty envelope at the time of verification corresponds to the thickness at the time of deposit. This has been indicated with reference to the damaged envelope 116 shown in Fig. 7, which illustrates that the thickness information is constant at multiple locations and corresponds to the thickness of an empty damaged envelope. This suggests, for example, that the user attempted to commit fraud by deliberately placing an empty envelope that has been damaged and which the user then

The material may be deposited corresponding to the indicated deposit value. In cases where the recorded thickness or other properties indicate that the indicated deposit value was not correct, the institution operating the device will not credit the user's bill for the indicated deposit value.

In other cases, an open or damaged deposit item may be of appropriate thickness or other data to indicate that the deposit item contained some items at the time of deposit, which items were no longer there at the time of verification. In such cases, it will be known that these items are gone after the deposit has been made. An institution operating an automated banking machine may credit a user's account for the indicated deposit value because it has been documented that at least some of the deposited items have apparently been lost due to error or mishandling.

Of course, in certain example embodiments of this invention, when data regarding deposited items includes magnetic sensor information and a detailed profile, relatively accurate data indicating the type and number of deposited items may be obtained and the data may be stored in a memory. Such data may be accessed in certain example embodiments of the invention directly from a data medium on the device. Alternatively, data on the device may be sent over the network to other computers accessed in the deposit verification room. Of course, numerous concepts may be used within the scope of the present invention, depending on the capabilities and needs of the particular system.

In the verification room, such verification can often be accomplished effectively by manually opening and reviewing the deposited items. Alternatively, the verification chamber may contain assemblies similar to those used in the machine for measuring the thickness of the envelope and determining other properties of the deposited items. This may include, for example, passing deposited items by such units before they are opened in a room to determine whether there has been any change in the properties of the item between the time it was deposited and the time it arrived at that room. This may be done as part of a damage finding process in a given deposited item. In cases where machine-readable indicia are used on deposited items, a reader designed for such indicia and a thickness detecting (or other property detecting) unit may be used in the verification room to compare and identify the deposited items when the properties the item has changed since the deposit was made. Moreover, if the deposited item has been damaged in transit or has come open, the properties associated with the deposited item when it is received into the device may be useful in determining which open or loose items found inside the deposit holder correspond to which items of the deposit. Various concepts may be used within the idea and scope of the present invention.

In alternative embodiments, for example, an automated banking machine can detect possible situations where a user has attempted to deposit an envelope or other item that has been damaged or empty. In such situations, the automated banking machine may operate to refuse the item for deposit. Such systems help to prevent fraud attempts and / or avoid situations in which the user has forgotten to put the intended deposited items in an envelope.

In some automated banking machines, depository envelopes are provided for convenient use by the user. U.S. Patent No. 5,590,609, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses an automated banking machine that provides envelopes to a user and deposit items may be placed therein. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the envelopes provided may be of a known size and / or thickness. Sensors in the path for receiving escrow envelopes can detect size and / or thickness properties, and the computer running on the ATM device can be programmed to cause the device to reject the device and return to the customer escrow envelopes that do not meet certain acceptable limits. normative size parameters or

Thickness. This can for example be done by reversing the direction of the transport for deposits by a controller in the device.

For example, an exemplary automated banking machine may detect the thickness of the envelope to be greater than the known thickness of the empty deposit envelope provided by the machine. The automated banking machine may be programmed to instruct customers that they must place their deposit in an envelope provided from the machine, even if the customers planned to use their own envelope containing the deposit. The machine may instruct the user to place their custom envelope inside the envelope provided with the machine. In such an embodiment of the invention, if sensors detecting the thickness of a deposit envelope fail to detect a thickness greater than the thickness of the standard envelope supplied from the machine, the automated banking machine may return the envelope to the customer and may send a message requesting the customer to insert the deposited items into the envelope and / or to use one of the envelopes provided by the machine. In this way, the risk of the machine picking up an empty envelope is minimized.

In other embodiments, the automated banking machine may have sensors that detect the size, area, and / or edge edges of the deposited envelope. Thus, if the deposited envelope does not match the expected configuration of the standard machine-supplied envelope, the deposited envelope may be rejected by the deposit accepting mechanism.

In other embodiments of the invention, the deposit items may share properties. For example, expected deposit items may include coins, cash notes, and checks, all of which have certain magnetic properties. The magnetic properties of the envelopes in the shipped machine may be nonexistent / negligible or within a known range. The automated banking machine may detect enhanced magnetic properties for the deposited envelopes to indicate that cash or checks have been placed therein. Of course, in some situations the automated banking machine may detect different or additional features and use them as a basis for accepting or rejecting a deposit.

It should be understood that, in certain example embodiments of this invention, the automated banking machine may be operable to detect certain combinations of features and may not accept an envelope if one or more of such features are outside the expected limits. In some embodiments of the invention, deposit envelopes that are rejected by the machine may be returned to the customer. In other embodiments of the invention, suspicious deposits may be stored on the device for analysis and / or as evidence.

In still other embodiments, the automated banking machine may deliver a blank envelope to a customer for use, rather than having predetermined thickness, size, magnetic or other properties. In certain example embodiments of this invention, essential properties may be measured by sensors on an automated banking machine as an empty envelope is delivered to a customer from the machine. These essential properties could be re-measured for a given envelope when a user deposits the envelope with the items deposited in the machine. If an expected change (or no change) in thickness, size, magnetic properties, or other detectable properties is not detected when the user deposits the envelope back at the device, the deposit may be discarded.

Alternatively or additionally, indicia corresponding to the important characteristics may be printed on the envelope by the machine even before or at the time of dispensing the empty envelope. Additionally or alternatively, such information may be stored in a database. This information can then be compared with the data for the deposit envelope. This can be done at the time the deposit is accepted and used as a basis for rejecting the deposit by the machine, or it can be done thereafter while the contents of the deposit envelopes are being verified. Of course, depending on the requirements of the system and the operator, other concepts may be used.

Figure 18 is a schematic view of an alternate depository mechanism for receiving deposits such as envelopes into an automatic opening device.

The initiation of banking transactions. The deposit mechanism, generally designated 120, includes an outer end 122 including a deposit opening through which deposit items are received. Access through such an opening at the outer end 122 is controlled by a gate mechanism as discussed later. Items passing into the receiving mechanism 120 through the deposit opening at the outer end 122 are conveyed by the transport 124. Items received into the transport are moved past the recording unit 126, which in this embodiment includes an inkjet printer. The deposited items are moved by the transport 124 into the deposit holding container 128. As will be discussed in more detail below, in certain example embodiments of this invention, the deposit holding container may be a removable container that is detachably mounted within a chamber or region of an ATM armor device. In this embodiment of the invention, the partition wall 130 may serve as part of the delimitation of the top wall of the cavity part and separate it from the cabinet part above. This is useful in certain example embodiments of this invention where an envelope storage container for containing empty envelopes or parts thereof within the envelope dispenser may be accessed by persons who do not gain access to the armor compartment. Of course, the concept is exemplary, and other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

The exemplary form of the depository mechanism 120 further includes an envelope storage area 132, which is alternatively referred to herein as an empty envelope storage container. Envelope storage area 132 includes units operatively connected therewith for selectively gripping and separating a single envelope from a stack of envelopes collected in the envelope storage area. The captured envelope is then transported via the transport 124 and delivered to the user of the automated banking machine through the escrow port at the outer end 122. It will be understood that in certain example embodiments of this invention, user-delivered envelopes and / or envelopes may be received. marked as previously discussed. Alternatively, no marking or alternative forms of marking may be performed in other embodiments of the invention.

An envelope storage and delivery mechanism used in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described with reference to Figs. 9-18. This embodiment of the invention includes an envelope storing and dispensing unit 134, which is alternatively referred to herein as an envelope dispensing unit, and is shown in Figs. 9-11. The envelope storage and dispensing unit includes a movable bottom member 136 that serves as a trouser support, and an overlay push plate 138. The push plate 138 is able to move vertically through two spaced slots 140 in support communication with the deposit acceptor housing. The push plate 138 can also pivot about the pins 142. This facilitates pivoting the push plate from a biasing position that biases the stack of envelopes down to a biasing position where the push plate extends outside the storage area so that envelopes or other deposited items can easily be added to or removed from the storage area 132. area. The push plate 138, as it returns to the deflecting position in the storage area, exerts a downward force on the envelopes in the envelope storage area.

Trouser member 136 is supported on base 144. Trouser member 136 can also pivot about pin 146 which serves as a moveable support and is positioned adjacent the rear region of bottom member 136. Furthermore, trouser member has vertically extending guide plates adjacent it. 148, which serve to constrain the empty envelope storage container and keep the stack of deposit envelopes in support connection with the bottom member.

The exemplary trouser member 136 includes a pair of upward facing rails 150 thereon. These rails are useful for reducing surface stress forces that interfere with the movement of the envelopes across the surface of the bottom member. Three slots 152 extend in the bottom member adjacent the end spaced from the plunger 146. Each slot 152 is aligned with a respective gripping strap that serves as a moveable gripping member. The central slot is aligned with the strip 154 ​​which extends in a centering relation to the bottom member. The slots 152 on each side of the belt 154 are all aligned with the gripping belt 156. The belts

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154 and 156 are selectively driven in response to the operation of the controller supporting the operation of the drive. Gripping belts extend between rollers 158,160 mounted on shafts 162,164 in operative engagement with bottom member 136. Adjacent to the end of member 136, at some point accessed from plunger 146, are a pair of transversely distributed cams 166 (See Figure 11). As will be discussed in more detail below, cams 166 serve as part of a mechanism operable to cause the bottom member to rotate about the plunger 146 and move up and down relative to the top surface of the gripping belts 154, 156.

On the front edge of the envelope storage area 132, there is a vertically extending wall 168. This wall 168 has a collection member 170 in support connection therewith. The collection member 170 has been movably mounted in support connection with wall 168 and can move in response to it. operation of the operatively linked drive. In this embodiment of the invention, the collecting member acts as a squeegee to prevent substantially more than one envelope from being removed from the stack, such that a spring assist provided by a spring 171 that serves as a downward biasing assembly is used for a purpose which will be discussed later. . As shown in Figs. 11, 13, and 15, the collector assembly includes a pair of spaced-apart angular friction inserts 172. In this embodiment of the invention, the friction inserts 172 consist of a flexible material and are angled to provide a flexible collecting surface that extends slightly further downward as the distance from the stack increases. Moreover, it should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, the end of the bottom member 136 that is farthest from the mandrel 147 extends forward such that the slots therein extend below the friction inserts 172 of the flexible collecting surfaces.

In this embodiment, the friction inserts 172 can be selectively displaced in a resilient manner through the use of spring assembly 170.

