Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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- TITLE: INTEGRATED BANKNOTE VALIDATOR AND DISPENSER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to banknote
validators which are additionally designed to selectively
store received banknotes in a manner to allow later
dispensing thereof.
Banknote validators are widely used in vending
machine applications as well as other machines designed for
financial transactions. These validators receive a
banknote and conduct an evaluation to determine the
denomination and authenticity of the :banknote. If the
banknote is accepted, it is normally stored in a removable
cassette and the user is provided with an appropriate
credit with respect to the vending machine.
It has also been known to combine a banknote
validator with a banknote dispensing unit. The banknote
dispensing unit allows dispensing of banknotes which have
been previously stored in the device. Banknotes received
by the validator are separately stored in the removable
banknote cassette and are not fed to the banknote
dispensing unit. Basically, these type of machines are
serviced on a frequent basis and the banknote dispensing
units are charged with a new supply of banknotes.
An automatic teller machine is disclosed in U.S.
Patent 5,135,212 where received banknotes are temporarily
stored for later dispensing. Banknotes of a predetermined
denomination are temporarily stored in an accumulator and
subsequently dispensed as required.
One of the problems associated with combination
banknote validators and dispensers is the small amount of
space available in vending or gaming machines for receiving
the unit. In addition, banknote validators with an
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a accumulator have not been reliable anal are subject to
higher maintenance. Stand alone combined banknote
acceptors and dispensers have not been cost effective to
businesses requiring a high dollar revenue per square foot
of retail space.
The present invention overcomes a number of these
problems with respect to the prior art structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An integrated banknote acceptor and dispenser
according to the present invention comprises a validator, a
banknote dispenser, at least one banknote accumulator, and
a banknote cassette. The validator receives a banknote
through a banknote inlet and evaluates the banknote as it
is processed through the validator to a discharges path and
discharges accepted banknotes to the discharge path. The
discharge path includes drive means for moving accepted
banknotes from the validator through <~ directing switch to
one of the banknote cassette, the at least one accumulator,
and the banknote dispenser. The directing switch is a
rotary switch connectable with a stationary inlet
associated with each of the said at least one banknote
dispenser, and a stationary inlet of the banknote cassette.
The directing switch has at least three routing paths
through the directing switch which allow connection of the
discharge path with any of the inlets of the at least one
banknote dispenser and the banknote cassette and allow
connection of the inlet of each banknate accumulator with
an inlet of the banknote dispenser. The banknote dispenser
and each banknote accumulator include a separate drive
means for receiving and discharging a banknote therefrom.
According to an aspect of the invention, the at
least one banknote accumulator is at least two banknote
accumulators.
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In a further aspect of the invention, the at
least one banknote accumulator is three banknote
accumulators and each banknote accumulator receives and
accumulates banknotes of a particular denomination.
In a further aspect of the invention, the
directing switch selectively connects said discharge path
with any of said inlets.
A combination bill validator, bill accumulator
and bill dispensing unit according to the present
invention comprises in combination a validator for
receiving banknotes and evaluating banknotes and forwarding
accepted banknotes to a processing pathway, and a series of
modular components spaced either side of said processing
pathway. The series of modular components include at least
one banknote accumulator for receiving and temporarily
storing received banknotes and outputting received
banknotes to the processing pathway and a banknote
dispenser which receives banknotes from the pathway and
discharges received banknotes through a discharge port.
The combination unit further includes a removable banknote
cassette connecting with said pathway for receiving and
storing banknotes in a stacked manner. The processing
pathway includes a drive arrangement :Located in the pathway
for engaging and driving a banknote along the pathway to
any of said modules or banknote cassette and a central
switch for selectively connecting any of said modules and
said banknote cassette.
The combination unit according to an aspect of
the invention locates the modular components in opposed
pairs of modular components with the pathway therebetween.
According to a further aspect of the invention
each modular component each includes an additional banknote
drive for driving a banknote within said modular component
and from each modular component.
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The combination unit according to yet a further
aspect of the invention locates the banknote dispenser
opposite one of said at least one banknote accumulator and
the series of modular components include two additional
banknote accumulators in opposed relationship with said
pathway therebetween.
