U.S. patent application number 10/796798 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-21 for cash dispensing automated banking machine deposit accepting system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Diebold Self-Service Systems Division of Diebold, Incorporated. Invention is credited to Beskitt, William D., Dunlap, R. Matthew, Eastman, Jeffrey, Enright, Jeffery M., Fitzpatrick, Colin, Force, Matthew, Haney, Sean, Laskowski, Edward L., Lavelle, Bill, Ryan, Mike, Schultz, David, Theriault, Franklin M..
Application Number | 20040206767 10/796798 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32990765 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040206767 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haney, Sean ; et
al. |
October 21, 2004 |
Cash dispensing automated banking machine deposit accepting system
and method
Abstract
An automated banking machine includes a mechanism for accepting
deposited items. Deposited items may be provided to the machine in
envelopes which are first passed to a user from an envelope storage
area (132) in the machine through a transport (124) and which are
presented to the user through an opening (244). An envelope storage
and dispensing device (134) is operative to assure that only a
single envelope is delivered to the user. A user may thereafter
include deposit items in the dispensed envelope. The deposited
items are passed through the opening (244) and are deposited in a
deposit-holding container (128). The deposited items may be marked
with indicia corresponding to the transaction or properties of the
deposited item where the envelope originally dispensed to the user
for holding the deposited item.
Inventors: |
Haney, Sean; (North Canton,
OH) ; Enright, Jeffery M.; (Akron, OH) ;
Eastman, Jeffrey; (North Canton, OH) ; Theriault,
Franklin M.; (Canton, OH) ; Dunlap, R. Matthew;
(North Canton, OH) ; Beskitt, William D.; (Canton,
OH) ; Fitzpatrick, Colin; (Smithville, OH) ;
Laskowski, Edward L.; (Seven Hills, OH) ; Ryan,
Mike; (Canton, OH) ; Lavelle, Bill;
(Massillon, OH) ; Schultz, David; (Massillon,
OH) ; Force, Matthew; (Uniontown, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RALPH E. JOCKE
231 SOUTH BROADWAY
MEDINA
OH
44256
US
|
Assignee: |
Diebold Self-Service Systems
Division of Diebold, Incorporated
North Canton
OH
|
Family ID: |
32990765 |
Appl. No.: |
10/796798 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60453397 |
Mar 10, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 2/16585 20130101;
B65H 1/06 20130101; Y10T 29/49945 20150115; G07F 19/20 20130101;
G06Q 20/1085 20130101; B65H 3/042 20130101; G07D 11/12 20190101;
B65H 2701/1912 20130101; G06Q 40/00 20130101; G07D 11/0096
20130101; B65H 3/52 20130101; G07D 11/40 20190101; B65H 2701/1916
20130101; Y10T 29/4984 20150115; Y10T 29/49904 20150115; G07F
19/202 20130101; G07D 11/14 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/009 |
International
Class: |
B65H 005/22; G07F
011/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. Apparatus comprising: an automated banking machine including a
housing; a cash dispenser in supporting connection with the
housing; an opening extending in the housing wherein items moving
at least one of into and out of the housing move through the
opening; a gate moveably mounted in supporting connection with the
housing and movable between a closed position wherein the gate
prevents access from outside the housing into the housing through
the opening, and an open position wherein access into the housing
is enabled through the opening from outside the housing; a bezel in
surrounding relation of the opening, wherein the bezel and the gate
include at least one interengaging projection and recess, wherein
in the closed position of the gate the at least one protection
extends in the recess.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising an
actuator member including a cam surface thereon, wherein the gate
moves between the opened and closed positions responsive to
movement of the actuator member.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the gate member in
moving between the open and closed positions moves generally
perpendicular to the actuator member.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the banking machine
further comprises a transport extending in the machine adjacent the
opening, and wherein the transport is bounded by a generally
vertically extending side wall, wherein the actuator member is
moveably mounted in supporting connection with the side wall.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the gate is pivotally
mounted in supporting connection with the side wall.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the gate is
operatively connected to the side wall through at least one pivot,
and further comprising a cam follower in operative connection with
the gate, wherein the cam follower moves in engagement with the cam
surface, and wherein the gate is disposed on a first side of the
pivot and the cam follower is disposed on the second side of the
pivot opposed of the first side.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the cam surface
bounds a cam slot extending through the actuator member.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the cam slot includes
an enlarged cam slot area, wherein the cam follower is enabled to
be extended through the cam slot in the enlarged cam slot area,
wherein when the cam follower is disposed from the enlarged cam
slot area the cam follower is prevented from disengaging from the
slot.
9. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the bezel includes at
least one side wall, wherein the at least one side wall extends in
overlying relation of the at least one pivot.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the actuator member
moves generally horizontally, and wherein the cam surface includes
at least two disposed generally horizontally extending end portions
and at least one middle portion between the end portions, wherein
the gate moves between the open and closed positions as the cam
follower engages the at least one middle portion.
11. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the actuator member
moves generally horizontally, and wherein the cam slot includes two
disposed generally horizontally extending end portions and a middle
portion between the end portions, wherein the gate moves between
the opened and closed positions as the cam follower moves in the
middle portion, and wherein the enlarged cam slot area bounds one
of the end portions.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 and further comprising at
least one pin in supporting connection with the side wall, and
wherein the actuator member includes at least one actuator slot,
wherein the at least one pin extends in the at least one actuator
slot and is movable relative thereto, wherein the actuator member
moves in supporting connection with the at least one pin as the
gate member moves between the opened and closed positions.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the at least one
actuator slot includes an enlarged actuator slot portion, wherein
the at least one pin is enabled to extend through the at least one
actuator slot only in the enlarged actuator slot portion and is
prevented from disengaging from the actuator slot when the at least
one pin is positioned in other than the actuator slot enlarged
portion.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein as the actuator
member moves the gate between the open and closed positions the at
least one pin does not extend in the actuator slot enlarged
portion.
15. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the transport
comprises at least one roll supported on at least one shaft,
wherein the shaft is in supporting connection with the side
wall.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the side wall
includes at least one vertically extending shaft slot, wherein the
shaft is moveably mounted in the shaft slot.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the transport moves
items generally along a first direction, and wherein the at least
one projection and recess are elongated in the first direction.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the gate includes
an inward extending portion, wherein the inward extending portion
includes the at least one recess.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the at least one
projection is in supporting connection with the bezel adjacent a
lower side of the opening.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the bezel and
inward extending portion include a plurality of interengaging
projections and recesses.
21. The apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the gate includes
an outward extending portion adjacent an upper end thereof, wherein
in a closed position of the gate the outward extending portion
overlies the opening and extends behind the bezel.
22. The apparatus according to claim 20 and further comprising a
deposit envelope holding container in the housing, and wherein the
transport extends between the opening and the deposit envelope
holding container, whereby the transport moves deposit envelopes
toward the deposit envelope holding container.
23. The apparatus according to claim 4 and further comprising a
deposit envelope holding container in the housing, and wherein the
transport extends between the opening and the deposit envelope
holding container, whereby the transport moves deposit envelopes
toward the deposit envelope holding container.
24. The apparatus according to claim 22 and further comprising an
empty envelope dispenser in the housing operative to dispense empty
envelopes, and wherein empty envelopes move in the transport toward
the opening.
25. The apparatus according to claim 23 and further comprising an
empty envelope dispenser in the housing operative to dispense empty
envelopes, and wherein empty envelopes move in the transport toward
the opening.
26. The apparatus according to claim 24 and further comprising a
gear rack portion in operative connection with the actuator member,
wherein the actuator member is movable through the gear rack.
27. The apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the transport
comprises a platen, wherein the platen includes a plurality of
slots, wherein the slots are elongated along the first direction,
and further comprising a plurality of sensor members moveably
mounted in the slots, whereby items in the transport are enabled to
be sensed.
28. The apparatus according to claim 15 and further comprising at
least one guide in supporting connection with the side wall, and
wherein the at least one guide is operative to direct items moving
toward the shaft in the transport, below the shaft.
29. The apparatus according to claim 27 and further comprising at
least one guide in supporting connection with the side wall,
wherein the at least one guide is operative to direct items toward
the shaft in the transport, below the shaft.
30. The apparatus according to claim 29 and further comprising at
least one controller in operative connection with at least one
drive, wherein the at least one drive is operative to move the gear
rack portion, and wherein the controller is operative to sense
power consumption characteristics of the drive attempting to close
the gate, and to cause the drive to move the gate to the open
position in response thereto.
31. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
drive in operative connection with the gate, and at least one
controller in operative connection with the drive and wherein the
at least one controller is operative to sense the drive
encountering resistance in moving the gate towards the closed
position, and to cause the gate to open in response thereto.
32. The apparatus according to claim 30 and further comprising at
least one illumination device in supporting connection with the
bezel, the at least one illumination device being in operative
connection with the at least one controller, and wherein the at
least one controller is operative to cause the at least one
illumination device to be illuminated at least one time when the
gate is in the open position.
33. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising at
least one controller in the machine, and further comprising at
least one illumination device in supporting connection with the
bezel, and wherein the at least one controller is operative to
control opening and closing the gate and illuminating the at least
one illumination device during a time when the gate is in the open
position.
34. The apparatus according to claim 32 and further comprising a
fascia plate moveably mounted relative to the housing, and wherein
the bezel engages the fascia plate.
35. The apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the transport is
moveably mounted relative to the housing, and wherein the fascia
plate includes a fascia opening, and wherein the fascia plate is in
operative connection with at least one fascia guide, and wherein
the at least one fascia guide is operative to guide the bezel into
the fascia opening when the transport is moved relative to the
housing.
36. The apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the fascia plate is
movable relative to the housing both vertically and horizontally,
and wherein the at least one fascia guide is operative to guide the
bezel both vertically and horizontally.
37. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
fascia plate moveably mounted in supporting connection with the
housing, wherein the fascia plate operatively engages the bezel and
is moved relative to the housing by such engagement.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Application claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of Provisional Application No. 60/453,397 filed Mar.
10, 2003, the which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to automated banking machines.
Specifically the exemplary form of this invention relates to
systems and associated methods for accepting items for deposit into
a cash dispensing automated banking machine as well as for
providing items such as empty deposit envelopes to users of the
banking machine that may be useful in conducting transactions.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. A
common type of automated banking machine is an automated teller
machine (ATM). ATMs are used to carry out banking transactions on a
self service basis. ATMs may dispense cash to users from their
account. Some ATMs may accept deposits. Other ATMs may perform
functions such as dispensing stamps, printing tickets, producing
scrip, cashing checks, printing money orders and performing other
types of transactions. For purposes of this disclosure any machine
which is capable of carrying out transactions involving transfers
of value is referred to as an automated banking machine.
[0004] Automated banking machines which accept deposits often
require the user to input a deposit item into the machine in which
it is processed and/or stored for later removal by authorized
persons. Sometimes the deposit item may be an envelope or other
container Which holds deposit content therein. Such content may
include items of value such as cash, checks, money orders, gift
certificates, coupons, coin or other types of instruments. When
deposit items are deposited in this manner the user is sometimes
required to provide inputs through input devices on the banking
machine indicative of the value associated with the item that is
being deposited. Typically this is a total value of the cash,
checks or other content within the deposited item. The automated
banking machine may store the information about the indicated
deposit value and/or may print value information on the deposited
item along with a transaction number, account number or other
information that allows the deposit to be traced back to a user
and/or a particular transaction.
[0005] In order to verify the indicated deposit value, the operator
of the banking machine often must later recover the deposit item
from a storage area within the machine. The operator opens the
deposit item and determines if the content and the actual deposit
value thereof correspond to the indicated deposit value. In most
cases the actual deposit value corresponds to the indicated deposit
value and the customer's account is credited accordingly. In other
instances a discrepancy is noted between the actual deposit value
and the indicated deposit value. In such cases the customer may be
notified as to the amount of credit that they will be given for the
deposit instead of the indicated deposit value that was provided to
the machine.
[0006] Sometimes when deposited items are removed from the banking
machine, the items are damaged. Such damage may include for example
a torn or otherwise open envelope. In some cases the deposit item
or the remnants thereof may not contain any deposit content. In
some cases the deposit content may be loose in the storage area in
the banking machine. In other cases the content may not be found at
all.
[0007] Deposited items are sometimes removed from the banking
machine in a tamper indicating deposit holding container and are
transported to a remote location for verification. In other
situations the deposited items may be transferred to a bag or other
container at the site of the automated banking machine. The items
may be taken to a remote location for verification of the contents
of the deposited items.
[0008] In some circumstances at the remote location the content of
a damaged or open deposit item may not be found. This may present
issues as to whether the customer may have deliberately deposited
an empty and damaged envelope into the banking machine.
Alternatively questions may arise as to whether the persons
responsible for removing deposits from the machine may have
wrongfully taken the deposit content. Finally questions may arise
as to whether persons responsible for verifying the amount of the
deposit may have lost or misappropriated the content of the deposit
item. In some circumstances because responsibility for the missing
content cannot be established, the operator of the ATM may choose
to credit the customer for the indicated deposit value even though
the deposit content has never been found. In some circumstances the
user may be perpetrating a fraud by deliberately attempting to
deposit a damaged deposit item.
[0009] Damage to deposit items 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
irregularly shaped deposit items. The envelopes holding such items
may be subject to tearing due to their irregular contours. The
tearing of such irregular shaped envelope deposit items may further
contribute to uncertainty as to the content of deposit
envelopes.
[0010] A further potential issue with deposits is that a banking
machine customer wishing to make a deposit may not have an envelope
available. Although envelope supplies may be provided, such open
supplies may be subject to vandalism and/or removal of all the
deposit envelopes. Such open supplies may also result in unused
envelopes being littered about the area of the banking machine
which provides an unattractive appearance.
[0011] Further issues may arise due to the inability to mark
appropriate indicia on deposit envelopes. While different types of
printing devices have been used for marking such envelopes, it is
not uncommon for such printing devices to experience difficulties
which result in a lack of legible printing of information on
deposit envelopes.
[0012] Depository envelopes are also often difficult to dispense.
This is sometimes due to the desire to dispense envelopes with
peel-off or fold-open adhesive for holding envelope flaps in a
secure condition. The use of such peel-off or other adhesive may
avoid the need for users to lick or otherwise provide water to seal
an envelope. The use of such envelopes may be desirable to provide
more sanitary conditions. However, the presence of such adhesive
mechanisms may present challenges in transporting and dispensing
empty envelopes to users of the banking machine.
[0013] Deposit items often have significant value. For this reason,
criminals may attempt to utilize fraud devices to obtain deposit
items. For example, criminals may attempt to place items within a
depository opening to capture deposit items so that they may be
removed. Alternatively, criminals may attempt to utilize devices to
fish out deposited items that have already been moved into a
storage area within the machine.
[0014] The acceptance of deposits in automated banking machines
also pose additional challenges. Some depositories may be difficult
to repair or replace. Further, containers utilized for holding
deposit items may be subject to abuse or tampering.
[0015] Further features of existing banking machine depositories
and systems may benefit from improvements.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0016] It is an object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide an automated banking machine.
[0017] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide an automated banking machine that records
information concerning properties of deposit items.
[0018] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide an automated banking machine that measures and
records a thickness property of deposited items.
[0019] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide an automated banking machine that records
information concerning properties of deposited items for purposes
of later comparison and verification.
[0020] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a method for verifying deposits into an
automated banking machine.
[0021] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a method for recording properties of items
deposited into an automated banking machine.
[0022] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a method for determining the thickness of a
deposited item when deposited into an automated banking
machine.
[0023] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a method for determining responsibility for
missing content of items deposited into an automated banking
machine.
[0024] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a depository for use in conjunction with an
automated banking machine.
[0025] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a depository for an automated banking machine
that delivers to the user an envelope at the time when a user
wishes to make their deposit.
[0026] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a depository for an automated banking machine
that will reliably handle envelopes of non-uniform contour.
[0027] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a depository for an automated banking machine
that provides enhanced security.
[0028] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present
invention to provide a depository for use in conjunction with an
automated banking machine that provides greater reliability in
printing indicia on deposited envelopes or other items.
[0029] Further objects of exemplary forms of the present invention
will be made apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out
Invention and the appended claims.
[0030] Certain of the foregoing objects are accomplished in an
exemplary embodiment by an automated banking machine that accepts
deposit items such as envelopes. In the exemplary embodiment the
user provides inputs through one or more input devices on the
machine that identify a user and/or their account(s). Inputs
through input devices on the machine may also include an indicated
deposit amount associated with a deposit item.
[0031] The deposited item in an exemplary embodiment is accepted in
the machine and is sensed for thickness and/or other properties at
one or more locations on the deposited item. Information regarding
thickness and/or other properties is recorded. In some embodiments
the thickness information or other sensed parameters may be
recorded by printing or other means directly on the deposited item.
Alternatively in some embodiments the information recorded on the
deposited item may be correlated with thickness and/or other sensed
information recorded in a memory accessible by a computer.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment the deposited item is stored with
other deposited items in a storage area in the automated banking
machine. Subsequently the deposited item is removed from the
storage area by an authorized person and opened or otherwise
reviewed for verification. The thickness data and/or other
parameters related to each deposited item may be reviewed for
purposes of determining the content of the item at the time of
deposit. For example thickness information recorded concerning a
deposit envelope that is empty and damaged at the time of
verification will indicate if the envelope contained materials at
the time of deposit. This may be done for example by comparing the
measured thickness of the damaged envelope to the recorded
thickness information. Similarly the thickness information and/or
other parameters recorded concerning an envelope that is undamaged
but open at the time of verification, will indicate whether the
envelope contained items at the time of deposit. Likewise envelopes
which are damaged or open at the time of the verification process
may be analyzed by comparison to the stored data to determine if
items have been removed since the time of deposit in the machine.