In this embodiment of the invention, the shaft 162 has a pair of pinch rollers 174 mounted thereon. These pinch rollers 174 are in a balanced contact relationship with the drive rollers 176 of the transport (see Figure 13), which rotate on a shaft 178 driven by a drive. (not shown). The drive rollers 176 of the transport are driven in the direction indicated by the arrow T as shown in Figures 13 and 15 during an envelope dispensing operation. The transport unit drive rollers 176 bear a transport belt 180 thereon. The movement of the transport unit drive rollers 176 and the transport belt 180 acts to engage and force the pinch rollers 174 to rotate. Since the pinch rollers 174 have been mounted on the shaft 162, the rollers 158 and the gripping belts supported thereon are also driven by the drive, which causes the driving rollers of the transport to move. Of course, this concept is exemplary, and other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the drive belts 180 of the transport unit are in operative engagement with a tension roller 182. The tension roller 182 is mounted on a tension lever 184 which is in operative engagement with a spring or other suitable biasing assembly. for pivoting the tension roller counterclockwise around a mandrel 186 as shown in Fig. 15. Engaging the transport belt 180 with the tension roller causes the transport belt to run above gap 188. The gap 188 extends between guides 190, 192. As will be discussed later, the envelopes deposited with the machine are moved through the conveyor belts towards the gap 188. Once the envelopes have been moved through the gap, slide through the envelope deposit opening 189, through the partition wall, to a storage area in the envelope storage container 128.

As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the base 144 includes a panel portion 194 and a partition 196 which is alternatively referred to herein as a plate. The baffle 196 is movably mounted in a support connection with the panel portion so that it can slide along it along the direction indicated by the arrow U in Fig. 17. In this embodiment of the invention, the baffle 194 is mounted via a propeller 198 that is selectively driven in response to controller operation in any rotational direction by drive 199 and pulley assembly 200.

The partition 196 includes an opening 202 extending through it. Panel portion 194 includes a corresponding aperture 204. Panel aperture 204 corresponds to the position of envelope aperture 189

Deposit in the partition wall surrounding the chamber when the mechanism 120 is in the operating position. The opening 204 is positioned in substantially a relationship beneath the void 188. As can be seen from the selective operation of the drive 199, the baffle opening 202 may be selectively displaced to align the baffle opening with the panel opening. Under such conditions, the envelopes passing through the void 188 can be moved into the deposit holding container 128. Similarly, when the septum is moved by the drive such that it has an opening in the septum offset from the opening in the panel, access to the deposit holding container is blocked. Thus, the portion of the septum or plate 196 that moves to block access through the slot to the deposit envelope opening serves as a gate.

The partition 196 further includes a pair of cam slots 206 therein. As illustrated in Fig. 18, the cam slots 206 have been aligned with the cams 166 and are dimensioned to receive the cams, while the cams themselves extend in an underside relation to the bottom member 136. The movement of the septum with respect to the panel also allows the bottom member to selectively move up and down in an area adjacent the gripping belts at the end remote from the spindle 146. This interconnection causes the support bottom, supporting the bundle of envelopes, to move with a portion of the septum. serving as a gate.

The partition 196 further has an actuator roller 208 operatively engaged with it. The roller 208 in this embodiment of the invention is in operative communication with a cam member that is coupled to a cam portion on the arm 210. The arm 210 is movably mounted to the panel member. via a pin 212 (see Fig. 18). As will be discussed in more detail below, movement of the arm 210 through the engagement of the roller 208 and the cam facilitates maintaining proper operational engagement of the ink printhead used in an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, conveyor belts 180 in the region of the tension roller 182 extend adjacent a transport assembly including a pressure element 214. The conveyor belts 180 also function to engage a pair of toothed rollers 216 that extend through openings in the belt. pressure element 214 of the transport. These toothed rollers, in coordination with the conveyor belts, function to facilitate the passage of the envelopes through them.

As shown in Figs. 19-21, the platen 214 of the transport in this embodiment of the invention has a surface including a curved portion and extending to the delivery section 218 adjacent the outer end 122 of the transport. The pressing element 214 comprises an item support surface with a curved portion 215 which has a plurality of aligned openings which serve as openings through which the freely rotating belt support rollers 220 pass. These belt support rollers 220 are positioned such that the conveyor belts 180 move in relation over them.

In this embodiment of the invention, flexible conveyor belts 180 are pinched around outlet rollers 222 that pivot on a moveable shaft 224, as will be explained later. The tightening rollers 226 are spring loaded using leaf springs 227 and serve to maintain the downward bias of the transport belts in the delivery section 216. The biasing action of the rollers 182 and 226 serves to bias adjacent belt panels 180 toward the engagement of the curved portion 215. The guide rollers 228 are designed to guide the deflecting belt panels 180 between the drive rollers 176 of the transport and the exit rollers 222.

In this embodiment of the escrow mechanism 120, when the automated banking machine is operated to perform a deposit accepting transaction for the user, the controller operates to deliver an envelope from the envelope storage area 132 and deliver the envelope to the user of the machine through the aperture. located at the outer end 122 of transport 124. The envelope dispensing unit on this ATM machine operates to dispense an empty envelope. This is done in this embodiment of the invention such that the controller operates the drive 199 to cause the cam slots 206 in the seat 196 to move so that the cams 166 extending underneath the bottom member 136 move downward until it engages. with cam slots 206. This causes the gripping straps, serving as the gripping member, to extend above the surface of the bottom member and the rails and engage the end envelope bounding the bottom.

The end of the stack of 207 envelopes. The motorized shaft 178 is operated to rotate in the direction indicated by the T arrow so that the gripping belts 154, 156 force the envelope at the lower end of the bundle 207 along a first direction towards the wall 168. Moreover, the collector unit 170 is positioned downward such that the angular friction inserts 172 face downward such that on the stack side they are approximately one envelope thickness above the plane of the lowered bottom member 136 as illustrated. in Fig. 13.

Operation of the gripping belts 154, 156 causes the lowermost envelope shown in Fig. 13 on the right to engage the downwardly angled flexible collecting surface on the friction pads. Such engagement prevents the envelope from moving by engaging the side of the opposite envelope for the gripping belts, and substantially separates the lowermost, end envelope bounding the bundle from the bundle.

The force of the gripping belts, and in particular of the raised tooth areas 234 on the gripping belts 156 serving as the serrated portion, engages the bottom surface of the end envelope and guides its leading edge into the nip formed by drive belts 180 supported on rollers 176 and pinch rollers 174 which are rotated on shaft 162. Engaging the leading edge of the lowermost envelope in the nip formed by the rollers causes the envelope to travel with the belt panels through the slot 188 and into the engagement with the toothed rollers 216.

As best illustrated in Fig. 14, the exemplary configuration of the collecting member 170 and the angular collecting inserts 172 provides a corrugated configuration to the lowermost envelope 230. Such a deformed envelope configuration helps to further facilitate the separation of the lowermost envelope in the bundle from other envelopes.

A further feature of the exemplary empty envelope dispensing mechanism is that it can handle empty envelopes having sealing properties and are user-sealable of an ATM device. For example, empty envelopes containing tear strips may be placed in the empty envelope holding container with such tear strips facing down toward the bottom support. Since generally the tear-off strips are provided on the transverse edges of the envelopes, the envelopes can be displaced by engaging the gripping strips without engaging the tear strips. This allows envelopes to be gripped without damaging the tear strips and without causing significant differences in frictional properties that can cause the envelopes to warp and become jammed. Such tear-strip envelopes may be desirable as it eliminates the need for users to lick or otherwise wet the deposit envelopes to seal them after the materials have been placed therein. Alternatively, other types of sealing concepts can be used for empty deposit envelopes. These may include, for example, folding flaps or other concepts to expose the adhesive material that is used to seal the envelope after the user has placed the materials therein. An exemplary dispensing mechanism with belt panels and a serrated portion serving as a gripping element and angular flexible surfaces thereon serving as a gripping element are well suited to separating individual envelopes of this type. Of course, the structure described is exemplary, and other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

As illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, as the captured envelope 230 travels with the conveyor belts 180 over the slot 188. The leading edge of the envelope engages the rotating toothed rollers 216. These gear rollers direct the leading edge of the envelope into engagement between the surface of the platen 214 of the transport. and an opposing clamping plane facing the adjacent conveyor belt panels 180. The envelope sensor 232 includes movable members that extend through a plurality of slots in the pressure piece and is positioned to detect the leading edge of the envelope in relation to the lashing strap panels adjacent the pressure piece. In response to such an envelope sensing, the controller in an embodiment of the invention operates to cause the seat 196 to move with respect to the panel portion and to cause the cams 166 to slide out of the cam slots 206. This causes the bottom member 136 to rise up in the region of the friction inserts 172 . In this embodiment of the invention, since the collection member 170 is mounted in a bias relationship with wall 168, a downward biasing force is applied to the gripped envelope as it continues to slide out of the bundle due to the force exerted on it.

In this embodiment, the biasing force on the advancing envelope further acts to assist in separating the end envelope at the bottom of the stack from other envelopes as they are pulled together. with the envelope seized. Moreover, the lifting of the bottom member 136 acts to cause the rails on the surface of the bottom member to reposition above the moving gripping belts. This disengages the gripping belts from further envelopes in the stack and reduces the risk of additional envelopes being caught.

After the captured envelope 230 has been moved away from the bundle such that it has passed the pinching point formed by the conveyor belts and the pinch rollers 174, the envelope is moved in engagement with the conveyor belts between the surface of the platen 214 of the transport and the belt support rollers toward the rollers. external 222. When this happens, the gate adjacent to the feature at the outer end 122 is opened as further explained, and the envelope is driven until the envelope is detected by sensors passing through the aperture and is available to the customer, at which point the controller will stop. further movement of transport lanes.

This embodiment of an envelope dispensing mechanism is useful in that the envelopes are reliably collected both by the collecting action of the angular friction inserts as well as by the wavy contour imparted on the envelope by the gripping and collecting members. Moreover, reliably collecting the lowest envelope among the other envelopes in the stack is generally provided by the pressing action performed by lifting the bottom member 136 after the envelope has been moved away from the stack by a sufficient distance.

Another useful aspect of this embodiment of the invention is that the collecting member is spring biased but can move in response to excessive thickness. Thus, if for some reason a certain number of envelopes cannot be separated from each other, the entire bundle can be moved outward past the collecting member and through the transport. In this way, the occurrence of a failure and the shutdown of the device from operation when such circumstances arise are avoided. In this embodiment of the invention, the collecting device is operable to allow an approximately 3.5 mm thick envelope to pass through it without jamming. This is equivalent to a significant number of envelopes and may reduce the risk of machine malfunctions.

Another useful aspect of the previously discussed embodiment of the invention is that the mechanism operates to handle envelopes that have wax tear strips on the sides or edges of such envelopes. Such tear-off strips can be loaded into the envelope storage area with the stripes facing downward. Since this embodiment of the invention does not include any resilient engaging surfaces that act against opposing forces and could contribute to the detachment of such tear strips from the envelope when separating the final envelope from a stack, each envelope may be moved with the tear strip on the underside of such envelope intact until user.

