Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
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Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to handling and transport
apparatus and more particularly to mechanisms for handling and feeding
sheet media. The present invention is particularly applicable to a device
for transporting sheet media such as currency, tickets, cons and the
like, in an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and will be described with
particular reference thereto, although the present invention may find
advantageous application in other apparatus utilizing sheet feeding and
handling mechanisms.
Background of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a sheet media handling
and dispensing device for use in ah Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), which
device is capable of handling individual sheet media, such as currency,
coupons, tickets and the like, as well as feeding a stack of such sheet
media to a dispensing location.
Sheet media transfer devices known heretofore, particularly
currency transfer devices, have generally utilized roller systans or belt
systems for driving and feeding the sheet media (currency) within the
device. Roller transfer systems are typically comprised of cooperating
pairs of opposed rollers wherein each opposed roller is rotated yn ~
opposite direction to drive the sheet media therebetween. Such pairs of
rollers are generally disposed side-by-side, as well as in
succession to form a path along which the individual sheet media is to be
WO 91/08160 PCT/U590/07017
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fed. Belt ,systems operate in a similar fashion ~y driving the sheet media
between facing surfaces of opposed belts. Both types of systems thus
operate by frictionally gripping and driving the sheet media. Such systems
typically require precise alignment between successive pairs of rollers or
belts to ensure proper operation of the device. In addition, such systems
require precise timing between each roller or belt in the system. In this
respect, if a particular roller or belt is moving too slowly in relation to
a successive roller or belt, the sheet media may tear as the successive
roller or belt accelerates the leading edge of the sheet. If the roller or
belt is moving too quickly in relation to the next roller or belt, the
deceleration of the leading edge may cause the sheet to buckle and
replicate itself which may jam the system. Acconlingly, rollers and belts
in systems known heretofore are typically interconnected by timing chain
or belts and are generally driven by a single large motor which generally
has a high pacer consumption.
Because of the intricacies of such systems, together with the high-
speed at which such devices normally operate, even slight misalignment or
force imbalances can cause excessive wear among the ~ponents, and more
importantly can create docianent jammings in the transport assemblies.
Mor~ewer, the intricacies and precise alignment found in these systems also
makes avows to and removal of jammed sheets difficult.
The present irnrention overcc~nes . these and other problans by
providing a sheet media dispensing device which is less ~licated than
currency feeding and handling syst~ known heretofore. The present
ittvention provides a sheet media dispensing device which utilizes a
WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
w~
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plurality of moving belts in operative relationship to a stationary surface
to transport sheet material along a path defined by the stationary surface.
S~um~ary of Invention
In acco~iance with the present invention there is provided a device
for handling and feeding sheet media comprising surface means including at
least two spaced-apart, side-by-side, parallel elongated surfaces, said
elongated surfaces lying in a coimnon plane and defining a path along which
the sheets are to be driven. At least three spaced-apart side-by-side,
endless drive belts, each having an outer frictional surface extending
along the surface means are provided wherein a portion of the belts and the
outer frictional surfaces thereof are disposed facing and generally
parallel to the surface means, the portions of the drive belts facing the
surface means being parallel to and juxtaposed with the elongated surfaces
to define an undulating passage therebetween, which passage confines the
sheets between the frictional surface of the drive belts and the elongated
surfaces. Belt drive means are provided for simultaneously driving the
belts such that the sheets confined between the elongated surface and
frictional. surface of the moving belts are driven along the elongated
surfaces by the moving belts.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a sheet handling and feeding device, as defined above, further
o~rising a first location for receiving individual media sheets from a
storage location, a second location for presenting the media as a single
sheet or a stack of sheets, a third location for storing predetezmined
ones of the sheets in the first location, stacking means for stackux~
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individual sheets into a stack of sheets, transport means for feeding
individual sheets from the first location to the means for stacking or from
the second location to the thixd location, transfer means for transferring
a stack of sheets frrrm the means for stacking to the second location,
sensing means for sensing the predetermined ones of the sheets from the
storage location, and divert means responsive to the sensing means for
diverting the predetermined ones of the sheets from the stacking means to
the third location.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a sheet
l0 media handling and feeding device which is less ~licated and less
intricate than existing machines.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device as
defined above having a media transfer assembly wherein the timing and
operational speeds of the media transfer assembly are not critical and
wherein the media transfer assembly is less susceptible to wear.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device as
defined above which is less susceptible to jamming,
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device as
defined above wherein the operative components of the transfer mechanism
have no surface-to-surface emgage~nent and the sheet media is directed along
paths without physical guides.
A further object of the present irnrention is to provide a device as
defined above wherein the operative transfer mechanism is c~anprised of
~in9 belts disposed in relation to stationary surfaces.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a device as
WO 91/08160 ~ ~ r. d J ~. PCT/US90/07017
defined above for feeding and handling sheet media in an Automatic Teller
Machine (ATM).
A further object of the present invention is to provide a device as
defined above which includes means for stacking individual bills or
5 currency in an ATM into a stack and presenting such stack at a
predetermined location in the device.
A further object of the present irnrention is to provide a device as
defined above for use in an ATM which device is capable of handling sheet
media of various sizes at the same time.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a
device as defined above which includes means for sensing certain bills and
diverting such bills to a storage location.
Ihese and other objects and advantages of the invention will bec~ne
apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof taken
together with the accompanying drawings,
Description of the Drawirxrs
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangement of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be described in
detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic representation of an Automatic
Teller Machine (ATM) according to the present invention illustrating
several major ~onents thereof in phantom;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a sheet media dispensing
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mechanism illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
BIG. 3 is a top plan view of the sheet media dispensing mechanism
shown in FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an end elevational view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4
showing a media canister and a feed module accon~iing to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG.
4:
1o FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 1o is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view~taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 12A is an enlaced sectional view taken along line 12a-12a of
FIG. 3 showing a note being transferred from a vertical tzansport to a
horizontal transport; .
FIG. 12B is an enlarged sectional view showing an individual note
~g~l ~eyor belts of the horizontal transport;
FIG. 13A is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 3
showing a control wheel according to a preferred E?nbodiment of the present
invention, wherein the control wheel is in a first position and a stacking
plate (shown in phantom) is in a stacking position and a divert plate in a
normal position:
FIG. 13B is a sectional view of the control wheel shown in FIG. 13A
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showing tha control wheel in a second position wherein the stacking plate
in a stacking position and the divert plate is in a currency diverting
position;
FIG. 13C is a view of the control wheel shown in FIG. 13A showing
the control wheel in a third position wherein the stacking plate is in a
currency tzansfer position;
FIG. 13D is a view of the control wheel shown in FIG. 13A showing
the control wheel in a fourth position wherein a gate controller arm is
being activated;
FIGS. 14A-14D are a representative view of the media dispensing
rnerhanism according to the present invention at various stages of
operation;
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a media dispensing mechanism
illustrating an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 16A & 16B are sectional views taken along limes 16A-16A and
lines 16B-16B of FIG. 2 illustrating a switch arrangement used to identify
parameters of the media contained in media canisters; and,
FIG. 17 is a block diagratmnatic representation of the internal
electronic control system for the embodiment shown.
Detailed Description of Preferred FSnbodament
Referring naa to the drawings wherein the showing is for the
purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not
for the purpose of limiting same, the drawings illustrate a card operated
Automatic Teller Mac~iine (ATM) 10 accozding to the present invention for
WU 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
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dispensing sheet media such as currency, traveller's checks, tickets,
ernzpons, and the like. Hereinafter, for purposes of clarity and
convenience, such sheet media, i.e. currency, traveller's checks, etc.,
shall be referred to as "notes" or "a note", it being understood that the
present invention find advantageous application to the identified sheet
media and others. Machine l0 is intended to dispense notes upon request
to individuals meeting predetermined criteria. Machine 10, which is
schematically represented in FIG. 1, includes a cabinet or housing 12 which
encloses an AZM processor 14, a media dispensing mechanism 16, hereinafter
referred to as a "media dispenser 16", and dispenser processor 18 for
controlling the operation of media dispenser 16.