Various approaches may be taken depending on the particular system
and type of deposited items.
[0033] In further exemplary embodiments a deposit mechanism is
provided that holds a store of deposit envelopes or other suitable
deposit holding containers within the interior of the machine. At
the time when the user wishes to make a deposit, the machine
operates so as to separate a single deposit envelope from the
supply and to deliver it out of the machine to the user. Thereafter
the user may place items for deposit within the envelope and
deliver the deposit into the machine through the same opening
through which the envelope was delivered.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment a transport is provided that is
capable of delivering the empty envelopes as well as transporting
filled regular or irregular envelopes containing deposit material
to a storage location. Further in some exemplary embodiments
security features are provided so as to minimize the risk that
criminals can obtain unauthorized access through the transport to
deposited items. In addition in some exemplary embodiments
provisions are made to assure more reliable printing of indicia on
deposited envelopes by capturing excess ink or other materials in
an area away from deposited items and/or by providing appropriate
tending for a device which prints indicia on the deposit
envelopes.
[0035] Of course it should be understood that the devices, systems
and methods described are exemplary and that the principles
described may be applied to other systems and/or that additional
features and functions may be used.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an automated banking machine
in operative connection with an ATM transaction network.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a deposit item transport and
components for measuring properties of a deposited item and for
recording indicia on the item.
[0038] FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of a deposited item that
has recorded indicia thereon corresponding to thickness and to a
particular transaction.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a graph representative of thickness of a deposited
item over distance or time as the item passes a sensor of an
exemplary embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view representative of detected
properties of an exemplary deposited item including instruments
such as checks.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a deposited item upon which
machine-readable indicia representative of properties of the item
have been recorded, and a reading device for reading the
machine-readable indicia and for recovering information concerning
properties of the deposited item from a memory.
[0042] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an exemplary deposited item
that is damaged and which includes information concerning thickness
recorded thereon which suggests that the item was empty at the time
of deposit in the automated banking machine.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a side schematic view of an alternative deposit
mechanism which is operative to dispense deposit empty envelopes to
a user of an automated banking machine.
[0044] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an envelope dispensing
mechanism portion of the deposit accepting mechanism shown in FIG.
8.
[0045] FIG. 10 is an alternative isometric view of the envelope
dispensing mechanism.
[0046] FIG. 11 is a right side view of the envelope dispensing
mechanism.
[0047] FIG. 12 is an end view of the envelope dispensing
mechanism.
[0048] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the envelope dispensing
mechanism shown in a position for dispensing an envelope.
[0049] FIG. 14 is an end view of the envelope dispensing mechanism
shown in a position dispensing an envelope.
[0050] FIG. 15 is a right side view of the envelope dispenser
mechanism and transport shown with an envelope that has moved from
a position from the supply of envelopes moving in a transport
toward a customer.
[0051] FIG. 16 is a right side view of the envelope dispensing
mechanism operating to minimize the risk of additional envelopes
leaving the supply with a first picked envelope.
[0052] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a base assembly used in
conjunction with the exemplary deposit accepting mechanism.
[0053] FIG. 18 is an isometric view further showing the base
assembly and envelope supply for and printhead tending actuator arm
used in an exemplary embodiment of the envelope dispensing
mechanism.
[0054] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a curved portion of an
envelope transport used in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment
of the deposit accepting mechanism.
[0055] FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the envelope transport
portion shown in FIG. 19 with an envelope shown therein and a
schematic representation of the forces which act on such
envelope.
[0056] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the transport shown in FIG. 20
along with the transport belt and rollers used in conjunction
therewith.
[0057] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of features adjacent the outer
end of the envelope transport including the belts and rollers
adjacent thereto.
[0058] FIG. 23 is a right side schematic view showing the outer
portion of the transport including a gate in an open position
enabling items to be delivered from or deposited into the
transport.
[0059] FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing the translation of
rollers adjacent to the outer end of the transport which may occur
due to the acceptance of the regularly shaped deposited items.
[0060] FIG. 25 is a front plan view of the outer end of the
transport including the gate associated therewith shown with the
gate in an open position.
[0061] FIG. 26 is a schematic view of the outer end of the
transport showing acceptance of an irregularly shaped deposit
envelope including coin.
[0062] FIG. 27 is a view of the outer end of the transport showing
acceptance of an irregularly shaped deposit envelope including
sheets and the displacement of the roller shaft associated with
such acceptance in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 24.
[0063] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of rollers and a supporting
shaft which may be used in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment
of the envelope depository system.
[0064] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the rollers shown in
FIG. 28.
[0065] FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing the mounting of the
rollers shown in FIG. 28 on the shaft.
[0066] FIG. 31 is an isometric view showing alternative rollers
utilizing similar mounting features to those shown in connection
with the rollers in FIG. 28-30.
[0067] FIG. 32 is an isometric view of an alternative exit end
construction for an envelope transport system including members
that facilitate acceptance into the transport of irregularly
contoured items.
[0068] FIG. 33 is a side view of the structures shown in FIG.
32.
[0069] FIG. 34 is an alternative structure for an outer end of a
transport including transversely disposed envelope guides to
facilitate the outward travel of envelopes that may be misaligned
in the transport.
[0070] FIG. 35 is a further isometric view of the outer end of the
transport shown in FIG. 34 including the envelope guides.
[0071] FIG. 36 is an end view demonstrating the operation of the
disclosed envelope guides in connection with handling envelopes
which are not aligned.
[0072] FIG. 37 is a top schematic view showing the outer end of the
transport with an envelope in misaligned relation therewith.
[0073] FIG. 38 is a top view of the transport with the guides
showing the misaligned envelope moved further into the
transport.
[0074] FIG. 39 is a top plan view of the outer end of the transport
showing the misaligned envelope in connection therewith, the
transport in FIG. 39 not including the guides shown in FIG. 34.
[0075] FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the envelope transport with
the envelope shown in FIG. 39 moved further into the transport.
[0076] FIG. 41 is an end view of the transport shown in FIG. 39 and
representing the condition that may occur with regard to rejecting
a misaligned envelope or in dispensing a misaligned envelope if the
guides shown in FIG. 34 are not used.
[0077] FIG. 42 is an isometric view of the construction of the
supporting base for the outer end of the transport.
[0078] FIG. 43 is a bottom isometric view demonstrating the
assembly of the components of the base used in the outer end of the
transport.
[0079] FIG. 44 is a side view showing the assembled members making
up the base of the outer end of the transport.
[0080] FIG. 45 is an isometric view showing the outer end of the
transport including overlying bezel and movable gate portions.
[0081] FIG. 46 is an isometric view schematically showing the
components associated with movement of the gate which selectively
blocks access to the transport.
[0082] FIG. 47 is a side view showing the transport gate in a fully
open position.
[0083] FIG. 48 is a side view similar to FIG. 47 showing the gate
in a partially open position.
[0084] FIG. 49 is a side view similar to FIG. 47 showing the
transport gate in an open position.
[0085] FIG. 50 is a view similar to FIG. 47 with the gate in a
fully closed position in which the gate engages with adjacent
structures so as to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to the
transport.
[0086] FIG. 51 is a side schematic view showing an exemplary form
of the portion of the transport including an inkjet printing device
and a further ink capture device or vessel for capturing excess ink
from the printing device.
[0087] FIG. 52 is an isometric view showing the ink capture device
of FIG. 51 with the access door thereto in an open position.
[0088] FIG. 53 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 52 but showing
the ink capture device with the access door thereto in an closed
position and schematically indicating removable rotatable mounting
thereof.
[0089] FIG. 54 is a side schematic view showing the mechanism for
tending to nozzles of the inkjet cartridge of the exemplary
embodiment through wiping action.
[0090] FIG. 55 is a side view showing the inkjet cartridge of the
exemplary embodiment along with a movable wiper member providing
with a squeegee portion such wiping action.
[0091] FIG. 56 is an isometric view showing schematically the wiper
member on the printhead.
[0092] FIG. 57 is a further isometric view showing the wiping
member and the printhead.
[0093] FIG. 58 is an exploded view of a removable deposit holding
container and the movable door mechanism used in connection with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0094] FIG. 59 is an enlarged isometric view of a top portion of
the container and the associated movable door mechanism.
[0095] FIG. 60 is an isometric cut-away view showing the
construction of the movable door mechanism used in connection with
an exemplary embodiment.
[0096] FIG. 61 is an isometric view of the deposit holding
container and movable door mechanism of an exemplary embodiment
including features for facilitating changing the movable door.
[0097] FIG. 62 is a top isometric view showing a locking mechanism
used in conjunction with locking the movable door of the deposit
holding container of an exemplary embodiment.
[0098] FIG. 63 is an isometric side view showing an exemplary
mounting for the deposit holding container and interlocking
capabilities used in connection with some embodiments for
preventing access to the deposit accepting mechanism when the
deposit holding container is in operative position.
[0099] FIG. 64 is a further isometric view showing the exemplary
interlock mechanism with the deposit holding container in an
operative position.
[0100] FIG. 65 is a further isometric view showing the interlock
mechanism enabling movement of the deposit accepting mechanism when
the deposit holding container has been moved from the operative
position.
[0101] FIG. 66 is a right side view similar to FIG. 65 showing the
deposit holding container being removed and the interlock enabling
movement of the deposit accepting device.
[0102] FIG. 67 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 62 but with the
exemplary locking mechanism shown in a position enabling opening of
the door of the deposit holding container.
[0103] FIG. 68 is a right side schematic view indicating exemplary
sensors for providing enhanced security against tampering and
unauthorized access to the deposit accepting mechanism.
[0104] FIG. 69 is an isometric exploded view showing engagement of
the exemplary outer end of the deposit accepting mechanism with a
floating fascia portion movably mounted relative to the fascia of
an automated banking machine.
[0105] FIG. 70 is an isometric front view showing the bezel at the
outer end of the deposit accepting mechanism engaged with a movable
fascia portion of an automated banking machine.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
[0106] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1,
there is shown therein a schematic view of a first embodiment of an
automated banking machine generally indicated 10. The first
exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine is an
automated teller machine that is usable to carry out banking
transactions such as the dispensing of cash and the deposit of
items. It should be understood however that the principles of the
present invention may be applicable to other types of automated
banking machines that perform other or additional functions.
[0107] Automated banking machine 10 includes a housing 12. Housing
12 in the exemplary embodiment includes a chest portion 14 and a
top housing portion 16. Each of the chest portion and top housing
which may be alternatively referred to herein as a cabinet portion
are accessible to authorized persons through suitable access doors
which are controlled by locking mechanisms. As schematically shown,
the chest portion has a chest door which includes a safe style
combination lock schematically represented 18, which operates to
limit access to authorized personnel. The top housing portion
includes a key lock (not separately shown) in operative connection
with a door that is movable relative to the housing and enables
authorized persons to access the interior of the top housing
portion. Of course in other embodiments other access control and
locking mechanisms may be used.
[0108] Automated banking machine 10 further includes input devices.
The input devices in the exemplary machine include a keypad 20
through which users may provide manual inputs. A further input
device in the exemplary embodiment is a card reader 22. In some
embodiments the card reader may be adapted for reading magnetic
stripe cards and/or smart cards which include a programmable memory
thereon. Of course in other embodiments card readers which read
contactless cards or other devices may be used.
[0109] The exemplary embodiment further includes an image capture
device schematically represented 24. In some embodiments the image
capture device may include for example, a camera which captures one
or more images of the person operating the machine. In other
embodiments the image capture device may comprise a biometric
reader such as an iris scanner, an input device for a facial
recognition system or other similar device which serves as an input
device for identifying a user. Of course the input devices
discussed are exemplary and in other embodiments other input
devices such as fingerprint readers, retina scanners, voice
recognition systems, touch screens, voice input systems and other
types of devices that receive inputs that are usable to identify a
user and/or their accounts, or which can be operated to provide
instructions to or from the machine, may be used.
[0110] The exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine 10
further includes output devices. Such output devices include a
visual display 26. The visual display 26 may be operated to provide
instructions to a user concerning operation of the machine as well
as to provide the user with information. The machine further
includes a printer device 28 which also serves as an output device.
Printer device 28 in some exemplary embodiments may include a
device for printing receipts which are provided to a user for
purposes of documenting transactions conducted at the machine. Of
course in other embodiments other types of printing devices may be
used. These may include for example devices that print tickets,
scrip, money orders, checks, coupons, or other documents or
instruments.
[0111] It should be understood that these output devices are
exemplary and in other embodiments other types of output devices
may be used. For example other embodiments may include voice
guidance systems, communication interfaces for communicating with
wireless devices such as PDAs or cell phones, electrical connectors
for communicating with headphones or similar devices or other
devices for providing outputs to a user.
[0112] In the exemplary banking machine 10 users are enabled to
receive cash from the machine as well as to make deposits into the
machine. The exemplary machine includes a cash dispenser mechanism
30. The cash dispenser mechanism includes bill picker mechanisms 32
and 34 which operate to pick bills from one or more supplies of
bills in the machine. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,369 which is
incorporated herein by reference, includes examples of bill picker
mechanisms that may be used in some embodiments. Of course in other
embodiments other types of bill picker mechanisms may be used.
[0113] The cash dispenser 30 further includes a bill transport 36
which moves the bills to a stacking and presenting mechanism 38.
For example U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,165 which is incorporated herein by
reference, discloses a type of bill stacker and presenting
mechanism that may be used in some embodiments. The cash dispenser
is operative to deliver bills to a user through a cash dispensing
outlet 40. As schematically indicated, an appropriate gate or other
blocking mechanism 42 is positioned adjacent to the cash outlet so
as to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to the cash
dispenser mechanism. The exemplary gate 42 is movable responsive to
motors, solenoids or other suitable motion control mechanisms which
may be alternatively referred to herein as drives, to enable cash
to be properly delivered to a machine user from the stacker and
presenter mechanism, and to block access at other times.
[0114] The exemplary embodiment of the banking machine 10 further
includes a first deposit accepting system which includes mechanisms
suitable for receiving and storing deposited items. In the
exemplary embodiment the deposited items are envelopes. However, in
other embodiments other types of deposit items such as checks,
money orders, tickets, coupons, deposit bags, deposit holding
carriers and other types of deposited items may be received.
Machine 10 includes a deposit opening which may be alternatively
referred to herein as an inlet, which extends in the housing and is
sized for accepting deposited items such as envelopes. An
appropriate gate mechanism schematically indicated 46 is movably
positioned adjacent the deposit inlet. Gate 46 is movable through
solenoids, motors or other suitable moving devices so as to prevent
access to the interior of the machine through the deposit inlet
except at times when the machine is in a proper mode to accept
deposits.
[0115] In the exemplary embodiment deposited items are moved along
a deposit path through a transport 48. The deposit transport 48 is
operative to move envelopes deposited by a user from the area
adjacent the deposit inlet to a storage area 50. In some exemplary
embodiments the deposit transport may be of the type shown in U.S.
Patent No. 4,884,679, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0116] In the first exemplary embodiment the storage area 50 is
bounded by a removable deposit holding container 52. The exemplary
form of the deposit holding container has an interior storage area
that is operative to hold deposited items therein 54. The deposit
holding container 52 may be removed from the machine by authorized
personnel and transported to a remote location where deposits may
be validated. This may be done for example through a self locking
and tamper indicating deposit holding container like that later
discussed in detail that locks upon removal from the machine and
which is properly opened only by authorized persons at a remote
location. Alternatively the deposit holding container may be such
that persons who are authorized to access the chest portion 14 may
remove the deposited items individually therefrom and verify the
contents thereof either at the machine or at a remote location.
Alternatively other approaches may be used for verifying deposited
items depending on the type and nature of the deposits.
[0117] The exemplary machine 10 further includes at least one
computer which may be alternatively referred to herein as a
controller, schematically indicated 56. The controller is in
operative connection with at least one data store or memory 58
which holds programming instructions, information about
transactions, communication information and other data used in
operation of the machine. The controller 56 is in operative
connection with the transaction function devices in the machine and
controls the operation thereof in accordance with the programmed
instructions.
[0118] Controller 56 is in operative connection with at least one
communications device 60. The communications device enables the
exemplary machine to communicate with at least one remote computer
and data store for purposes of carrying out transactions. As
represented schematically in FIG. 1, banking machine 10 is in
operative connection with a network schematically indicated 62. The
network is in operative connection with computers at financial
institutions 64 and 66 which operate systems that authorize and
record information concerning transactions conducted by users at
the banking machine. Of course this communications approach through
a banking network is exemplary and in other embodiments other
communications approaches and/or authorizing entities may be
used.