The combination unit according to a different
aspect of the invention includes a separate controller and
processing arrangement and wherein said modular components
are all controlled by said separate controller and'
processing arrangement.
A modular component according to the present
invention is used in combination with a banknote
validator. The modular component includes a generally
straight wall section having a first banknote drive
arrangement projecting outwardly therefrom for engaging a
banknote and driving said banknote along a path generally
parallel to said straight wall section, said modular
component including a banknote opening through which
banknotes are received into said component and an
arrangement for discharging banknotes from the component.
The modular component includes a second banknote drive
arrangement interior to said component which drives
received banknotes within said modular. component during
receipt and discharge of a banknote from the component.
The modular component according to an aspect of
the invention is a banknote accumulator for receiving
banknotes for temporary storage and dispensing of received
banknotes through a banknote opening and wherein said
banknote opening forms part of said arrangement for
discharging banknotes and banknotes are discharged through
said opening.
The modular component according to an aspect of
the invention includes a projecting drive member at one
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edge of said straight wall section and an idler member at
an opposite edge of said straight wall section and wherein
the projecting drive member and said idler member form part
of said drive arrangement.
The modular component according to a further
aspect of the invention is operable in one two orientations
on opposite sides a banknote processing pathway.
The banknote dispenser according to an aspect of
the invention receives and stacks banknotes received from
said pathway and the discharge arrangement dispenses a
stack of banknotes through a discharge port.
The banknote dispenser according to a further
aspect of the invention includes a rotary accumulator upon
which banknotes are stacked one above the other and from
which stacked banknotes are dispensed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in
the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an integrated
validator dispenser with a back up power supply removed;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device with
the back up power supply received in the device;
Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of the device
located in a vending machine;
Figure 4 is a sectional view of the stacking and
dispensing module;
Figure 5 is a sectional view of the stacking and
dispensing module with a stack of banknotes therein;
Figure 6 is a sectional view of the stacking and
dispensing module and drive arrangement of the internal
belts;
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- Figure 7 is a partial sectional view showing the
drive mechanism used to control dispensing of a stack of
banknotes;
Figure 8 is a partial sectional view showing
movement of an actuator for stripping of received
banknotes;
Figure 9 is a partial view showing details of a
modified rotary switch;
Figure 10 is a view showing various routes through
the modified rotary switch;
Figure 11 is a view of the belt drives through the
modified rotary switch;
Figure 12 is a top view showing an indexing and
alignment of the rotary switch; and
Figure 13 is a partial sectional view through a
modified accepter dispenser;
Figure 14 is a side view of the modified acceptor
dispenser in an assembled condition;
Figure 15 is a side view showing the various
components separated from a receiving frame of the modified
acceptor dispenser;
Figure 16 is a side view showing the slide removal
of certain modules and the slide chassis; and
Figure 17 is a side view of the chassis being split
to service the processing pathway through the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The integrated validator and dispenser 2 is
typically mounted in a cabinet 3 (Fig,. 3) or other
structure where the user has access to the bezel 16 of the
validator 2 and the bezel 30 of the banknote stacker and
dispenser 50. A user inserts banknotes to the validator 4
through the banknote slot 6 and the validator 4 conducts an
evaluation of the banknote as it is maved through the
validator. This evaluation determines whether the banknote
is accepted or rejected. If the banknote is rejected, it
is preferrably returned to the user through the same
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banknote slot 6. If the banknote is accepted, the
validator discharges the banknote at 15 to the central
processing path 17 for eventual processing of the banknote
by the combination unit.
The integrated validator and dispenser has a backup
chargeable power supply 20 to allow the integrated unit to
complete any transactions in the event of a power
disruption. This integrated unit is capable of receiving a
series of banknotes using the banknote validator and
allowing the user to achieve a desired credit value. The
credit value can be displayed by the validator, such as on
the display screen 12. The integrated unit is also capable
of returning the precise banknotes or other banknotes to
the user in the event that the user cancels the
transaction. A disruption of power can cause problems if
it occurs during a transaction and the backup power supply
30 overcomes this problem. This power supply is removable
as shown in Figure 1 and is inserted into the device to
provide the necessary power when located in the position
shown in Figure 2.