AZM processor 14 basically controls the personal aspects of the
dispensing routine (i.e. the financial recon~i keeping aspects and customer
interface) of AZM 10. Zb facilitate these functions, associated with AZi~i
processor 14 are a video monitor 20 having a screen 22 exposed to the
exterior of housing 12, a keypad 24 including a plurality of operational
keys 26 for use by a customer for entering information to processor 14, and
a card reader 28 for reading information from conventionally-knoum cards
having identification data encoded thereon. A caxd is inserted into card
reader 28 thrrnigh a cans slot 30 provided in housing 12. A ~-ency
dispensing opening 32 is provided in housing 12 for dispensing currency to
users of AZM 10.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-8, in the embodiment shaven, media
dispenser 16 is generally cxmg~rised of the three separate modules, namely a
bottan module hereinafter referred to as a "feed module" and designated
WO 91/08160 ~ ,y PCT/US90/07017
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"34" in the drawings, an intermediate module hereinafter referred to as a
"stacking module" and designated "36" in the drawings, and a top module
referred to as a "transport module" and designated "38" in the dxawings.
Feed module 34, best seen in FIG. 5, is generally a storage location for
the media to be dispensed by the AZM 10 and is comprised of a housing 40
having side walls 42, 44. A pair of vertically-aligned panels 46, 48 form
the front end of housing 40. Panels 46, 48 include outwardly facing,
generally planar surfaces 46a, 48a which are aligned and co-planar to each
other. The back of housing 40 is open to receive conventionally-known
money canisters 50 on shelves 52. Canisters 50 in and of.thersnselves form
no part of the present invention and therefore shall not be described in
greater detail. Canisters 50 are basically rectangular boxes which hold a
stack of sheet media, i.e. notes N. The stack is biased by a push plate
54 and biasing means 56 toward an opening 58 at one end of canister 50. A
picker assembly 60 is provided adjacent opening 58 of each canister 50 to
re~nave ("pick") individual notes N frrom canisters 50. Picker assembly 60
is cxm~rised of a cylindrical roller 62 which is rotatable about a shaft
64. Roller 62 includes a raised pad 62a which is operable to engage and
remove ("pick") the exposed note N in opening 58 of the canister 50, ...one
hate N being "picked" during each single revolution of roller 62. In the
embodiment shown, each roller 62 is prefexably driven by a separate,
independently operated motor, designated 72a, 72b and schematically
illustrated in the drawings. Motors 72a, 72b are preferably stepping
motors and include sensing means (not shown) for monitoring each revolution
of the roller 62, as well as the position of raised pad 62a relative to
WO 91/08160 PCf/US90/07017
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opening 58. Belay each roller 62 an arcuate wall 74 is provided. A slot
or opening 76 is defined between the end of arcuate wall 74 and the lower
end of each panel 46, 48. To identify the particular canister 50 inserted
into feed module 34 and particulars of the sheet media therein, a keyboard
66 having a plurality of switches 67 arranged in rows thereon is mounted in
module 34 and connected to dispenser processor 18. K
eyboard 66,
illustrated in FIG. 16A, is positioned to be aligned with corresponding
r«ws of r~novable actuating pins 68 provided on the end of canister 50
above opening 58, illustrated in FIG. 16B. By inserting actuating pins 68 '
at specific locations on canister 50, when inserting canister 50 into feed
module 34 against keyboard 66 only corresponding switches 67 are actuated.
Using such an arrar~ge~nent, the specific canister inserted in feed module 34
can be identified, together with other parameters such as the particular
type of note N contained in canister 50, the height of the note and the
note's thiclmess.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a vertical
currency transport 80 for conveying individual notes picked from canisters
50 to stacking module 36 is provided. Vertical transport 80 is basically
oo~rised of a plurality of endless belts in operative relationship with
stationary surfaces. More specifically, in the ~nbodiment shown, three (3)
identical, endless, side-by-side and parallel belts 82 are mounted on
rollers 84. Rollers 84 are fixedly mounted to shafts 86, 88 and include
annular grooves 84a to receive ribs 82a on belts 82, as best seen in FIG.
6. Shafts 86, 88 are positioned in housing 40 such that belts 82 define
twd parallel belt flights 90a and 90b wherein flight 90b is adjacent to and
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WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
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a predetermined distance from surfaces 46a, 48a, of panels 46, 48. In this
respect, each belt 82 has an outer frictional surface which faces surfaces
46a, 48a along flight 90b. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, surfaces 46a
(not shc~m) and 48a each include a pair of side-by-side parallel rails 92
which project therefrom. Rails 92 are juxtaposed relative to the belts 82
such that a rail 92 is disposed between each adjacent belt 82. In the
embodiment shown, rails 92 are integrally formed in panels 46a, 48a, but as
will be seen below, rails 92 may be separate components attached to planar
surfaces. An ur~tulated or corrugated passage 94 is formed bevween the
belts 82 and rails 92, as will be discussed in greater' detail below.
Belts 82 and rails 92 have a predetermined dimension and are spaced apart a
predetermined distance such that a note N is confined between belts 82 and
rails 92 will be driven along rails 92 in the direction belts 82 are
moving. Accordingly, rails 92 and surfaces 46a, 48a are preferably smooth
to enable notes N to move therealong. Shaft 86 is preferably driven by a
conventionally-lmo~m brush motor 96, which is schematically illustrated in
the drawings, having conventionally-)mown speed sensing means (not shown)
associated therewith.
Referririg now to FIGS . 2-4 and 7-12 , stacJcing module 36 is
generally comprised of a rectangular housing 100 formed by two side walls
104, 106, a bottom wall 108, and a plurality of transverse walls 110, 112,
114, and 116 as best seen in FIG. 7. Transverse walls 110, 112, 114, and
116 define three compartments or chambers 118, 120, 122 within housing 100
wherein oon~artrner~-s 120, 122 are open on the top. The upper ends of side
walls 104, 106 include outwa~3.7.y extending flanges 105, 107 respectively,
WO 91/0160 PCT/US90/07017
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best seen ixi FIG. 11. Transverse walls 110, 112 define outward facing
planar surfaces 110a, 112a respectively. In the embodiment shown, stacking
module 36 includes a vertical transport 130 along one end wall of the
housing 100. Vertical transport 130 is basically similar to the vertical
transport 80 on feed module 34 and is dimensioned to be aligned therewith.
In this respect, vertical transport 130 includes three (3) generally
identical side-by-side and parallel belts 132 which are mounted on rollers
134 on shafts 136 and 138. As best seen in FIG. 7, shafts 136, 138 are
spaced apart vertically and positioned to define parallel belt flights
140a, 140b wherein belt flight 140b is disposed adjacent and parallel to
surface 110a of transverse wall 110. Belts 132 include outer frictional
surfaces which face planar surface ll0a along flight 140b. Ztao generally
Irshaped rails 142 (best seen in FIG. 12A and 12B) are pr<rrided for
mcxmting on stacking module housing 100. Rails 142 include leg portions
142a, 142b which are mounted on transverse wall sections 110, 112
respectively. Ieg portion 142a is generally lower (flatter) than leg
portion 142b, and includes a laterally and longitudinal tapered ridge 142c.
Leg portion 142b, in addition to being higher, has a more rectangular
cross-section. ~ Rails 142 are mounted to housing 100 so that leg portions
142a are parallel to and juxtaposed with belts 132 such that a leg portion
142a of rail 142 is disposed between each belt 132. In this respect, like
vertical tzansport 80, an undulated or corrugated passage is formed between
the belts 132 and the rails 142. In the embodiment shown, shaft 136 is
driven simultaneously with shaft 86 of vertical transport 80 (by means not .
shown) by motor 96. Associated with each belt 132 is a pinch roller 146
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mounted to transverse wall 110 as best seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Pinch
rollers 146 are dimensioned to be biased into engagement with belts 132.