[0119] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the deposit transport 48
used in exemplary banking machine 10. In this exemplary embodiment
deposited items in the form of envelopes 68 are moved along a
transport path in the direction of arrow D from the deposit inlet
to the storage area. As the deposited items are being moved along
the transport path, properties of the deposited item are sensed. In
the embodiment shown, thickness of the deposited item is sensed by
a sensor 70. In the embodiment shown, the sensor 70 is a contact
sensor which physically contacts the deposited item 68 so as to
determine its thickness. For example as shown in FIG. 2, a contact
roller 72 has an axis that is movable in response to envelope
thickness and biasingly engages the deposit envelope as it passes
along the transport path between the contact roller and a reference
surface of a stationary axis roller 74. The displacement of the
contact roller 72 from its reference position indicates the
thickness of the deposited item across its length. The displacement
of the contact roller produces one or more signals from the sensor
70 which are transmitted to the controller and used for purposes
which are later discussed.
[0120] It should be understood that while in the exemplary
embodiment the contact type sensor is used for determining
thickness in other embodiments, non-contact sensors may be used for
determining thickness or other properties of a deposited item. For
example non-contact sensors of the type shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,101,266, 6,242,733 and 6,241,244, the disclosures of each of
which are incorporated by reference herein, may be used for
purposes of determining thickness or other properties of the
deposited items. Such non-contact sensors may be used in lieu of or
in addition to, contact type sensors for determining thickness of
the deposited item.
[0121] In addition or in the alternative, other types of sensors
such as magnetic type sensors may be used for purposes of sensing
and/or determining the content of the envelope. Magnetic sensors
may be used for example, to determine the presence of magnetic inks
on checks, coins, currency or other instruments which are included
within deposit envelopes. Such non-contact sensors are
schematically represented 76 in FIG. 2. It should be understood
that in some embodiments thickness or other properties of the
deposited item may be sensed in or along a single sensing area in
the envelope path. In other embodiments sensing may be conducted
across all or a portion of the transverse width of the deposited
item. The particular nature of the thickness and other deposit item
properties that are sensed and used in a particular embodiment may
depend on the type of deposited item involved and the needs of the
operator of the banking machine.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 2, one or more recording devices
schematically indicated 78 are positioned adjacent to the deposit
path. In the exemplary embodiment the recording devices may
comprise printers which are operative to print indicia on deposited
items. Such printers may include for example dot-matrix printers,
stamper type printers, inkjet printers or other suitable devices
for recording indicia on the deposited item. In other exemplary
embodiments systems which are operative to label the deposited
item, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,243 which is
incorporated herein by reference, may be used.
[0123] In the exemplary embodiment, the recording devices are
operative to record on the deposited item, indicia which
corresponds to the properties of the item which is sensed. This may
include for example recording on the deposited item numerical
indicia which indicate thickness of the envelope at one or more
locations thereon. In other embodiments the recording device may be
operative to record an identifying indicator such as an account
number or transaction number on the envelope. This identifying
indicia may then be correlated to thickness or other properties of
the deposited item by referring to data stored in memory at the
machine or elsewhere in an operatively connected computer.
Alternatively or in addition, the indicia recorded on the deposited
item may include an indicated deposit value which corresponds to
the amount that a user of the machine indicated was included in or
was represented by the deposited item.
[0124] FIG. 3 shows an example of deposited item 80 that has been
passed through the depository of an exemplary automated banking
machine. For this deposited item the recorded indicia on the item
includes a transaction identification number 82. The transaction
identification number may correspond for example, to the particular
transaction carried out by the machine and may correspond to
information stored in memory such as the identity of the particular
user who conducted the deposit transaction. In this exemplary
embodiment the deposited item 80 further has included among the
indicia, an indicated deposit value 84. The indicated deposit value
may include for example the particular value amount that the user
indicated that they were depositing into the machine through inputs
to the input devices at the time they made the deposit. The
inclusion of the indicated deposit value with the recorded indicia
may facilitate verifying the deposit when it is removed from the
machine as later discussed.
[0125] For the deposited item 80, indicia corresponding to
thickness is recorded on the item. The thickness indicia 86
comprises a numerical indication of the thickness of the deposit
envelope at various locations along the envelope at the time of
deposit. These various locations in the embodiment shown are spaced
longitudinal locations along a single longitudinal line adjacent
the center of the envelope as it passes through the transport. In
this exemplary embodiment the thickness indicia are printed
adjacent to a transverse edge of the envelope so as to not
interfere with other indicia printed thereon. Of course it should
be understood that in other embodiments other approaches maybe
used.
[0126] As later discussed, the thickness and other indicia
associated with the envelope may be used when the envelope is
subsequently opened to verify that the envelope contained deposit
items therein at the time of deposit and/or the nature of such
deposited items.
[0127] FIG. 6 shows an alternative form of recorded indicia on a
deposited item 88. In this exemplary embodiment the recorded
indicia of the deposited item includes machine-readable indicia 90.
In this embodiment the machine-readable indicia comprises a bar
code or similar machine-readable coding scheme.
[0128] The machine-readable indicia corresponds to a particular
numerical or other indicator that is correlated with data related
to the deposit, such as the customer identity and indicated deposit
value. In the exemplary embodiment the indicia also corresponds to
data about the particular deposit such as thickness data and/or
other properties. This data which is captured from the contact or
non-contact type sensors in the machine is correlated with the
machine-readable indicia 90. Such data may be accessed from the
data store in the banking machine. Alternatively such data may be
transmitted to another data store for purposes of verifying that
the indicated deposit value corresponds to the actual deposit value
of the content of the envelope.
[0129] A reading device 92 is operative to read the
machine-readable indicia once the deposited item 88 has been
removed from the storage area in the machine by an authorized
representative of the machine operator. The reading device 92 is in
operative connection with a computer or other device 94 which has
therein or which has accessible thereto, data in a data store 96.
The data store 96 preferably includes data such as the indicated
deposit value, the identity of the user and the properties of the
particular deposited item as sensed by the sensors in the banking
machine proximate to the time of deposit. With this information the
person verifying the deposits may verify that the content of the
envelope has at the time of verification, an actual deposit value
that corresponds to the indicated deposit value. In the event of a
discrepancy, the person verifying the deposit may use the thickness
and other data which has been recorded related to the deposited
item, to determine if the deposited item actually contained items
having the expected properties of thickness and/or other properties
at the time of deposit. This will enable a person responsible for
verifying the deposit to better determine if the items were not
included in the deposited item at the time of deposit or if the
content of the deposited item was lost or misappropriated after
deposit. Such information is useful in determining whether to
credit the customer's account for the indicated deposit value as
later discussed.
[0130] FIGS. 4 and 5 show exemplary types of data related to
deposited items which may be represented by indicia recorded on
deposited items. For example FIG. 4 is a graphical representation
of thickness of a deposited item over time or distance as the item
engages and passes a single contact type sensor as the deposited
item moves along the deposit path in the banking machine. A line 98
corresponds to the one or more signals from the sensor indicative
of thickness. Various embodiments such as for example a deposit
system used to produce item 80 in FIG. 3, record thickness at a
plurality of discrete separated locations 100. In the exemplary
embodiment the movement of the envelope may be controlled through
operation of a controlled speed motor, stepper motor or other
controlled movement device so that the indicia indicative of
thickness at each of the locations corresponds relatively closely
to the particular area on the deposited item at which the thickness
is sensed. Appropriate circuitry is provided so that when indicia
corresponding to thickness such as is shown in FIG. 3 is a fairly
accurate representation of the thickness at the various locations
at the time the envelope was deposited. As can be appreciated in
embodiments where deposit items are moved at a predictable and
generally constant speed, thickness determinations can be based on
elapsed time from when a leading edge of an envelope is sensed. In
other embodiments encoders or other distance sensors can be used to
directly sense envelope movement. The graph in FIG. 4 may be
representative of outputs from either type system.
[0131] In some embodiments it may be sufficient for the indicia to
represent a maximum thickness of the deposited item such as is
indicated in FIG. 4 by a maximum 102 of line 98. The maximum is
indicative of the maximum thickness of the envelope, and this may
in many embodiments be sufficient to indicate the nature of the
content thereof. Thus for example in systems where the maximum
thickness is recorded, only indicia corresponding to one numerical
value may be recorded on the envelope and/or stored in memory as
corresponding to the indicia recorded on the envelope.
[0132] In still other embodiments it may be important to correlate
with a deposited item, a quantity indicative of the volume of the
item. This may correspond to the area 104 under the line 98 in FIG.
4. As can be appreciated area 104 which is the integral of the
overall thickness as measured by a thickness sensor, may be
indicative of the overall content of the envelope.
[0133] FIG. 5 shows yet other data that may be recorded related to
the particular deposited item. For example certain contact and
non-contact sensors can develop a detailed profile of a deposited
item including the thicknesses associated with folds, flaps and
items contained within the envelope. Non-contact sensors may also
detect other properties such as magnetic properties and the
presence of inks or other indicators on or within the contents.
[0134] For example FIG. 5 shows a deposited item 106. Non-contact
sensors of the type previously mentioned may use radiation to
determine thickness and determine the bounds of the envelope as
well as additional thickness areas associated with envelope
features such as flaps and folds 108. In addition such non-contact
sensors may sense additional thicknesses in the areas 110 and 112
within the envelope. In areas 110 and 112 additional thickness is
caused by the presence of sheets such as instruments within the
envelope. Radiation sensors which are capable of sensing radiation
absorption properties may sense areas where printing has been made
on items within the envelope. In addition or in the alternative,
magnetic sensors may identify areas of magnetic activity
represented by areas 114. Such magnetic activity may correspond to
areas where magnetic inks have been printed on checks or other
instruments.
[0135] As can be appreciated, some embodiments may provide a
detailed profile of the deposited item and its content. This
profile may be correlated with the indicia recorded on the
deposited item so that a person responsible for verifying deposits
may determine whether the content of the deposited item at the time
that it is verified, corresponds to the content at the time it was
deposited.
[0136] In operation of an exemplary embodiment, the automated
banking machine 10 is operated by a user to perform banking
transactions. This includes for example the user providing to the
card reader 22 of the machine a debit card which includes a
magnetic stripe. The magnetic stripe may include information that
identifies the user and/or their account such as a primary account
number (PAN) of the user. The user may further verify their
identity by providing to the machine a personal identification
number (PIN) through the keypad 20. If the input PIN corresponds to
the data recorded on the card, the user may be authorized to
conduct transactions at the machine. It should be understood that
the use of these inputs by the user to the machine to identify the
user is exemplary and in other embodiments other inputs usable to
identify the particular user or an account may be used.
[0137] A user also provides one or more inputs through input
devices on the machine to indicate the type of transaction they
wish to conduct. If the user provides one or more inputs indicating
that they wish to make a deposit transaction, the controller in the
machine will operate in accordance with its programming to present
prompts to the user through the display 26 or other output devices
requesting that the user indicate the deposit values of the item or
items that they wish to deposit. After providing the indicated
deposit value, the controller operates the machine to open the gate
46 to the deposit transport 48 so that a user may insert the
deposited item. When the user inserts the deposited item, it is
moved through the transport 48 wherein properties of the deposited
item are sensed. This includes in exemplary embodiments, sensing
thickness and/or other properties of the deposited item as
previously discussed. The controller 56 further operates the
recording device 78 such as one or more printers, to record on the
deposited item indicia that corresponds to the particular
properties or characteristics sensed. Once the indicia has been
recorded on the deposited item, the item passes into the storage
area 50 where it is held in the banking machine for later
verification.
[0138] Periodically the operator of the machine or other authorized
entity accesses the interior of the machine to remove and verify
the deposited items. This is done in an exemplary embodiment by
opening the lock 18, moving the chest door and accessing the chest
portion 14 so as to remove the deposit holding container 52. In
some embodiments the deposited items may be removed from the
deposit holding container at the machine and opened for
verification in an area adjacent to the machine. Alternatively the
deposit holding container may be locked and transported to a remote
location for verification of the deposits.
[0139] In the exemplary embodiment the deposit holding container is
to be transported to a remote location and an empty deposit holding
container is placed in the machine to receive further deposits. The
banking machine is then returned to operation. The deposited items
are removed from the deposit holding container at a remote facility
and the content thereof reviewed. The content which may include
cash, checks or other deposited items is totaled for each deposited
item to obtain an actual deposit value. The actual deposit value is
then compared to the indicated deposit value to determine 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
an error in providing the indicated deposit value. Alternatively
the user may be attempting to perpetrate a fraud by misrepresenting
the value of the deposit. Alternatively, deposited items may have
been misappropriated by persons having access to the deposited
items either at the machine, in transport or at the location where
the deposited value is verified.
[0140] The actual deposited value may be compared to the indicated
deposit value by reviewing the numerical indicia corresponding to
thickness recorded on the deposited item such as is shown in FIG.
3. Alternatively transaction number data or other machine-readable
indicia may be correlated electronically with the indicated deposit
value. 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 the user or other
appropriate entity is credited for the indicated deposit value.
[0141] In some circumstances however, the indicated deposit value
does not correspond to the actual deposit value of the item. At the
deposit verification facility persons verifying deposits may
inspect deposited items for damage. This may include for example,
torn deposit envelopes or envelopes that have not been sealed or
which appear to have been cut or otherwise opened. An example of a
damaged deposit envelope is indicated 116 in FIG. 7. Damaged or
otherwise opened deposit envelopes may have no contents or may
still have items contained therein. When items are still contained
therein, there is a question of whether all of the items are still
housed within the damaged deposit item.
[0142] When persons responsible for verifying deposits are faced
with damaged or otherwise open deposited items such as envelopes,
questions may arise as to whether the items were damaged and/or
empty at the time of deposit or whether the content was lost or
stolen after deposit in the machine. By reviewing the indicia
recorded on the deposited item which corresponds to thickness
and/or other properties, such disputes can often be resolved.
[0143] For example if the deposited item was empty at the time of
deposit, then the recorded thickness information related to the
item may 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 is indicated with regard to damaged envelope
116 in FIG. 7 which shows that the thickness information at a
plurality of locations is constant and corresponds to the thickness
of the empty damaged envelope. This suggests for example that a
user may be attempting to perpetrate a fraud by deliberately
depositing an empty envelope which is damaged and which the user
may later contend contained materials corresponding to the
indicated deposit value. In cases where the recorded thickness or
other properties show that the indicated deposit value was not
correct, the institution operating the machine will not credit the
user's account for the indicated deposit value.
[0144] In other circumstances an open or damaged deposit item may
have corresponding thickness or other data which shows that the
deposited item contained items at the time of deposit which are not
contained at the time of verification. In such circumstances it
will be known that such items have disappeared subsequent to the
time of deposit. The institution operating the automated banking
machine may credit the user's account for the indicated deposit
value, as it is therefore documented that at least some of the
deposited items had apparently been lost through error or
misappropriation.
[0145] Of course in some embodiments where the data concerning
deposited items includes magnetic sensors and detailed profile
information, relatively accurate data showing the type and number
of deposited items can be obtained from data stored in memory. Such
data may in some embodiments be accessed directly from the data
store in the banking machine. Alternatively data in the machine may
be transmitted through the network to other computers which can be
accessed at the deposit verification facility. Of course numerous
approaches may be used within the scope of the invention depending
on the capabilities and needs of the particular system.
[0146] At the verification facility, verification may often be
successfully accomplished through manual opening and review of
deposited items. Alternatively the verification facility may employ
devices similar to those in the machine for purposes of measuring
the thickness of the envelope and determining other properties of
deposited items. This may include for example passing deposited
items through such devices prior to opening them at the facility to
determine if there has been any change in the properties of the
item between the time that it was deposited and the time that it
has reached the facility. This may be done as part of a process for
inspecting for damage to the particular deposited item. In cases
where machine readable indicia is used on deposited items, a reader
for the indicia and thickness sensing (or other property sensing)
device at the facility can be used to compare and identify
deposited items where properties of the item have changed from the
time of deposit. In addition, if a deposited item has been damaged
in the transport or has come open, the properties associated with
the deposited item at the time of acceptance in the machine may be
useful in determining which open or loose items found within a
deposit holding container correspond to which deposit item. Various
approaches may be used within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0147] In alternative embodiments for example, the banking machine
may detect possible situations where a user has attempted to
deposit an envelope or other item that is damaged or empty. In such
situations the banking machine may operate to refuse to accept such
an item for deposit. Such systems may prevent attempted fraud
and/or avoid situations where a user forgot to place the intended
deposit items in the envelope.
[0148] In some automated banking machines deposit envelopes are
provided for a user's convenient use. U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,609 the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, shows an
automated banking machine which provides envelopes to a user in
which deposit items may be included. In some embodiments the
envelopes provided may be of a known size and/or thickness. Sensors
in the path for receipt of deposit envelopes may sense for size
and/or thickness properties and the computer operating in the ATM
may be programmed to have the machine reject and return to the
customer deposit envelopes that do not meet the acceptable size or
thickness parameters. This may be done for example by the
controller in the machine reversing the deposit transport.
[0149] For example, an exemplary automated banking machine may
sense for envelope thickness greater than the known empty thickness
of the deposit envelopes provided by the machine. The banking
machine may be programmed to instruct customers that they must
place their deposit into a machine provided envelope, even if the
customer has planned to provide their own deposit containing
envelope. The machine may instruct the user to place their
nonstandard envelope within the machine provided envelope. In such
an embodiment if the sensors sensing thickness of a deposited
envelope do not sense thickness greater than that of a standard
machine provided envelope, the banking machine may return the
envelope to the customer and may output a request to the customer
to put the deposit items in the envelope and/or for the customer to
use one of the envelopes the machine provides. In this way the risk
of the machine receiving an empty envelope is reduced.