The integrated device also allows the user to
insert a smart card through the smart card slot 8 for
electronic payment of a transaction. Typically, the
integrated validator and dispenser is associated with a
further device such as a vending machine, gaming machine or
financial transaction terminal in a retail location and as
such, receives signals regarding the value of a desired
transaction. The integrated unit allows the user to effect
payment. The validator can include certain control buttons
indicated as 10 and the dispenser can also include a series
of buttons 34.
The processing of the banknote after it has been
accepted by the validator can be appreciated from the
sectional view of Figure 3. An accepted banknote is passed
through the validator and moved along path 14 and is
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x discharged from the validator at position 15. A banknote
moves from the discharge location 15 to the central
processing path 17 and transported towards the directing
rotary switch 100. The rotary switch 100 is rotatable about
the central axis 102 and can assume various positions for
connecting any of the accumulators 40, 42 and 44 with the
banknote stacker and dispenser 50, or with each other, or
can allow the accepted banknote to move through the switch
to be received in the removable banknote cassette 52. The
rotary switch shown has basically three paths; one path
being a 60 degree connection which in this case, shows
accumulator 42 connected with the accumulator 40. It also
has a straight through path which is connected to allow a
banknote to pass through the center of the switch and a
further path 120 which in this case, .is not connecting any
of the units. Depending upon the decision by the validator
with respect to how the received banknote is to be treated,
the rotary switch is adjusted to complete the necessary
path.
The accumulators 40, 42 and 44 are all of the same
design and are replaceable, one with the other. They each
include an entryway 30 degrees from the horizontal for
cooperating with the rotary switch 10U. Similarly, the
banknote stacker.and dispenser 50 has an entryway 30
degrees from the horizontal.
A received banknote can be stored in any of the
accumulators 40, 42 and 44 or can be stored in the banknote
cassette 52. Each of the accumulators stores a banknote in
series and winds the banknote about a drum. Belts are
provided which are wound onto the drum with the banknote
and serve to separate received banknotes one from the
other. Thus the banknotes are stored in the accumulators
in a serial manner and are dispensed from the unit one by
one. Each accumulator includes its own reversible motor 41
for rotating the drum 43 through a drive train arrangement
as shown. As the belt is fed onto the drum 43, an
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underlying belt or tape is also wound on as well as an
overlying tape. In this way, a newly received banknote is
separated from banknotes earlier wound on the accumulator.
In some cases, it is necessary for the integrated
unit to return to the customer a certain value which can
include returning a number of banknotes to the user. This
can occur to provide change to the user or perhaps the
transaction has been cancelled. Preferrably, each of the
accumulators 40, 42 and 44 store banknotes of a specified
denomination. For example, accumulator 42 could store $5
banknotes, accumulator 40 could store $10 banknotes, and
accumulator 44 could store'$20 banknotes. In this case, if
a user inserts a $5 banknote and it is accepted by the
validator, the banknote can be accumulated in accumulator
42 for later dispensing if necessary. Thus, each of the
accumulators can store accepted banknotes for later
dispensing.
As will be more fully explained, each of these
accumulators can also temporarily serve as an escrow unit,
or collectively serve as an escrow unit. For example, the
validator can keep track of a series of banknotes which are
inserted and accepted by the validator. In this case,
perhaps accumulator 42 has been temporarily assigned to be
an escrow accumulator. A series of banknotes are accepted
by the validator, and stored in series in accumulator 42.
If the transaction is accepted, the accumulator 42 and the
integrated unit can then remove the banknotes from the
accumulator for appropriate storage in one of the other
accumulators or perhaps storage in the banknote cassette
52. It can also be appreciated that the accumulators can
act collectively as an escrow accumulator with each of
these devices temporarily storing certain banknotes with
the validators maintaining track of which banknotes have
been inserted and approved.
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In this-escrow function, the fact that the banknote
accumulator stores a certain denomination can be
overlooked, as it is functioning as a temporary escrow
unit. Once the transaction has been accepted, decisions
can be made with respect to whether these accepted
banknotes should be stored on an accumulator for later use
or perhaps they will be discharged to the banknote
cassette.