Another useful aspect of this embodiment of the invention is that the gripping belts include raised segments 234 that serve as a strong toothed portion. As best illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11, the raised segments on the gripping belts 156 consist of enlarged toothed portions that extend higher than the surrounding serration. In this embodiment, the raised segments 234 are positioned on the gripping belts 156 at intervals of 180 degrees. The serrated parts provide additional friction and pushing force to move the lowest envelope away from the stack.

Another useful aspect used in an embodiment of the invention to facilitate the gripping of envelopes is the use of a stepper motor to drive the rollers and belts. In this embodiment of the invention, the stepper motor is in operative communication with a control circuit which causes the stepper motor to oscillate in response to operation of the controller. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the motor may vibrate at a certain frequency but always to advance the envelope. This results in vibration with appropriate forward or backward movement, which further helps to separate the envelopes from the envelope stack. For example, in an embodiment of the invention, the controller may be programmed to determine whether the leading edge of an envelope is detected as being already at the sensor 232 at a predetermined time after attempting to capture the envelope. In response to the failure to detect the envelope in a timely manner, the controller operates to cause the motor to vibrate. It's an action

The vibrating and the resulting shaking and oscillating movements of the parts engaged with the envelope substantially act to grab the lowermost envelope. Of course, it should be understood that further recovery procedures such as driving the belts and rollers back and forth as well as moving the partition back and forth to raise the lower member of the bottom envelope storage basket may also be performed to facilitate separation of the final envelope.

In this embodiment of the invention, a stepper motor or other drive is also used to provide an audible indication in response to operation of the driver. This is achieved, for example, by vibrating the stepper motor driver so that an audible signal is generated from the motor and its associated components. In this way, the need for a separate audible output unit can be avoided in some ATM devices. Thus, for example, the controller may be programmed to indicate to the user of the ATM device that an empty escrow envelope has been grasped and is being advanced through the transport to the escrow opening, and is ready to be picked up by the user. Upon detecting an empty envelope in this position, the controller may cause the stepper motor to vibrate and generate an audible beep or periodic audible tone to indicate to the user that some action is required. Audible signals may also be generated under other circumstances, such as the need to indicate a malfunction. In some example embodiments of the invention, the various audible signals may be generated by the vibration action. Of course, these concepts are exemplary.

Another advantageous aspect of this embodiment of the invention is that trouser member 136 substantially functions to keep the lowermost envelope out of engagement with the gripping straps when the envelope is not gripped. This helps to maintain the shape of the lowermost envelope to facilitate grasping it when the trouser member is lowered. It should be understood that the basic features described herein in relation to envelope gripping may also apply to other types of media such as sheets.

Another useful aspect of an embodiment of the invention is that the gate portion of the partition member is configured to provide security by controlling access to the deposit holding container through a void 188 blocked at appropriate times as the envelope is delivered to the user. In this way, additional security is provided to minimize the risk that the deposited items may be fished out of the container by criminals. Of course, many other additional benefits are obtained by using the basic features used in this embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment of the invention, the delivery section 218 adjacent the outer area 122 is adapted to both deliver empty envelopes to the user from the device and to deposit the envelopes with the device. Such accepted envelopes may have regular or irregular shapes. As shown in Fig. 22, the exit rollers 222 are supported on the exit shaft 224. In this embodiment of the invention, flexible transport belts 180 extend around the exit rollers 222. The belt support rollers 220 extend through openings in the base surface of the pressing member in the delivery section and are in contact with the exit rollers 222 when the envelope does not pass between. them.

In this embodiment of the invention, the delivery section 218 includes side walls 236 that transversely delimit the transport. The side walls 236 include substantially upwardly facing angular slots 238. The angular slots 238 are dimensioned to receive opposite ends of the outlet shaft 234 in a movable relationship. Circular guides 240 on the outlet shaft 224 facilitate movement of the outer shaft 224 relative to the slot. Moreover, in this embodiment of the invention, the angular slots 238 are inclined such that the stress exerted by the flexible transport belts 180 acts to bias the outlet rollers 222 and the outlet shaft 224 toward the lower end of the slit. This makes it easier to keep the transport belts and rollers engaged with the envelope.

As illustrated in Fig. 23, in this embodiment of the invention, the outer end 122 of the transport is provided with a cover housing, referred to herein as frame 242, including an opening 244 extending therethrough for receiving envelopes from and to the user. Frame 242 is operatively connected to the delivery section 218. In addition, it was applied

A movably mounted, in relation to the frame according to this embodiment of the invention, goal member 246, which will be described in more detail hereinafter. In Fig. 23 the goal member 246 is shown in an open position. As shown in Fig. 23, a sensor 248 is provided in the transport at the exit rolls 222. In this embodiment of the invention, the sensor 248 includes a plurality of movable members or fingers that can move and pass through transversely spaced slots at locations across the transport. The members move through the slots in response to the presence or absence of envelopes in that position. Fig. 25 shows a plurality of sensor members associated with sensor 248 positioned in areas across the transport. Moreover, the nature of these sensing members further aids the movement of the envelopes by reducing the surface tension between the envelopes and the base of the transport. In this embodiment of the invention, the sensor members are in operative communication with an electrical switch, photoelectric interrupter, or other sensor that ensures that the appropriate signal is sent to the controller. A central rib 250 has also been positioned adjacent the outlet to reduce surface tension and facilitate movement of the envelopes.

Fig. 24 illustrates the preferred features of an exemplary mount used for the exhaust shaft 224 and the output rollers 222. The ability of the shaft to move through the angular slots 238 in response to varying envelope thickness allows it to conform to the height of the envelopes such that the transport belts 180 may sufficiently engage the envelopes to advance the envelopes. Moreover, the flexible nature of the conveyor belts in conjunction with the angular slots 238 serves to bias the exit rollers 222 along the conveyor belts to engage the envelopes. Fig. 26 shows an exemplary envelope 252 containing a coin. In the 252 envelope, the coin is illustrated as appearing on one side of the envelope. The clearance provided by the transport allows the envelope containing the coin to travel with the transport belts in the transport. An alternative envelope is illustrated inside the transport in Fig. 27. Envelope 254 includes folded bills and enters the transport and the exit rollers 222. As illustrated in Fig. 27, the exit rollers and the transport belts supported thereon are movable to allow the passage of the envelope while still in engagement with the envelope. This generally allows the envelope to be transported without tearing or opening.

Moreover, as can be seen from Figs. 19 and 20, the movable nature of the pressure-acting rollers 226, which in this embodiment of the invention are mounted to a number of persons to be moved on the curved leaf spring 227, helps to keep the transport belts engaged. with envelopes after the envelope has passed past the exit rollers 222. Moreover, the flexibly tilted pinch roller mount 226 allows the passage of envelopes of various shapes and thicknesses. In addition, the curved portion 215 of the pressure piece 214 and the forces exerted by the top transport belts maintain the transported envelope in a gripping relationship between the surface of the pressure piece, belt support rollers, and the belts to facilitate the advance of the envelope. As shown in Fig. 19 and by means of arrows representing the force vectors, the force with which the belts are acting serves to maintain such engagement. In this embodiment of the invention, this allows non-disturbing movement of envelopes of various shapes into the gap area 188 from which the envelopes may pass into the deposit holding container 128. Of course, it will be understood that these concepts are exemplary. Nevertheless, the basic features described may find application in many embodiments of the invention to achieve the effect of transporting envelopes or other media or bundles of regular or irregular shapes.

In an embodiment of the invention, the rollers used as the exit rollers 222 of the transport and the discharge shaft 224 have the structures shown in Figures 28 to 30. As can be seen in these Figures, the rollers 222 are illustrated without a rim that engages the transport belts when the rollers are in operation. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the outlet rollers 222 are free to rotate relative to the shaft. Moreover, in certain example embodiments of this invention, it is desirable that these rollers rotate in any direction with low frictional resistance, be easily mounted on the shaft, and be reliable to engage with the shaft and maintain position with respect to the shaft. In this embodiment of the invention, this effect is achieved by shaping the rollers to have a body having an integral sleeve portion 256. The sleeve portion 256 terminates in its inner end at an annular flat surface 258. This annular

Flat surface 258 is arranged to engage in a sliding relationship with a radially extending annular projection surface 260 on the shaft. The engagement of the annular flat surface with the radially extending protruding surface acts to limit the axial displacement of the roller with respect to the shaft.

The exemplary sleeve portion 256 thereafter includes at the opposite annular end an annular flat surface, a plurality of radially inwardly extending fingers having outer edges that extend radially inward with respect to an opening 264 that is sized to receive the shaft and extends through the sleeve portion. In this embodiment, the inwardly extending fingers 262 as well as the sleeve portion are substantially made of a stiff but deformable material such that the inwardly extending fingers can deform but quickly revert to their original inward orientation.

The shaft 224 of this embodiment of the invention includes annular recesses 266 thereon. These annular recesses 266 are disposed radially from surfaces protruding a distance substantially corresponding to the axial distance between the annular flat surface 258 and the inwardly directed roller fingers 262. Moreover, the size and distance between the projecting surface and the annular recesses is such that, in certain example embodiments of the invention, the rollers 222 can readily pivot relative to a shaft when the roller is mounted thereon such that inwardly extending fingers extend into adjacent annular recesses. and can move in them.

Another useful aspect of an embodiment of the invention is that rollers 222 may be mounted on shaft 224 without the need for additional tools or fixtures. As shown in Figs. 28 and 30, the rollers are moved relatively axially onto the shaft so that the shaft extends into the opening 264 of the sleeve portion. The inwardly extending fingers 262 are temporarily deformed from their original position as the roller moves axially inward relative to the shaft. However, as the inwardly extending fingers reach the annular recesses 266, these fingers regain their original shape. Such finger engagement within the annular recesses serves to hold the rollers in place with respect to the shaft. Moreover, when the roller moves axially such that the finger portions engage in the annular recess, the annular flat surface comes into contact with the annular surface protruding on the shaft. Such engagement prevents further axial displacement of the roller which could cause the fingers to slide out of the annular recess. When the additional axial force moving the roller ceases, the engagement of the fingers in the annular recess causes the annular flat surface in this embodiment of the invention to be adjacent but also at a distance from the annular protruding surface to allow the roller to rotate substantially freely with respect to the shaft. . In this position, the roller's annular flat surface 258 is positioned sufficiently close to the corresponding projecting surface 260 for the roller to be free to rotate relative to the shaft, but also not to be able to move further axially inward by engagement with the projection surface. Moreover, in this embodiment of the invention, the truncated contour of the inwardly extending fingers 262 causes forces to move the rollers radially outward on the shaft, inhibited by the engagement of the outer ends of the fingers with the radially outward surfaces on the radially outer side of the annular recess 266. As can be deduced, this concept and the method ensure that the rollers are ready to be fitted with low-friction with respect to the shaft, and that the low-friction alignment and rotation of the rollers relative to the shaft are reliable.