[0150] In other embodiments the banking machine may have sensors
which sense the size, area and/or boundaries of the edges of a
deposited envelope. In this way if a deposited envelope does not
correspond to the expected configuration of a standard machine
provided envelope, the deposited envelope may be rejected by the
deposit accepting mechanism.
[0151] In other embodiments deposit items may have common
properties. For example, the expected deposit items may include
coins, currency bills and checks, each of which have magnetic
properties. The magnetic properties of the machine provided
envelopes may be nonexistent or within a known range. The banking
machine may sense for elevated magnetic properties for the
deposited envelopes to indicate that either cash or checks have
been placed therein. Envelopes that do not have such elevated
magnetic properties may be rejected. Of course in some situations
the banking machine may sense for other or additional properties
and use that as a basis for accepting or rejecting the deposit.
[0152] It should be understood that in some embodiments the banking
machine may operate to sense for combinations of properties and may
not accept the envelope if any one or more properties is not within
the anticipated limits. In some embodiments envelope deposits that
are rejected may be returned to the customer. In other embodiments
suspect deposits may be held by the machine for analysis and/or as
evidence.
[0153] In further alternative embodiments the banking machine may
dispense an empty envelope to the customer for use that does not
have predetermined thickness, size, magnetic or other properties.
In some exemplary embodiments the properties of interest may be
measured by sensors in the banking machine at the time the empty
envelope is being dispensed to the customer from the machine. The
properties of interest could again be measured for the envelope
when the user deposits the envelope with deposit items into the
machine. If an expected change (or absence of change) in thickness,
size, magnetic properties or other sensed properties is not
detected when the user deposits the envelope back in the machine,
the deposit may be rejected.
[0154] Alternatively or in addition, indicia corresponding to
properties of interest may be printed on the envelope by the
machine prior to or at the time of dispense of the empty envelope.
In addition or alternatively such information may be stored in a
database. This information may then be compared to that for the
deposited envelope. This may be done at the time of accepting the
deposit and used as a basis to reject the deposit by the machine or
may be done subsequently when the contents of the deposit envelopes
are being verified. Of course other approaches may be taken
depending on system and operator requirements.
[0155] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an alternative deposit
mechanism for accepting deposits such as envelopes within an
automated banking machine. This deposit mechanism generally
indicated 120 includes an outer end 122 which includes a deposit
opening through which deposit items are accepted. Access though the
opening at outer end 22 is controlled by a gate mechanism as later
discussed. Items which pass into the deposit accepting mechanism
120 through the deposit opening at outer end 122 are moved through
a transport 124. Items accepted in the transport are moved past the
recording device 126 which in the exemplary embodiment comprises an
inkjet printer. Deposited items are moved by the transport 124 into
a deposit holding container 128. As later discussed in detail, in
some exemplary embodiments the deposit holding container may be a
removable container which is removably mounted within a chest or
other secure area of the ATM. In the exemplary embodiment a
dividing wall 130 may serve as a portion of an upper wall bounding
the chest portion and separating it from the cabinet portion above.
This is useful in some embodiments in which the envelope holding
container for empty envelopes or portions thereof which serve as
the envelope supply, may be accessed by persons who do not have
access to the secure chest. Of course this approach is exemplary
and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.
[0156] The exemplary form of the deposit mechanism 120 further
includes an envelope storage area 132 which is alternatively
referred to as an empty envelope holding container. Envelope
storage area 132 includes in operative connection therewith devices
for selectively picking and separating a single envelope from a
stack of envelopes stored in the envelope storage area. Such a
picked envelope is then transported through the transport 124 and
delivered to a user of the banking machine through the deposit
opening at the outer end 122. It should be understood that in some
embodiments envelopes being provided to a user and/or envelopes
received may be marked in the manner previously discussed.
Alternatively in other embodiments no marking or alternative forms
of marking may be done.
[0157] The envelope storage and delivery mechanism used in
connection with an exemplary embodiment is described with reference
to FIG. 9-18. The exemplary embodiment includes an envelope storage
and dispensing device 134 which is alternatively referred to as an
envelope dispenser, shown in FIG. 9-11. The envelope storage and
dispensing device includes envelope storage area 132 which is
bounded by a movable floor member 136 which serves as a floor
support and an overlying push plate 138. Push plate 138 is
vertically movable in a pair of disposed slots 140 in supporting
connection with the housing of the deposit accepting mechanism. The
push plate 138 is also rotatable about pivots 142. This facilitates
rotating the push plate from a biasing position biasing the stack
of envelopes downward, to a biasing position in which the push
plate extends outside the storage area, so that envelopes or other
deposit items may be readily added to or removed from the storage
area 132. Push plate 138 when returned to the biasing position in
the storage area applies a downward force to envelopes in the
envelope storage area.
[0158] Floor member 136 is supported on a base 144. Floor member
136 is also rotatable about a pivot 146 which serves as a movable
support and which is positioned adjacent to a rear area of the
floor member 136. Further, the floor member has positioned adjacent
thereto vertically extending guide plates 148 which serve to bound
the empty envelope holding container and maintain the stack of
deposit envelopes in supporting connection with the floor
member.
[0159] Exemplary floor member 136 includes thereon a disposed pair
of upward extending rails 150. The rails are useful in reducing
surface tension forces that resist envelope movement over the
surface of the floor member. Three slots 152 extend in the floor
member at an end disposed from the pivot 146. Each slot 152 is
aligned with a respective pick belt which serves as a movable
picker member. The central slot is aligned with a belt 154 which
extends in centered relation relative to the floor member. The
slots 152 on either side of belt 154 are each aligned with a pick
belt 156. Belts 154 and 156 are selectively driven responsive to
the controller by a drive. The pick belts extend between rollers
158, 160 mounted on shafts 162, 164 in operative connection with
the floor member 136. Adjacent to an end of member 136 disposed
away from the pivot 146 is a pair of transversely disposed cams
166. (See FIG. 11.) As later discussed in detail, cams 166 serve as
part of a mechanism which is operative to cause the floor member to
rotate about the pivot 146 and to move up and down relative to the
upper surface of pick belts 154, 156.
[0160] Bounding the forward side of the envelope storage area 132
is a vertically extending wall 168. Wall 168 has in supporting
connection therewith a stripper member 170. Stripper member 170 is
movably mounted in supporting connection with wall 168 and is
movable responsive to an operatively connected drive. In the
exemplary embodiment the stripper member serves as a stripper to
generally prevent all but one envelope from being moved from the
stack in a spring loaded fashion by a spring 171 which serves as a
downward biasing device for purposes that are -later discussed. As
shown in FIGS. 11, 13 and 15 the stripper assembly includes a pair
of disposed angled friction pads 172. In the exemplary embodiment
the friction pads 172 are comprised of resilient material and are
angled so as to provide a resilient strip surface that extends
somewhat further downward with increasing distance from the stack.
Further, it should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment that
the end of floor member 136 that is disposed the furthest from
pivot 146 extends forward so that slots therein extend beneath the
resilient strip surfaces friction pads 172. In the exemplary
embodiment the friction pads 172 are selectively movable in a
spring loaded fashion with the stripper assembly 170.
[0161] In the exemplary embodiment shaft 162 has mounted thereon a
pair of pinch rolls 174. Pinch rolls 174 are in abutting aligned
relation with transport drive rolls 176 (see FIG. 13) which rotate
on a shaft 178 which is driven by a drive (not shown). Transport
drive rolls 176 are driven in the direction of Arrow T as shown in
FIGS. 13 and 15 during the envelope dispensing operation. Transport
drive rolls 176 each have supported thereon a transport belt 180.
The movement of transport drive rolls 176 and transport belt 180 is
operative to engage and cause the rotation of pinch rolls 174.
Because pinch rolls 174 are attached to shaft 162, rollers 158 and
the pick belts supported thereon are also driven by the drive which
powers the transport drive rolls. Of course this approach is
exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be
used.
[0162] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, transport drive belts 180 are
in operative connection with a tensioning roll 182. Tensioning roll
182 is mounted on a tension lever 184 which is in operative
connection with a spring or other suitable biasing device to bias
the tensioning roll counterclockwise about a pivot 186 shown in
FIG. 15. The engagement of the transport belt 180 with the
tensioning roll causes the transport belt to extend above a gap
188. Gap 188 extends between guides 190, 192. As later discussed,
envelopes being deposited into the machine are moved by the
transport belts to the gap 188. Once envelopes are moved through
the gap they pass through a deposit envelope opening 189 through
the dividing wall into the storage area within deposit holding
container 128.
[0163] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, base 144 includes a tray
portion 194 and a baffle 196 which is alternatively referred to as
a plate. Baffle 196 is movably mounted in supporting connection
with the tray portion so as to be slidably movable thereon along
the direction of Arrow U in FIG. 17. In the exemplary embodiment
baffle 194 is moved by a drive screw 198 which is selectively
driven responsive to the controller in either rotational direction
by a drive 199 and pulley assembly 200.
[0164] Baffle 196 includes an opening there through 202. The tray
portion 194 includes a corresponding opening 204. Tray opening 204
corresponds to the position of the deposit envelope opening 189 in
the dividing wall bounding the chest when the mechanism 120 is in
an operative position. Tray opening 204 is positioned in generally
underlying relation of the gap 188. As can be appreciated through
the selective operation of drive 199, the baffle opening 202 may be
selectively moved so as to align the opening in the baffle with the
opening in the tray. In such circumstances envelopes which pass
into the gap 188 are enabled to move into the deposit holding
container 128. Likewise when the baffle is moved by the drive so as
to have the opening in the baffle disposed from the opening of the
tray, access to the deposit holding container is blocked. Thus the
portion of the baffle or plate 196 which moves to block access
through the gap to the deposit envelope opening serves as a
gate.
[0165] Baffle 196 further includes therein a pair of cam slots 206.
As shown in FIG. 18, cam slots 206 are aligned with and sized to
accept cams 166 which extend in underlying relation of the floor
member 136. As a result movement of the baffle relative to the tray
also enables the floor member to be selectively moved up and down
in the area adjacent to the pick belts at an end disposed of the
pivot 146. This interconnection causes the supporting floor
supporting the envelope stack to move with the portion of the
baffle that serves as the gate.
[0166] Baffle 196 further has in operative connection therewith an
actuating roller 208. Roller 208 in the exemplary embodiment is in
operative connection with a cam member which is engaged with a cam
portion on an arm 210. Arm 210 is movably mounted to the tray
member through a pivot mount 212. (See FIG. 18.) As later explained
in detail, movement of the arm 210 through engagement of roller 208
and the cam facilitates maintaining the proper operating condition
of the inkjet printhead used in the exemplary embodiment.
[0167] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, transport belts 180 in the area
of tensioning roller 182 extend adjacent to a transport which
includes a platen 214. Transport belts 180 are also operative to
engage a pair of toothed rolls 216 which extend through openings in
the transport platen 214. The toothed rolls rotate in coordination
with the transport belts so as to facilitate the movement of
envelopes there through.
[0168] As represented in FIGS. 19-21, transport platen 214 in the
exemplary embodiment has a surface that has a curved portion and
which extends to a delivery section 218 that extends adjacent to
the outer end 122 of the transport. Platen 214 includes an item
supporting surface with a curved portion 215 through which a
plurality of aligned openings which serve as apertures through
which freely rotatable belt support rollers 220 extend. The belt
support rollers 220 are positioned such that the transport belts
180 move in overlying relation thereof.
[0169] In the exemplary embodiment elastic transport belts 180 are
journaled about outlet rolls 222 which rotate on a movable outlet
shaft 224 as later explained. Pressure applying rolls 226 are
spring biased by leaf springs 227 and serve to maintain downward
pressure on the transport belts in the delivery section 216. The
biasing action of rolls 182 and 226 serve to bias the adjacent
flights of belts 180 toward engagement of curved portion 215. Guide
rolls 228 serve to guide the return flights of the transport belts
180 between the transport drive rolls 176 and the outlet rolls
222.
[0170] In the exemplary embodiment of the deposit mechanism 120,
when the automated banking machine operates to conduct a deposit
transaction for a user, the controller operates to dispense an
envelope from the envelope storage area 132 and to deliver the
envelope to the user of the machine through an opening at the outer
end 122 of the transport 124. The envelope dispenser in the ATM is
operative to dispense an empty envelope. This is accomplished in an
exemplary embodiment by the controller operating the drive 199 so
as to cause the cam slots 206 in the baffle 196 to move so that the
cams 166 extending on the underside of floor member 136 move
downward into engagement with cam slots 206. This causes the pick
belts which serve as a picker to extend above the surface of the
floor member and the rails, and engage the end envelope bounding
the lower end of the envelope stack 207. The motor driving shaft
178 operates to rotate in the direction of Arrow T so that the pick
belts 154, 156 urge the bottom end envelope in the stack 207 to
move along a first direction toward wall 168. Further, the stripper
assembly 170 is disposed downward such that the angled friction
pads 172 are disposed downward such that at the side toward the
stack they are about one envelope thickness above the plane of the
lowered floor member 136 as shown in FIG. 13.
[0171] The action of the pick belts 154, 156 urge the lowest
envelope to the right as shown in FIG. 13 into engagement with the
downwardly angled resilient strip surface on the friction pads.
Such engagement resists movement of the envelope by engaging the
side of the envelope opposed of the pick belts and generally causes
the lowermost end envelope bounding the stack to be separated from
the stack.
[0172] The force of the pick belts and particularly areas of raised
knobby tread 234 on pick belts 156 which serve as a cog portion,
engage the lower face of the end envelope and force the leading
edge thereof into the nip formed by drive belts 180 supported on
rollers 176 and pinch rolls 174 which are rotated on shaft 162.
Engagement of the leading edge of a lowermost envelope in the nip
formed by the rolls causes the envelope to move with the belt
flights across the gap 188 and into engagement with the toothed
rolls 216.
[0173] As best shown in FIG. 14, the exemplary configuration of the
stripper member 170 and the angled stripper pads 172 achieve
imparting a waffle configuration to the lowermost envelope 230. The
deformed configuration of the envelope further helps to facilitate
separation of the lowermost envelope in the stack from other
envelopes.
[0174] A further feature of the exemplary dispenser mechanism for
empty envelopes is that empty envelopes containing features for
sealing of the envelopes by an ATM user may be accommodated. For
example, empty envelopes that include peel-off strips may be
positioned in the empty envelope holding container with such
peel-off strips facing downward toward the floor support. As
generally such peel-off strips covering the adhesive are at the
transverse margins of the envelopes, the envelopes can be moved by
engagement with the pick belts without engaging the peel-off
strips. This enables the envelopes to be picked without damaging
the peel-off strips and without encountering significant
differences in frictional properties which may result in skewing of
the envelopes and jams. Such envelopes with peel-off strips may be
desirable, as it eliminates the need for users to lick or otherwise
apply moisture to deposit envelopes to seal them after materials
have been placed therein. Alternatively, other types of sealing
approaches may be used with regard to empty deposit envelopes.
These may include, for example, fold-out flaps or other approaches
to exposing adhesive material that is used to seal the envelope
once materials have been placed therein by a user. The exemplary
dispensing mechanism, with the belt flights and cog portion which
serve as a picker and angled overlying resilient surfaces which
serve as a stripper, are well adapted for individually separating
such envelopes. Of course the construction described is exemplary
and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.
[0175] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, as the picked envelope 230
moves with the transport belts 180 over the gap 188, the leading
edge of the envelope engages rotating toothed rolls 216. The
toothed rolls direct the leading edge of the envelope to be engaged
between the surface of the transport platen 214 and the opposed
platen surface facing flights of the transport belts 180 adjacent
thereto. An envelope sensor 232 comprises movable members that
extend through a plurality of slots in the platen and is positioned
to sense the leading edge of the envelope in connection with the
transport belts adjacent to the platen. In response to such sensing
of the envelope, the controller in the exemplary embodiment is
operative to cause the baffle 196 to translate relative to the tray
portion and to cause the cams 166 to move out of the cam slots 206.
This raises the floor member 136 upward in the area of the friction
pads 172. In the exemplary embodiment because the stripper 170 is
mounted in biased relation relative to the wall 168, a downward
clamping force is applied to the picked envelope as it continues to
move out of the stack as a result of the driving force imparted
thereto by the transport belts and pinch rolls 174. In the
exemplary embodiment this clamping force on the moving envelope is
further operative to assist in separating the end envelope at the
bottom of the stack from other envelopes when they tend to be
pulled along with the picked envelope. Further, the raising of the
floor member 136 is operative to cause the rails on the surface of
the floor member to again be disposed above the moving pick belts.
This disengages the pick belts from further envelopes in the stack
and reduces the risk that additional envelopes will be picked.
[0176] Once the picked envelope 230 has moved from the stack such
that it has cleared the pinch point formed by the transport belts
and pinch rolls 174, the envelope is moved in engagement with the
transport belts between the surface of the transport platen 214 and
belt support rolls toward the outlet rolls 222. As this occurs the
gate adjacent to the opening in outer end 122 is opened in a manner
later explained, and the envelope is driven until the envelope is
sensed by sensors as extending through the opening and available to
the customer, at which time the controller ceases further movement
of the transport belts.
