Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
woss/34494 2 1 8 1 7 1 4 PCT/lJS95/07538
DESCRIPTION
AUTQMATED TELLER MACHINE PASSBOOK TRANSPORT MF~cHANlsM
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically, this
5 inYention relates to a mP(~hAni~m for handling and ~Idl~ JVl~ !, a passbook
between a customer operating an automated banking nlachine and a printer
located inside the machine for printing i,lrO....d,i.,-l in the passbook.
BACKGROUND ART
.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are well known in the prior art.
10 Customers use ATMs to conduct a variety of banking ~lal~a~,liolLs. These
IIAII~ may include making deposits to and withdrawals from accounts,
paying bills and checking the status of various accounts.
Some barlking IIAII`~ ` have not been performed by ATMs. For
example, many pèople prefer to have the amount of their savings balance
15 recorded in a passbook. Recording amount information in a passbook has
generally required a human teller to input the transaction data and to align the
passbook in a special printer so that the balance information may be printed in
the proper location.
The automated handling of passbooks has proven to be difficult. This is
20 because passbooks are usually fairly thick and are folded. Passbooks tend to
skew when transported between ~wl.~ ivllàl rollers or belts because a passbook
WO 95/34494 PCT/US95/07538
21~17~4 2
usually has a different thickness on each side of the fold. This has made it
difficult to handle a passbook with automated equipment. Passbooks also come
in many different sizes. This has made it difficult to produce a single
mrch~nicm that is suitable for handling the wide range of passbooks that may be
5 Cll~.Ollll~t~lCd. It is also difficult to ~lr~-m~rir~lly align a passbook with a
passbook printer using automated equipment. This is because the passbook pages
may tend to become folded and/or caught. Automated handling of passbooks
also presents unique problems because of different speeds between the printing
mechanism which must firmly engage the passbook during printing and a
10 transport apparatus that may be used to move the passbook. This may result in
skewing or mic~ rnml~nt Such problems result in incorrect positioning of the
information which can render the passbook unusable.
Thus there e~ists a need for a mechanism for handling and ~ lalJUILillg a
passbook that can be used in an ATM to move a passbook f}om a customer,
15 position it accurately for printing and then return it to the customer.
DISCLOSIJRE OF INVENTION
It an object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus for a
passbook.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport
20 apparatus that can move a passbook between a customer and a printe} inside an
automated banking machine.
218l714
WO 9S/34494 PCT/US95/07538
. . . 3
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport
apparatus for handling and moving a passbook that aligns the passbook as it is
moved.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport
5 apparatus for a passbook that verifies that the passbook that is presented is
properly sized.
It is a further object of tbe present invention to provide a transport
apparat~ts for a passbook that may be readily adapted to passbooks of various
sizes.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport
apparatus for a passbook that is resistant to vandalism.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tMnsport
apparatus for a passbook that minimizes the risk of damage to the passbook.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport for an
item that carries the item in a properly oriented condition.
It is a further object of the present invention to p}ovide a transport
apparatus for an item that provides controlled frictional r~ and slippage
so the item may be delivered to and from other pieces of equipment moving at
different speeds.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for
L~ Lil-V a passbook inside an automated teller machine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for
aligning a passbook as it is transported.
w09s/34494 2 1 8 1 7 1 4 PCT/US95/07538
Further objects of the present invention will be made apparent in the
following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.
The foregoing objects are ac~ulll,ul;~l~.,;l in the preferred cllll,o(lilll~,l.. of
tbe invention by a passbook transport and handling apparatus located inside an
5 automated teller machine. The transport apparatus receives a passbook through
an entry slot from a customer who is operating the machine. The interior of the
entry slot has a gate member and sensors adjacent thereto interiorally mounted in
the machme. The sensors and gate enable only passbooks that are properly
positioned and which have a desired width to be admitted to the transport through
10 the entry slot.
The transpon includes a plurality of first belt flights which extend parallel
to one another and in a Inn~inlliin~l direction. The l--n~inl~insll direction of the
belts is the direction in which the passbook is transported into a printer
mPrh~ni~m that is located on an opposed side of the transpon f}om the entry slot.
15 A plurality of second belt flights extend generally parallel to the first belt flights
but are positioned in between the first belt flights. The first and second belt
flights are supponed on first and second pulleys l~u~,Li~,ly at the ends of the
transport and are otherwise ull~u~ul~d. The first and second belt flights
generally extend in a single horizontal plane but may be slightly offset to provide
20 an inter~voven effect for holding the passbook between adjacent belt flights.