In this embodiment of the invention, the basic features described in connection with the assembly of the exit rolls 222 may also be applied to other rolls. Fig. 31 shows an exemplary form of guide rollers 228 used in a transport to guide the return lane of the transport belts. The guide rollers 228 are illustrated mounted on the guide shaft 268. These guide rollers 228 include structures similar to those described in connection with rollers 222 to allow easy assembly and to obtain rotation of the rollers relative to the shaft. Of course, it should be understood that these concepts are exemplary and that other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention. In particular, and without being limited in scope, specific features may be used in certain example embodiments of this invention to obtain a configuration of the rollers in constant engagement such that the rollers rotate with the drive shaft. It does

This is done, for example, by providing engaging protrusions and recesses on the roller and shaft structures. Such structures may include axially extending or radially extending projections and combinations of such projections depending on the nature of the application and the nature of the forces involved in the system. Various concepts can be developed by those skilled in the art in order to obtain the appropriate range of force transmission between the rollers and the shafts.

In some embodiments of the deposit accepting mechanism 120, some problems may arise with envelopes that enter or exit the transport that are curved with respect to the travel direction of the transport belts 180. For example, as shown in Fig. 41, envelope 270 is shown with an edge. through the fold on the right side of the transport due to the warping of the envelope. This may, for example, occur with an envelope 270 that has skewed in the transport during dispensing and has moved out through the transport in a tilted position. Alternatively, such a skew may occur as a result of unequal insertion of the envelope by the user. Figure 40 is a top view showing an envelope with a folded edge in the transport and having an edge adjacent the outlet shaft 224. Figure 39 shows the envelope 270 being inserted into the transport for deposit folding in a curved fashion.

As best can be seen from Fig. 41, in this embodiment of the invention, envelope warp may be a problem with respect to proper system operation. Such problems can arise both when dispensing envelopes and when receiving them. For example, if an envelope is delivered to a user and will be skewed as shown in Fig. 41, the folded end of the envelope may interfere with the movement of the envelope due to interfering with the operation of the outlet shaft 224. When this occurs, a blockage in the vicinity of the outlet is detected and / or the envelope may be torn or damaged on dispensing to the user. Likewise, skewed envelopes can also be a problem in relation to deposit-accepting operations. For example, an envelope may be admitted to the shipping unit, and then it is detected that the envelope has certain sensing parameters suggesting that it should be returned to the customer. The controller then operates to reverse the direction of travel of the conveyor belts 180 to cause the envelope to advance back to the user. If, under such circumstances, the envelope becomes skewed and its leading edge has already entered the transport past the discharge shaft 224, the folded edge of the envelope may become anchored to the shaft. This may result in the envelope not being recycled and / or the envelope tearing or damaged.

In certain alternative embodiments of the invention, problems associated with skewed envelopes may be reduced by providing envelope guides. Such envelope guides may operate to force the curved envelopes to assume a particular shape or configuration that facilitates their movement into and out of the transport assembly, without engaging other structures that may damage, jam, or tear. An exemplary embodiment of such guides is illustrated in Figs. 34-37. Envelope guides 272 and 274 are mounted on opposite sides of the conveyor belts in support connection with the side walls of the transport. Of course, as can be seen from Fig. 34, the transport belt on the left is not illustrated for reasons of visual clarity. While in this embodiment of the invention the envelope guides have been mounted in a fixed relationship with the side walls 236, in other embodiments of the invention such guides may be movably mounted and / or spring loaded.

Since the guides 272 and 274 are mirror images of each other, only the guide 272 will be described in detail. The guide 272 includes a profiled substantially vertically extending surface 276. In this embodiment, the vertical guide 276 extends substantially inward to extend further inward relative to the transport as it approaches the outlet shaft 224 more and more. This exemplary form of the envelope guide 272 further includes a substantially downwardly directed surface 278. This downward surface 278 is cut so that it is closer to the pressing plane of the transport as it approaches the discharge shaft. This forces objects to move below the shaft. Of course, as you can deduce, this one

The exemplary embodiment of the envelope guide 272 has a vertically extending end surface 280 that is sufficiently spaced from the outlet shaft 224 so as not to interfere with its movement. This is illustrated in Fig. 35.

As best illustrated in Figures 34 and 36, an envelope 282 that has been curved with respect to the transport can more easily be moved in and out past the exit rollers 222. This effect is achieved by having an envelope dispensed and skewed. as illustrated in Fig. 34, the folded leading edge of the envelope engages the downward surfaces of the envelope guides and is forced to deform such that the folded edge of the envelope can pass below the outlet shaft 224. This is further illustrated by the relationship between the downward surface 278. a guide that extends substantially at the bottom of the undistorted position of the outlet shaft 224. Thus, as the envelope is passed out, its folded edge passes under the discharge shaft and is not caught by it. Moreover, as can be deduced, the inwardly facing vertical guide surfaces make it easier for envelopes that have been curved severely enough for their movement to engage the folded edges with the rollers, and by their operation, the envelopes are deformed and pass below the discharge shaft.

Similar basic features may be used in circumstances where an envelope is inserted into the transport in a crooked manner as shown in Figure 37. In such cases, the curved envelope will substantially deform and bend as it passes past the exit rollers 222. However, should it prove necessary to discard the deposited envelope, the guides will operate to deform the edges such that the envelope can exit below the outlet shaft. Such concepts facilitate the reliable movement of the envelopes to and from the transport unit, despite the fact that the envelopes have been skewed, and also avoid jamming of the envelopes and provide improved reliability. Of course, these concepts are exemplary and other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

In some example embodiments of this invention, problems can arise as a result of users attempting to insert large and / or irregularly shaped envelopes into an automated banking machine to deposit. In some cases, such envelopes may not be readily received because the movably mounted exit rollers 222 and the transport belts 180 supported thereon do not easily move upward sufficiently in response to the engagement of the envelope to allow thick envelopes to pass therebetween. This can be particularly challenging in situations where relatively thick or irregularly shaped envelopes that have been made of a material with low friction properties are handled. In such circumstances, the conveyor belts may not achieve sufficient frictional engagement with the envelope to allow the envelope to pass for tightening between the exit rollers 222 and their associated transport belts and rollers 220. Such inconveniences can result in users attempting to force the envelopes into the transport. This increases the risk of the envelope being torn and / or jammed.

In order to allow the greater thickness and / or lower frictional envelopes to travel more easily and to enter the outer end of the envelope transport, certain alternative embodiments of the present invention may include structures such as those illustrated in Figures 32 and 33. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the outlet rollers 222 are mounted relative to the outlet shaft 224 such that rotation of the outlet rollers in response to the operation of the conveyor belts 180 causes the shaft 224 to rotate. an engaging engagement between the output rollers 222 and the shaft. Of course, alternative means for securing the outlet rollers to the shaft so that they can pivot together could also be used.

In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the serrations 284 have been mounted on the output shaft 224 and rotate with it. For the purposes of the present disclosure, toothed rollers are rollers with outer surfaces including protrusions providing improved gripping performance. In this embodiment of the invention, the toothed rollers 284 are mounted such that there is one location on the shaft in the intermediate relationship of the output rollers 222, and one on each outer side between the output rollers 222 and the sidewall 236. Therein

In one embodiment of the invention, the gear rollers are made of a material that is substantially strong but flexible in the engagement area of ​​the envelope. The engaging region is also made of a material having sufficient frictional properties to facilitate engagement and displacement of the envelopes. In this embodiment of the invention, the gear rollers 284 are made cross-shaped with substantially curved outer surfaces 286. As best illustrated in Fig. 33, this exemplary embodiment of toothed rollers allows the curved surfaces 286 to extend slightly further radially outward than the surface of the conveyor belts 180 on the outlet rollers 222. However, the outer surfaces 286 have been arranged such that when the outlet shaft 224 located at the bottom of the angular gap 238, the outer surfaces 286 may pass the base surface of the transport to avoid engagement.

In operation of this alternate embodiment, the toothed rollers 284 rotate with the outlet rollers 222 and the transport belts 180. When engaged with the envelope, the outer surfaces of the toothed rollers provide additional guidance to the envelope forcing it to move into the transport to facilitate the movement of the discharge shaft 224 into the transport. front. Moreover, in this embodiment, the arcuate recesses 288 that extend between the outer surfaces 286 provide additional engaging force in the areas leading to the outer surfaces, which further serves to assist the shaft to move upward and pull the envelopes past the outlet shaft 224. This operation enables this alternative transport to handle envelopes of greater size and thickness, or of irregular shape, without damaging the envelopes. Moreover, as can be deduced, the configuration of the toothed rollers 284 is such that these rollers provide similar guidance as the envelopes are moved outwardly through the transport. This may facilitate the rejection of envelopes that need to be returned to a customer within the shipping unit. These toothed rollers may also serve to facilitate displacement from the transport of a bundle of empty envelopes which, due to malfunction during loading, have become engaged with each other and may only be moved from the transport as part of a certain bundle. This can be the case, for example, with certain types of envelopes that have tabs or may have been unintentionally jammed, or that have stuck together as a result of contamination or errors in the manufacturing process. Of course, it should be understood that the described structures in connection with the toothed rollers are exemplary and other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

Another useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment of the envelope receiving mechanism 120 is that the mechanism is readily adaptable for use in various types of automated banking machines. This is made possible by the provision of the delivery section 218 which can extend horizontally beyond the curved portion 215 by different distances. This may be useful for using the mechanism in various types of devices where the position of the components inside the device relative to the opening and the outer end may be different. Figs. 42-44 illustrate an exemplary structure used in one embodiment of the present invention for facilitating receipt by a delivery section 218 having various lengths.

In this exemplary illustrated supply section 218, this section is comprised of two interconnected sections 290 and 292. The supply section 292 in this embodiment is located adjacent the outer end 122 and includes structures associated with the outer rollers and the shaft. Section 292 includes side walls 236 including angular slots 238. Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 42 and 43, section 292 includes a pressing base surface 294 having openings 296 into which belt support rollers 220 are mounted extending beneath the outlet rollers 222. In this embodiment of the invention, the base surface 294 includes molded slots 298 at opposite transverse ends to support the shaft. These shaft support seats 298 are adapted to receive shaft portions 299 (see Fig. 23), which shafts support the rollers running through the openings when the unit is assembled. In addition, section 292 includes slots 300 through which contact movable fingers associated with the envelope sensor 248 extend. Section 292 further includes an angular lead-in surface 302. The lead-in surface 302 in this embodiment has been serrated to allow it to cooperate with the goal member 246 in a manner to be discussed later.