Referring now to FIG. 7, transport module 38 is generally comprised
of shallow frame 150 having parallel side walls 152, 154. The upper edges
of side walls 152, 154 include ir~rardly extending flanges 156, 158 (best
seen in FIG. 9) which extends along the length thereof. Frame 150 includes
bottom walls 162, 164 at the distal ends thereof and an open space defined
therebetween. Bottom wall 162 includes an upward facing, generally planar
surface 162a. Frame 150 is mounted on housing 100 wherein bottom wall 164
of frame 150 is above chamber 122 of housing 100. Bottom wall 162 of frame
150 extends beyond housing 100 with the opening between bottom walls 162,
164 being disposed over transverse wall 112, chamber 120, and a portion of
chamber 122. Side walls 152, 154 each include a shallow notched-out area
which defines a horizontal slot 165 (best seen in FIG. 2) between the lower
edges thereof and flanges 105, 107 of housing 100. The upper surface 162a
of bottom wall 162 is generally aligned and co-planar with surface 112a of
transverse wall 112 of housing 100. Bottom wall 162 is dimensioned such
that a gap or space 166 (best seen in FIG. 8) is_ defined between the end
thereof and transverse wall 112. A plate 168 having a dispensing slot 170
is mounted at the dispensing end of frame 150. Slot 170 is dimensioned to
correspond to slot 32 in housing 12. Plate 168 is mwnted to an angle-
shaped m~ber 169 which in turn is mounted to side walls 152, 154 of frame
150 wherein a space is defined between plate 168 and the ends of side walls
152, 154.
Transport module 38 includes a horizontal transport 180 for moving
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WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
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14
the sheet media along a generally horizontal path or plane P. In this
respect, horizontal transport 180 is similar to the vertical
transport 80
of feed module 34 and transport 130 of stacking module 36, in that it is
basically cx~mprised of a plurality of endless belts in operative
relationship with a stationary surface having elevated rails thereon. More
specifically, horizontal transport 180 includes three
(3) generally
identical side-by-side parallel belts 182 which are mounted on rollers 184
on shaft 186, 188. As best seen in FIG. 7, the shafts 186, 188 are spaced
apart to define generally straight, horizontal belt flights 190a, 190b.
Belts 182 include outer frictional surfaces which face suxfaces 112a and
162a: Shafts 186, 188 are mounted in side walls 152, 154 such that belt
flights 190b of belts 182 are generally disposed parallel to and a
predetermined distance from surfaces 162a and 112a. More particularly,
shaft 186 is mounted in inclined, elongated slots 187 in side walls 152,
154. As seen in the drawings, belts 182 also extend the entire length of
transport module frame 150, and over chambers 120, 122 of stacking module
36. As best seen in FIG. 3, belts 182 are juxtaposed with respect to leg
portions 142b of Irshaped me7nber 142, wherein a leg portion 142b is
disposed between each belt 182. Supplemental rails 192 are provided on
wall 112 as best seen in FIG. 3. Supplemental rails 192 are dimensioned to
corresporrl to lei portions 142b of Irshaped rails 142. Bottom wall 162 of
frame 150 includes two (2) side-by-side rails 194 which are aligned with
leg portions 142b and dimensioned to correspond therewith. ?~ortantly,
the upper surfaces of rails 142b, 192, and 194 are generally aligned and
lie in a ~n plane which defines path p. In other wards, the upper
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surface of rails 142b, 192, and 194 define the work path P along which the
notes to be dispensed are conveyed. As with vertical transports 80, 130,
an undulated passage is defined between belts 182 and rails 142b, 192, and
194. Belts 182 are preferably driven by a conventionally-known brush motor
5 196, which is schematically illustrated in the drawings, having
conventionally-known speed sensing means (not shown) associated therewith.
In this respect, in the embodiment sham, horizontal transport 180 is
driven independently of vertical transports 80 and 130. If desired,
however, horizontal transport 180 may be simultaneously driven with
10 vertical tLansports 80, 130 by a single motor, by means within the puzview
of those skilled in the art, without detzacting from the present invention.
In addition to being in alignment with surfaces 112a, 162a,
horizontal transport 180 is disposed to be in operative relationship with a
stacking assanbly 200 for stacking the sheet media, a divert assembly 300
15 for diverting notes or dumping a stack of notes to a "divert/du~
location", a push plate assembly 400 for transferring a stack of media
toward dispensing slot 170, a gate assembly 500 for controlling access to . ..
slot 170, and a control assembly o00 for coordinating the actions of
stacking assembly 200, divert assembly 300, and gate assembly 500.
Stackirx,~Assembly 200
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, -
stacking mechanism 200 includes a stack plate 210 best seen in FIG. 7.
Stack plate 210 is generally comprised of a platform 214 having a planar
upper surface 214a and a plurality of side-by-side, parallel rails
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16
extending thereacross. In the ~nbodiment shown, stack plate 210 includes
four (4) side-by-side, parallel -rails 216. Rails 216 are basically
di»nsioned to correspond in cross-section to rails 142b, 192, 194, and to
extend in alignment therewith. The ends of rails 216 are angled to
correspond and to align with the angled ends of rails 142b, 192, as best
seen in FIG. 3. Stack plate 210 is generally disposed within chamber 120
of stacking module 36. Slots are provided in walls 112, 114 to a~amnodate
the ends of rails 216 to the extent they extend beyond chamber 120.
Elongated slots 218 extend through platform 214 and rails 216. Slots 218
are d~~~~ioned to receive vertical tines ~ 220 on a media stap 222. Stop
222 is operable to be repositioned along a guide 224. Stack plate 210 is
mounted on a pair of elongated arms 226 which attach to the sides of stack
plate 210. Arms 226 extend toward the rear of the housing 100 along the
exterior sides thereof and are mounted for pivotal movement on pivot pins
228 (shown in FIG. 2). In this respect, stack plate 210 is pivotally
movable with the arms 226 about the pins 228 between a stacking position
(best seen in FTG. 7) wherein stacking plate 210 is positioned away from
belts 182 and second position wherein rails 216 of stack plate 210 are
aligned with rails 142b, 192, 194 and in operative relationship with belts
182. In this position, the upper surfaces of rail 216 are generally co-
planar to plane P defined by the upper surfaces of rails 142, 192, and 194.
the azm 226 adjacent wall 106 of stacking module 36 includes a laterally
extend.irrg cam follower 234 (best illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13D) in the form
of a roller pin for operative engagement with control assembly 600 which
will be described in greater detail below.
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Stacking assembly 200 also includes a mechanism for aligning notes
during stacking. In the embodiment shown, the stacking assembly 200
includes three (3) paddle wheels 230 (best seen in FIG. 7) which are
operative to align the individual notes against wall 114 of housing 100.
Each paddle wheel 230 is generally comprised of a central hub 230a having a
bore therethmugh. Paddle wheels 230 are mounted on an shaft 232 which
extends thrrnigh chamber 118 of housing 100. A plurality of thin, narrow,
radially-spaced belts 230b extend autwarc7ly from hub 230a to form a paddle
wheel configuration as best seen in FIG. 7. Wheels 230 are preferably
formed from a neoprene material or other similar material which is pliable
and which has a "spongy" or adhering outer surface to adhere or grip sheet
material. As seen in FTG. 10, paddle wheels 230 are spaced apart along
shaft 232 such that paddle wheels 230 are disposed between belts 182 and
rail 142b, 192 on wall 112. Slots are provided in walls 112, 114 to enable
the radial ends 230b of the paddle wheel to extend beyond walls 112, 114
during the rotation of the paddle wheels 230. Paddle wheels 230 are driven
by motor 196 via shaft 232. As indicated above, motor 196 also drives
belts 182 of horizontal transport 180.
Divert Assembly 300
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a divert assenbly 300 to divert individual notes or dump groups of
notes from stacking assembly 200 to a designated "divert/dump location".
The divert assanbly 300 is primarily intended to "divert" double bills .