A pair of spaced edge guides extend in the l~-n~ lin~l direction inside
the transport parallel to the belt flights. The edge guides are positioned for
engaging parallel spaced edge surfaces of a passbook. One of the edge guides is
mounted in fixed relation to a frame of the apparatus. The other edge guide is
WO g~/34494 2 1 ,~ 1 7 1 4 PCTIUS95/07538
mounted on a spring which operates to bias the passbook toward the fixed edge
guide should the passbook become mic~lignPr~
A passbook that enters the transport is admitted in the open, unfolded
condition between the belt flights. The first belt flights engage a first planer
5 surface of a passbook and the second belt flights engage the opposed planer
surface of the passbook. As the passbook is carried along by the belt flights, any
mi~ nmPnt is corrected by the biasing force of the spring and the edge guides.
The passbook exits the transport apparatus and is delivered to the nip rolls
of the printing mP-~hslni~m The nip rolls hold the passbook in tightly gripped
10 relation. The belt flights, because they are traversely disposed from one another,
provide limited slippage and enable the belts to overrun without damage to the
passbook. Once the printing is complete, the passbook is pushed out of the
printer and again is moved to a position between the belt flights. The belts begin
moving and provide Irmited slippage until the passbook is free of the printer and
15 may be carried by the belts. The passbook is moved between the belt flights out
the entry slot and back to the customer.
The passbook transport and handling apparatus includes sensors that sense
the size of the passbook. The transport is operated under the control of a
processor so that improperly sized passbooks that are input into the transport
20 apparatus are returned to the customer. A gate member adjacent the entry slot of
the transport apparatus also serves to protect the apparatus from acts of
vandalism.
The passbook transport and handling apparatus is readily adjustable to
a.,cull- ' passbooks of different sizes. Further, the transport apparatus of
WO 95134494 PCTIUS95/07538
2l81714 6
the present invention may be used for carr~ving other items such as sheets or
stacks of sheets between its entry and exit ends.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a right side isometric view of the passbook transport apparatus
5 with a comnected passbook printer mechanism shown in phantom.
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view through the passbook transport
apparatus showing a passbook engaged bet~een the belt flights.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the passbook transport apparatus and an
associated printer.
Figure 4 is a right side view of the passbook transport apparatus and
associated printer.
Figure 5 is a left side isometric view of the passbook transport apparat~ls.
Figure 6 is a right side isometric view of the transport apparatus.
Figure 7 is a partial top view showing the transport apparatus with a
passbook positioned therein.
Figure 8 is a partial cross sectional view through the transport apparatus
showing the edge guides and sensors of the apparatus.
Figure 9 Is an enlarged view of the movable edge guide and sensors of
the apparatns.
Figure 10 is an exploded isometric view of the apparatus.
Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the exit end of the passbook transport
apparatus and the passbook engaging rolls of the printer m~r~ nicm
WO 95134494 2 1 ~ 1 7 1 4 PCT/US95/07538
Figure 12 is a right side cross sectional view of the passbook transport
apparatus showing the entry gate member.
Figure 13 is a partial top view of the passbook transport apparatus and
gate member.
Figure 14 is a partial cross sectional view of the passbook transport
apparatus showing the gate member in the closed position with the open position
shown in phantom.
Figure 15 is a partial front cross sectional view of the passbook transport
apparatus with the gate member and the actuating mr-h~nicm for the gate
member shown in the closed position.
Figure 16 is an enlarged partial front cross sectional view showing the
gate member in the closed position.
Figures 17 through 21 are flow charts of the program executed by the
processor which controls operation of the transport apparatus.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, there is
shown therein the preferred rllll.O.li",. .~l of the passbook transport and handling
apparatus of the present invention generally indicated 10. The passbook
transport apparatus is connected to a passbook printer 12 of a type that is known
20 in the prior art. The passbook transport and printer are preferably positioned
inside an automated teller machine which a customer may use to conduct banking
11,..l`- li....~
W0 95/34494 P~
2l81 71 8
The transport lo and printer 12 are mounted on a common base plate 14
which is positioned inside the automated teller machine. The passbook transport
includes an entry end 16 which is adapted for recerving and delivering passbooks
from a customer operating an automated teller machine t_rough an opening in the
5 facia of the machine. The transport further includes an exit end 18 (see Figure
12) through which the transport m~rh~ni~m delivers and receives a passbook to
the connected printer.
The transport apparatus 10 includes a pair of spaced first shafts 20 (see
Figure 3). A plurality of first pulleys 22 are mounted traversely spaced on first
shaft 20. A plurality of first belts 24 extend between first pulleys 22. First belts
24 are elastic and first pulleys 22 are crowned pulleys so that the elastic action of
the belts maintains them in centered relation on the pulleys.
The transport apparatus 10 further includes a pair of spaced second shafts
26. The second shafts 26 are spaced vertically below the first shafts 20 (see
Figure 4). Second shafts 26 have mounted thereon a plurality of spaced second
pulleys 28, which are crowned pulleys similar to first pulieys 22. A plurality of
second belts 30 extend between second pulleys 28. Second belts 30 are elastic
simiiar to first belts 24 so as to maintain a centered position on second pulleys
28.