PL 214 866 B1

Section 290 also includes side walls 304 and a pressing base surface 306. The base pressing surface 306 includes apertures 308 for receiving belt support rollers as well as shaft support slots 310, as are shaft support slots 298. In this exemplary form of section 290, the base surface 306 also includes slots 312 to permit the passage of fingers associated with an envelope sensor positioned at the center of the transport therethrough. Moreover, sections 290 and 292 further include mounting holes 214 that are used to mount further structures thereon, such as rib 250. Of course, it should be understood that these structures are exemplary, and other structures may be used in other embodiments.

As best illustrated in Figure 43, section 290 includes a front end, downwardly facing wall 316 with positional tabs 318 extending therefrom. The recesses extend between the positioning tabs 318. Section 292 includes a U-shaped downwardly facing wall 320. This U-shaped wall 320 includes incisions 322. The U-shaped wall 320 is configured such that the distance between the legs containing the U-shaped wall are spaced sufficiently apart to receive the wall 316 of the section 290. Moreover, the cutouts 322 are dimensioned and positioned in such a manner. that the tabs 318 may engage them in an alignment relationship. This is illustrated in Fig. 44. As can be seen, when the tabs and cutouts engage, walls 236 and 304 of sections 290 and 292 are substantially aligned, as are adjacent portions of pressing surfaces 204 and 306. Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 44, in this embodiment, the areas where the sections meet each other have been rounded to facilitate the passage of envelopes or other media through the connection area while minimizing the risk of a blockage.

Moreover, in this embodiment, section 292 includes a ear portion 324. This ear portion 324 includes an opening 326. Opening 326 is aligned with opening 328 in sidewall 304 when sections 290 and 292 are folded together. A fastening assembly (not separately shown) engages opening 326 and opening 328 to keep the sections engaged.

As further illustrated in Fig. 43, section 290 further includes a folded wall portion 330 including slits 332. In addition, section 290 includes rake portions 334 with apertures 336. As can be seen, these structures are similar to the structures used to connect sections 290 and 292 and may be used to couple the section 290 to a further transport section, such as to a further horizontally extending section or the upper end of a curved pressure piece 214.

As can be appreciated, in this embodiment, the delivery section 218 extending horizontally outwardly between the console of the automated banking machine and the curved portion of the transport may be made to vary in length depending on the length and number of sections used. Thus, the envelope depository mechanism of an embodiment of the invention may be used with more than one type of device. Moreover, the structures used herein can be easily joined and the risk of jamming of the envelopes as they pass between sections of the transport is minimized. Of course, it should be understood that these structures are exemplary and that other structures and concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention of the escrow mechanism 120, a gate assembly is provided to minimize the risk that unauthorized persons may gain access to the transportation assembly and the interior of the automated banking machine while seeking to access valuables therein. In this embodiment of the invention, the gate is positioned adjacent the outer end 122 and operates to control access through opening 224. In this embodiment of the invention, the gate is operated to allow access only through the opening when the controller causes the device to issue an envelope to the user, or when the device is operated to perform a transaction in which the escrow envelope is to be received inside. devices. Of course, it should be understood that the structures and methods described herein are exemplary and that other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

PL 214 866 B1

As best illustrated in Figs. 45-50, the goal member 246 is rotatable about the pin 338. The pin 338 is supported by the side walls 236 of the transport section 292. Moreover, the goal member 246 and the pin are located behind the frame 242. In this, the pin 338 is supported by the side walls 236 of the transport section 292. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, frame 242 includes both a front wall 340 and side walls 342. In this embodiment of the invention, the side walls extend rearwardly from the front wall and overlap the gate and outer end of section 292 to reduce the risk of tampering attempt. Moreover, in this embodiment, frame 242 includes a top wall 344 and a bottom wall 346. Top and bottom walls overlap the gate and end of section 292 to reduce the risk of tampering attempted. Of course, it should be understood that these structures are exemplary and that other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

The exemplary frame 242 includes walls 348,350 that delimit an opening 244 on the top and bottom sides, respectively. Frame 244 further includes inwardly chamfered side walls 352. Walls 348, 350, and 352 define a funnel-shaped mouth designed to facilitate the advancement of the envelopes into and out of the opening 244. In addition, the frame front wall 340 includes an opening 354. In this embodiment of the invention, aperture 354 allows the user to observe lighting devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are selectively actuated in response to controller operation. Thereby, the controller actuates the lighting devices to draw the user's attention to the opening 244 at appropriate times during the transaction. This may include, for example, situations where the unit issues an envelope to the user and / or when the user is expected to deposit the envelope in the machine. In some example embodiments of the invention, the light emitting devices may provide for emitting lighting of different colors and / or to flash at different frequencies in response to operation of the controller. This may further facilitate guiding the user of the automated banking machine to draw his attention to a given opening at appropriate times. Of course, these concepts are exemplary.

As best illustrated in Fig. 50, in this embodiment, gate 246 includes an outwardly extending portion 356. The outwardly extending portion 356 in the gate closed position shown in Fig. 50 when it overlaps the interior of the top wall 348 of the frame. This is to reduce the possibility of unauthorized access to the interior of the device when the gate is closed.

Further, as shown in Fig. 50, gate 246 includes a lower inwardly extending portion 358. The inwardly extending portion 358 includes a plurality of transversely spaced depressions essentially constituting an incised surface in this embodiment. The surface engages in a reciprocal engagement relationship with a plurality of projections that extend in the direction of envelope travel in the transport and are alternatively replaced herein as zipper parts 380. In the closed position of the gate, the projections also extend through the scored lead-in surface 302 of the base 294. In this embodiment of the invention the portion 358 and the slit insertion portion 302 in the closed position of the gate 246 help minimize the risk of tampering attempt. This is done because deformation of the gate by persons attempting to tamper with the device can cause the gate to lock up and the adjacent structures to block, preventing it from opening. Moreover, the structure according to this embodiment of the invention reduces the possibilities of persons seeking access to the interior of the automated banking machine through the use of balancing tools or other means.

In this embodiment of the invention an actuator 360 has been movably mounted in support connection with the delivery section 218 as best illustrated in Fig. 46. The actuator 360 in this embodiment of the invention is able to move back and forth substantially transversely to the direction. movement of the goal along the line of arrow V through the action of the mutually engaging pins and slots 362. In this embodiment, the slots 364 have an enlarged circular end portion through which the enlarged pin heads 366 can pass. However, the configuration of the enlarged slot end portions is such that the actuator can only engage and disengage from certain pins at certain positions. Consequently, the risk that the actuating member can be disengaged from the pins supporting it in any position during its movement is reduced.

PL 214 866 B1

In this embodiment of the invention, the actuating member includes a cam slot 368 adjacent its front end. The cam slot is delimited in the actuator by a cam surface. The cam follower 370 is in communication with the gate 246 and is engaged with the cam slot 368. Further, in this embodiment, the cam slot 368 includes an enlarged area 372 at its most distal end. This enlarged area 372 is in the area of ​​the cam slit beyond where the cam follower is located as the gate travels between the open and closed positions. The enlarged area is useful for facilitating assembly by allowing access to the cam follower head 370 to enter the cam slot. However, as with other pin and guide structures, once the head is moved away from the enlarged area in the cam slot, as in all these situations during normal operation of the mechanism, the enlarged head cannot exit the engagement slot.

As shown in Fig. 46, actuating member 360 includes a rack portion 374 in operative communication with the member. This rack and pinion is coupled to a rotatable rack 376 that is driven by a drive (not separately shown). The drive is operated to selectively rotate the rack in one direction in response to the operation of a controller in the automated banking machine. In this embodiment of the invention, the state of the gate is determined by detecting the position of the actuating member.

During automatic banking operation, when the gate member is to be opened, actuator 360 is moved to the forward position as shown in Figure 47. This causes cam follower 370 to move from cam slot 368 to a relatively low position in a substantially horizontally extending position. end portion of the cam gap. Since the cam follower is located on the opposite side of the pin 338, the inward portion 358 of the goal is moved upward past the opening 244. This is the position of the goal as shown in Figure 23 and allows items to pass into and out of the transport.

Rearward movement of actuator 360 causes cam follower 370 to travel to an intermediate position in the center portion of cam slot 368 as shown in Figures 45 and 48. In this position, gate 246 is in the open and closed positions. Further movement of the actuating member 360 rearward from the position illustrated in Fig. 45 and 48 causes the cam follower to move by engagement with a cam surface surrounding the slot to a substantially horizontally extending upper end portion 378 of cam slot 368. At this position, the gate is moved to the front closed position illustrated in Fig. 50. As can be seen from Fig. 48 and 47, the upper end portion of the cam slit extends in a substantially horizontal and slightly downward orientation. In this embodiment of the invention, the risk that the goal member may be balanced by causing the actuator member 360 to move is reduced. This is achieved because the external force in the direction of opening the gate is due to the application of a force from the cam follower 370 on the actuator 360 that will be rather, it moved it in the direction indicated by the V arrow. Of course, these concepts are exemplary, and other concepts may be used in other embodiments.

As mentioned earlier, in this embodiment of the invention the frame includes protrusions in support connection therewith which are replaced as zip fastener parts 380. These zipper portions 380 operate in this embodiment of the invention to extend in engaging relationship in recesses in the inwardly extending portion 358 of the goal member 246 and a slotted guide in surface 302 of base 294. The zipper portions 380 extend towards the transport and in a reciprocal locking relationship between openings in the members when the gate is in the closed position. Such slide fastener portions can further serve to provide resistance to deformation and attempts to tamper with the goal member. Of course, these structures are exemplary, and other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

Moreover, in this embodiment of the invention, a circuit and controller software may be used to facilitate work in situations that may arise.

An ATM device that would otherwise cause problems or shutdown the device for operation. Such conditions can sometimes result from the user inserting fingers or other objects into the opening leading to the transport at times when the gate is about to move from the open position to the closed position. Other conditions that may occur in the device may result from moisture entering the area adjacent to the gate and subsequent freezing in the case of an outdoor ATM device. When this happens, the formation of ice can cause the closed gate to freeze permanently. Another alternative condition that can occur in the device may be that an envelope, such as the one delivered from the mechanism to a customer, or alternatively an envelope that the customer may have started to insert into the device, remains in an opening in the area below the gate.

In an embodiment of the invention, the controller, in conjunction with the respective circuit, operates to monitor at least one parameter associated with the movement of the gate as a function of time. In this embodiment of the invention, the monitored parameter is current, and the controller is operated to compare the normal current versus time characteristics for the drive running gear 376. Such comparisons, made continuously during the opening and closing operations, enable the detection of undesirable or unusual conditions, and the controller operates as programmed to prevent operating errors and minimize the possibility of damage that may result from such conditions.