(i.e. bills which are stuck together) and prevent such bills from being ; ,
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WO 91/08160 . PCT/US90/07017
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issued to a customer. In addition, according to the present invention,
divert assembly 300 is also used in conjunction with the transfer assembly
to "dump" to the designated divert/dump location notes which have been
presented to a customer, but which have not been taken by the customer from
presenter slot 170.
Divert assembly 300 (bA..st seen in FIGS . 2 , 3 , and 7 ) is generally
comprised of a divert plate 310 which is slidably mounted for reciprocal
mov~nent on flanges 105, 107 of housing 100. Divert plate 310 is generally
flat and includes an upper planar surface 310a. Divert plate 310 is
dimensioned such that surface 310a is generally aligned and co-planar with
surfaces 112a, 162a. Divert plate 310 includes four (4) side-by-side
parallel rails 312 extending across surface 310a. Rails 312 are
dimensioned to correspond to and be aligned with rails 216 on stack plate .
210, rails 142b, 192 on surface 112, and rails 194 on surface 162a. In
this respect,, the upper surfaces of rails 312 are co-planar to path p
defined by rails 142b, 192 , 194, and 216. As shown in the drawings, the
ends of rails 312 are angled along the longitudinal axis thereof to confozm
to and mate with ends of rails 216 on the stack plate 210.
Divert plate 310 is dimensioned to extend through horizontal slots
165 and rest on flanges 105 , 107 of housing 100, as best seen in FIG. 11.
One side of divert plate 310 includes a guide 314 (best seen in FIG, il)
which is dime~~sioned to receive the lower edge of side wall 154 and is
operable to maintain divert plate 310 i.n alignment with frame 150. In this
respect, the divert plate is movable between a first position wherein the
diveLt plate 310 is positioned cyver chamber 122 at one end of the stack
WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
19 ~~~~ ~,3 ) z~3
plate 210 (as best seen in FIG. 7) to a second position wherein divert
plate 310 is positioned above or over chamber 120 and stack plate 210. To
permit divert plate 310 to move aver tines 220 of media stop 222, stack
plate 310 includes elongated grooves 316 formed below rails 242. A
vertically oriented, generally rectangular plate 318 is attached to one
side of divert plate 310. Plate 318 includes a vertically aligned slot 320
(best seen in FIG. 2) which is dimensioned to operatively engage a control
pin on control mechanism 600 as will be discussed in greater detail below.
,. Push Plate Assemb~ 400 ..
Push plate assembly 400 is generally cx~mprised of a push plate 410
and means for reciprocally moving push plate 410 the length of transport
module 38. Push plate 410 is generally comprised of a rectangular platform
412 which extends between side walls 152, 154 of transport module 38. As
best seen in FIG. 3, one end of 412 includes extensions 414 and the other
end includes vertically spaced tabs 416. F~ctensions 414 define generally
Irshaped recesses 422 dimensioned to receive flange 156 and side wall 152,
while vertically spaced tabs 416 define a slot 424 to receive flange 158 of
side wall 154, as best seen in FIG. 11. Recess 422 and slot 424 are
dimensioned to enable platform 412 to slide freely on flanges 156, 158,
with extensions 414 maintaining the lateral position of platform 412. A
plate 426 e~ctends daanward from platform 412. Plate 426 has a planar
surface 426a which is generally perpendicular to plane P (i.e. the upper
surfaces of rails 142b, 216, 192, 194, etc.). Plate 426 is dimensioned
such that its lower edge is immediately above (i.e. not touching), and can
WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
a ~.'~ ~,~ v.__), ~,~:9
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slide freely ovex surfaces 112a, 162a, 214a, and 310a. A plurality of
notches 428 are formed in plate 426 to aec~mnodate belts 182 of horizontal
transport 180 and the rails on stack plate 210, divert plate 310 and
modules 36, 38. A toothed belt 430 is secured to platform 412. Eelt 430
is driven by a motor 432 schematically represented in the drawings. Motor
432 is preferably a ~nventionally-known stepping motor having a speed
sensor associated therewith wherein the speed of motor 432 can be
controlled and monitored. Motor 432 is mounted to the outer surface of
wall 152 (nat sho~rm) of frame 150 and includes a shaft 434 extending
through wall 152 having a drive sprocket 436 thereon. An idle sprocket 438
is mounted to wall 152 adjacent dispensing slot 170. Sprockets 436, 438
are positioned such that toothed belt 430 is generally parallel to belts
182.
Gate Assembly 500
Gate assembly 500, best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 7, 8, and 10, includes
a box-like gate 510 having a bottom wall 510a, one end wall 510b which is
dimensioned to be received in the space between plate 168 and the ends of
side wall 152, 154 of stacking module 38, and tv~ parallel side walls 510c
dimensioned to be disposed outside side walls 152, 154 of stacking module
38. Gate 510 is pivotally mwnted to stacking module 38 by pivot pins 512
extending fin side walls 152, 154. The gate side wall 510c adjacent side
wall 154 of transport module 38 includes a pin 514 which extends thzmugh a
re~ai~ular' opening 516 (shown in pin FIG. 8) into a slot 518 at one
end of an elongated link 520. As shown in FIG. 8, link 520 is mounted to
f,
WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
_= ~
21 ~~'~ ~~~~'
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side wall 154 by pins 522 extending through slots 524 in link 520, such
that link 520 has limited longitudinal movement along wall 154. Link 520
includes two dawnwazr7ly extending fingers 525, 526. Finger 526 is biased ..
by a spring 527 which urges link 520 and gate 510 toward the position shown
in FIG. 8 wherein end wall 510b is adjacent to and obstnicts opening 170 in
plate 168.
Referring now to the other end of link 520, a laterally projecting
arm 528 extends from link 520 through a rectangular opening 530 in side
wall 154. Arm 528 is operatively attached to a generally Irshaped
actuating member 532, best seen in FIG. 2. Actuating member 532 is mounted
to the outer side of side wall 154 by a pin 534 extending through a slot
a 536 therein. An outwardly projecting pin 538 (shcnm in phantom in FIG. 2)
i
is provided at the end of actuating member 532 to operatively engage
'i
,control mechanism 600 as will be discussed in greater detail belaa.
.,
,~
Control Assemblv 600
'~ To coordinate the movement and operation of stack plate 210, divert
plate 310 and gate 510, control assembly 600 is provided. The control
assembly 600 is generally comprised of a control wheel 610 which is mounted
for rotation about a fixed axis on an axle 612 (best seen in FIG. 11) which
is secured to wall i06 of stack module 36. Control wheel 610 includes a
cylindrical portion 614 and flange portion 616. As bast seen in FIGS.
13A 13D, cylindrical portion 614 includes an elongated curving slot 618,
which opens touraW wall 106 of stacking module 36 and extends around axle
612. Slot 618 is comprised of three distinct portions, namely, a first,
WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
'L'~, t~ ~ ~ ~ L,~ 22
relatively long concentric portion 618a which forms a major portion of slot
618, a shorter second portion 618b which spirals inwart3ly f~, first
portion 618a 'toward axle 612 and a still shorter third portion 618c which
is concentric about axle 612. slot 618 has a predeterntined configuration
which will be more fully understood from the subsequent discussion of the
operation of conttrol wheel 610. Slot 618 is dimensioned to received roller
pint 234 on arm 226 of stack plate 210 and control pin 538 on actuator
mett~ber 532 of gate assembly 500. Control wheel 610 also includes an
actuating pin 62o extending irn~y f~ flange portion 616 toward wall
106. Actuating, pin 620 is dimensioned to be received within slot 320 of
divert plate 310. Control wheel 610 also includes an irnaardly ~~~g
annular wall 622, best seen in FIG. 11. In this respect, wall 622 is
y
g~lY concentric to the axis of axle 612 and projects toward side wall
106 of stacking a 36. Associated with contirol wheel 610 is a stepping
motor 624 schematic designated in the drawings. Motor .624 is preferably
Y
positioned within the housing 100 of stacking module 36 with a drive shaft
626 extending tttwall 106. Shaft 626 includes a tooth drive
sprocket
628 for driving a tooth belt 630. Belt 630 is operable to drive a toothed
s ring 632 (best seen in FIG. 3) which is attached to cylindrical portion 614
of control wheel 610.