In the preferred clllbo.li~ li of the invention the first and second belts are
TYPE SFT belts w_ich are available from Belting Industries. The belts are
preferably 6 millimeters in width. The crowned first and second pulleys are
wider than the belts~ and are preferably 8 millimeters in width. By having the
crowned pulleys wider than the belts, the possibility of the belts tracking off the
WO 9S134494 PCT/US95107S38
pulleys is reduced. This is because if a belt becomes ~urG~ Lly displaced from
the center of the pulley and engages the vertical side wall of the pulley, the belt
will tend to come off. By having the pulley wider than the belt, greater
is required before ~ will occur. Rotation of the pulley
S tends to center the belt on the pulley so that a di~l,la~ i is rapidly corrected.
As a result, the belt remains on the pulley under varied service conditions.
As best shown in Figure 2, second pulleys 28 are disposed i,.... ",..1;: 1~ of
ftrst pulleys 22. Shafts 20 and 26 are positioned such that first belt flights 32,
which are the lower flights of first belts 24, and second belt flights 34, which are
10 the upper belt flights of second belts 30, extend in a generally co-planer
Li~malllu for reasons that will be later discussed in detail.
As shown in Figure 10, the apparatus includes a pair of first and second
upright spaced side walls 36 and 38, respectively. Side walls 36 and 38 each
have a lower foot portion that attaches to base plate 14 using conventional
fasteners. First and second shafts 20 and 26 are journaled in bearings 40 that are
positioned in openings in the side walls. A pair of tie rods 42 extend between
the side walls 36 and 38 and hold the side walls in properly spaced relation.
A first edge guide 'L4 is mounted to first side wall 36 (see Figure 2). A
second edge guide 46 is mounted in traversely disposed relation from first edge
20 guide 44 and is positioned between one of the adjacent pairs of first and second
belt flights 32 and 34, ~ ly.
Second edge guide 46 is mounted to a plate spring 48. Plate spring 48 is
mounted at its lower side to an angle bracket 50. Angle bracket 50 is mounted
to base plate 14 by fasteners that each extend through one of a pair of spaced,
WO 95~34494 2 1 ~ 1 7 ~ ~ PCT/US95/07538
traversely extending slots 52 (see Figure 10). Spaced slots 52 enable second
edge guide 46 to be positioned at a selected distance from first edge guide 44.
Both first and second edge guides 44 and 46 are generally "C" shaped in cross
section and have tapered guide surfaces 54 at each end. The guide surfaces
5 extend outward from each wall of the generally C-shaped edge guides to facilitate
the entry of a passbook into the interior of the space bounded by the walls of the
edge guide.
First and second belts 24 and 30 are driYen by a driYe generally indicated
56. As best shown in Figures 5 and 10, driYe ~6 includes a D.C. electric motor
58 which is mounted to wall 36. Motor 58 has a driYe shaft that has a pulley 60
mounted thereon. Pulley 60 driYes a first drive belt 62 which rotates a double
pulley 64 which is mounted for rotation on a pin that extends from wall 36.
Double pulley 64 includes an inner pulley surface which is smaller in diameter
than the outer pulley surface driYen by first drive belt 62. Inner pulley surface
15 drives a second drive belt 66 which in turn drives a pulley mounted on the
second shaft 26 at the exit end of the transport. A pair of meshing gears 68 are
mounted on the shafts 20 and 26 at the exit end. Drive 56 serves as a speed
reducer and enables motor 58 to drive the first and second belts of the transport.
Motor 58 is a reversing motor so that it can rotate in either direction and thus
20 move the belts of the transport in either direction and at several speeds.
As best shown in Figure 12, entry end 16 includes an entry slot 70
through which passbooks may be moved. As later discussed in detail, a gate
member is movable to selectively block the entry slot or enable a passbook to
pass through the entry slot and enter an entrance area, wherein a passbook can
~ WO 95/34494 2 1 8 1 7 1 4 , ~~ r ,~
11
engage the first and second belts. The entry slot 70 is bounded by a lower front
panel 74 and an upper front panel 76. The panels are maintained in spaced
relation by a pair of spacers 78. The front panels 74 and 76 have traversely
elongated slotted openings 80 therein which bound each side of the entry slot.
Transparent lenses 82 are positioned in slot 80. Lenses 82 extend in slots 80 to
prevent the ~ of dirt or other material therein. Slotted backing
brackets 84 hold the lenses 82 in position. As later discussed in detail, lenses 82
enable infrared sensors to sense the position of a passbook in the entry slot.
As shown in Figure 10, the passbook transport also includes a processor
board 86 and an input/output (I/O) board 87. The processor and I/O boards are
mounted in a two piece enclosure 88 which is mounted to side wall 38. The
processor board 86 includes a processor and a memory and is electrically
commected through the I/O board to other ~ of the passbook transport
in a mamner later discussed in detail.