If, for example, the gate has frozen closed due to rain or other conditions, the time-dependent current characteristic when the controller attempts to open the gate will indicate a high electric current for a short period of time after the gate opening command has been issued. A comparison of the established current versus time characteristics with the expected characteristics by the processor indicates to the controller that an abnormal condition has occurred, and the controller may then operate as programmed to prevent further efforts to open the gate and / or indicate the occurrence of a problem to the user and / or or the handling unit. Moreover, in some embodiments of the invention, the driver association software may still allow the device to operate and transact even if the deposit transaction is not available. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the controller may continue to operate as programmed and attempt to perform corrective actions such as causing a drive for the rack and pinion actuator to go into a vibrating mode of the type previously discussed by using stepper motors to overcome any obstacles. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be operated to actuate the heaters, to apply defrost material to the gate area, or to take any other action that may be considered necessary to restore normal operation of the device. The driver may operate after attempting corrective actions by operating the gateway and repeating the actions, or by taking other corrective actions if the problem has not been resolved.

In other example circumstances, a person may stick fingers or other objects into the area of ​​the open gate. Again, under such circumstances, the circuit and / or the processor compares the established current versus time characteristics for the drive attempting to move the actuator and detects the occurrence of a discrepancy between the condition actually detected and the condition expected under normal conditions. In such circumstances, however, the controller may operate as programmed and cause the actuator to be driven in the opposite direction to effect opening of the gate. Additionally or alternatively, the driver may operate as it has been programmed and take the unlocking steps. This may include, for example, repeated attempts to open and close the gate. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be operable to cause the drive to actuate the transport belts and / or to issue and / or retract one or more envelopes from the transport to clear obstructions.

Alternatively or additionally, a controller in the device operates such that it compares the established time-dependent current characteristics in a given situation with the characteristics expected under normal conditions, and may operate according to the program by taking actions selectively depending on the nature of the characteristics found. For example, if the time curve found shows moderate and / or gradual occurrence

As the gate tends to reach the closed position, this may indicate the presence of fingers, an envelope, or other substantially soft material. Alternatively, if there is rapid growth, this may indicate that some hard substance or tool has been inserted into the drive unit. This may indicate a burglary attempt or other malfunction and the appropriate authorities may be notified. This may be done as set forth in US Patent No. 5,984,178, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the ATM device or associated assembly may operate to capture and store images of the user and / or device. This can be done as set forth in US Patent No. 6,583,810, hereby incorporated by reference. The controller may operate by taking action based on programming in response to the determined characteristic.

Moreover, in some embodiments of the invention, the features related to monitoring the current versus time characteristics given for a given situation and comparing it to the expected current versus time characteristics may be combined with other detection features such as detecting the position where the gate encounters. to an obstacle, detecting the gate area in which such an obstacle is located, detecting the temperature of the gate area and other relevant factors, to enable the controller to make selective judgments about the actions that can be taken. Of course, these concepts are exemplary, and different or additional concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

As discussed previously, an embodiment of the invention provides a recording unit that includes an inkjet printer. As shown in Fig. 51, in this embodiment, the inkjet printer 382 includes a removable ink cartridge that is mounted with a printhead including nozzles adjacent to platen 214. The inkjet printer operates such that ink is sprayed from nozzles located in the printhead to generate a pattern of indicia on the envelopes which pass through the transport in support connection with the pressure piece 214. In this embodiment, the inkjet printer operates in such a way. a method that generates the indicia by directing ink into an aperture in wiping unit 384, as discussed later.

In this embodiment of the invention, a mechanism is provided to trap excess ink that has not been deposited on the envelopes, and to assist in holding the envelopes in position. In this embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished with a spittoon generally indicated by the reference numeral 386. An exemplary embodiment of an ink spittoon serving as a vessel includes a substantially hollow body 388 with a recess 390. Recess 390 has an opening indicated by the reference numeral 392. The opening 392 substantially overlaps the nozzles of the inkjet printer 382 in operative communication with the spittoon as shown in Figure 51. As can be seen, this allows the ink which has been ejected through the head nozzles to pass through. to the cavity 390 in the body 388 through the opening 392, if no envelope or other object is in the immediate vicinity of the transport.

An exemplary embodiment of a spittoon bowl 386 includes a head portion 394. The head portion 394 includes a pair of outwardly extending arms 396 that terminate at pins 398 on a spindle. In this embodiment of the invention, pins 398 are detachably engageable in opposing walls surrounding the area above curved pressure piece 214 for pivotal connection. Moreover, pins 398 engage with such walls to allow the cuspidor to rotate relatively easily about the pins for a purpose that will be explained later, and to substantially bias the opening 392 toward the nozzles.

In this embodiment, the body 388 includes a pivot door 400 mounted in operative communication to serve as an access member for accessing the internal cavity of the spittoon bowl. Door 400 is pivotable about hinge portion 402 such that it can access recess 390. A door 400 in accordance with this embodiment of the invention includes integral latch projections 404 which operate to releasably engage recess 406 receiving latches in the side walls of a body 388 surrounding recess 390. Door 400 allows easy access to the interior of the recess for cleaning. its insides of ink.

PL 214 866 B1

In this embodiment of the spittoon bowl 386, the body 388 is configured to include a cam surface 408. The cam surface 408 is configured to move envelopes or other media forward in support engagement with the platen 214 and toward the nozzles of the inkjet printer. 383. Body 388 further includes a cam surface 410. The cam surface 410 is configured to direct envelopes or other media outwardly behind the inkjet printer and toward the platen 214 and the printer nozzles. In this embodiment of the invention, a substantially planar surface 412 including aperture 392 extends between cam surfaces 408 and 410. Of course, this structure is exemplary, and other concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

In this embodiment of the spittoon bowl 386, the cavity 390 includes a portion extending below the opening 392. Thereby, ink which may pass into the cavity through the opening will drip from the inside of the lid and walls delimiting the cavity and accumulate in its lower portion below the opening. In this embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Fig. 51, where the recess is shown in cross-section, an overflow 414 is provided inside the recess so that ink can collect therein on the lower side of the overflow and away from opening 392 to a level vertically above opening 392. This design further facilitates the operation of the spittoon bowl by time before it needs cleaning or replacement.

In operation of this embodiment of the invention, there may be circumstances where the controller will manage the device to print the indicia on the envelopes when no envelope is present. In such a case, the ink passes from the nozzles through the opening 392 and is trapped within the cavity 388. The ink would otherwise collect on the surfaces within the unit, thereby causing it to malfunction. Additionally or alternatively, misdirected ink can cause this ink or other material to accumulate on the envelopes, rollers, and other surfaces, which can prevent proper marking on the envelopes. In addition, inkjet printers can sometimes benefit from periodically testing and cleaning the ink nozzles, which may clog. The exemplary structures allow such testing to be made without the need for an envelope as the ink may be trapped inside a cavity in the spittoon structure. Moreover, this structure further avoids the need for a cotton pad or other similar structure that is sometimes used in printers to collect excess ink that must be captured when no media is present. In alternative embodiments, sensors on the cuspidor, either inside or outside the cuspidor, may be used to detect various aspects of the operation of the printer.

Another useful aspect of an exemplary spittoon bowl is that the body is biased about the pins in the direction of an overlapping relationship with the nozzles of the printhead of the inkjet cartridge. In this way, the body serves to cover the printer nozzles and reduce the risk of airborne dust or other contaminants entering the interior. In addition, the cam surfaces 408 and 410 serve to guide the envelopes and / or other media traveling outside the inkjet printer to an appropriate position adjacent the printer nozzles, thereby facilitating printing on them. Another useful aspect of the present invention is that the pin and arm structures allow the body to be easily disengaged from the mechanism, thereby facilitating replacement or cleaning. Moreover, the opening door delimiting the cavity further facilitates the accumulation of ink while allowing the interior of the cavity to be easier to clean. Of course, it should be understood that these features are exemplary and that different or additional features may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

Also in this embodiment of the invention, testing the nozzles of the inkjet printer 382 is accomplished by the movement of the wiping assembly 384. As discussed earlier, in this embodiment, the wiping assembly overlaps the nozzle region of the inkjet printer 382 and includes openings therein through which the nozzles can spray. ink. This is best shown in the operational position of member 384 shown in Fig. 57. Wiping assembly 384 includes a flexible rubber roller portion 416 that extends downwardly and is adapted to engage a surface of the inkjet printer including the nozzles. A pair of opposing peg members

PL 214 866 B1

418 it extends outward from the wiping assembly 384 in the area to the rear and over a portion of the rubber roller.

This is best illustrated in Figs. 18 and 54, where the leading member 420 of the wiper assembly 384 is operatively connected to the arm 210. In this embodiment of the invention, the wiper has been made substantially such that it can be easily detached from the arm, such as via shaft and coupling joint. Arm 210 operates to rotate in response to the movement of the septum 196 by the drive assembly 200. This is due to the action of the head roller 208 acting on the cam surface which has been operatively connected to the arm 210.

As shown in Fig. 55, pressure piece 214 is formed by a slot 422 formed therein through which wiping assembly 384 can move. Adjacent to the slot in the area of ​​pins 418 is a pair of spaced-apart protruding portions 424. Initially, the wiper is substantially aligned. with the deposited object engaging the surface of the platen. In response to movement of baffle 196, roller 208 engages the cam on arm 210. Arm 210 moves and causes wiper unit 384 to move to the right as shown in Figs. 54 to 57. As wiper unit 384 moves, it is guided and held within slot 422. As wiper unit 384 moves forward, pins 418 move upward, as illustrated in engagement with projecting portions 424. This causes the pins 418 to move upward and onto the top surface of the pressure piece 214. In this position, a portion of the rubber roller 416 continues to engage the slot.

As the wiping assembly 384 moves forward, a portion of the rubber roller 416 is moved forward through the nozzles of the inkjet printer. A rubbing force is further applied to the rubber portion by engaging wiping assembly 483 with surface 412 of overlapping spittoon body 388 386. Moreover, as wiping assembly 384 has moved to the farthest position, the controller operates the drive to return baffle 396 to it. original position. When this occurs, the wiping assembly 384 moves to the left as shown to cause the rubber portion 416 to wipe the inkjet nozzles again. The wiping assembly finally returns to a position where its top surface is flush with the platen. This wiping action keeps the nozzles substantially free of ink build-up in their vicinity and aids in maintaining their proper operation. Moreover, in this embodiment of the invention, such an operation to keep the nozzles of the inkjet printer in proper condition due to the movement of the septum, which allows empty deposit envelopes to be picked up and the deposit envelopes received into the deposit holding container. Then, due to the interconnection with the gate, the grasping functions and the handling of the head, the operations for the operation and maintenance of the nozzles of the inkjet printer are performed after the operations related to the operation of the printer have already been performed by the apparatus. Of course, this concept is exemplary, and other concepts may be used in other embodiments.