Computer Process;m Units 14 18
Operations of ATM 10 and mul,ti-media dispenser 16 are controlled by
processor '!4 and dispenser processor 18 which are schematically
illustrated in FIG. 17. In the preferred embodiment of the preset
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wo 9riosr6o PCT/US90/07017
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invention, ATM processor 14 is operatively associated with card reader 28,
monitor 20, screen 22, and keypad 24. Broadly stated, ATM processor 14
monitors and controls two generally separate aspec'cs or functions of ATM
10, i.e. the personal aspects of a transaction (the financial aspects and
the customer interface) and providing operational instructions to dispenser
processor 18.
With respect to the former, ATM l0 is typically utilized in a media
dispensing activity involving a financial transaction, e.g. dispensing
currency or pUrrl~lasing tickets. In this rPSpect, ATM processor 14 is
provided to accept information data from a prospective patx~nn_or customer,
to ascertain from such data possibly in conjunction with a network
cuter and (together with other data about such prospective customer from
a record source) whether the prospective patron or customer has a
predetermined status necessary to receive notes (typically withdraw
currency) from Ate'! 10, to record data regarding a withdrawal of notes or
currency and to adjust the record data in response to a withdrawal by a
customer. In addition, ATM processor 14 is pr,ogramtned to provide a patron
with information regarding features and functions of ATM 10 by means of the
video screen 22 and the electronic display 20.
The information data from the patron is generally in the form of a
conventionally-known credit card having identification data encoded
thereon. The credit card is inserted into card slot 30 to be head by card
reader 28 in a conventional manner. The card provides information
identifyirxl the folder and provides other information with respect to
the prospective patrons financial status, which may be in the form of data
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WO 91/08160 Pcrius9oio7om
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24
with respect to financial recorz3 files or financial institutions. Such
data, utilized together with data from a record file or an external source,
determines whether the prospective patron is authorized to utilize ATM 10.
In this respect, processor 14 may have an internal rn~rd file including
the account numbers of all patrons for whom the access machine is allowed,
or it may be connectable by a modem 250 (or directly by a dedicated line)
to an external record source such as a financial institution or credit
'' authorization service in a manner conventionally-known in automatic bank
teller machines. With information from the credit card, together with
r' 10 information from the internal or external record source, ATi'4 processor
14
can determine whether the identified patzron has the appropriate status to
mike a media or currency withdrawal. If authorized, data regarding
:a
' parameters of the dispensing (i.e. date, time, amount, etc.) are recon3ed
in file storage of ATM processor 14. The financial r~econis of the patron
are modified (debited) based on the value of the notes or currency
dispensed. With respect to this modification of the financial records, if
the r~ecor<is are maintained internally by the machine, such modification can
' be done by ATM processor 14. If the financial records are external of the
i
machine (at a financial institution or credit authorization service),
infornr~tion regarding withdrawal transaction are transferred to such
y
external zecorzis from AZIrt processor 14. As set forth above, co~mmmications
i
with the external recorr7s may be aocx~qalished by modem 250, as shown by
FIG. 17 or directly by a dedicated line (not shown). With the modem
arrangement, information concerning several transactions may be stored in
file storage of processor 14 throughout the day and then transferred to the
WO 91/08160 PGT/US90/07017
~~1~.;~~ ,~:
26
16 includes several other sensors. Referring now to FIG. 5, sensors 710
are disposed belay each picker mechanism 60. Sensors 710 are of a type
disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,664,369 (which is by the
assignee of the present application) and are operative to sense the
thickness of notes being transferred thereover. The teachings of U.S.
T_>atent No. 4,664,369 are hereby incorporated by reference into present ,
application. Sensors 710 monitor notes picked by mechanisms 60 and to
ensure doubles, (i.e. notes which may be stuck together) are not dispensed
to a custcaner. A counting sensor 720 is provided in the upper surface of
leg portion 142b of Irshaped rail 142 (best seen in FIG. 3) to arunt notes
whic2i pass thereaver as they move to stacking assembly 200. A exit sensor
730 is provided in the upper surface of rail 194 to sense the position of a
stack of notes being presented to a customer through slot 170. A gate
sensor 740 (best seen in FIG. 8) is provided on side wall 154 in operative
relation to finger 525 to monitor the positions of gate 510. A control
wheel sensor 750 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 13A-13D) is pn7vided to monitor
the positions of control wheel 610. Sensor 750 is generally U-shaped and
is disposed such that wall 622 is disposed between the legs thereof.
Sensor 750 is operable to sense notches and windows (not shown) formed at
predetermined positions in wall 622. The notches and windows con espand
specific important operational positions of control wheel 610. The
important operational position of vontrnl wheel 610 are illustrated in
FIGS. 13A-13B and will be discussed in greater detail below.
In addition to sensors 710, 720, 730, 740, and 750, dispenser
processor receives information from keyboard 66. lteyboard 66 provides
w0 9t/o8160 PCT/US90/07017
lv:~ y~ ~ -;.~
1 N
external r~co~t3s at one time, thereby saving on transmission and hook-up
W A~"1 processor 14 may also include printer means (not physically
shown) providi~ pa.~ns with a records of all transactions.
Thus, with respect to the financial and customer interface aspeL-is
5 of ~e P~sent invention, ATM processor 14 basically provides a means for
identifying patrons, means for crnmminicating with the patrons, means for
a patron's financial status, means for monitoring the withdrawal
transaction, and means for means for modifying a patron's financial
records.
10 Referring now to the operational function of ATM
processor 14,
processor 14, based on information fin a customer, basically instructs
~~ex' processor 18 as to the number of notes to be disp~ ~ ~e
rnnnber of notes to be dispensed fry ~~ mister (in the event Canister
50 holds different types of notes).
15 Referring now to dispenser p~~r 18, as schematically
illustrated in ~G. 17, pz,ocessor 18 basically controls and monitozs the
operation of picker mechanic 60, vertical transports 80 ~ 130,
horizontal transport 180, stac>ting assembly 200, divert assembly 300, push
plate assembly 400, gate assembly 500, and contirol assembly 600.
20 C~~ ~ ~n~lled via picker motors 72a, 72b, vertical transpo~
drive motor 96, horizontal transport drive motor 196, push plate drive
motor 432, and contrbl wheel drive motor 624. As indicated at~,e~ hors
72a, 72b, 96, 196, 432, and 624 include sen's~ (not shown) wh~,in
processor 18 can monitor the relative position of con~onents
~25 associated th~ith. In addition to these setysing means, media di~~~r
WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
?l
27
information which identifies the particular canistex 50 inserted into
multi-media dispenser 16, but more importantly, it also identifies the type
of media (notes currency, etc.) within canister 50, the height of the
hates, and the thickness of the note contained therein. Information from
keyboard 66 is ccmmmnicated by dispenser processor 18 to ATM processor 14.
Transports 80. 130. 180
Referring more specifically to vertical transport 80, 130, and
horizontal transport 180, each is basically cx~mprised of a plurality of
side-by-side, parallel belts juxtaposed with a plurality of side-by-side
l0 parallel rails. The belts and rails are aligned and extend in the same
direction. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the rails are interjacent the
belts and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom. The rails basically
define elevated surfaces which generally lie in a Gammon plane and define
the path along which the notes are conveyed. In each transport, the
operative frictional surface of the belts are disposed below the plane
.,
defined by the elevated rail surface in the space defined therebetween. In
this respect, the belts and rails mesh and interact to provide an undulated
or corrugated passage therebetween. Specifically, notes disposed between
-4
the belts and the rails preferably engage the belts sufficiently to
maintain fictional engag~nent therewith and to be motionless relative
thereto as the belts move between the rails. In this respect, the elevated
surfaces are preferably smooth to allow the hates to freely slide
thereover.