Gate member 72 is moved between the open and closed positions by an
actuating assembly generally indicated 90. The gate actuating assembly 90
rncludes a rotating solenoid 92 (see Figure 15). The rotating solenoid 92 has an
actuator which is connected to a locking cam 94. As shown in Figure 14, the
gate member 72 has a generally "S" shape in cross section and includes a lower
20 cam follower portion 96 which is engaged with the locking cam 94 in the closed
position of the gate member 72.
The gate member 72 includes an upper folded edge 98. Folded edge 98
engages an inner surface of the upper front panel 76 in the closed position of the
gate member. In the open position folded edge 98 provides a guiding surface for
WO 95/34494 2 1 8 1 ;7 1 4 PCrlUS95/07~38
12
guiding a passbook into and out of the space between the upper and lower front
panels~ The gate member 72 further includes a vane 100. Vane 100 is sized to
be accepted within the slot of a ~llulu~ vl 102 when the gate member 72 is in
open position, whic~ is shown in phantom in Figure 14. In the preferred
CllllJo~ lL of the invention, sensor 102 is a Honeywell Model HOA7720-M22.
As shown in Figure 13, gate member 72 includes a pair of lnn~ihl~lin~lly
extending legs 104. Legs 104 are rotatable on pins 106 which extend from the
side walls 36 and 3~. Folded edge 98 of member 72 includes cutouts 108.
Cutouts 108 are configured to enable member 72 to move downward to the
position shown in phantom in Figure 14 and allow the entry slot 70 to be open tothe enhrance area wherein a passbook can engage the belts. The cutouts 108 are
positiûned traversely along folded edge 98 so that second pulleys 28 are accepted
in the cutouts when the gate member is in the open position.
As best shown in Figure 7, a left edge or first infrared sensor 110 is
mounted across the enhy slot 70 adjacent to side wall 36. First sensor 110 is ofconventional l..Oll~UUC~ and includes an infrared transmitter and receiver. The
sensor is in alignment with slotted openings 80 and is enabled to sense through
the lenses 82 which extend in the slots. First sensor 110 is adjacent a first edge
guide surface 112 of first edge guide 44 (see Figure 8). In the preferred
r~ )o(~ sensor 110 is spaced inwardly from the first fixed edge guide about
7 millimeters.
A width or second sensor 114 is positioned in traverse alignment with
first sensor 110. Second sensor 114 is also an infrared sensor of tbe
conventional ~ LIu-,Liull having a hransmihter and receiver that senses by
218171~ .
WO 95/34494 PCT/US95/07538
` 13
of light through slots 80 and lenses 82. Second sensor 114 is
generally adjacent a second edge guide surface 116 of second edge guide 46, and
is spaced about 7 millimeters mwardly therefrom.
A wide document or third sensor 118 is disposed slightly further m the
traverse direction from second sensor 114. Third sensor 118 also includes a
tr2nsmihter and receiver that senses through slots 80 and lenses 82. Third sensor
118 is positioned slightly outward from the outer edge of the front guide surface
~i4 of second edge guide 46 by about 7 millimeters.
Second sensor 114 and third sensor 118 are mounted in snap-in fashion to
brackets which are held by fasteners in traversely extending sensor mounting
slots 120 and 122 which extend in the upper and lower front panels 76 and 74,
I C~ ,Iy .
The passbook transport and handling apparahus further includes a length
or fourth sensor 124 that is disposed in a ll~ngir~ in~l direction from first sensor
110. Fourth sensor 124 includes a transmitter and receiver, each of which is
mounted on a bracket 126. Brackets 126 are lon~ihl~iin~ y movable in slots 128
m first side wall 36. As later explained, fourth sensor 124 enables the passbooktransport of the present invention to be adopted for use with passbooks of various
sizes.
A document present or fifth sensor 130 is mounted in the passbook
transport adjacent to the passbook printer 12. Fifth sensor 130 enables the
transport of the present invention to sense the passage of a passbook to and from
the printer 12 in a manner later e~plained.
WO 95134494 PCT/U595/Q7538
2131714 14
All of sensors 110, 114, 118, 124 and 130 are preferably infrared
sensors. In the preferred emh~-~im~nr each sensor includes a Model SFH 409-2
emiKer and a Model SFH 309-F-3 detector available from the Siemens Company.
The detectors preferably imclude a filter so they are not susceptible to false
5 signals from other light sources.
In operation, a passbook im which printing is to be conducted is presented
by the customer to the automated teller machine in which the passbook transport
and printer n-~rh:~nicnn is mounted The passbooks with which the present
invention is designed to be used are the ~;u~ iullal design which are folded in
10 the closed position. The passbooks are comprised of multiple sheets and/or
pages.