In this embodiment of the invention, maintenance procedures can be easily performed to perform maintenance and / or replace an ink cartridge for a printer, a spittoon for storing inks, and / or a wiper. In this embodiment of the invention, the service worker starts operation by unlocking the lock, which allows access to the cabinet portion of the housing where the transport unit is located. As will be discussed later, in this embodiment of the invention a base portion 144 of the deposit mechanism is movably mounted on guides such that it can be slid out of the device for more convenient maintenance. As will be discussed in more detail below, such displacement is controlled to minimize the risk that machine maintenance personnel may only access the cabinet portion without unauthorized access to the deposited items. Thus, in certain example embodiments of this invention, maintenance personnel authorized to access the chamber portion and remove the deposit holding container to allow the deposit mechanism to move outside of the device will be able to do so, further facilitating maintenance procedures.

In this embodiment of the invention, the spittoon bowl 386 can be easily disengaged from the support connection to the housing by disengaging the pins 398 extending over the head portion 36.

From the coupling recesses on the housing. It allows you to remove the spittoon from the nozzles of the inkjet printer, as well as remove it from the device. The technician can then open the door 400 on the cuspidor to access the inner cavity and remove the accumulated ink therefrom. Alternatively, the service technician may replace the cuspidor containing ink with another cuspidor that does not have ink. The service worker may then insert said spittoon or a new spittoon into an operative connection with the housing of the device by engaging the pins therein with the housing.

In addition, preferably with a spittoon removable from the unit, the technician may elect to clean or replace the wiper. This can be done by having the service technician disengage the wiper 384 from the arm 210. This disengagement allows the wiper containing the rubber portion to be removed from an opening in the pressure piece 214 in which the wiper is normally positioned. After the wiper has been cut, an operator can clean and / or inspect the wiper, reinsert it into the opening, and recreate the engagement of the wiper with the arm. Alternatively, the maintenance technician may choose to replace the wiper with a new one. In this case, the service technician will place a new wiper in a hole in the pressure piece and reconnect it to the arm. As it will generally be more advantageous to replace the wiper with the rubber roller removed, the service technician will reinstall the rubber roller in a movable engagement with the housing after reinstalling the wiper.

Alternatively or additionally, a service technician may also replace the ink cartridge 382 for the inkjet printer while servicing the rubber roller and / or wiper. As discussed previously, the printer cartridge is made such that it is removably mounted in support connection with the housing. This is preferably done with deformable members which ensure a firm engagement of the cartridge, but also allow quick latching release from the housing and the electrical connections for the cartridge. The cartridge can then be replaced with a new one placed in engagement with the housing. With certain maintenance methods, the service technician can replace the cartridge without removing the squeegee or squeegee, or may remove and / or replace certain items without having to replace other items. The concept adopted in a given case will depend on the specific circumstances and the reason for the maintenance of the equipment.

In general, when the maintenance worker has performed maintenance, that maintenance worker will operate the machine so as to perform performance testing of the transport unit and printer. This can be done, for example, by passing the envelope through the transport and printing indicia thereon. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an operator provides one or more inputs to the device, whereby the controller is operated to cause the printer to print test patterns of marks to verify that the printer is functioning properly. After the service technician has verified that the printer and shipment are operating properly, the service technician can close the enclosure and restore the ATM device to normal operation. Of course, these methods are exemplary, and other methods may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

The deposit holder 128 and associated structures used in an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 58 through 66. In connection with one embodiment of the present invention, the container 128 includes a storage body 426 which is made of a substantially rigid material. plastic material. The storage body 426 includes a pair of outwardly extending flange portions that include retaining flanges 428 that extend horizontally in the operative position of the container. The protruding portion 430 extends on the container substantially vertically upward above the flanges 428. In this embodiment, the protruding portion includes a plurality of openings 432.

Housing 434 is dimensioned to engage projecting portion 430. Housing 434 includes projecting clamp members that are adapted to engage openings 432 in portion.

Protruding. As shown in Fig. 60, housing 434 includes surfaces adapted to both overlap and under projecting portion 432.

The substantially flexible drum door 436 is adapted to engage the casing 434. The drum door 436 is preferably made of a plastics material and includes a substantially rigid end portion 438 and a substantially flexible portion 440. The flexible portion in this embodiment is made of interconnected extending transversely slatted structures. End portion 438 includes a generally rigid, upward-facing ledge 442, the purpose of which will be discussed in more detail below. The transverse ends of flexible portion 440 include a plurality of T-shaped cover tabs 444. As best illustrated in Fig. 60, housing 434 includes a recessed guide portion 446 laterally on each side thereof. The protrusions 444 extend through the track and are movable along the track.

Cover 448 fits snap-fit ​​to overlap housing 434. Cover 448 includes a guide portion 450 that corresponds to guide portion 446 and overlaps projections 444. The guide portions form a surrounding guide in which the cover tabs can move in a limited manner. The cover 448 engages the housing 434 in a secure relationship such that they cannot be readily separated once they are joined, and thus the projections 444 attached to the drum door can slide in the guides formed by the portion 446 and the portion 450 to allow selective opening or closing by a tumbler door for an opening 452 that passes through the cover. When the drum door moves to the open position, the flexible portion of the drum door moves to the inner region of the container. In this embodiment of the invention, cover 448 also includes an opening 454 for mounting a cylinder lock therein. The key lock associated with the cylinder in opening 454 may be used for purposes that will be discussed later. Moreover, in this embodiment, the handle 456 is movably mounted in connection with the ears 458 which are formed in the body 426 for storage.

In this embodiment, the deposit holding container 128 is attachable to the interior of the chamber portion of the banking machine. During operation of an embodiment of the invention, only authorized persons may access the ventricular portion. However, in this embodiment of the invention, other parts of the deposit accepting mechanism, such as components that have been supported on the base 144, have been adapted to be placed within the cabinet portion and outside the cavity. While this contributes to making it easier to perform maintenance on these components outside the chamber, it may present a certain hazard. Unauthorized persons who gain access to the device outside the chamber may attempt to gain access to the interior of the deposit holding container through a panel opening 204 that corresponds to an opening in the partition wall delimiting the top of the chamber. This must however be done by moving the mechanisms that are responsible for dispensing the envelopes and advancing the envelopes to and from outer end 122. In embodiments of the invention in which such mechanisms are mounted in a support connection with the chamber in a manner that prevents the mechanisms from being moved apart, additional and adequate security may be provided thereby.

In other embodiments of the invention, however, it may be desirable to facilitate maintenance of the deposit acceptor which is located above the armor compartment. This is done in certain example embodiments by mounting the base 144 in a movable support connection to the guides 460 illustrated in Fig. 8. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the guides are in support connection with the partition wall and may be used to move the base and the deposit mechanism and components supported thereon away from the operative position to facilitate their maintenance. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a maintenance door located at the rear of the appliance to the cabinet portion may be unlocked and opened and the base and other associated components may be removed outwardly in support connection with the guides 460. As there is a risk in such embodiments of the invention that unauthorized persons may gain access to the observer above the compartment and displace the mechanism in such a way as to gain access to the opening of the deposit envelopes at the top of the compartment, it may be appropriate to use a mechanism to reduce such risk. This is done in this example

In some embodiments of the invention by employing a locking mechanism as illustrated in conjunction with Figs. 63 to 66.

In this exemplary form of container locking mechanism 128, has been supported within the armor compartment by engaging the underside of each of the flange portions 428 along each long side of the container with an inwardly extending protrusion 462 on each side of the container (see Fig. 65). These projections 462 allow the container to slide in and out of the operative position when the door securing the chamber portion is unlocked and opened. In an embodiment of the invention, the orientation of the container and the chamber door is such that the container cannot be moved from the operating position unless the chamber door is opened. The latch 464 of the locking mechanism that pivots on the mandrel 466 includes a projection 468. The projection 468 aligns with the opening 470 in the partition wall delimiting the chamber portion and acts to engage the opening 472 in the base 144 when the base is in place. working position.

When the deposit holding container 128 is installed in the operative position in the chamber portion, the latch 464 engages cover 448 which causes projection 468 to fully pop up and engage the opening in base 472. This is for example illustrated in Figures 63 and 64. In this position of protrusion 468, base 144 is substantially prevented from moving on guides 460 to a maintenance position in which the deposit mechanism moves away from the deposit envelope opening. As a result of using this configuration, when the deposit holding container is located in the chest portion such that it can contain deposits, unauthorized persons accessing the cabinet portion generally cannot move the base to access an opening in the chamber allowing access to the cabinet portion. them accessing such deposits.

Nevertheless, in circumstances where a chest has been opened and the deposit holding container has been removed from the chest, indicating that an authorized person has secured access to such deposits, the base may move in conjunction with the guides 460. This is possible due to the fact that removal of the deposit holding cassette causes the latch 464 to spring back, which causes the projection 468 to move away from the opening 472. This allows the base 144 to move in support connection with the guides 460 to a position where the deposit mechanism extends outside the housing. Of course, it should be understood that this concept is exemplary, and different locking mechanisms and concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

Another useful aspect of an embodiment of the invention resides in being able to automatically open the deposit holding container upon insertion of the deposit holding container in the operating position, and to cause automatic locking of the drum door when the deposit holding container is removed from the apparatus. This is achieved in this embodiment of the invention by providing a locking mechanism 474, illustrated in Figures 62 and 67, to the housing. The locking mechanism 474 includes a pivot member 476 that is in operative communication with the lock cylinder and can be rotated from an exterior position of the cassette by using a suitable key in the locking cylinder. Rotation of member 476 counterclockwise from the position shown in Fig. 67 causes engagement and rotation clockwise about the tang of latch member 478. The latch member 478 includes the locking projection 480 thereon. When moved to the open position, the locking member is temporarily held therein by firing member 482. The firing member 482 includes a protrusion 484 that holds the latch member 478 in the unlocked position against a biasing force provided by spring 486 that acts to bias the locking member 478 to move counterclockwise. clock as illustrated.

In this embodiment of the invention, the firing member 482 is accessible through an opening 488 which is provided in the housing 434. The flat portion 490 of the firing member 482 is biased toward the opening in response to the biasing force exerted by spring 492, which is also illustrated. schematically.

A latch protrusion 494 is provided on the inner surface of end portion 438 of the drum door 436. The latch protrusion 494 is configured to engage the locking protrusion 480 on the latch member 478 when the latch member 478 is in the position shown in Fig. 62. In this embodiment of the invention, it allows the drum door to snap and hold in the closed position. As can be seen from Figs. 62 and 67, after a key is used to open the lock, latch member 478 is held in the position shown in Fig. 67 by actuation of the firing member 482 in engagement therewith. In this position, the drum door can be opened and closed as the latch projection 494 is free to move into and out of the area adjacent the latch projection 480.