As best seen in FIGS. 4-6, the rails of vertical transports 80, 130
are tapered along their longitudinal and lateral edges. The rails of
5
w0 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
2g
horizontal transport 180 (including the rail on stack plate 210 and divert
plate 310) while having tapered and angled longitudinal edges are generally
rectangular in dross-section (best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11). Moreover, the
rails of horizontal transport 180 are slightly higher (elevated) than those
on vertical transports g0~ 130. These differences are ~sically due to the
function of each transport.
In this respect, vertical transports gp, 130 are
provided to
transport single notes in a vertical direction, as best illustrated in FIG.
4. For such an operation, it is basically only necessary that successive
rails be aligned and that the upper surface of the rails lie in a ~n
plw ~ seen in FIG. 4, the configuration of the successive rails, as
well as the belts, may vary so long as the rails and belts are aligned and
are operable to convey a note. Horizontal transport 180 on the other hand
is provided to convey a stack of notes (as well as single notes) in
conjunction with push plate 410. In this respect. to close
cooperation between push plate 410 and the respective rails, the lateral
edges of the rail are squared to match the squared corm of the notches
pr~wided izi push plate 410. Moreover, the rails of horizontal transport
18o are higher to enable push plate 410 to extend below the upper surface
of the rails a distance sufficient to ensure that no notes will pass or be
~J~ her the bottom edge of push plate 410 during operation.
~COx3ingly, the height and cmss-sectional configuration of the
rails in and of themselves are not critical to the present invention. It
°~.Y ~.~ortant that the rails and belts be aligned and juxtaposed yn
operative relation to another to form an undulated passage therebetween
WO 91/08160 PCT/U590/07017
i~ i~
29
(i.e. the frictional surface of the belts is below the elevated surface of
the rails) and are operable to maintain frictional engagement between the
belts and the notes to be conveyed. It will also be appreciated that the
lateral spacing between adjacent rails and belt may vary depending on the
sheet media to be conveyed, and that the number of belts and rails may
vary. In each of the transports shown, three belts and two rails are
provided. In this respect, it is believed at least two rails are necessary
to maintain aligrnnent of the notes. In the embodiment shown, additional
rails are shown on stack plate 210 and divert 310. It has been found that
additional rails on these members facilitates better stacking by supporting
the lateral erxls of the notes and that such support assists in ensuring
proper engag~nent between a stack of notes and push plate 410. In the
embodiment shown, belts 82, 132 of vertical transports 80, 130 are of an
m-reinforced urethane, belts 182 of horizontal transport 18o are formed of
nylon reinforced, semi-stretch neoprene.
g~eration
Referring now to the operation of ATM 10, media canisters 50 are
inserted into m~l.ti-media dispenser 16 as shown in FIG. 5. Pins 68 on
50 are positioned to engage specific switches 67 on keyboard 66.
In the eanbod~ment shown, actuation of the preselected switches 67
identifies to dispenser processor 18: (1) the specific canister 50
(identification code) being inserted into the machined (2) the media
(notes) contained within the canister 50; (3) the thickness of the notes;
and, (4) the height of the notes. This information is corrnmmicated to ATM
wo X1/08160 PCT/US90/07017
y,.~,
r.i,s~~
Processor .14 by dispenser processor 18. In the e~nbodi~t s~.l~~
~iste~ 50 may be utilized. Importantly, acco~ing to the preset
invention each canister 5o may contain a different type-of note. For
ale, canisters 50 may contain the same type of icy ~t each
5 canister 50 having a different denomination. In another respe~~ one
canister 50 may contain currency of a particular size and thic3mess and the
o~~ ~y °°n~~ ~°~ ~v~J a ~letely different size and
thickness.
In other woztls, media dispenser 16 is operational with two dissimilar types
of hates.
10 The following discussion of the use and operdtian of ATM 10 is
upon a dispensing transaction involv
ing financial value wherein a
patron or customer must meet a predetermined status. It will, of course,
i
be appreciated that ATM to and media dispenser 18 may be p~ to
operate merely upon request by any individual.
15 Use of a A2M 10 is initiated by a ~s;n~"~~ a
corwer~tionally-Mown credit ~ ~to ~ slot 30. The cal, which is
read by cardreader 28, pn7vides information identifying the cardholder a~ ,
Prides other inforn~ation with respect to the prospective patron's
r fi,~ial status. If the media contained within the ATM l0 has value,
A
20 typically an approval of the customer s financial status is required. ATM
processor 14 may have an internal recon~i file including the aft
of all patrons for wham access to the machine is allow~ad, or A~i processor
Z4 ~y connect via modem 250 or dedicated line (not shown) to an external
'~ .
~°~ source such as a financial institution or credit authorization
y 25 service to check the status of the ~. In a conventionally-known
WO 91/08160 PCT/U590/07017
31
manner, ATM processor 14 can advise the customer via screen 22 of monitor
20 whether access to the machine is allowed and provide instructions as to
procedures for the customer to follow to receive notes from ATM 10. The
transaction is conducted by the customer entering pertinent information (in
response to prrm~ts by ATM processor 14) using operation keys 26 on keypad
24. When the pertinent inforniation has been entered and processed,
processor 14 will instruct dispenser processor 18 as to the rnm~ber of notes
to be dispensed from canister 50.
Having received instructions form ATM processor 14 with respect to
the rnm~ber of notes to be dispensed, dispenser processor 18 initiates
dispensing of the notes in a predetermined sequence.
FIG. 14A shows general positions of the respective components of
media dispenser 16 when dispensing of notes is initiated. As indicated
above, control wheel 610 ooon9inates the operation of stack plate 210,
divert plate 310 and gate 510. In this respect, FIG. 13A shows generally
the position of control wheel 610 to locate the operative components, i.e.
stacking plate 210, divert plate 310, push plate 410, and gate 510, to the
positions shown in FIG. 14A. FIG. 13A shows control wheel 610 in a first
position, wherein pin 234 which is associated with stacking plate 210 and
pin 538 which is associated with gate 510 are disposed within slot portion
618a of cam slot 618. Actuating pin 620 is disposed at the bottom of slot
320 of divert plate 310. With control wheel 610 in this position, stack
plate 210 is in a first position disposed below and away from belts 182 of
horizontal transport 180, divert plate 310 is a position shown in FIG. 14A,
and gate 510 is in a normal, closed position. Push plate 410 which is
WO 91/08160 PCT/U590/07017
N
32
independently controlled by dispenser processor 18 via motor 432 is
positioned in a rearmost location as shown in FIG. 148. Media stop 222~is
preferably fixedly positioned within media dispenser 16 to a position which
will ac~c~unodate the largest media expected to be used in media dispenser
16. According to the preferred operation of the present invention, divert
plate 310 and push plate 410 are repositioned by dispenser pnxessor 18
prior to dispensing to predetermined positions relative to stack plate 210
as shown in phantom in FIG. 14A. These positions are determir~d by
dispenser processor 18 based upon the height of the note to be dispensed,
which information was provided by keyboard 66. Push plate 410 is
repositioned by dispenser processor 18 by means of motor 432. Divert plate
310 is repositioned by dispenser processor 18 by rotating control wheel 610
by motor 624. Control wheel 610 as viewed in FIG. 13A would be rotated
clockwise a predetermined angle from the position shown. The amount of
rotation being calculated and monitored by dispenser. processor 18 via
infornvation frrnn stepping motor 624 and the positional sensor therewith
(nat shown) and sensor 750. The rotation of control wheel 610 causes
actuating pin 620 to move along an arcuate path to the right as seen in
FIG. 13A, wherein actuating pin 620 moving ~e~i~l slot 320 causes
divert plate 310 to move to the right in FIG. 13A (to the left in FIG.
14A).