Before insertion of the passbook into the transport of the present
invention, the passbook is unfolded to the open position. In this position the
passbook presents an first upper planer surface 132 and a lower second planer
surface 134 (see Figure 2). Further, the passbook has a leading edge 136 which
is the edge presented first into the transport and a trailing edge 138 (see Figure
7). The passbook further includes a frst side edge surface 140 and a parallel
traversely disposed second side edge surface 142. When a customer
presents their passbook to the machine, it is extended through the opening in the
20 machine facia and enters the entry slot 70. With no passbook m the transport,
the gate member 72 is maintamed closed by the ~ of the locking cam
94 with the cam follower surface 96 on the gate member. The I/O board and
processor are coMected to the sensors and coMrol the motor and gate member.
The gate member will not open unless the passbook is positioned so as to block
2l8171~
WO 95/34494 PCT/US95/07538
first sensor 110 and second sensor 114, without also blocking third sensor 118.
These three sensors are positioned to insure that only a passbook having the
proper width will be admitted to the transport. If the passbook is positioned and
sized to block sensors 110 and 114 but not 118, the rotatmg solenoid 92 is
5 actuated by a signal from the processor to rotate the locking cam 94 to disengage
the gate member ?2. When this occurs, the gate member falls to the position
shown in phantom in Figure 14. This enables the passbook to move through the
entry slot 70 and to an entrance area adjacent the gaoe wherein it can engage the
first and second belts 24 and 30, respectively
Upon opening of the gate member 72, the vane 100 on the gate member
moves to be accepted into sensor 102. This provides a signal to the processor
board and indicates that the gate is in open position. Upon the sensing of a
passbook that is the proper width, (i.e., blocks sensors 110 and 114, but not 118)
the processor also operates to generate a signal to start motor 58 which causes
15 belts 24 and 30 to begin moving in a forward direction such that the first belt
flights 32 and second belt flights 34 will tend to pull the passbook into the area
between the belts. As best shown in Figure 2, the co-planar positions of the first
and second belt flights cause the passbook to be "woven" and carried between the
belt flights in a manner that ho~ds the passbook while still providing limited
20 slippage. This is very significant as the belt flights are enabled to overrun the
movement of the passbook without causing any damage thereto.
As shown in Figure 2, the co-planar position of belt flights 32 and 34
cause the passbook engaging face surface of the lower belt flight to be located
above the passbook engaging face surface of the upper belt flight. The offset
WO 95/34494 PCTIUS95/07538
21~1~ 16
between the face surfaces is equal to the thickness of the belts. This works
. ,;~r., 1." ily for many passbooks. For ~ u~ lg thicker or more rigid items,
it may be desirable to have the face surfaces at the same level or spaced apart.
Likewise, for thilmer, more flexible items, it may be desirable to have the face
S surfaces with a greater offset to increase the "woven" effect. In other
embodiments the lateral distance between the belts and the pulleys can be made
variable to ideally adjust to the nature of the item carried. This can be done
~lltnm~tir~lly by i~lcul~uldlillg a thickness sensor into the device and moving the
belts apart according to the thickness sensed. This enables the transport to be
10 tailored to exactly the thickness of the item being carried.
Upon entry of the passbook between the belt flights, the first and second
side edge surfaces 140 and 142 of the passbook engage the first and second edge
guides 44and 46, IC~ .Li~.ly. The tapered guide surfaces 54 at the front and
back ends of the edge guides facilitate the passage of the edge surfaces into the
15 irlterior of the "C' shaped edge guides. The second edge guide 46 on plate
spring 48 operates so that if the passbook becomes mic~ nr~l, the deflection of
spring 48 provides a biasing force that tends to move the passbook back into
proper ~ g~ with first edge guide 44. This ~ulL~IucLiull is significant
because it enables aligrlment of the passbook without the application of excessive
20 force which may cause damage thereto. Further, the gentle aligning action of the
spring force on the second edge guide enables the gradual correction of any
miC~ nm~nrc that may occur durimg transport of the passbook.
The processor associated with the passbook transport drives the first and
second belts to move the passbook into the transport to the position shown in
218171~
WO 95/34494 PCI~/US95/07538
17
Figure 7 wherein the leading edge 136 of the passbook is sensed by four~h sensor124. In this position, sensors 110, 114 and 124 are all in sensing relation withthe passbook 'l/. The processor on the processor board 86 is
~lu~ d so that if sensor 118 is blocked at any time while the passbook is
moving into the transport toward sensor 124, the direction of the motor will be
reversed and the passbook will be returned to the customer.
The processor is also l,,~,~,d,,,l,l,d so that if sensor 110 becomes
unblocked and sensor 124 is not blocked, as would be expected for a properly
sized passbook, the processor which serves as means for reversing the direction
of the motor, reverses the motor direction. The motor 58 is r~m rn the reverse
direction until the passbook is returned out the entry slot 70 to the customer. It
is determined that the passbook is back in the entry slot through the signals from
sensors 110, 114. This prevents acceptance of a passbook that is the correct
width but is "too short."