The integrated unit can also provide a return of
the credit amount by merely maintaining an account of the
amount of funds stored on the accumulators and confirming
that the collected received banknote value can be returned.
For example, a user could insert a $50 bill and this
banknote could be accepted and placed in the banknote
cassette 52. This would be the case if the accumulator
storing X10 banknotes has at least five of these banknotes
returned to the user in the event of cancellation. This
determination can also be based on th.e effective amounts
collectively stored on the accumulators and the ability to
return this amount to the user.
Under this operating system, it is not necessary to
return the identical banknotes to the user. It can also be
appreciated that this device can operate using either of
these operating systems and can initially function to
accumulate the received banknotes for return of the
identical banknotes to a user but default to the second
criteria if it is more desirable as determined by the
combination device.
Figure 3 shows additional details of the banknote
stacker and dispenser 50. This unit -receives banknotes
from any of the accumulators and allows received banknotes
to be stacked one on top of the other on the rotating drum
51. This rotating drum cooperates with the endless belts
53 and 55 to maintain the banknotes in a stack on the drum.
A banknote is fed through the inlet 57 in timed
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relationship with any banknotes stacked on the drum 51, and
thus, a stack of banknotes is accumulated on the drum.
then the desired stack of banknotes to be dispensed has
been accumulated on the drum 51, a lever actuator 59 is
brought into engagement slots in the drum and rotation of
the drum in the same direction will cause the stack of
banknotes to be stripped from the drwn and discharged
through the outlet 61 as a stack of banknotes. The
actuator 59 is normally out of contact with the drum and is
only brought into contact with the drum beneath the surface
that the banknotes are stacked in the drum, to effect
stripping of the stacked banknotes from the drum and
dispensing of the banknotes through the slot 61.
Figure 4 shows the starker dispenser, but in this
case, the starker dispenser 50 would be positioned within
the device where the accumulator 44 is located. A banknote
is received through the inlet 57 and is stacked on the drum
51. As can be seen the drum 51 is slotted and this allows
the actuator 59 to contact the drum below the level that
the banknotes are stacked thereon. The drum 51 of Figure 4
is always rotated in the direction shown. A received
banknote is moved by belt 55 and brought into contact with
drum 51. This is a timed relationship such that the
banknote will be stacked on top of any other banknotes
which have been stacked on the drum 51. The actuator 59 is
located between the belts, and as such, does not interfere
with belt 55. The actuator 59 in Figure 4 is shown in a
clear position and it ran also be seen that the actuator 59
in this position has provided a block 71 to the dispensing
slot 61.
Banknotes will continue to be accumulated on the
drum 51 until such time the actuator is appropriately moved
into contact with the drum and the drum is continued to be
rotated. Thus with the actuator position as shown in
Figure 4, banknotes will be stacked on the drum 51, one
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above the other. Belts 55 and 53 maintain the stack of
banknotes on the drum.
Figure 5 shows a stack 77 of banknotes accumulated
on the drum 51.
The motor 200, shown in Figure 6, drives gear 202
which drives gear 204 which in turn drives gears 206 and
208, which drive gears 210 and 212, and thereby control the
device of belts 55 and 53, the drum 51 is rotated due to
the drive of the belts 51 and 55.
Motor 240 in Figure 6 controls movement of the
actuator 59 and pivots the actuator about pivot point 83 to
effect dispensing of the stack of banknotes.
Figure 7 shows motor 240 driving gear 242 which
drives gear 244 and cam track 245 causing cam follower 247
to move the actuator 59 and engage the drum and
simultaneously open the dispensing slot 61. Once the
dispensing step has been completed, motor 240 can continue
to rotate and bring the actuator back. to the position of
Figure 7.
Figure 8 shows the actuator 59 being brought into
engagement with the drum 51 and opening of the slot 61. As
can be seen, from Figure 5 through 8, banknotes are fed
through the inlet 57 and are discharged through the outlet
61. The stack of banknotes is accumulated on the drum 51
and rotates with the drum. Dispensing of the stack of
banknotes is accomplished by moving of the actuator into
contact with the drum 51 to strip the banknotes from the
drum and cause the belt 55 to carry the banknotes as a
stack to the dispensing slot 61.