[0177] The exemplary embodiment of the envelope dispensing
mechanism is useful in that envelopes are reliably stripped both by
the stripping action of the angled friction pads as well as the
wavelike waffle contour that is imparted to the envelope by the
picker and stripper members. Further, reliable stripping of the
lowest end envelope from other envelopes in the stack is generally
assured by the clamping action which occurs as a result of raising
the floor member 136 after the envelope has moved away from the
stack a sufficient distance.
[0178] A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that
the stripper member is spring biased but movable in response to
excessive thickness. Thus if for some reason a substantial quantity
of envelopes cannot be separated from one another, the entire stack
may be moved outward past the stripper member and through the
transport to the user. This avoids malfunctions and placing the
machine out of service when such conditions occur. In the exemplary
embodiment the stripper is operative to allow approximately 3.5
millimeters of envelope thickness to pass through without jamming.
This represents a substantial number of envelopes and may reduce
the risk of a machine malfunction.
[0179] A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment
previously discussed, is that the mechanism is operative to handle
envelopes that have wax peel-off strips on the sides or edges of
the envelope. Such peel-off strips may be loaded into the envelope
storage area with such strips facing in a downward direction. As
the exemplary embodiment does not include any resilient engaging
surfaces which apply opposing forces and which may contribute to
such peel-offs coming off the envelope during separation of the end
envelope from the stack, each envelope may be moved with the
peel-off strip intact on the underside of the envelope to a
user.
[0180] A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that
the pick belts include raised segments 234 which serve as a high
force cog portion. As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the raised
segments on pick belts 156 are comprised of enlarged knobby tread
portions which extend higher than the surrounding tread. In the
exemplary embodiment the raised segments 234 are arranged on pick
belts 156, 180 degrees apart. These cog portions provide additional
friction and pushing force so as to move the lowermost envelope
from the stack.
[0181] A further useful aspect employed in the exemplary embodiment
to facilitate the picking of envelopes is the use of the stepper
motor for driving the rolls and belts. In the exemplary embodiment
the stepper motor is in operative connection with control circuitry
which in response to the controller causes the stepper motor to
operate in an oscillating fashion. In some embodiments the motor
may operate in a vibratory manner with vibration frequency but
which always has a desired net forward drive on the envelope. This
results in vibration with desired forward or backward movement
which further helps to separate envelopes from the envelope stack.
For example in an exemplary embodiment the controller may be
programmed to determine whether the leading edge of an envelope is
sensed as having reached the sensor 232 at a particular time after
the effort to pick an envelope is initiated. In response to the
controller failing to sense the envelope within the desired time,
the controller operates to cause the vibratory action of the motor
to be commenced. This vibratory action and the resulting shaking
and oscillating motions of the parts in engagement with the
envelope is generally operative to cause the lowermost envelope to
be picked. Of course it should be appreciated that further recovery
routines such as driving the belts and rolls in a back and forth
motion as well as moving the baffle back and forth to raise and
lower the floor member of the envelope holding bin may also be
conducted so as to facilitate end envelope separation.
[0182] In an exemplary embodiment the stepper motor or other drive
is also used to provide an audible indication responsive to the
controller. This is achieved, for example, by the controller
operating to drive the stepper motor in a vibratory fashion so as
to produce an audible output from the motor and components
connected thereto. This may avoid the need in some ATMs for having
a separate audible output device. Thus, for example, the controller
may be programmed to indicate to a user of the ATM that an empty
deposit envelope has been picked and moved through the transport
through the deposit opening, and is ready for the user to take.
Upon sensing the empty envelope in this position, the controller
may cause the stepper motor to be driven to vibrate and provide an
audible "beep" or periodic audible signal so as to indicate to the
user that they need to take action. Audible signals may also be
provided in other circumstances such as to indicate an malfunction.
In some embodiments different audible signals may be produced
through vibratory action. Of course these approaches are
exemplary.
[0183] A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that
the floor member 136 generally operates to maintain the lowermost
envelope out of engagement with the picking belts during the times
that an envelope is not being picked. This helps to maintain a
desirable contour for the lowermost envelope so as to facilitate
the picking thereof when the floor member is lowered. It should be
understood that the features described in connection with picking
envelopes may also be applied to picking other types of media such
as sheets.
[0184] A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that
the portion of the baffle member which serves as a gate is
configured so as to maintain security by keeping access to a
deposit holding container through the gap 188 blocked at
appropriate times while an envelope is being delivered to the user.
This further provides additional security so as to minimize the
risk that deposited items can be fished out of the container by
criminals. Of course many other additional advantages are obtained
through the principles employed in the exemplary embodiment.
[0185] In the exemplary embodiment the delivery section 218
adjacent to the outer area 122 is adapted to both deliver empty
envelopes to a user from the machine as well as to accept envelopes
for deposit into the machine. Such accepted envelopes may have
uniform or non-uniform contours. As shown in FIG. 22, outlet rolls
222 are supported on outlet shaft 224. In the exemplary embodiment
the elastic transport belts 180 extend around the outlet rolls 222.
Belt support rolls 220 extend through openings in a base surface of
the platen in the delivery section and are in abutting relation
with the outlet rolls 222 when an envelope is not extending in
between.
[0186] In the exemplary embodiment the delivery section 218
includes side walls 236 which transversely bound the transport.
Side walls 236 include therein generally upward extending angled
slots 238. The angled slots 238 are sized so as to accept the
opposed ends of an outlet shaft 234 therein in movable relation.
Circular guides 240 positioned on the outlet shaft 224 facilitate
movement of the outer shaft 224 relative to the slot. Further, in
the exemplary embodiment angled slots 238 are angled such that the
tension applied by the elastic transport belts 180 is operative to
bias the outlet rolls 222 and the outlet shaft 224 toward the lower
end of the slot. This facilitates maintaining the transport belts
and rolls in engagement with the envelope.
[0187] As shown in FIG. 23, in the exemplary embodiment the outer
end 122 of the transport is provided with a cover housing referred
to herein as a bezel 242 which includes an opening 244 therein
through which envelopes pass to and from a user. The bezel 242 is
operatively connected to the delivery section 218. Further movably
mounted in underlying relation of the bezel of the exemplary
embodiment is a movable gate member 246 which is later discussed in
detail. In FIG. 23 the gate member 246 is shown in an open
position. As shown in FIG. 23, a sensor 248 is provided within the
transport inboard of the outlet rolls 222. In the exemplary
embodiment sensor 248 comprises a plurality of movable members or
fingers that are movable and extend through transversely disposed
slots in locations across the transport. The members move in the
slots in response to the presence or absence of envelopes in that
position. FIG. 25 shows the plurality of sensor members associated
with sensor 248 disposed in areas across the transport. Further,
the nature of the sensor members further assists in helping to move
the envelopes by reducing surface tension between the envelopes and
the base of the transport. In the exemplary embodiment, the sensor
members are in operative connection with an electrical switch,
photo interrupter, or other sensor which provides a suitable signal
to the controller. A central rib 250 is also provided adjacent the
outlet to reduce surface tension and facilitate envelope
movement.
[0188] FIG. 24 is representative of the useful properties of the
exemplary mounting provided for outlet shaft 224 and outlet rolls
222. The ability of the shaft to move in the angled slots 238
responsive to envelopes of varying thickness facilitates the
ability thereof to conform the height of the envelopes so that the
transport belts 180 may engage the envelopes sufficiently so as to
move the envelopes therein. Further, the elastic nature of the
transport belts in combination with the angled slots 238 serves to
bias the outlet rolls 222 along with the transport belts into
engagement with the envelopes. FIG. 26 shows an exemplary envelope
containing coin 252. In envelope 252 the coin is shown disposed to
one side of the envelope. The clearance provided within the
transport enables this coin containing envelope to be moved by the
transport belts into the transport. An alternative envelope is
shown within the transport in FIG. 27. This envelope 254 contains
folded notes which enter the transport and underlie the outlet
rolls 222. As represented in FIG. 27, the outlet rolls and the
transport belts supported thereon are enabled to move so as to
allow the envelope to pass while remaining in engagement with the
envelope. This generally enables the envelope to be transported
without tearing or breaking open.
[0189] Further, as can be appreciated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the
displaceable character of the pressure applying rolls 226 which in
the exemplary embodiment are mounted to be displaceable on curved
leaf springs 227 help to maintain the engagement of the transport
belts with the envelopes after the envelope is moved past the
outlet rolls 222. Further, the flexible biased mounting of the
pressure rolls 226 enables envelopes of varying contours and
thickness to pass. In addition, the curved portion 215 of the
platen 214 and the forces applied by the overlying transport belts
maintain a transported envelope in captured relation between the
surface of the platen, belt support rolls and the belts so as to
facilitate movement thereof. As represented by the force vector
arrows in FIGS. 19 and 20, the force of the belts serves to
maintain such engagement. In the exemplary embodiment this enables
envelopes of uneven contour to be moved intact to the area of the
gap 188 from which the envelopes may pass into the deposit holding
container 128. Of course it should be understood that these
approaches are exemplary. However, the principles described may be
applied in many embodiments to achieve the transport of envelopes
or other media or stacks thereof having regular or irregular
contours.
[0190] In an exemplary embodiment the rolls used for the outlet
rolls 222 of the transport and the outlet shaft 224 may have the
structures shown in FIGS. 28 through 30. As shown in these Figures
the rolls 222 are shown without the crowned outer cover that
engages the transport belts when the rolls are in operation. In
some exemplary embodiments the outlet rolls 222 are free wheeling
relative to the shaft. Further, in some exemplary embodiments it is
desirable that the rolls rotate in either direction with low
resistance to friction, be readily assembled on the shaft and be
reliable in terms of maintaining engagement with and their position
relative to the shaft. In the exemplary embodiment this is achieved
by the rolls being formed with a body having an integral bushing
portion 256. Bushing portion 256 terminates at an inboard end at an
annular flat surface 258. The annular flat surface 258 is adapted
to engage in slidable relation with a radially extending annular
step surface 260 on the shaft. The engagement of the annular flat
surface with the radially extending step surface is operative to
limit the axial movement of the roller relative to the shaft.
[0191] The exemplary bushing portion 256 includes thereon at an
opposed annular end from the annular flat surface, a plurality of
radially inward extending deformable fingers 262. In the exemplary
embodiment the inward extending fingers have outward edges that
extend radially inward relative to the bore 264 which is sized to
accept the shaft and which extends through the bushing portion. In
the exemplary embodiment the inward extending fingers 262 as well
as the bushing portion are comprised of generally rigid but
resilient material such that the inward extending fingers may
deform but quickly reassume their original inward extending
contour.
[0192] The shaft 224 of the exemplary embodiment includes therein
annular recesses 266. The annular recesses 266 are axially disposed
from the step surfaces a distance generally corresponding to the
axial distance between the annular flat surface 258 and the inward
extending fingers 262 of the rolls. Further, the size and distance
between the step surface and annular recesses is such that in some
exemplary embodiments the rolls 222 are enabled to readily rotate
relative to the shaft when the roller is mounted thereon such that
the inward extending fingers are extended into and movable in the
adjacent annular recess.
[0193] A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that
the rollers 222 may be mounted on the shaft 224 without the use of
tools or fasteners. As represented in FIGS. 28 and 30, the rolls
are moved relatively axially onto the shaft so that the shaft is
extended into the bore 264 of the bushing portion. The inward
extending fingers 262 are deformed from their original position
temporarily as the roll is moved axially inward relative to the
shaft. However, once the inward extending fingers reach the annular
recesses 266, the fingers resume their normal shape. This
engagement of the fingers within the annular recesses serves to
hold the rollers in position relative to the shaft. Further, when
the roller is moved axially such that the finger portions engage in
the annular recess, the annular flat surface comes into abutting
relation with the annular step surface on the shaft. Such
engagement prevents further axial movement of the roller which may
cause the fingers to move out of the annular recess. Once
additional axial force moving the roller is stopped, the engagement
of the fingers in the annular recess causes the annular flat
surface in the exemplary embodiment to be adjacent to but disposed
slightly away from the annular step surface, so as to enable the
generally free rotation of the roller relative to the shaft. In
this position the annular flat surface 258 of the roller is
disposed sufficiently adjacent to the corresponding step surface
260 such that the roller is enabled to freely rotate relative to
the shaft but is generally prevented from moving further axially
inward by engagement with the step surface. Further, in this
exemplary embodiment the tapered contour of the inwardly extending
fingers 262 causes forces tending to move the rollers axially
outward on the shaft to be resisted by engagement of the outer ends
of the fingers with the radially outward extending surfaces on the
axially outward side of the annual recesses 266. As can be
appreciated, this approach and method provides a ready low-friction
mounting for the rollers relative to the shaft and reliable
low-friction positioning and rotation of the rollers relative to
the shaft.
[0194] In the exemplary embodiment the principles described in
conjunction with the mounting of outlet rolls 222 may also be
applied to other rolls. FIG. 31 shows an exemplary form of the
guide rolls 228 used in the transport for guiding the return flight
of the transport belts. Guide rolls 228 are shown mounted on a
guide shaft 268. The guide rolls 228 include structures similar to
that described in connection with rolls 222 to enable the ready
mounting and rotation of the rolls relative to the shaft. Of course
it should be understood that these approaches are exemplary and in
other embodiments other approaches may be used. Specifically and
without limitation, in some embodiments specific features may be
included for purposes of providing rolls that are in fixed
engagement so that the rolls rotate with the drive shaft. This may
be accomplished for example by including interengaging projections
and recesses on the rolls and shaft structures. Such structures may
include axially extending or radially extending projections or a
combination of both, depending on the nature of the application and
the nature of the forces being transmitted. Those having skill in
the art may devise various approaches for achieving the desired
degree of force transmission between the rolls and shafts.
[0195] In some exemplary embodiments of the deposit accepting
mechanism 120, difficulties may be presented by envelopes that
enter or exit the transport in a manner that is skewed relative to
the direction of movement of the transport belts 180. For example
in FIG. 41, an envelope 270 is shown with an edge extending that is
folded on the right side of the transport as shown due to envelope
skewing. This may occur for example by the envelope 270 having
become skewed in the transport while being dispensed and having
moved outward through the transport in a skewed position.
Alternatively, such skewing may have occurred due to a user
inserting the envelope in a skewed manner. FIG. 40 is a top view
showing the envelope with the folded edge within the transport and
having an edge thereof adjacent to the outlet shaft 224. FIG. 39 is
representative of the envelope 270 being entered into the transport
for deposit in a skewed manner.
[0196] As can best be appreciated from FIG. 41, in the exemplary
embodiment the skewed nature of an envelope can present problems in
operation. Such problems may occur both in envelope dispensing and
in receiving envelopes. For example, if an envelope is being
dispensed to a user and it is skewed in the manner shown in FIG.
41, the folded end of the envelope may be obstructed in passing
outward by the outlet shaft 224. When this occurs, a jam will be
sensed adjacent the outlet and/or the envelope may be torn or
damaged when presented to the user. Likewise, skewed envelopes may
also be a problem with regard to deposit accepting operations. For
example, an envelope may be accepted into the transport and then
due to the envelope having certain sensed parameters that suggests
that it should be returned to the customer, the controller operates
to reverse the transport belts 180 so as to pass the envelope back
to the user. If in these circumstances the envelope is skewed and
the trailing edge is already moved into the transport past the
outlet shaft 224, the folded edge of the envelope may catch on the
shaft. This may result in an inability to return the envelope
and/or envelope tearing or damage.
[0197] In some alternative embodiments the problems associated with
skewed envelopes can be reduced through use of envelope guides.
Such envelope guides may operate to urge skewed envelopes to assume
a particular contour or configuration which more readily enables
them to pass into and/or out of the transport without engaging
other structures which may cause damage, jams or tearing. An
exemplary embodiment of such guides is shown in FIGS. 34-37.
Envelope guides 272 and 274 are mounted on opposed sides of the
transport belts in supporting connection with the side walls of the
transport. Of course as can be appreciated in FIG. 34, the left
side transport belt is not shown for purposes of clarity. While in
the exemplary embodiment the envelope guides are mounted in fixed
relation relative to side walls 236, in other embodiments such
guides may be movably mounted and/or spring loaded.
[0198] As the envelope guides 272 and 274 are mirror images of each
other, only guide 272 will be described in detail. The guide 272
includes a contoured generally vertically extending surface 276. In
the exemplary embodiment the vertical guide 276 extends in a
generally inward depending shape so as to be extending further
inward relative to the transport with increasing proximity to the
outlet shaft 224. The exemplary form of the envelope guide 272
further includes a generally downward facing surface 278. Downward
facing surface 278 is tapered so as to be closer to the platen
surface of the transport with increasing proximity to the outlet
shaft. This urges items to move below the outlet shaft. Of course
as can be appreciated, the exemplary form of the envelope guide 272
has a vertically extending termination surface 280 that is
sufficiently disposed from the outlet shaft 224 so as not to
interfere with the movement thereof. This is shown in FIG. 35.
[0199] As best represented in FIGS. 34 and 36, an envelope 282
which is skewed relative to the transport is enabled to be more
readily moved inward and outward past the outlet rolls 222. This
results because if the envelope is being dispensed and is skewed in
the manner shown in FIG. 34, the leading folded edge of the
envelope engages the downward facing surfaces of the envelope
guides and is caused to be deformed in a manner so that the folded
edge of the envelope may move beneath the outlet shaft 224. This is
further shown by the relationship between the downward facing
surface 278 of the guide which extends generally at about the level
of the bottom of the undeformed position of the outlet shaft 224.