Alternatively, the processor may be plu~ so that if the sensors
llO and 114 should continue to sense the passbook beyond the sensing thereof by
sensor 124. the direction of motor 58 may be reversed so as to return the
passbook out the entry slot 70 to the customer. This prevents entry of a
passbook that is "too long."
If the passbook is the proper size, the gate will close once the passbook
has unblocked sensor 110. The passbook will pass through the transport to the
exit end 18 wherein it will be sensed by sensor 130. Sensor 130 actuates the
passbook printer 12 to prepare to begin operation. The processor also responds
to sensor 130 to slow down the motor. The motor slows to move the passbook
WO 95/34494 PCT/US95/07538 ~
21~17~4 18
at a speed that is slightly slower than the speed at which the printer will move
the passbook once it is engaged therewith. As shown in Figure 11, the printer
12 includes a plurality of adjacent nip rolls 144 which hold the passbook fumly
therem for purposes of accurately moving the passbook so as to place printing
5 the on the next available line.
As the passbook is moved by the first and second belts 24 and 30 into the
nip rolls 144, the processor controls the motor 58 so that the belts overlun until
the passbook is securely engaged by the nip rolls. The r~ - ll of the
passbook by the printer causes a signal to be generated which is received by the
10 processor. The processor then operates to shut the motor off. The passbook is
thereafter moved by the nip rolls of the printer.
As previously discussed, because of the spaced relation of the belts, they
are enabled to overrun on the passbook without causing any damage thereto.
Likewise, after the printer 12 has printed in the passbook and begins to move it
through the nip rolls 144 back between belts 30 and 24, the processor receives a
signal from the printer and in response motor 58 is started in the reverse
direction to urge the passbook in the reverse direction back towards the entry slot
70. The processor also opens the gate member 72. If the processor fails to
receive a signal from sensor 1~)2 that the gate is open, the processor stops the
20 belts. As the printer is returning the passbook to the transport, the belts are
operated at a slow speed so as to overrun on the passbook until the nip rolls 144
disengage the passbook. The speed of the belts m this condition is slightly faster
than the speed of the passbook coming out of the nip rolls.
~ WO 95/34494 2 1 8 1 7 1 4 PCT/lJS95/07538
19
Upon .l;.~. ..~;,.". .~. ~ of the nip rolls 144 of the printer, the passbook is
carried between the first and second belt flights in the manmer shown in Figure 2
back to the entry end 16 of the transport. In an alternative clllbodil~ L, if the
passbook does not reach the furst sensor 110 witnin a time set by the program
5 which operates in the processor, the motor increases speed. This is effective for
freeing a passbook that has become stuck in the transport. Once the passbook
reaches sensor 110 the motor shuts off after a time delay which ensures the
passbook is extending from the fascia of the machine where a customer may
retrieve it.
In another alternative .lllbo~ llL~ once the passbook clears the nip rolls
of the printer, the sensor 130 sends a signal to the processor. In response the
processor causes the motor to increase speed as it carries the passbook out the
entry slot to the customer. This can help the transport shorten the return time.
The processor is also operative to execute a computer program in
firmware which functions to detect fault conditions and to assure that only
properly sized passbooks are admitted to the transport. The processor is also
operative to extend the life of the infrared sensors, by shutting off the emitters
when the sensors are not in use.
The program executed by the processor of tne preferred embodiment of
the invention is shown in Figures 17-21 As shown in Figure 17, the transport is
made operative through a customer indicating that they intend to present a
passbook to the automated teller machine. This is normally done by the
customer pushing the appropriate key or other input device on the automated
WO 95/34494 PCTlUSg5/07538 ~
2i,~7i4
teller machine. This activates the transport m~rh~nicm at a step 146. The
processor first operates to turn on the emitters of the irlfrared sensors.
The processor then "reads" the conditiorls of the first, second and third
sensors 110, 114 and 118 at a step 148. The processor then decides if the
S passbook being presented is properly positioned and the proper width by blocking
sensors 110 arld 114, but not 118, at a step 150. If this condition is not satisfied
the program returrls to step 148. If the passbook appears correctly si~ed, a
second read check of the sensors is made at step 152. A decision is again made
at 154 if the passbook is properly sized. A further check to see if the passbook
is over width and a check for blocking sensor 118 is made at step 156. If the
passbook appears to be the correct width and is properly positioned, the gate
member 72 is opened at a step 158.
The sensing of gate member 72 opening based on signals from serlsor
102 is checked at step 160. If the gate did not open the sensors are shut off at a
step 162 and a fault condition is mdicated. If the gate opens properly the
processor stalts the motor to begin moving the belts at a step 164. As the belts
start moving, the processor also begins a timing routine at step 166. The timmg
routine 166 operates to verify that the passbook properly enters the transport as
hereafter explained.