Figures 9 through 12 show details of a modified
switch 100A. In this case, four belts, 181, 182, 183 and
184, collectively define five paths, namely a first 60
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degree path 185, a second 60 degree path 186, a first 120
degree path 187, a second 120 degree path 188, and the
central path 189 through the switch. Basically, it can be
seen that the switch has a 60 degree, a 120 degree, and a
180 degree path either side of the center line of the
switch. The switch can be rotated about its central axis
and can also be driven to cause the belts to move in either
direction. The five paths defined through the switch, and
in particular, the duplication of the 60 degree and the 120
degree path, allow increased flexibility with respect to
the directing of a banknote within the device. Basically,
the belts on one side of the switch move in the opposite
direction to the belts on the other side of the switch.
The direction of rotation is important as it must
be the appropriate direction to allow driving of the
banknote from one accumulator to another device. With this
arrangement, merely adjustment of the switch by rotating
the same 180 degrees will affect the opposite direction of
banknote movement. The direction of banknote movement
within each accumulator is reversible and controlled by a
separate motor.
The details of the five paths can be more easily
appreciated from a review of Figure 10. Details of the
various belts are more clearly shown in Figure 11. It can
be seen that the five paths allow the switch to be rotated
to make the necessary connection of a path between the
various devices, but also the correct direction of belt
travel to effect movement of the banknote between the
devices.
The five paths typically reduce the amount of
rotation of the routing switch and reduce the need to
reverse motor 134 (Fig. 13).
Figure 12 is a top view of the rotary switch and
shows one particular mechanism to provide for positive
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indexing of the rotary switch. It can be appreciated that
it is important to not only rotate the switch the necessary
number of degrees to effect the necessary connection of the
paths and belts, but it is important that the alignment of
the switch is fairly precise. The indexing disk 400 has a
series of indexing slots 402. The indexing roller 404 is
moved in and out of contact with the indexing disk 400 and
the rotary switch appropriately rotated. This is
accomplished such that the rotary switch is appropriately
located. There may be some initial misalignment but it is
generally located correctly. At this point, the levered
arm with the indexing roller 404 can be brought into
contact with the disk and it can be seen that there are
ramming surfaces 406 and 408 on either side of the slot
which will engage the roller and appropriately move the
disk and rotary switch to precisely align the switch with
the various devices located about the rotary switch. In
this way precise alignment is accomplished.
Returning to Figure 3, it can be seen that the
rotary switch 100 is supported in the main frame 60 and the
validator 4, the starker and dispenser 50 and the
accumulators 40, 42 and 44, as well as the banknote
cassette 50, are each removable from the main frame 60. In
this way, if there is difficulty with respect to any one of
these components, it can easily be replaced. Each of these
devices include their own built in drive belt which assist
in moving the banknote from the validator through the
rotary switch or from the rotary switch to other devices.
These units are not driven by their particular motor but
connect with the drive train associated with the drive of
the rotary switch. The units do include their own drives
for certain components within the unit. The drive of the
rotary switch also controls the drive of the drive belts
through the switch.
The modified acceptor dispenser 100 shown in
Figures 13 through 17 is similar to the combination unit of
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Figure 1, however, in this case, the individual modules do
not contain their own motor but interact with a motor
positioned either side of the processing path. The starker
dispenser 110 still includes two motors 120 and 122 with
motor 120 driving the drive belts within the starker
dispenser and motor 122 controlling the actuator for
allowing dispensing a stack of banknotes.
As can be seen, the modified acceptor dispenser
includes the central drive path 150 which passes through
the routing switch 130 having five different paths for
selectively connecting the discharged path from the
validator with any of the accumulators 104, 106 or 108, and
connecting any of these accumulators with the starker
dispenser 110. Preferrably, the starker dispenser is also
directly connectable through the routing switch with the
discharge path from the validator.
Drive belts are provided both top and bottom of the
routing switch 130 for moving of banknotes from the
validator to the routing switch or from the routing switch
to the removable banknote cassette 112. Each of the
accumulators 104, 106 and 108 have been notched along one
edge to make additional room for the motors 114, 116 and
118, and the drive arrangement for moving the banknote
through the device.