Then, if the door can be locked by moving the firing member 482, the latch member 478 will move in response to the biasing force to the position shown in Fig. 62. This is generally accomplished by advancing an arm pin or other protrusion through the opening 488 to engage it. planar portion 490 of the trip member. As the latch member 478 moves to this position, subsequent closure of the drum door will engage the latch projection 494 with the latch member 478 and hold them in that engagement until the pivoting member 476 is rotated counterclockwise with the lock key. . This is used in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide the ability to insert the deposit holding container in the operative position and then cause the cylinder door of the deposit holding container to automatically close and lock upon removal.

As shown in Fig. 66, the downward clutch lever 496 acts to engage the top shelf 422 of the drum door as the container is moved towards the ATM device's operative position. When the deposit holding container has been moved into position and the lock is in the unlocked position, the drum door is moved to the open position by the sliding action necessary to install it in place. In this embodiment of the invention, the deposit holding container may be installed against an open drum door or against a closed drum door, and if the door is closed it will be opened due to installation. Moreover, the clutch lever operates in this embodiment of the invention to seat in the recess 498 that is formed in the end portion 438 of the drum door (see Fig. 69). This enables the engaging lever to engage the drum door in the recess 498 such that when the deposit holding container is removed from the apparatus, the drum door is moved to the closed position. Then, additional force on the container causes lever 498 to move out of the recess and allows the deposit holding container to be removed from the device.

Moreover, in an embodiment of the invention, a pin is mounted in a suitable position with respect to the deposit holding container within the ATM housing such that when the deposit holding container is fully inserted into the operating position, the pin extends through the opening 488 and moves the firing member. 482. Thus, although the locking mechanism 474 is initially in the open position shown in FIG. 67, once the container is inserted into the device, action on the firing member causes the lock to move to the position shown in Fig. 62 when the door drum is opened. Then, when the deposit holding container is removed, the locking protrusion 480 engages a snap tab 494 holding the door closed to secure the deposits therein until the container is unlocked by a person having the appropriate key. This facilitates the management of the deposited items and helps to minimize the risk of losses. Moreover, in this embodiment of the invention, since the components associated with the containers have been configured as shown, unauthorized attempts to gain access to the deposits inside the container will result in an easily visible trace showing that such unauthorized access has been obtained. Of course, it should be understood that these concepts are exemplary and that different concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

Another advantageous aspect of the embodiment of the deposit holding container is that while the structures are such that they indicate tampering, it is nevertheless possible for authorized persons to replace the drum door in situations where the door is worn or otherwise requires replacement. As illustrated in Figures 59 and 61, the exemplary embodiment of the guide 446 in the housing 434 includes on its lower side a frangible portion which is

Is referred to herein as section 500. Furthermore, cover 448 includes a countersunk area 502 in the flange overlapping the guide 450 corresponding to the frangible section 500. It is of course to be understood that while these features have been shown to be on only one side of the container , embodiments of the invention include such features in guides disposed on each side.

As shown in Fig. 59, the frangible section 500 may be broken on one side because the door has been opened and now the movable part has moved upwards on one side into the recess area 502. This causes the guide to open in the inward direction, then, by moving the drum door in the direction of arrow X and down into the container, the drum door can be separated from the guide by moving the projections and taking them out of the guides. After being separated from the rails, the drum door can be removed from the container through the opening, and a new drum door can be installed with the projections 444 extending in the rails. Thereafter, the frangible section can be returned to its original guide restraining orientation and the new drum door will operate as previously described. Moreover, the displacement of the door is possible by moving the previously broken section 500 back into the recess. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the drum door, which can be broken, worn or damaged, can be replaced by authorized persons without having to disassemble and reassemble the tops of the cassettes. This facilitates the implementation of the embodiments of the invention such that it provides a substantially permanent fixation of the various components and supports the properties previously discussed for providing an indication of an attempted tampering with the deposit holding container. Moreover, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the frangible section may include a guide limiting section which is simultaneously movable but also not requiring any preliminary fracture of the guide limiting surface. For the purposes of this disclosure, a frangible section will be understood as a section that is capable of being deformed so as to be detached from the guide, whether or not it is necessary to break the link for this purpose. Of course, it should be understood that these features are exemplary and that different concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

As discussed previously, in this embodiment, the base 144 supporting the components of the deposit accepting mechanism located outside the chamber may be movably mounted in support connection with the housing guides 460. This allows the deposit mechanism to extend outside the housing for maintenance and further allows the deposit mechanism to be returned to its operating position. In such embodiments of the invention, the frame 242 and outer end 122 of the transport must align with the corresponding opening in the device console. This necessity may create problems in achieving alignment of the frame with such holes in the console. To minimize the need to accurately align the console, certain example embodiments of this invention provide console sections that are in support connection with the housing and yet movable with respect to other console components. This is illustrated in Figs. 69 and 70 in connection with an exemplary console plate 504. Console board 504 is in operational communication with the external console of the automated banking machine. Nevertheless, it is mounted such that it can slightly move in two (2) directions relative to the console. Such engagement is achieved in this embodiment of the invention by a sandwich-type structure, but different concepts may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

As shown in Fig. 69, the rear portion of the console plate 504 includes a pair of horizontal tracks 506 as well as a vertical track 508. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the console plate 504 includes projections 510 that define a slot that can be received by frame 242 in alignment relationship.

Consequently, when the deposit accepting mechanism is moved from the maintenance position in which it is extended outside the device on the guides 460 to the operating position, the frame 462 engages the guides 506, 508, and 510 to cause the console plate 504 to move with respect to the console to the appropriate position. a position where the openings 512 in the console plate correspond to the location of the frame and the deposit receiving opening in the frame. As can be deduced, this exemplary concept eliminates the need to maintain an accurate alignment engagement between the console assemblies as the movable console plate can compensate for minor variations. Of course, it should be understood that these features may apply to other assemblies where it is necessary to align with the device console. Of course, it will be understood that these depicted structures in conjunction with the deposit accepting mechanism are exemplary in nature, and different concepts may be used in other embodiments.

Embodiments of the invention enable the controller and other circuitry that may be operated in the automated banking machine to detect states that may indicate conditions and problems with the escrow mechanism or other components of the automated banking machine. This is done in an embodiment of the invention thanks to a series of sensors which are indicated schematically in connection with Fig. 68. These sensors include, in this embodiment, an exit sensor 248 which is operable to detect the presence of envelopes or other objects in the vicinity of the outer end 122 of the transport. Further, an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a center sensor 514 of the transport, similar to sensor 248, which operates to detect envelopes and other objects in the transport section and may be used in conjunction with detecting fingers that extend through slots 312 in the transport section. 290 as discussed earlier. The sensor 232 previously discussed and may also be similar to the sensor 248 which detects envelopes or other objects on the platen adjacent the slot 188. The gate position sensor 516 operates to sense the position of the gate through the position of the actuator 360. An internal sensor 518 is provided. a gate to detect the position of baffle 196 relative to base 144. In this embodiment, at least two (2) sensors are used for this purpose to facilitate the detection of the partition in its various positions. A container full sensor 520 is provided in the area through which the envelopes pass as they pass into the container interior to determine whether the container has been full. Moreover, a container presence sensor 522 has been installed to determine if the cassette has been installed in the correct position within the device. Finally, a printhead sensor 524 is provided to detect the operating position and other properties of the printhead. Of course, these sensors in their relative positions within the mechanism are exemplary. Additional sensors or sensors of a different type may also be used. Moreover, various types of sensors may be used in connection with the embodiments to achieve the same functions. For example, while contact sensors have been described in connection with output sensor 248, sensor 232, and transport center sensor 514, other types of sensors such as photoelectric sensors, radiation sensors, inductive sensors, acoustic sensors, capacitive sensors, voltage sensors, current sensors, and and other types of sensors can be used alternatively or additionally.

In operation of an embodiment of the invention, sensors are generally monitored to detect changes in state and operate to send signals that serve to notify a controller or other circuit that a change of state has occurred. When this happens in circumstances where the driver has failed to instruct the mechanism to perform a function that would cause such an event, an asynchronous event is noted by the driver software. The nature of the event is noted and the controller may take action as programmed to perform the appropriate function. For example, if an object is detected in the transport by the middle sensor of the transport, in circumstances where the controller has not operated the package to cause the object to be present in the transport, the controller may be programmed to indicate the presence of an alarm condition. The driver may operate by notifying the appropriate server or authority that a device tampering has occurred.

Similarly, when the machine is operated to dispense envelopes or accept envelopes, the controller operates in accordance with its software and determines that the sensors are detecting the appropriate actions in the correct sequence and at the right times. These events are compared through the operation of the controller with data stored in the data carrier, which data correspond to the sequences of events that are expected in carrying out such operations. If an out-of-the-box event or abnormal sequence of events occurs while performing these operations, the controller is operating in accordance with its software and attempting

Correct the abnormal event and / or record and transmit the breach event notification. For example, if a user requests a deposit transaction to be performed, and when the depository gate moves to the open position, the presence of the object is detected by an exit sensor inside the transport before the envelope is detected by the middle sensor 514 of the transport, it is likely that someone is trying insert the intrusion tool into the transport unit. In such cases, the controller may operate to cause the baffle 196 in the device to be moved to a properly closed position, preventing access to the deposit holding container. Likewise, the controller may run in accordance with its software and send a notification to the appropriate personnel to notify of the suspected violation event. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may operate to activate its associated cameras or other warning teams so as to transmit notification of the event and capture information such as images showing the identity of the person operating the device when such an event has occurred. Of course, these concepts are exemplary, and different concepts may be used in other embodiments.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to deposit items such as envelopes, the essential features of the invention are not intended to be limited to such items. The essential features of the present invention can be used with tickets, checks, money orders, banknotes and other types of items that can be deposited with or dispensed from automated banking machines. Moreover, the described basic features can be used in situations where the operators of such systems need to accept deposits of money or other objects. Numerous alternative concepts embraced by the basic features described herein will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from the foregoing disclosure.

Thus, the apparatus and methods described herein can achieve the desired results, eliminate the difficulties encountered in using the prior art devices and systems, and solve the problems, and may fulfill one or more of the objectives set out above.

In the above description, certain terms have been used to achieve simplification, clarity and clarity of concepts. However, no unnecessary limitations should be applied therefrom as these terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly interpreted. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations contained herein are exemplary and the invention is not limited to the details shown and described.

In the following claims, each feature described as means to perform a function should be understood to include any means capable of fulfilling such said function, and should not be considered limited to the structures shown herein or merely their equivalents.

Having described the features, findings and basic assumptions of the present invention, the way in which it should be interpreted and how it is intended to function, as well as its advantages and beneficial effects, new and useful structures, devices, elements, systems, parts, connections, systems, instrumentation , operations and methods and dependencies are set out in the appended claims.