As the passbook moves into the transport, the processor continues to read
sensors 110, 114 and 118 at step 168. Sensor 118 is morlitored and if it becomes
blocked at step 170, which sugggests a problem with the size or shape of tha
passbook, the processor operates to reverse the motor to return the passbook to
woss/344s4 2 1 8 1 7 1 ~ PCr/USs5/07538
21
the customer at step 172 and to close the gate at step 174. The customer is then
free to reinsert the passbook.
If sensor 118 is not blocked as the passbook moves mto the transport, the
processor waits for serlsor 110 to become unblocked at step 176. If the sensor
5 has not unblocked, the processor will see if timing routine 166 has timed out at
step 178. If not, the processor returns to step 168. However, if the timer has
expired there is a problem. In that case the processor reverses the direction of
the motor to return the passbook at step 180 to return the book to the customer.
The gate is then closed at step 182 and the sensors shut off at step 184.
If serlsor 110 unblocks at step 176 before timing routine 166 expires, the
processor checks to see if sensor 124 is blocked at step 186. If not, the
passbook is "too short" and the steps 188 and 190 are executed to reverse the
motor, return the book to the customer and close the gate. If sensor 124 is
blocked as sensor 110 becomes unblocked then the passbook is of sufficient
length and the processor closes the gate member at step 192.
The closing of the gate ~l ""l ~ a timing routine 194. The processor
reads sensor 130 at step 196 and looks for it to sense the passbook at step 198.
A check is made at step 200 if timing routine 194 has timed out before the
passbook is sensed at sensor 130. If so the transport is stopped and shut off at
step 202.
If the arrival of the passbook adjacent sensor 130 is sensed within the
permitted time, the nip rolls on the printer are started moving at step 204.
Thereafter the processor slows the motor to reduce the forward speed of the
WO 95/34494 Pf~TlUS95~07538
2l8l;7l4 2
passbook at a step 206 to slightly less than the linear speed oF the nip rolls of the
prmter.
As the belts of the transport slow, the processor institutes another timing
routine 208. The printer generates signals once the passbook is in its nip rolls.
These signals indicate whether the printer has accepted the passbook and it is
being held in its nip rolls or whether the printer has rejected the passbook andhas failed to accept it into the nip rolls.
At step 210 it is checked whether the printer has sent a signal rejecting
the passbook. If not, the processor looks for an acceptance signal from the
printer at step 212. If the passbook has been accepted, then everything has
worked properly and the processor stops the belts at step 214.
If there has been no rejection of the passbook at step 210, but the printer
has not accepoed the passbook at step 212, a check is made at step 216 to
determine if trming routine 208 has expired. If not, the processor returns to step
210. If the time has expired, the processor increases the motor and belt speed at
step 218 tO rapidly present the passbook to the printer. This speed change may
be operative to free a stuck passbook or to overcome resistance to entry into the
nip rolls.
If the printer rejects the passbook at step 210, the processor changes the
direction of travel of the belts at step 220 until sensor 130 unblocks at step 222.
The belts are then stopped at step 224. The processor then checks to see how
many times it has previously attempted entry of this passbook to the printer andcompares it against a preset number at step 226. If the number of ,",~ f~r"l
WO 95/34494 2 1 8 1 7 1 4 PCT/US9~07~38
prior trials equals the preset maximum, the transport shuts off and a fault
condition is indicated at step 228.
If the number of trials is less than the set maximum, the processor starts
the passbook moving toward the printe} again at step 230. A timing routme
similar to routine 194 is started at step 232. The number of previous
""~ r"l trials is i.l....l-.~..l at step 234 and the program returns to step
196. The steps are repeated until the printer either accepts the passbook or until
a fault condition occurs.
The portion of the computer program for returning the passbook from the
10 - printer to the customer is shown in Figures 20 and 21. The processor waits for a
signal from the printer indicating the return of the passbook to the transport at
step 236. In response to the signal the processor turns on the motor to run the
belts in a reverse direction at step 238. The belts are run in the reverse direction
somewhat faster than the linear speed of the nip rolls. The processor opens the
lS gate member at step 240. Opening of the gate member is checked at step 242.
If the gate fails to open the transport is shut off and a fault indicated at step 244.
Although in the program shown the belts are run in the reverse direction
at a corlstant speed, in other ~...b~dil--.l-L~ the belts are run at a first speed until
the passbook disengages the printer as sensed by the printer or by sensor 130.
20 Thereafter the belts are run at a higher speed until the passbook reaches sensor
110.
The opening of the gate member causes initiation of a timing routjne 246.
The processor then looks to see if sensor 110 senses the passbook adjacent the
entry slot at step 248. A check is made at step 2~0 to see if timing routine 246
WO95/34494 2 1 8 1 7 1 4 . ~
24
has timed out before sensor 110 is blocked. If so there is a problem and the
transport shuts down and indicates a fault at step 252.