Thus as the envelope is moved outward, the folded edge passes
beneath the outlet shaft and does not become caught thereon.
Further, as can be appreciated the inward extending vertical guide
surfaces facilitate envelopes which may be skewed sufficiently
severely to be moved so that the folded over edges thereof engage
the rollers and through the action thereof are moved to deform and
pass under the outlet shaft.
[0200] Similar principles may be applied in circumstances where an
envelope is inserted into the transport in a skewed manner such as
is represented in FIG. 37. In such circumstances the skewed
envelope will generally be deformed and folded so as to move past
the outlet rolls 222. However, if it is necessary to reject the
deposited envelope, the guides will operate so as to deform the
edges so that the envelope can pass outward underneath the outlet
shaft. Such approaches facilitate reliable movement of envelopes
into and out of the transport despite such envelopes being skewed
and may avoid envelope jams and provide increased reliability. Of
course that these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments
other approaches may be used.
[0201] In some embodiments challenges may be faced by users
attempting to insert relatively large and/or uneven contoured
envelopes into the automated banking machine for deposit. In some
cases such envelopes may not be readily accepted because the
movably mounted outlet rolls 222 and the transport belts 180
supported thereon may not readily displace upwardly to a sufficient
degree in response to engaging the envelope to enable an envelope
of high thickness to enter in between. This may be particularly a
challenge in situations where there are relatively thick or
unevenly contoured envelopes which are comprised of low friction
material. In such circumstances the transport belts may not have
sufficient frictional engagement with the envelope so as to enable
the envelope to move into the nip between the outlet rolls 222 and
the associated transport belts and rollers 220. Such deficiencies
may result in users trying to force envelopes into the transport.
This increases the risks of envelope breakage and/or jamming.
[0202] To enable envelopes having higher thicknesses and/or lower
frictional properties to more readily enter the outer end of the
envelope transport, some alternative embodiments of the invention
may incorporate structures like that shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. In
this exemplary alternative embodiment, the outlet rolls 222 are
mounted relative to the outlet shaft 224 such that rotation of the
outlet rolls responsive to the transport belts 180 cause shaft 224
to rotate. This may be done for example in the manner previously
discussed by providing engaging connection between the outlet rolls
222 and the shaft. Of course alternative means for fixing the
outlet rolls to the shaft such that they rotate together, may be
employed.
[0203] In this exemplary alternative embodiment knobby rolls 284
are mounted to and rotate with the outlet shaft 224. For purposes
of this disclosure, knobby rolls are rolls with outer surfaces
which include projections that provide enhanced gripping action. In
the exemplary embodiment knobby rolls 284 are mounted such that
there is one position on the shaft in intermediate relation of the
outlet rolls 222 as well as one on each outboard side between the
outlet rolls 222 and the side wall 236. In the exemplary embodiment
the knobby rolls are comprised of generally firm but resilient
material in the area of engagement with the envelope. Such area of
engagement is also comprised of material having sufficient gripping
frictional properties so as to facilitate engaging and moving the
envelopes. In the exemplary embodiment the knobby rolls 284 are
comprised of generally a cross shape with generally curved outer
surfaces 286. As best shown in FIG. 33, the exemplary form of the
knobby rolls provide for the curved surfaces 286 to extend somewhat
further radially outward than the surface of the transport belts
180 on the outlet rolls 222. However, the outer surfaces 286 are
positioned so that when the outlet shaft 224 is at the bottom of
the angled slot 238, the outer surfaces 286 are enabled to pass the
base surface of the transport without engagement.
[0204] In operation of this alternative embodiment, the knobby
rolls 284 rotate with the outlet rolls 222 and the transport belts
180. Upon engagement with an envelope the outer surfaces 286 of the
knobby rolls provide additional traction on the envelope, urging it
to move into the transport to facilitate movement of the outlet
shaft 224 upward. In addition in the exemplary embodiment arcuate
recesses 288 which extend between the outer surfaces 286 provide a
further engaging force at the areas leading to the outer surfaces
which further serve to help the shaft to move upward and to pull
envelopes past the outlet shaft 224. This action enables the
alternative transport to handle larger sized envelope thicknesses
or uneven contours without damage to the envelopes. Further, as can
be appreciated, the nature of the knobby rolls 284 is such that the
rolls provide similar traction in moving envelopes in an outward
direction through the transport. This may facilitate the rejection
of envelopes within the transport that must be returned to the
customer. The knobby rolls may also serve to facilitate the
movement out of a transport of a stack of empty envelopes which due
to malfunction in loading have become engaged together and which
may only be moved from the transport as part of a stack. This may
occur for example with certain types of envelopes which have tabs
which may have been inadvertently interlocked or which through
contamination or errors in the manufacturing process have become
stuck together. Of course it should be understood that the
structures described in connection with knobby rolls are exemplary
and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.
[0205] A further useful aspect of the exemplary form of the
envelope accepting mechanism 120 is that the mechanism may be more
readily adapted for use in various types of automated banking
machines. This is enabled by providing that the delivery section
218 may extend horizontally beyond curved portion 215 by varying
distances. This may be useful for utilizing the mechanism within
various types of machines where the position of the components
within the machine relative to the opening at the outer end may
vary. FIGS. 42-44 show an exemplary structure used in an embodiment
of the invention so as to facilitate the delivery section 218 being
of different lengths.
[0206] In the exemplary delivery section 218 shown, the delivery
section is comprised of two interengaging sections 290 and 292.
Delivery section 292 in this exemplary embodiment is positioned
adjacent to the outer end 122 and includes the structures
associated with the outlet rolls and shaft. Section 292 includes
the side walls 236 having angled slots 238. Further as can be seen
in FIGS. 42 and 43, Section 292 includes a base platen surface 294
having apertures 296 therein in which the belt support rollers 220
which underlie the outlet rolls 222 are mounted. In the exemplary
embodiment the base surface 294 includes at opposed transverse
ends, formed shaft supporting pockets 298. Shaft supporting pockets
298 are adapted for the receipt of shafts portions 299 therein (see
FIG. 23), which shafts support the rollers which extend in the
apertures when the unit is assembled. Further section 292 includes
slots 300 through which the contacting movable fingers associated
with envelope sensor 248 extend. Section 292 further includes an
angled lead-in surface 302. Lead-in surface 302 in the exemplary
embodiment is serrated for purposes of cooperating with the gate
member 246 in a manner later discussed.
[0207] Section 290 also includes side walls 304 and a base platen
surface 306. Base platen surface 306 includes apertures 308 for
accepting belt support rollers as well as shaft supporting pockets
310 similar to shaft supporting pockets 298. In the exemplary form
of section 290 the base surface 306 also includes slots 312 for
purposes of allowing fingers associated with a mid-transport
envelope sensor to movably extend there through. Further, sections
290 and 292 further include fastening openings 214 which are used
for mounting further structures thereon such as rib 250. Of course
it should be understood that these structures are exemplary and
other embodiments or other structures may be used.
[0208] As best shown in FIG. 43, section 290 includes at a forward
end thereof, a downward depending wall 316 with locator tabs 318
extending thereon. Recesses extend between the locator tabs 318.
Section 292 includes a downward extending U-shaped wall 320.
U-shaped wall 320 includes cutouts 322 therein. U-shaped wall 320
is configured such that the distance between the legs which
comprise the U-shaped wall are spaced sufficiently apart to accept
wall 316 of section 290 therein. Further, the cutouts 322 are sized
and positioned such that tabs 318 are enabled to be engaged
therewith in aligned relation. This is represented in FIG. 44. As
can be appreciated when the tabs and cutouts are engaged, the walls
236 and 304 of sections 290 and 292 are generally aligned as are
the adjacent portions of base platen surfaces 294 and 306. Further
as shown in FIG. 44 in the exemplary embodiment, the areas where
the sections come together are rounded so as to facilitate the
movement of envelopes or other media through the area of the joint
while minimizing the risk of snagging.
[0209] Further in the exemplary embodiment section 292 includes an
ear portion 324. Ear portion 324 includes an aperture 326 therein.
Aperture 326 is positioned in aligned relation with an opening 328
in side wall 304 when the sections 290 and 292 are assembled. The
fastener device (not separately shown) is extended to engage the
aperture 326 and the opening 328 so as to hold the sections in
engaged relation.
[0210] As further shown in FIG. 43, section 290 includes a further
folded wall portion 330 having cutouts 332 therein. Further section
290 includes ear portions 334 with apertures 336 therein. As can be
appreciated, these structures are similar to those used to join
sections 290 and 292 and may be used to engage section 290 with a
further transport section such as a further horizontally extending
section or an upper end of the curved platen 214.
[0211] As can be appreciated, in this exemplary embodiment the
delivery section 218 which extends horizontally outward between the
fascia of the automated banking machine and the curved portion of
the transport, may be made of various lengths depending on the
length and number of sections used. Therefore the envelope
depository mechanism of the exemplary embodiment may be utilized in
more types of machines. Further the structures employed are readily
assembled and minimize the risk of envelopes snagging as they pass
between the sections of the transport. Of course it should be
understood that these structures are exemplary and in other
embodiments, other structures and approaches may be used.
[0212] In an exemplary embodiment of the deposit mechanism 120, a
gate device is employed to minimize the risk that persons will
access the transport and the interior of the banking machine in
attempts to gain access to valuable items therein. In the exemplary
embodiment the gate is positioned adjacent to the outer end 122 and
operates to control access through the opening 244. In the
exemplary embodiment the gate operates so as to only provide access
through the opening when the controller operates the machine to
dispense an envelope to a user, or when the machine is operating to
conduct a transaction in which a deposit envelope is to be received
within the machine. Of course it should be understood that the
structures and methods described are exemplary and in other
embodiments other approaches may be used.
[0213] As best shown in FIGS. 45-50, a gate member 246 is rotatable
about a pivot 338. The pivot 338 is supported by side walls 236 of
transport section 292. Further, the gate member 246 and pivot are
positioned behind bezel 242. In the exemplary embodiment bezel 242
includes both a front wall 340 and side walls 342. In the exemplary
embodiment the side walls extend rearward from the front wall and
overlie the gate as well as the outer end of section 292 so as to
reduce the risk of tampering. Further, in the exemplary embodiment
bezel 242 includes a top wall 344 and a bottom wall 346. The top
and bottom walls further overlie the gate and the end of section
292 to reduce the risk of tampering. Of course it should be
understood that these structures are exemplary and in other
embodiments other approaches may be used.
[0214] Exemplary bezel 242 includes walls 348, 350 which bound the
opening 244 at the upper and lower sides respectively. Bezel 244
also includes inwardly tapered side walls 352. Walls 348, 350 and
352 form a funnel shaped throat so as to facilitate movement of
envelopes into and out of the opening 244. Further bezel front wall
340 includes an aperture 354. In the exemplary embodiment aperture
354 enables user observation of illumination devices such as LEDs
that are selectively illuminated responsive to the controller. This
provides for the controller to illuminate the lighting devices so
as to draw a user's attention to the opening 244 at appropriate
times during transactions. This may include for example when the
unit is dispensing an envelope to a user and/or when the user is
expected to deposit an envelope into the device. In some exemplary
embodiments the light emitting devices may provide for illumination
in different colors and/or may flash at different frequencies in
response to the controller. This may further facilitate guiding a
user of the automated banking machine's attention to the opening at
appropriate times. Of course these approaches are exemplary.
[0215] As best shown in FIG. 50, in the exemplary embodiment gate
246 includes an outward extending portion 356. Outward extending
portion 356 in the closed position of the gate shown in FIG. 50
overlies the inside of the upper wall 348 of the bezel. This serves
to reduce opportunities for unauthorized access to the interior of
the machine when the gate is closed.
[0216] Further as shown in FIG. 50, gate 246 includes a lower
inward extending portion 358. Inward extending portion 358
comprises a plurality of transversely disposed recesses which
provide a generally serrated surface in the exemplary embodiment.
This surface meshes in interengaging relation with a plurality of
projections that are elongated in the direction of movement of
envelopes in the transport, and which are alternatively referred to
herein as zipper portions 380. In the closed position of the gate,
the projections also extend through the serrated lead-in surface
302 of base 294. In this exemplary embodiment the interengaging
relation of the protections, the serrated inward extending portion
358 and the serrated lead-in portion 302 in the closed position of
the gate 246 helps to minimize the risk of tampering. This is
achieved because deformation of the gate by persons attempting
tampering may cause the gate to interlock and jam adjacent
structures so as to prevent the opening thereof. Further, the
structure of the exemplary embodiment reduces the opportunities for
persons to gain access to the interior of the banking machine
through the use of prying tools or other devices.
[0217] In the exemplary embodiment an actuator member 360 is
movably mounted in supporting connection with the delivery section
218 as best shown in FIG. 46. Actuator member 360 in the exemplary
embodiment is enabled to move back and forth generally transverse
to the direction of movement of the gate along the lines of Arrow V
through the action of interengaging pins and slots 362. In the
exemplary embodiment the slots 364 have an enlarged circular end
portion through which the enlarged heads of the pins 366 may be
extended. However, the configuration of the enlarged end portions
of the slots are such that the actuator member can only be engaged
and disengaged from certain of the pins in particular positions. As
a result the risk that the actuator member may be disengaged from
its supporting pins in any particular position in the course of its
travel is reduced.
[0218] In the exemplary embodiment the actuator member includes a
cam slot 368 adjacent to the forward end thereof. The cam slot is
bounded within the actuator by a cam surface. A cam follower 370 is
in connection with the gate 246 and is engaged in the cam slot 368.
Further in the exemplary embodiment the cam slot 368 includes an
enlarged area 372 at an extreme end thereof. The enlarged area 372
is in an area of the cam slot beyond where the cam follower is
positioned when the gate moves between the open and closed
positions. The enlarged area is used for facilitating assembly by
providing access for the head 370 of the cam follower to extend
into the cam slot. However, as is the case with the other pin and
guide structures, once the head is moved away from the enlarged
area in the cam slot as would be the case at all times during
normal operation of the mechanism, the enlarged head is unable to
move out of the engaging slot.
[0219] As shown in FIG. 46, the actuator member 360 includes a gear
rack portion 374 in operative connection therewith. The gear rack
portion is engaged with a rotatable gear 376 which is driven by a
drive (not separately shown). The drive is operated to rotate the
gear selectively in either direction responsive to the controller
in the banking machine. In the exemplary embodiment the condition
of the gate is determined by sensing the position of the actuator
member.
[0220] In the operation of the banking machine when the gate member
246 is to be opened, the actuator member 360 is moved to the
forward position shown in FIG. 47. This causes the cam follower 370
to move from the cam slot 368 to a relatively low position in a
generally horizontally extending end portion of the cam slot.
Because the cam follower is positioned on an opposite side of the
pivot 338, the inward extending portion 358 of the gate is moved
upward beyond the opening 244. This is the position of the gate
shown in FIG. 23 and enables items to pass in and out of the
transport.
[0221] Movement of the actuator member 360 rearward causes the cam
follower 370 to move to an intermediate position in a middle
portion of the cam slot 368 which is shown in FIGS. 45 and 48. In
this position the gate 246 is between the open and closed
positions. Further movement of actuator member 360 rearward from
the position shown in FIGS. 45 and 48 moves the cam follower by
engagement with the cam surface bounding the slot into a generally
horizontally extending upper end portion 378 of the cam slot 368.
In this position the gate is moved to the forward closed position
shown in FIG. 50. As can be appreciated from FIGS. 48 and 47, the
upper end portion of the cam slot extends in a generally horizontal
and a somewhat downward facing orientation. In the exemplary
embodiment this reduces the risk that the gate member can be forced
open by causing the actuator member 360 to move. This results
because external force applied toward opening the gate does not
result in the cam follower 370 applying force on the actuator
member 360 that would tend to cause it to translate along the
direction of Arrow V. Of course these approaches are exemplary and
in other embodiments other approaches may be used.
[0222] As previously mentioned, in the exemplary embodiment the
bezel includes in supporting connection therewith projections which
are referred to as zipper portions 380. Zipper portions 380 are
operative in the exemplary embodiment to extend in engaged relation
in recesses in inward extending portion 358 of the gate member 246
and the serrated lead in surface 302 of the base 294. Zipper
portions 380 extend in the direction of transport and in
interlocking relation between the openings in the members when the
gate is in the closed position. Such zipper portions may further
serve to provide resistance to deformation and tampering with the
gate member. Of course these structures are exemplary and in other
embodiments other approaches may be used.
[0223] Further in the exemplary embodiment circuitry and
programming of the controller may be employed to facilitate dealing
with situations and may occur at the ATM and which may otherwise
cause problems or an out of service condition. Such conditions may
sometimes result from persons sticking their fingers or other
objects in the opening to the transport at times when the gate is
to move from the open to the closed position. Other conditions
which may occur may result from moisture entering the area adjacent
to the gate and then freezing due to the ATM being positioned in an
outdoor environment. When this occurs the ice that forms may cause
the gate to be frozen shut. A further alternative condition that
may occur may be a situation when the envelope such as one that has
been dispensed from the mechanism to a customer or alternatively
one that a customer may have begun to insert, is left in the
opening in an area underneath the gate.