Dispenser piroc~ssor 18 initiates vertical transport motor 96 and
horizontal transport motor 196 such that belts 82 of vertical transport 8p,
belts 132 of vertical transport 130 and belts 182 of horizontal transport
180 move in the direction shown in FIG. 14A. Dispenser processor 18 then
wo 9 t /08 t 60 PCT/US90/07017
~~j1 ~~ ~
33
initiates picker mechanisms 60 in sequence to pick individual notes from
canisters 50. If media dispenser 16 contains notes of different sizes,
dispenser processor 18 is programmed such that the largest note is
dispensed first. In this respect, an individual note is picked by pad 62a
of roller 62 which feeds the note toward flight 90b of belts 82 of vertical
transport 80. The individual note passes over thic~lmess sensor 710 which
scans the thickness to ensure that a single note is being transferred.
Sensor 710 has been programmed by processor 18 to monitor a predetermined
thicl~ess. In this respect, the programmed thickness is determined by the
information provided to processor 18 and AZM processor 14 by switches 67 on
keybbard 66. The individual noteengages flight 90b of belts 82 which bend
the note u~rd, the note being trapped in undulated passage 94 between
the belts 82 and rails 92. In this respect, the outer frictional surface
of the belts 82 force the note along rails 92. The note is driven to
vertical transport 130 wherein belts 132 force the hate along Irshaped
rails 142 horizontal transport 180. As best seen in FIGS. 12A, 12B,
belt 132 forces the note between pinch roller 146 and roller 134. Pinch
roller 146 produces a "hard drive" to force the note upwa~ under a
positive friction. This "hard drive" forces the leading edge of the hate
into flight l9ob of belts 182 of horizontal transport 180, as best seen in
FIG. 12B.
The leading edge of the note generally causes flight 190b of belts
182 to deflect upward as belts 182 pull the leading edge of the hate in the
direction of the moving belt. The amwnt of deflection depends on the
thic>mess and rigidity of the note being transferred. Importantly, this
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WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
34
resilient feature enables dispenser 18 to transfer rigid cards as well as
pliable currency. Notes transferred to horizontal transport 180 are
conflrled between belts 182 and the upper surfaces of leg portions 142b of
:'shaped rails 142 and supplemental rails 192. The frictional outer
surface of belts 182 drives the note along rails 142, 192. Note N is
driven horizontally by horizontal transport 180 until it is positioned
~e stacking plate 210. As the horizontal movement of the note brings it
to a position above stack plate 210, belts 230b of paddle wheels 230 catch
~e upper surface of the note and force it downward onto stack plate 210.
l0 Movement of the flexible belts 230b acmss the upper surface of the note,
also ~ draw the note against traverse wall 114 to align the leading edges
thereof. In~ortantly, as indicated above, divert plate 310 and push plate
41o are positioned prior to the stacking sequence to generally align with
tines 220 of media stop 222 as schematically represented in FTC. 14A. In
this zespect, ~a stop 222, divert plate 310, and push plate 410 provide
a positive barrier to prevent the notes from being transferred beyond the
stacJcing position. Counting sensor 720 on leg portion 142b of Irshaped
rail 142 counts the individual notes as they pass ther~eover to insure that
the correct rnm~ of notes have been picked by picker assembly 60 and
transferred to stab plate 210.
If a second type or dencRnination of note, possibly a smaller note,
is to be dispensed, such notes are transfer in a similar manner fnxn
their respective canister 50. Importantly, during the stacking of the
~~' notes, divert plate 310 and push plate 410 are repositioned by
a;~"~r per 18, i.e. moved horizontally to the left, a
WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
~'v. Tj
predetermined amount to provide a barrier for the smaller note. Again, the
position of divert plate 310 and push plate 410 is calculated by dispenser
processor 18 based upon the information received with respect to the height
of the smaller note. The smaller media is then stacked upon the larger
5 media in a manner previously described wherein the edges of bath notes
(i.e. the larger and smaller) are aligned by paddle wheels 230 against
transverse wall 114.
During the pick_irg of the notes from canisters 50, some notes may
have a tendency to stick together wherein double bills may be detected by
10 sensor 710. In such an event, dispenser processor 18 reverses direction of
the picker roller 62 in an attempt to separate the double bills. If the
double bill cannot be separated by repeated reversing of picker roller 62,
media dispenser 16 is operable to divert the double to a "divert/dump
location" located in ~arbnent 122 of stacking module 36. To a~lish
15 "dumping" or "diverting" of notes, divert plate 310 is moved to the left to
a position above stack plate 210 as schematically illustrated in FIG. 14B.
Mrwement of divert plate 310 is initiated by control wheel 610 as shown in
FIG. 13B. In this respect, to move divert plate 310 to the position
sc~e~aticallyillustrated in FIG. 14B, control wheel 610 is rotated by
20 motor 624 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 13B. In this respect,
actuating pin 620 mores divert rectangular plate 310 to the right (as seen
in FTG. 13B) by moving through slat 320 of plate 318 in a manner as
discussed above. The positions of stack plate 210 and gate 510 remain the
same as pins 234 and 538 move through slot portion 618c which is generally
25 canoentric about axle 612. The double bills are conveyed by vertical
WO 91 /08160 Pt.'T/US90/07017
r~rC~
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transports 80, 130 to horizontal transport 180. Belts 182 drive the
"doubles" over rails 312 of divert plate 310 into chamber 122 of stackixx~
module 36. The diverted notes are monitored by dispenser processor 18 and
AZM processor 14. A divert/dump canister having a similar keyboard type of
arrang~ent may be provided in chamber 122 wherein the specific canister
and the amount of currency dumped therein can be monitored. After the
double bill has been diverted, control wheel 610 causes divert plate 310 to
return to a stacking position generally shown in FIG. 14A, wherein further
stacking of notes, monitored by dispenser processor 18, can be conducted
until the appropriate rnunber and type of notes are stacked.
Upon ~letion of the stacking of the notes to be dispensed, push
plate 410 is moved back to clear stack plate 210 and stack plate 210 is
moved from its first stacking position to a second elevated position, as
schematically illustrated in FIG. 14C, wherein rails 216 are aligned with
rails 142, 192, 194 and in operative engag~nent with belts 182 of
horizontal transport 180. Such movement is initiated by dispenser
processor 18 which causes control wheel 610 to rotate in a counterclockwise
direction to a position as illustrated in FIG. 13C. As shown in FIG. 13C,
divert plate 310 has been moved to its rear most position by actuating pin
620 which upon further rotation of control wheel 610 in a counterclockwise
position rotates away from slot 320. The counterclockwise rotation of
~1 wheel 610 causes pin 234 on arm 226 to move from its initial
position in cam slot portion 618a through cam portion 618b, which urges pin
234 toward axle 612 causing arm 226 to pivot about pin 234 and to bring
stack plate 210 into alignment with the operative plane P.
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WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
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With stack plate 210 in the position shown in FIG. 14C, push plate
410 is initiated by dispenser processor 18 to drive the stack of net,~s
toward gate assembly 500. Simultaneously, belts 182 of horizontal
transport are driven such that flight 190b moves toward gate assembly 500.
Accordirx~ to a preferred method of operation of the present invention, if
the stack of notes to be Presented are all the same, push plate 410 is
driven at a rate faster than belts 182 of horizontal transport 180. If the
stack contains notes of two separate sizes, both~sizes being aligned along
their leading edges, dispenser' processor 18 preferably causes belts 182 of
l0 horizontal transport 180 and push plate 410 to be driven simultanewsly at
the same speed such that relative mwe~nents of the smaller notes relative
to the larger notes does not oc,.cur.
As the stack of notes is moved toward gate assembly 500, the
leading edge of the stack encounters exit sensor 730 on rail 194. Upon
exit sensor 730 sensing the leading edge of the stack, dispenser processor
18 causes control wheel 610 to rotate further in a counterclockwise
direction to the position shown in FIG. 13D. Such rotation causes pin 538
to move through cam slot portion 618b which forces pin 538 tdwaxd axle 612.
Zhi.s movement forces actuating member 532 to the left as shown in FIG. 13D.