Alterrlately, if time 246 has timed out before sensor 110 is blocked by the
passbook, the processor increases the motor speed. This speed change often
frees a passbook that has become stuck in the transport.
If the passboPk reaches sensor 110 before timing routine 246 times out,
the processor shuts off the motor at step 254 after a brief time delay, and starts
another timing routine 256. The time delay before motor shut off insures that
the passbook extends sufficiently from the transport so it can be taken by the
customer. The processor then waits for sensor 110 to become unblocked,
indicatimg the customer has taken the passbook at step 258. If the passbook is
removed before the timing routine 256 times out, the gate is closed at step 260.At step 262 the processor checks to see if the routine 256 has timed out.
If the timing routine has timed out a counter is i~ ,l at step 264. A
check is made to see if the number stored in the counter has reached a preset
number (which in the preferred clllb(J~illl. lli is 5) at step 266. If not, the
processor moves the belts to pull the passbook back into the transport at step
268. If sensor 110 becomes unblocked at step 270 the processor begins moving
the belts and the passbook back towards the customer at step 272. A timing
routine similar to routine 246 is initiated at step 274 and the program returrls to
step 248.
After the preset number of "~ F~r"l attempts to deliver the passbook
to the customer at step 266, the processor closes the gate member at step 276.
The program delays 15 seconds at step 278. At step 2~0 the processor again
wo gsl34494 2 1 ~ 1 7 1 4 PCT/US95m7538
checks to see if sensor 110 is unblocked. If not the gate is again opened at step
282 and the processor starts moYing the passbook into the transport until sensor
110 becomes unblocked at step 284. The transport is then started again to move
the passbook back to the customer at step 286. A timing routine similar to
routme 246 is initiated at step 288 and the program returns to step 248.
The passbook transport thus continues to try to deliver the passbook back
to the customer until the passbook is taken. The repeated movement of the
passbook in and out of the entry slot operates to get the customer's attention and
helps assure that they will take their passbook.
A r.".. 1A,.,. .,1~1 advantage of the present invention is its ability to transport
a passbook or other article comprised of a single sheet or multiple sheets in a
precisely aligned maMer while providing limited slippage so as to prevent
damage thereto when the passbook is delivered to the printer which moves at a
different speed. The transport is also capable of moving items such as passbooks
15 which have covers, which gives each surfae a different coefficient of friction.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the transport may be
readily modified to accept passbooks of different widths. This is a~ .lpl;al...:l
by changing the position of the second edge guide 46 which may be moved by
changing the position of angle bracket 50 in the slots 52 of the base plate 14. In
20 addition, the positions of the second, third and fourth sensors may be readily
modified to ~ ' the length and width of any passbook with which the
transport is desired to be used. Such ".-.I;r,. -~i.,., may be readily ~ ".~ .. J
and enables the passbook transport of the present invention to be used with a
variety of passbooks.
wo ssl344s4 F~ . /a~ ~
2181714
26
A further advantage of the invention is that unlike other transports, there
is no u(,uul~lc~,iul. of the belts while idle, which can cause ullu~ ablc rubber
~UIu~ ;UII, flat spots and belt creep. Scuffing of belts caused by speed
differentials is also avoided. Such problems are common in transports which use
5 abutting belts.
The "waffle" effect on items moved in the transport of the present
invention causes stiffening of the item transpûrted. This makes it easier to move
the transported item through joints or gaps which may extend between the
transport and other devices.
Another r, l- " .. 1~l advantage of the invention is that skewing is
avoided. In prior transports which have opposed rollers or belts, items that have
non-uniform tbickness in a direction perpendicular to travel will tend to skew.
This is because the greater thickness results in a pinching action and more drive
force appiied in the thicker area. Because the transport of the present invention
is not so affected by articles of varying thickness, transport in an aligned
direction is A~ without skewing.
Although the preferred cl~ ùdi~ i of the invention is used as a passbook
transport, other types of materials or objects may be ~ransported using the
invention. This may ~ ulauly include stacked articles such as sheets.
Thus, the passbook transport and handling apparatus for a banking
machine of the present invention achieves the above-stated objectives, eliminates
difficulties cucuul-~lcd in the use of prior devices and systems, solves problems
and attains th~ desirable results described herein.
1714
WO 9S/34494 21 8 PCT/US95/07538
27
In the foregoing description, certam terms have been used for brevity,
clarity and ", ~ , However, no ullll~c~l y Irmitations are to be
implied therefrom because such terms are for descriptive purposes and are
intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the d~ iu~ and illllctr~tjlm~
5 given are by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown and described
Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention,
t_e manner in which it is constructed and operated and the advantages and useful
results attained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, Al 1,..1~,_.11. .11~,
10 parts",. 1 ,-~; ",~, systems, equipment, operations and rPI~innchir~ are set
forth in the appended claims