[0224] In an exemplary embodiment the controller in conjunction
with associated circuitry is operative to monitor at least one
parameter associated with gate movement as a function of time. In
the exemplary embodiment, the parameter monitored is current and
the controller is operative to compare a normal profile of current
versus time for a normal gate opening and/or closing operation with
a current versus time profile that is encountered during each
opening and closing operation of the gate. This is achieved in the
exemplary embodiment by monitoring the current draw versus time for
the drive that moves gear 376. Such comparisons which are ongoing
in the opening and closing operations, enable detection of
undesirable or unusual conditions and the controller operates in
accordance with its programming to prevent malfunctions or to
minimize damage that may result from such conditions.
[0225] If for example the gate is frozen in the closed position due
to freezing rain or other conditions, the current versus time
profile encountered when the controller operates to try to open the
gate would indicate a high electrical current in a short period of
time after the gate is commanded to open. The comparison executed
by the processor of the encountered current versus time profile to
the expected profile would indicate the anomaly to the controller
which would then operate in accordance with its programmed
instructions to prevent further attempts to open the gate and/or
would indicate a problem to a user and/or servicer. Further in some
exemplary embodiments the programming associated with the
controller may continue to enable the machine to operate to carry
out transactions even though the deposit transaction is
unavailable. In some exemplary embodiments the controller may
further operate in accordance with its programming to attempt
further corrective action such as causing the drive for the geared
actuator to go into a vibratory mode of the type previously
discussed through the use of stepper motors so as to break loose
any obstruction. Alternatively or in addition the controller may
operate to turn on heaters, cause a de-icing material to be applied
to the area of the gate or to take other action which may be
suitable for purposes of bringing the machine back into normal
operation. The controller may operate after attempting the
corrective action to operate the gate and take repeat or other
corrective action if a problem is still encountered.
[0226] In other exemplary circumstances a person may stick their
fingers or other objects into the area of the open gate. Again, in
these circumstances the circuitry and/or processor comparing the
current versus time profile encountered for the drive attempting to
move the actuator member would detect the discrepancy between what
is actually being encountered and that which is normally expected.
In such circumstances, however, the controller may operate in
accordance with its programming to cause the drive to reverse the
direction of the actuator so as to open the gate. In addition or in
the alternative the controller may operate in accordance with its
programming to take steps to clear the jam. This may include for
example taking repeated steps to open and close the gate.
Alternatively or in addition the controller may operate to cause
the drive to run the transport belts and/or to dispense and/or
retract one or more envelopes from the transport so as to attempt
to clear the obstructions.
[0227] Alternatively or in addition the controller within the
machine that is operative to compare the current versus time
profile encountered in a given situation to that which is normally
expected may be programmably operated to take actions selectively
depending on the nature of the profile encountered. For example, if
the current versus time profile encountered shows a moderate and/or
gradual rise in current draw as the gate is reaching the closed
position, this may be indicative of the presence of fingers, an
envelope or other generally soft material. Alternatively if a rapid
rise occurs it may indicate the insertion of a hard substance or
tool into the transport. This may be indicative of a burglary
attempt or other malfunction, and appropriate authorities may be
notified. This may be done in the manner indicated in U.S. Patent
No. 5,984,178, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference. Alternatively, the ATM or associated device may be
operative to capture and store images of the user and/or the
machine. This may be done in the manner shown in U.S. Pat. No.
6,583,810, which is also incorporated herein by reference. The
controller may operate to take actions based on its programming
responsive to the profile encountered.
[0228] Further in some exemplary embodiments the features
associated with monitoring the current versus time profile in a
given situation and comparing it to an expected current versus time
profile may be combined with other sensing features such as sensing
the position in which the gate encounters the obstruction, sensing
the area of the gate with the obstruction, the temperature in the
area of the gate and other appropriate sensors so as to enable the
controller to make selective determinations as to actions to be
attempted. Of course, these approaches are exemplary and in other
embodiments other or additional approaches may be used.
[0229] As previously discussed, in an exemplary embodiment a
recording device which comprises an inkjet printer is used. As
shown in FIG. 51, in the exemplary embodiment an inkjet printer 382
comprises a removable cartridge that is mounted with a print head
including nozzles adjacent to platen 214. The inkjet printer is
operated such that ink is sprayed out of the nozzles in the print
head to produce patterns of indicia onto envelopes that pass
through the transport in supporting connection with platen 214. In
the exemplary embodiment the inkjet printer is operative to produce
the indicia by directing ink through an opening in a wiper device
384 as later discussed.
[0230] In the exemplary embodiment a mechanism for catching excess
ink which is not deposited onto envelopes, as well as which helps
to maintain envelopes in an appropriate position is provided. In
the exemplary embodiment this is accomplished through an ink
spittoon generally indicated 386. The exemplary form of the ink
spittoon which serves as a vessel and which includes a generally
hollow body 388 with a cavity 390 therein. Cavity 390 has an
opening thereto indicated 392. Opening 392 generally overlies the
nozzles of the inkjet printer 382 in the operative position of the
spittoon as shown in FIG. 51. As can be appreciated, this enables
ink that is output by the nozzles of the print head to pass into
the cavity 390 within the body 388 through the opening 392 if no
envelope or other item is present in intermediate relation in the
transport.
[0231] The exemplary form of the spittoon 386 includes a head
portion 394. Head portion 394 includes a pair of outward-extending
arms 396 which terminate in pivot pins 398. In the exemplary
embodiment pins 398 are releasibly engageable in opposed walls
bounding the area above the curved platen 214 to provide a pivot
mount. In addition, pins 398 are engaged with such walls so as to
enable the spittoon to generally readily rotate about the pins for
purposes that are later explained, and to generally bias the
opening 392 toward the location of the nozzles.
[0232] In the exemplary embodiment, the body 388 includes in
operative connection therewith a rotatable door 400 which serves as
an access member that enables access to the interior cavity within
the spittoon. Door 400 is rotatable about a hinge portion 402 so as
to enable access to the cavity 390. Door 400 of the exemplary
embodiment includes integral snap projections 404 which are
operative to releasibly engage snap accepting recesses 406 in the
side walls of the body 388 bounding the cavity 390. Door 400
enables the interior of the cavity to be readily accessed for
purposes of cleaning ink from the interior thereof.
[0233] In the exemplary embodiment of the spittoon 386, the body
388 is configured to include a cam surface 408. Cam surface 408 is
contoured so as to urge envelopes or other media moving inward in
supporting connection with platen 214 to be moved towards the
nozzles of the inkjet printer 382. Body 388 further includes a cam
surface 410. Cam surface 410 is contoured so as to direct envelopes
or other media moving outward past the inkjet printer to be urged
towards the platen 214 and the printer nozzles. In the exemplary
embodiment a generally planer surface 412, which includes the
opening 392, extends between cam surfaces 408 and 410. Of course,
this structure is exemplary and in other embodiments other
approaches may be used.
[0234] In the exemplary embodiment of the spittoon 386 the cavity
390 includes therein a portion which extends below the opening 392.
As a result, ink which may pass into the cavity through the opening
tends to drip from the interior of the lid and walls bounding the
cavity and to collect in the lower portion thereof below the
opening. In the exemplary embodiment as represented in FIG. 51,
which shows the cavity in cross-section, a weir 414 is provided
within the cavity so as to enable ink to build up therein on the
lower side of the weir away from the opening 392 to a level
vertically above the opening 392. This construction further
facilitates the spittoon operating for an extended period before it
needs to be cleaned or replaced.
[0235] In operation of the exemplary embodiment circumstances may
occur when the controller operates the machine to print indicia on
envelopes during which no envelope is present. In such
circumstances, the ink passes from the nozzles through the opening
392 and is captured within the cavity 388. This ink may otherwise
collect on other surfaces within the unit eventually causing the
malfunction thereof. In addition or in the alternative, misdirected
ink may result in collection of ink or other material on envelopes,
rollers and other surfaces that may impede appropriate marking of
envelopes. In addition, inkjet printers may sometimes benefit from
periodic efforts to test and clear inkjet nozzles that may become
clogged. The exemplary structures enable such testing to be done
with no envelope present, as the ink can be captured within the
cavity of the spittoon structure. In addition, the structure
further avoids the need for a cotton pad or other similar structure
which is sometimes used in printers to collect excess ink which
must be captured when no media is present. In alternative
embodiments sensors may be provided on the spittoon either inside
or on an outer surface thereof to sense for operational aspects of
the printer.
[0236] A further useful aspect of the exemplary spittoon structure
is that the body is biased about the pins toward an overlying
relation with the nozzles of the print head of the inkjet print
cartridge. The body thereby serves to cover the inkjet nozzles and
reduce the risk of airborne dust or other contaminants collecting
therein. In addition, the cam surfaces 408 and 410 serve to guide
envelopes and/or other media moving past the inkjet printer into an
appropriate position adjacent to the inkjet nozzles so as to
facilitate printing thereon. A further useful aspect of the
exemplary embodiment is that the pins and arm structures enable the
ready disengagement of the body from the mechanism so as to
facilitate replacement or cleaning. Further, the flip-open door
bounding the cavity further facilitates collecting the ink while
enabling more ready cleaning of the interior thereof. Of course, it
should be understood that these features are exemplary and in other
embodiments, other or additional features may be used.
[0237] Also, in the exemplary embodiment, tending of the nozzles of
the inkjet printer 382 is achieved through movement of the wiper
device 384. As previously discussed, in the exemplary embodiment,
the wiper device spans the nozzle area of the inkjet printer 382
and includes openings therein through which the nozzles may spray
ink. This is best shown in the operative position of the member 384
represented in FIG. 57. Wiper device 384 includes a resilient
squeegee portion 416 that extends downward and is adapted to engage
the surface of the inkjet printer including the ink nozzles. A pair
of opposed pin members 418 extend outward from the wiper device 384
in an area to the rear and above the squeegee portion.
[0238] It is best shown in FIGS. 18 and 54 the leading end 420 of
the wiper device 384 is operatively connected to arm 210. In the
exemplary embodiment the wiper is made generally readily releasible
from the arm such as through a shaft and detent connection. Arm 210
is operative to rotate responsive to movement of the baffle 196 by
the drive assembly 200. This occurs due to the action of head tend
roller 208 operating on a cam surface which is operatively
connected to arm 210.
[0239] As represented in FIG. 55, platen 214 as formed therein a
slot 422 in which the wiper device 384 is moveable. Adjacent to the
slot in the area of pins 418 are a pair of disposed ramp portions
424. Initially the wiper is positioned generally flush with the
deposit item engaging surface of the platen. Responsive to movement
of the baffle 196, roller 208 engages the cam on arm 210. Arm 210
moves and causes the wiper device 384 to move to the right as shown
in FIGS. 54 through 57. As wiper device 384 moves it is guided and
maintained within the slot 422. As the wiper device 384 moves
forward, pins 418 move upward as shown in engagement with ramp
portions 424. This causes pins 418 to move upward and on to the
upper surface of the platen 214. In this position the squeegee
portion 416 continues to extend in the slot.
[0240] As the wiper device 384 moves forward the squeegee portion
416 is moved forward across the inkjet nozzles. Wiping force is
further provided to the squeegee portion by the engagement of the
wiper device 384 with the surface 412 of the overlying body 388 of
the spittoon 386. Further, once the wiper device 384 has moved to a
fully-forward position, the controller operates the drive so as to
return the baffle 396 to its original position. As this occurs the
wiper device 384 moves to the left as shown causing the squeegee
portion 416 to again wipe the inkjet nozzles. The wiper device
eventually returns to a position where its upper surface is flush
with the platen. This wiping activity maintains the nozzles
generally without an accumulation of ink adjacent thereto and helps
to preserve the proper operation thereof. Further in the exemplary
embodiment this activity maintaining the proper condition of the
inkjet nozzles is accomplished in conjunction with movement of the
baffle which provides for the picking of empty deposit envelopes
and the acceptance of deposit envelopes into the deposit holder
container. Therefore because of interconnection between the gate,
picking and head tending functions, the activities tending to the
inkjet nozzles is carried out when activities involving use of the
printer are executed by the machine. Of course, this approach is
exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be
used.
[0241] In the exemplary embodiment servicing procedures may be
readily conducted so as to service and/or replace the ink jet
printer cartridge, ink holding spittoon, and/or wiper. In the
exemplary embodiment a servicer commences servicing by unlocking
the lock that enables accessing the cabinet portion of the housing
where the transport is located. As later discussed, in the
exemplary embodiment the base portion 144 of the deposit mechanism
is movably mounted on slides so as to enable it to be extended
outside the machine for more ready servicing. As later discussed in
detail, such movement is controlled so as to minimize the risk that
persons who are servicing the machine and who only have access to
the cabinet portion do not improperly access deposit items.
Therefore in some embodiments, servicers who have authority to
access the chest portion and remove the deposit holding container
so as to enable moving the deposit mechanism out of the machine may
do so, which may make conducting the service procedures even
easier.
[0242] In the exemplary embodiment the spittoon 386 may be readily
disengaged from supporting connection with the housing by
disengaging the pins 398 extending on the head portion from the
engaging recesses on the housing. This enables the spittoon to be
moved away from the nozzles of the ink jet printer as well as to be
moved outside the machine. Thereafter a servicer may open the door
400 on the spittoon to access the internal cavity and remove the
accumulated ink therefrom. Alternatively a servicer may replace the
spittoon with ink therein with a different spittoon which has no
accumulated ink therein. The servicer may thereafter replace the
emptied spittoon or replacement spittoon in operative connection
with the housing of the machine by engaging the pins thereon with
the housing.
[0243] In addition, preferably with the spittoon removed from the
machine, a servicer may choose to clean or replace the wiper. This
may be accomplished by the servicer disengaging the wiper 384 from
the arm 210. Such disengagement enables the wiper, including the
squeegee portion thereon, to be moved outward from the opening in
the platen 214 in which the wiper is normally positioned. With the
wiper removed, a servicer may clean and/or inspect the wiper,
replace it in the opening, and reengage the wiper with the arm.
Alternatively, a servicer may choose to replace the wiper with a
new one. In such case the servicer will place the substitute wiper
in the opening in the platen and reconnect the arm. As generally it
will be more efficient to replace the wiper with the spittoon
removed, the servicer will reinstall the spittoon in movable
engagement with the housing after the wiper is reinstalled.
[0244] Alternatively or in addition, a servicer may at the time of
serving the spittoon and/or the wiper replace the inkjet printer
cartridge 382. As previously discussed, the printer cartridge is
made to be removably mounted in supporting connection with the
housing. This is preferably done through deformable members which
provide secure engagement for the cartridge but which enable rapid
snap disengagement from the housing as well as the electrical
connections to the cartridge. A replacement cartridge may
thereafter be substituted and placed in engagement with the
housing. In some methods of servicing, the servicer may replace the
cartridge without removing the spittoon or wiper, or may remove
and/or replace certain items without replacing the other. The
approach taken will depend on the particular circumstances and the
reason for servicing.
[0245] Generally once the servicer has conducted the service
activities the servicer will operate the machine so as to test the
operation of the transport and the printer. This may be done, for
example, by passing an envelope through the transport and printing
indicia thereon. In an exemplary embodiment the servicer provides
one or more inputs to the machine so that the controller is
operative to cause the printer to print test patterns of indicia so
as to verify that the printer is working properly. Once the
servicer has verified that proper operation of the printer and
transport is occurring, the servicer may close the housing and
return the ATM to service. Of course these methods are exemplary
and in other embodiments other methods may be used.
[0246] The deposit holding container 128 and associated structures
used in an exemplary embodiment are now described in connection
with FIGS. 58 through 66. In accordance with an exemplary
embodiment, the container 128 comprises a holding body 426 which is
comprised of generally rigid, plastic material. The holding body
426 includes a pair of outward extending lip portions which include
retaining lips 428 which in the operative position of the container
extends horizontally. A projecting portion 430 extends on the
container generally vertically upward above the lips 428. In the
exemplary embodiment the projecting portion includes a plurality of
apertures 432.
[0247] A housing 434 is sized to engage projecting portion 430. The
housing 434 includes projecting clip members therein which are
adapted to engage the apertures 432 in the projecting portion. As
shown in FIG. 60, the housing 434 includes surfaces adapted to both
overlie and underlie the projecting portion 432.
[0248] A generally flexible tambour door 436 is adapted to engage
housing 434. Tambour door 436 is preferably comprised of plastic
material and includes a generally rigid end portion 438 and a
generally flexible portion 440. The flexible portion of the
exemplary embodiment is comprised of connected transversely
extending slat structures. End portion 438 includes a generally
rigid, upward-extending ledge 442, the purpose of which is later
discussed in detail. The transverse ends of flexible portion 440
include a plurality of T-shaped cover projections 444. As best
shown in FIG. 60 housing 434 includes a recessed track portion 446
on each transverse side thereof. Projections 444 extend in and are
enabled to move along the track.
[0249] A cover 448 fits in snapped, overlying relation of housing
434. Cover 448 includes a track portion 450 which corresponds to
track portion 446 and overlies projections 444. The track portions
form a surrounding track in which the cover protections are
constrained to move. Cover 448 engages housing 434 in fixed
relation such that once they are joined they are not readily
separated, and thus the projections 444 attached to the tambour
door are enabled to slide in the tracks formed by portion 446 and
450 so as to enable the tambour door to selectively open and close
an opening 452 that extends through the cover. As the tambour door
moves to the open position, the flexible portion of the tambour
door moves into the interior area of the container. In the
exemplary embodiment cover 448 also includes an opening 454 for
mounting a cylinder key lock therein. The key lock associated with
a cylinder in opening 454 may be used for purposes that are later
discussed. Further in the exemplary embodiment a handle 456 is
pivotally mounted in connection with ears 458 that are molded into
holding body 426.