Referring now to FIG. 8, the aforementioned movement of actuating member
532 causes link 520, as shown in FIG. 8, to move to the left. Slot 518 on
link 520 causes pin 514 on gate mc~nber 510 to move dto the position
shy in ~ FIG. 8 wherein gate 510 is moved down, away from slot 170.
Dispenser processor 18 then causes push Plate 410 to move the stack of
~io~tes a predetermined distance through slot 170 to be accessible to the
f~'O 91/08160 ~ ~ '~ ~ .1 ~ (~ PC'T/US90/07017
38
The "predetermined distance" is based upon the size parameters
of the note as indicated by switches 67 on keyboard 66. Slats 187 in side
walls 152, 154 enable shaft 186 and belts 182 to move upwax~i to aCC~tGtlpdate
large stacks of notes. The customer may then take the ~~ pr~t~
~>rough slot 170 which is generally aligned with dispensing opening 32 in
housing 12. When the notes are removed by the customer, exit sensor 730
indicates the absence of the notes. Processor 18 then causes conttrol wheel
610 to return to the position shown in FIG. 13C wherein spring 527 acting
on finger 526 (best seen in FIG. 8) forces link 520 to return gate 510 to a
closed position. Gate sensor 740 which generally monitors the position of
finger 525 on link 520 indicates when gate 510 has ass~m~d a closed
position. Push plate 410 then returns to its normal home position.
In the event, that the stack of notes presented is not taken by the
customer, dispenser processor 18 causes push plate 410 to move back a
predetermined distance aril belts 182 of horizontal transport 180 to reverse
direction to move the stack of notes away from gate 510. E3cit sensor 730
'~?;cates when all the notes have been moved away from slot 170. Contivl
wheel 610 is then actuated, as discussed above, to close gate 510.
Processor 18 then rotates control wheel 610 to the position shown in FIG.
13B wherein divert plate 310 is positioned over stacking plate 210. Push
plate 410 is moved back to a home position, and belts 182 of horizontal
transport 180 are actuated to transfer the untaken notes to the
~~divezt/d~a~ location" in chamber 122 of stacking module 36. Information
~ardi.ng the untaken notes is commmicated to A2M processor 14 via
d; cpA.,~r pr,~ry~~,r 18. Upon completion of the transaction, AZM pr~~r
w0 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
l
~~'_I3~~~J
39
14 may provide a customer with a printed stmunary of the transaction via a
printer (not shown).
As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the present
invention provides a media handling and feeding device which is relatively
simple in design and operation, yet which provides several considerable
advantages over media dispensing devices known heretofore. In this
respect, as indicated above, prior transfer assemblies generally included
moving elements which are in operative engagement with other moving
elemenfis, i.e. roller-to-roller or belt to belt. Such interaction
inevitably produces wear among such elements, which wear can effect the
overall operation of the device. Unlike these prior devices, a transport
according to the present invention has no surface-to-surface interaction
in that, as indicated above, notes are transported thro~zgh a space defined
between moving belts and stationary' rails. Zhus, no surface's interact or
rub against each or which can cause wear or create static electricity.
Moreover, such a transport system requires substantially less power than
prior belt or roller systems.
More importantly, however, it is the manner in which the notes are
transferred. Because of the space between the belts and the rail surfaces,
only slight frictional forces are exerted on each note. In other words, a
transport according to the present invention produces a relatively laa
driving force on the notes. While such force is sufficient to ~nvey notes
along the rail surfaces, it is insufficient to pull the notes from
c~onents exerting a greater frictional force thereon or to .retard the
oration of the note when engaging a component exerting a greater force
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WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
r r. i a c~ _
thereon. Fob example, in the embodiment shown, picker ass~nblies 60 are
provided to pick individual notes from canisters 50. As indicated,
occasionally bills will stick together to produce doubles, in which case
the direction of rotation of picker roller 62 is repeatedly reversed in an
5 attest to separate the double bills. During such an operation, a portion
of the "double" may be disp~ within vertical transport 30 between belts
82 and rails 92. Aocon3ing to the present invention, the relatively low
frictional driving force exerted by belts 82 on the notes are insufficient
to pull it from picker assembly 60. In this respect, only when a note or
10 "double" is released by mechanism 60 will belts 82 be able to convey such
note or double along rails 92. Important, in this respect, is that. the
speed of belt 82 need not be timed to cooperate with roller 62 of picker
assembly 60, and is therefore not limited by the speed of picker assembly
60. Csnsequently, belt 82 may move at a much greater speed than picker
15 roller 62. In similar respects, belt 182 of horizontal transport may move
at a different speed than belts 82. Aocor<iingly, the present invention
provides a means of transporting notes which does not require exact timing
between respective cxm~onents.
Still further, the present invention provides a transport wherein
20 the direction of movement of the notes may be charged without the
requirement of physical guides which typically are sites where jamming
plroblems occur. In this respect, as best seen in FIGS. 12A and 12H, the
direction of note N is charred its
engag~nent with a moving belt.
No physical or structural guides are required to charge the direction of
25 the note. The driving force of one transport aril the transverse motion of
WO 91/08160 PGT/US90/07ot7
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41
belts cause the note to charxxe direction in a simple highly-efficient,
reliable manner.
Each of these features is basically the result of a unique
transport mechanism according to the present invention which enables a note
to be transferred without speed synchronization between the respective
transports, without physical guides to direct the note from one transport
to another, and without the need of surface contacting components.
Importantly, a transport aocozriing to the present invention facilitates
simplification of other mechanisms normally associated with media transfer
devices. In this respect, a divert ass~nbly according to the present
invention provides a sheet media dispensing device wherein individual
sheets may be diverted from a stacking mechanism during a stacking
operation. Typically, devices kno4m heretofore would be required to "dump"
a partial stack bad bill (e.g. a "double") was intothe
if a introdv;.ed
systenn. Acoozrlingto the present invention, such couldbe
a bill
"diverted" from stackirig operation without interferingwiththe
the
partially Meted stack. This is accomplished using a divert assembly
which is also operable to "dump" entire stacks of notes (in the event the
stark is not taken by a custcnner). The present invention thus provides a
media transport and handling device which is simpler in design and
operation and has operational advantages over systems known heretofore.
Although the invention has been described with respect to a
preferred embodiment, modifications will occur to others upon their reading
and understanding of the specification. For eximple, while the present
invention has been described with respect to a stackr~g device and
w0 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
.. y~ y. a~;.P>r~ ,
42
mechanism for diverting bills to a "divert/dump location", a media
dispensing device can be provided utilizing a transport system as herein
described without the additional features. In this respect,.~~, 15
discloses a media dispensing apparatus illustrating an alternate embodiment
of the present invention wherein feed module 34 is combined with a
transport module 800 having a horizontal transport 805 prised of a
plurality of side-by-side parallel endless belts 810 aligned with
7~P~d rails 820. Belts 810 are driven by a reversible orator 830.
Depending on the direction of belts 810, notes may be dispensed from either
end of module 800.
It will also be appreciated that the media dispenser shown in FTGS.
1-14 could be easily modified to dispense a stack of notes from the other
end of transport module 38 to provide a "front" loading and dispensing
device (FIGS. 1-14 show a "rear" loading device). In this respect, one
basically need only provide gate assembly 500 on the other end of module 38
~ pmgram dispenser processor 18 to sequence and position the respective
components, primarily push plate 410 to aocanunodate for such a charx~e. In
this respect, essentially all the components would function the same, but
the back side of push plate 410 would push the stack of notes toward the
dispensing opening. Repositioning gate assembly 500 and reprogramming
dispenser processor 18 would clearly be within the ability of those
skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the present ,
specification. Still further, while media dispenser 16 was described as
having two canisters 50, it will be appreciated that a media dispenser may
have more or less than two canisters without deviating frrxn the present
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WO 91/08160 PCT/US90/07017
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43
invention. These and other modifications will occur to others upon reading
and understanding of the
specification.' It is intended that all such modifications and alterations
be included in so far as they came within the scope of the patent as
claimed or the equivalents thereof.
;<