Motor 114 through a drive train shown, drives the
drum 115 on which banknotes are accumulated in a series.
As earlier described, the banknotes are separated one from
the other by belts and as such, are individually received
and individually removable from the accumulator. A drive
gear 117 projects out the edge of the module 104 and
provides power to the module.
As in the earlier design, each of the modules with
respect to the accumulators are of the same construction.
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This is advantageous in that any of the accumulators 104,
106 and 108 can be located in any of the positions shown.
In the modified design, it can be appreciated that
the central drive path 150 has been enlarged and the
individual modules have been notched to provide additional
room for the various drive motors and drive belts
associated with the routing of the banknotes. Each of the
accumulators is still controlled by i.ts own motor, but this
motor is now associated with this central drive path and is
connected to the module through a gear train.
Each of the accumulators 104, 106 and 108 include
the angled wall 105 for. mating with the routing switch 130.
This angled wall is relatively short to allow more space
for the drives associated with the central pathway. The
angled wall preferrably forms an angle of about 120 degrees
with wall 107. Wall 109 is angled rearwardly to provide
additional space. With the present design four modules are
spaced about the routing switch 130 such that each module
has an inlet located in the same manner as the other
modules. The accumulators are rotated 180 degrees about a
horizontal axis and/or 180 degrees about a vertical axis to
orientate the accumulator for connection with the routing
switch 130.
The stacker dispenser 110 is also notched to
provide additional room for locating the motor 134 with the
central drive path 150. This motor through a gear train,
drives the various belts associated with the central drive
path. In contrast to the accumulators, the banknote
stacker and dispenser 110 does include its own motors 120
and 122 within the device.
Figure 14 and Figure 15 show how the various
modules, the banknote cassette and the validator 102 can
all be removed from the frame 140. Each of these
components are slidably received within the frame 140 and
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are slidably removable as indicated. Figure 15 also shows
the removable power backup supply 172. The combination
unit also includes its own controller 174 which cooperates
with the validator 102 and the various accumulators and
dispensers to appropriately route and store banknotes. In
addition, this controller interacts with another device
such as a vending machine to provide coordinated
processing.
Figure 15 also shows the removable chassis 160
which releasably supports the banknote accumulators and the
banknote dispenser. The central drive path 150 and the
various motors are also secured and part of the chassis
160. Spring latches 162, 164, 166 and 168 serve to
maintain the three accumulators and the stacker dispenser
in the chassis 160. Each of these components can be
removed as illustrated in Figure 17. Replacement of any of
the modules in chassis 160 provides proper registration of
the modules and any drive relationship with the routing
switch 130 and the drive through the central drive path
150.
The chassis 160 is also serviceable by releasing
latch 161 and pivotting the two components of the chassis
about the pivot axis 163. In this way the centre axis of
the central drive path 150 is exposed as well as the
routing switch 130. If there are problems associated with
the chassis 160, it can be replaced with a further chassis.
Any of the modules can be removed from the problem chassis
and inserted in the new chassis. Similarly, if there are
problems associated with any of the modules, they may
easily be replaced. It can also be appreciated that if
there are problems associated with the frame 140, it could
also be replaced and the remaining components inserted in
the new frame.
Figure 3 and Figure 13 clearly show the compact
design and the clustering of the stacker and dispenser and
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the accumulators about the rotary routing switch and the
movement of a banknote through the rotary routing switch to
the banknote cassette. The device is simple and compact in
design, and easily serviceable. It can further be
appreciated that this design is also expandable. For
example, the banknote cassette 52 of Figure 3 can be moved
downwardly and four additional modules with a rotary switch
can be located at the discharge 43 at the base of the
accumulator 40 and accumulator 44. In this way, eight
modules can be clustered around two rotary switches and the
banknote cassette located below. In such an expanded
design, some of the modules could be :banknote cassettes or
modules where the banknote is not returnable.
Figures 14 through 17 clearly show the ease of
service and the simple replacement of modules.
Although various preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been described herein in detail, it
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that
variations may be made thereto without departing from the
spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended
claims.
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