[0250] In the exemplary embodiment, the deposit holding container
128 is releasibly mounted within a chest portion of the banking
machine. In operation of the exemplary embodiment only authorized
persons are enabled to have access to the chest portion. However,
in the exemplary embodiment other portions of the deposit accepting
mechanism such as those components which are supported above the
base 144 are adapted to be positioned in the cabinet portion and
outside the chest. While this facilitates servicing of those
components outside the chest, it may present risks. Unauthorized
persons who gain access to areas of the machine outside the chest
may attempt to gain access to the interior of the deposit holding
container through the tray opening 204, which corresponds to an
opening in the dividing wall that bounds the top of the chest. This
must necessarily be accomplished, however, by moving the mechanisms
which provide for dispensing of envelopes and moving envelopes to
and from the outer end 122. In embodiments where such mechanisms
are mounted in supporting connection with the chest in ways that
prevent such mechanisms from being cleared away, this may provide
adequate security.
[0251] In other embodiments, however, it may prove desirable to
facilitate more ready servicing of the deposit-accepting mechanism
that is positioned above the secure chest. This is accomplished in
some embodiments by mounting the base 144 in movable supporting
connection with slides 460 which are shown in FIG. 8. In exemplary
embodiments the slides are in supporting connection with the
dividing wall and may be used to move the base and deposit
mechanism and components supported thereon away from the operative
position so as to facilitate the servicing thereof. In some
exemplary embodiments a service door located on the rear of the
machine to the cabinet portion may be unlocked and opened, and the
base and other associated components moved outward there through in
supporting connection with the slides 460. Because in such
embodiments there is a risk that unauthorized persons may gain
access to the area above the chest and move the mechanism so as to
access the deposit envelope opening in the top of the chest, it may
be appropriate to provide a mechanism for reducing the risk of
this. This is done in the exemplary embodiment through an interlock
mechanism that is shown in connection with FIGS. 63 through 66.
[0252] In this exemplary form of the interlock mechanism container
128 is supported within the secure chest by engagement of the lower
side of each lip portion 428 along each long side of the container
with an inward extending projection 462 located on each side of the
container (see FIG. 65). Projections 462 enable the container to be
slid into and out of the operative position when the door to the
secure chest portion is unlocked and open. In an exemplary
embodiment the orientation of the container and chest door is such
that the container cannot be moved from the operative position
unless the chest door is open. A latch 464 of the interlock
mechanism which is rotatable about a pivot 466 includes a
projection 468. The projection 468 is aligned with an opening 470
in the dividing wall bounding the chest portion and is operative to
engage an opening 472 in the base 144 when the base is in an
operative position.
[0253] When the deposit holding container 128 is installed in the
operative position within the chest portion, the latch 464 is
engaged with the cover 448, which causes the projection 468 to
extend fully upward and engage the opening in the base 472. This is
shown, for example, in FIGS. 63 and 64. In this position of the
projection 468, the base 144 is generally prevented from being
moved on slides 460 to a servicing position in which the deposit
mechanism is moved away from the deposit envelope opening. As a
result, when the deposit-holding container is within the chest
portion such that it may contain deposits, unauthorized persons who
access the cabinet portion are generally prevented from moving the
base so as to gain access to the opening in the chest that may
allow them to access such deposits.
[0254] However, in circumstances where the 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 is enabled to be moved in connection with the
slides 460. This is enabled because the withdrawal of the
deposit-holding cassette causes the latch 464 to fall, retracting
projection 468 from the opening 472. This enables movement to the
base 144 in supporting connection with the slides 460 to a position
in which the depository mechanism extends outside the housing. Of
course, it should be understood that this approach is exemplary and
in other embodiments other interlocking mechanisms and approaches
may be used.
[0255] A further useful aspect of an exemplary embodiment is the
ability to automatically cause the tambour door to be opened upon
insertion of the deposit-holding container into the operative
position, and to further cause the tambour door to automatically be
locked when the deposit-holding container is removed from the
machine. This is achieved in the exemplary embodiment by the
housing including therein a lock mechanism 474 shown in FIGS. 62
and 67. Lock mechanism 474 includes a rotating member 476 which is
in operative connection with a key cylinder and which can only be
rotated from the outside of the cassette by having an appropriate
key in the key cylinder. Rotating the member 476 in a
counter-clockwise direction from that shown in FIG. 67 causes
engagement and clockwise rotation about a pivot of a latching
member 478. Latching member 478 includes thereon a lock projection
480. Once moved to the open position, a lock projection is
temporarily held therein by a trigger member 482. Trigger member
482 includes an extension 484 which holds the latching member 478
in an unlocked position against a biasing force provided by a
spring 486 which operates to urge the latching member 478 to move
in a counter-clockwise direction as shown.
[0256] In the exemplary embodiment trigger member 482 is accessible
through an opening 488 that extends through the housing 434. A flat
portion 490 of trigger member 482 is biased toward the opening
responsive to biasing force imparted by a spring 492, which is also
schematically shown.
[0257] Extending on an interior face of end portion 438 of tambour
door 436 is a formed latch projection 494. Latch projection 494 is
contoured to engage lock projection 480 on latching member 478 when
the latching member 478 is in the position shown in FIG. 62. In the
exemplary embodiment this enables the tambour door to be latched
and held in a closed position. As can be appreciated from FIGS. 62
and 67, after the key has been used to open the lock, the latching
member 478 is held in the position shown in FIG. 67 by the action
of trigger member 482 in engagement therewith. In this position the
tambour door may be opened and closed as the latch projection 494
may move freely into and out of the area adjacent to lock
projection 480.
[0258] Thereafter if the door is made ready to lock by moving the
trigger member 482, the latching member 478 will move responsive to
biasing force to the position shown in FIG. 62. 15 This is
generally accomplished by extending an arming pin or other
projection through the opening 488 so as to engage the flat portion
490 of the trigger member. Once the latching member 478 has moved
to this position, the next closing of the tambour door will cause
the latch projection 494 to engage with the latching member 478 and
be held in engagement therewith until the rotating member 476 is
rotated counter-clockwise using the key lock. This is used in
conjunction with an exemplary form of the invention to provide the
capability for inserting the deposit holding container into its
operative position, and thereafter causing the tambour door of the
deposit-holding container to automatically close and lock as it is
removed.
[0259] As is represented in FIG. 66, a downward-extending engaging
lever 496 is operative to engage the upward ledge 422 of the
tambour door as the container is moved toward the operative
position in the ATM. When the deposit-holding container is moved
into position and the lock is in an unlocked position, the tambour
door is moved to open by the sliding action necessary to install it
in position. In the exemplary embodiment the deposit holding
container may be installed with the tambour door open or closed,
and if the door is closed it will be opened by installation.
Further, the engaging lever is operative in the exemplary
embodiment to nest in a recess 498 which is formed in the end
portion 438 of the tambour door (see FIG. 69). This enables the
engaging lever to engage the tambour door in the recess 498 such
that when the deposit holding container is removed from the
machine, the tambour door is moved to a closed position. Thereafter
additional force applied to the container causes the engaging lever
496 to move out of the recess and allows the deposit-holding
container to be removed from the machine.
[0260] Further in an exemplary embodiment a pin is mounted in a
suitable position relative to the deposit-holding container within
the housing of the ATM such that when the deposit-holding container
has been fully inserted into the operative position, the pin
extends through the opening 488 and moves the trigger member 482.
Thus although the lock mechanism 474 is initially in the open
position shown in FIG. 67, when the container is inserted into the
machine, the tripping of the trigger member causes the lock to move
to the position shown in FIG. 62 once the tambour door has been
opened. Thereafter when the deposit-holding container is removed
the lock projection 480 engages the latch projection 494, holding
the tambour door in a closed position so as to secure the deposits
therein until the container is unlocked by a person having an
appropriate key. This facilitates the management of deposited items
and minimizes the risk of loss. Further, in the exemplary
embodiment because the components associated with the container are
structured in the manner shown, efforts to obtain unauthorized
access to deposits within the container will cause readily
observable evidence of the fact that unauthorized access has been
obtained. Of course, it should be understood that these approaches
are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be
used.
[0261] A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment of the
deposit-holding container is that although the structures are
tamper-indicating, it is nonetheless possible to achieve
replacement by authorized persons of the tambour doors in
situations where the doors have become worn or otherwise are in
need of replacement. As shown in FIGS. 59 and 61, the exemplary
form of the track 446 in the housing 434 includes on a lower side
thereof a frangible portion which is referred to herein as section
500. Further, the cover 448 includes a recessed area 502 in the lip
overlying the track 450 which corresponds to the frangible section
500. Of course, it should be appreciated although these features
are shown on only one side of the container, exemplary embodiments
include such features in the tracks located on each side.
[0262] As shown in FIG. 59, the frangible section 500 may be broken
at one side once the door has been opened, and the now movable
portion displaced upwardly at the one side into the recessed area
502. This produces an inward facing opening in the track.
Thereafter by moving the tambour door in the direction of arrow X
and downward into the interior of the container, the tambour door
may be separated from the tracks by moving the protections out of
the tracks. When separated from the tracks the tambour door may be
removed from the container through the opening and a new tambour
door installed with the projections 444 extending in the tracks.
Thereafter the frangible section may be returned to its original
orientation bounding the track and the new tambour door will
operate in the manner previously described. Further replacements of
the doors are possible by again moving the previously broken
section 500 into the recess. Thus in this exemplary embodiment, the
tambour doors which may become broken, worn or damaged may be
replaced by authorized persons without having to disassemble and
reassemble the tops of the cassettes. This facilitates making
exemplary embodiments in a manner which provides for the generally
permanent attachment of the various pieces and promotes the
properties previously discussed of providing an indication when
tampering with the deposit-holding container is attempted. Further
in alternative embodiments the frangible section may comprise a
section bounding the track which is movable but does not require
any initial breakage of a surface bounding the track. For purposes
of this disclosure a frangible section will be considered a section
that is deformable so as to separate from an adjacent surface to
enable the tambour door to be separated from a track, regardless of
whether breakage of a member is required. Of course, it should be
understood that these features are exemplary and in other
embodiments other approaches may be used.
[0263] As previously discussed, in exemplary embodiments the base
144 which supports the deposit-accepting mechanism components
located outside the chest may be movably mounted in supporting
connection with the housing slides 460. This enables extending the
depository mechanism outside of the housing for service and then
enables return of the mechanism back into the operative position.
In such embodiments the bezel 242 at the outer end 122 of the
transport must be made to align with a corresponding opening in a
fascia of the machine. This may present issues related to achieving
alignment of the bezel with such fascia openings. To minimize the
need for precise fascia alignment in some exemplary embodiments,
provision is made to provide fascia sections which are in
supporting connection with the housing yet movable relative to
other portions of the fascia. This is represented in FIGS. 69 and
70 in connection with an exemplary fascia plate 504. Fascia plate
504 is in operative connection with the external fascia of the
banking machine. However, it is mounted in a manner such that it is
enabled to move somewhat in two (2) dimensions relative thereto.
This engagement is achieved in an exemplary embodiment through a
sandwich-type structure but in other embodiments other approaches
may be used.
[0264] As shown in FIG. 69 the rear of fascia plate 504 includes a
pair of lateral guides 506 and a vertical guide 508. Further in the
exemplary embodiment fascia plate 504 includes projections 510
which form a pocket into which the bezel 242 may nest in aligned
relation.
[0265] As a result when the deposit-accepting mechanism is moved
from a servicing position in which it is extended outside the
machine on guides 460, to an operative position, the bezel 462
engages guides 506, 508 and 510 to cause the fascia plate 504 to
move relative to the fascia to an appropriate position such that
opening 512 in the fascia plate corresponds to the location of the
bezel and the deposit accepting opening in the bezel. As can be
appreciated, this exemplary approach eliminates the need to
maintain a precise aligned arrangement between the devices and the
fascia as the moveable fascia plate can compensate for modest
misalignment. Of course, it should be appreciated that these
features may be applied to other devices as well which are required
to mate with the fascia of the machine. Of course, it will be
appreciated that these structures shown in connection with the
deposit-accepting mechanism are exemplary and in other embodiments
other approaches may be used.
[0266] Exemplary embodiments enable the controller and other
circuitry that may be operative in the banking machine to sense
conditions that may be indicative of conditions and problems with
the deposit mechanism or other banking machine components. This is
accomplished in an exemplary embodiment by a series of sensors
which are schematically indicated in connection with FIG. 68. These
sensors include in the exemplary embodiment exit sensor 248 which
is operative to sense envelopes or other objects adjacent to the
outer end 122 of the transport. In addition, the exemplary form of
the invention includes a mid-transport sensor 514 similar to sensor
248 which is operative to sense envelopes and other objects in the
transport section and may be utilized in conjunction with sensing
fingers that extend in slots 312 in section 290 previously
discussed. Sensor 232 previously discussed and which may also be
similar to sensor 248 senses envelopes or other objects on the
platen adjacent to the gap 188. A gate position sensor 516 is
operative to sense the position of the gate through the positioning
of actuator member 360. An internal gate sensor 518 is provided so
as to sense the position of the baffle 196 relative to the base
144. In the exemplary embodiment at least two (2) sensors are
utilized for this purpose so as to facilitate sensing of the baffle
in its different positions. A container full sensor 520 is provided
in the area through which envelopes pass to enter the container in
order to determine if the container is full. Further, a container
presence sensor 522 is provided for purposes of determining if the
cassette is installed in proper position within the machine.
Finally, a printhead sensor 524 is provided for sensing the
operative position as well as other properties of the printhead. Of
course, these sensors in their relative positions within the
mechanism are exemplary. Additional or other types of sensors may
also be used. Further, sensors of various types may be employed in
connection with embodiments to achieve these functions. For
example, while contact sensors have been described in connection
with the exit sensor 248, sensor 232 and the mid-transport sensor
514, other types of sensors such as photo sensors, radiation
sensors, induction sensors, sonic sensors, capacitance sensors,
voltage sensors, current sensors or other types of sensors may be
alternatively or additionally used.
[0267] In operation of the exemplary embodiment the sensors are
generally monitored for changes in condition and are operative to
send signals which notify the controller or other circuitry of any
change in condition. When this occurs in circumstances where the
controller has not commanded the mechanism to be performing a
function which would cause this event, an asynchronous event is
noted by the controlling software. The nature of this event is
noted and the controller may take action in accordance with its
programming to carry out an appropriate function. For example, if
an item is sensed in the transport by the mid-transport sensor, in
circumstances where the controller has not operated to cause an
item to be within the transport, the controller may be programmed
to indicate an alarm condition. The controller may operate to
notify an appropriate servicer or other authorities of a possible
tampering activity with regard to the machine.
[0268] In a similar manner when the machine is operating to
dispense envelopes or receive envelopes therein, the controller
operates in accordance with its programming to sense if the sensors
detect appropriate activities in the proper sequence and at the
appropriate times. These events are compared through operation of
the controller to stored data in a data store which correspond to
event sequences which are expected to occur in the course of such
operations. If during these operations an abnormal event or an
abnormal sequence of events occurs, the computer will operate in
accordance with its programming to try to correct the abnormal
event and/or to record and give notice of tampering events. For
example, if a user is requesting a deposit transaction and if as
soon as the deposit gate moves to an open position, the presence of
an item is sensed at the exit sensor within the transport before an
envelope has been sensed at the mid-transport sensor 514, it is
likely that someone is attempting to insert a burglar tool into the
transport. In such circumstances the controller may operate to
cause the machine to move the baffle 196 to the appropriately
closed position preventing access to the deposit-holding container.
Likewise, the controller may operate in accordance with its
programming to send a notice to appropriate personnel to advise of
the suspected tampering event. In addition or in the alternative,
the controller may operate to cause associated cameras or other
warning devices to operate so as to give notice of the event and to
capture information such as images showing the identity of the
person who was involved in operating the machine when such an event
occurred. Of course, these approaches are exemplary and in other
embodiments other approaches may be used.
[0269] While the exemplary embodiments has been described with
respect to deposited items which are envelopes, the principles of
the invention are not limited to such items. The principles of the
present invention may be employed with regard to tickets, checks,
money orders, notes and other types of items which may be deposited
in or dispensed from automated banking machines. In addition, the
principles described may be applied in situations where operators
of such systems need to accept monetary deposits or other items.
Numerous alternative approaches within the spirit of the principles
described will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the
foregoing disclosure.
[0270] Thus the apparatus and methods described achieve at least
some of the above stated objectives, eliminates difficulties
encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solves
problems and attains the desirable results described herein.
[0271] In the foregoing description certain terms have been used
for brevity, clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are used
for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of
examples and the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown and described.
[0272] In the following claims any feature described as a means for
performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means
known to those skilled in the art to be capable of performing the
recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular
means shown in the foregoing description herein or mere equivalents
thereof.
[0273] Having described the features, discoveries and principles of
the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated,
and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful
structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,
systems, equipment, operations, methods and relationships are set
forth in the appended claims.
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