AN AUTOMATIC TRANSACTION MACHINE WITH A NOTE RECEIVING AND DISPENSING MECHANISM

MACHINE DE TRANSACTION AUTOMATIQUE AVEC UN MECANISME DE RECEPTION ET DE DISTRIBUTION DE BILLETS

English Abstract

An automated transaction machine (10) includes a note receiving and dispensing
mechanism (77). The mechanism includes a storage
reel (66), a take-up reel (68) and a flexible web (70) extending between the
reels. The note receiving and dispensing mechanism is housed
within a note storage module (44). Notes are selectively passed into and out
of the storage module to a passage area (92). The machine
further includes a note inlet opening (30) and a note outlet opening (28). A
note outlet transport (96) extends between the passage area
and the note outlet opening. A note inlet transport (98) extends between the
passage area and the note inlet opening. A note validator
(58) extends adjacent to the note inlet transport for purposes of sensing the
validity of notes inserted in the machine. The machine is
selectively operative responsive to inputs to receive and deliver notes. The
machine is further operative to enable replenishment of notes
therein without accessing the interior of the housing.

French Abstract

Une machine (10) de transaction automatique est équipée d'un mécanisme (77) de réception et de distribution de billets. Le mécanisme comprend un tambour (66) de stockage, un tambour (68) récepteur et une bande souple (70) qui s'étend entre les tambours. Le mécanisme de réception et de distribution des billets est logé dans un module (44) de stockage des billets. Les billets sont sélectivement introduits et sortis du module de stockage en direction d'une zone (92) de passage. La machine comprend en outre une ouverture (30) d'entrée des billets et une ouverture (28) de sortie des billets. Un dispositif (96) de transport des billets qui sortent s'étend entre la zone de passage et l'ouverture (28) de sortie des billets. Un dispositif (98) de transport des billets qui entrent s'étend entre la zone de passage et l'ouverture d'entrée des billets. Un dispositif (58) de validation des billets est situé juste à côté du dispositif de transport des billets qui entrent pour vérifier la validité des billets introduits dans la machine. La machine répond sélectivement aux entrées pour recevoir et distribuer des billets. La machine est également capable de permettre le réapprovisionnement en billets sans qu'il y ait besoin d'accéder à l'intérieur de l'enceinte.

Claims

49
CLAIMS
We claim:
1. Apparatus comprising:
a machine housing;
a note inlet opening through the housing;
a note outlet opening through the housing disposed from the note
inlet opening;
a note receiving and dispensing mechanism in operative
connection with a note storage area, wherein the mechanism
includes a passage area through which pass notes being
received by the mechanism for storage in the storage area and
notes being dispensed by the mechanism from the storage area;
a note inlet transport extending between the note inlet opening
and the passage area, wherein notes are movable in the inlet
transport;
a note outlet transport extending between the passage area and
the note outlet opening;
a note validator, wherein the note validator is operative to sense
whether notes are valid, wherein the note validator is operative
to sense notes in the inlet transport;
at least one drive in operative connection with the inlet
transport and the outlet transport, wherein the drive is

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selectively operative to move notes in the inlet transport and the
outlet transport; and
a controller in operative connection with the validator and the
drive, wherein the controller is operative to cause notes inserted
through the note inlet opening and sensed as valid by the
validator to be moved by the inlet transport to the passage area,
and is operative to cause notes dispensed by the mechanism to
be moved through the outlet transport to the outlet opening.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the housing
includes a first side, and wherein both the note outlet opening and the note
inlet opening extend through the first side of the housing.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the housing
includes a first side and a generally opposed second side, and wherein the
note
outlet opening extends through the first side and the note inlet opening
extends
through the second side.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
gate movably mounted in supporting connection with the housing extending
adjacent the passage area, wherein the gate is in operative connection with
the
drive, and wherein when the drive operates the note outlet transport to move
notes towards the note outlet opening the gate is moved to a directing
position,
wherein notes passing outward through the passage area are directed outward
by the gate in the directing position to engage the note outlet transport.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
gate movably mounted in supporting connection with the housing and
extending adjacent the passage area, and wherein when the drive operates the
note inlet transport to move notes toward the passage area the gate is

51
positioned in an accepting position, wherein notes from the note inlet
transport
are directed by the gate to move inward through the passage area, and wherein
when notes move outward from the passage area the gate is positioned in a
directing position wherein notes passing outward through the passage area are
directed by the gate to engage the note outlet transport.
6. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the gate is
operatively connected to the drive by a limited slip transmission mechanism.
7. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the note outlet
transport includes a rotating member, and wherein the limited slip
transmission mechanism includes a slipping member in operative engagement
with the rotating member wherein the slipping member slips relative to the
rotating member when the gate is in the directing position.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the note inlet
transport, note outlet transport, gate and drive are operatively
interconnected,
wherein when the drive rotates in a first rotational direction the note outlet
transport moves such that notes in connection therewith move in a direction
from the passage area toward the outlet opening and the gate moves to the
directing position, and wherein when the drive moves in a second rotational
direction opposed of the first direction the note inlet transport moves such
that
notes in connection therewith move in a direction away from the note inlet
opening towards the passage area and the gate moves to the accepting position.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
first arcuately shaped moving member operatively connected with the note
receiving and dispensing mechanism, and a first separating member engaged
with the first arcuately shaped moving member, wherein the first separating
member is operative to separate sheets from the first arcuately shaped moving
member.

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10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the first arcuately
shaped moving member includes a movable sheet supporting web.
11. The apparatus according to claim 9 and further comprising a
second arcuately shaped moving member adjacent the passage area, the second
arcuately shaped moving member in operative connection with the drive, and
wherein the first separating member is engaged with the second arcuately
shaped moving member.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein in cross section
the first separating member has a first end and an opposed end, wherein the
first end engages the first arcuately shaped moving member and the second
end engages the second arcuately shaped moving member.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12 and further comprising a
biasing member in operative connection with the first separating member,
wherein the biasing member is operative to bias the first separating member to
engage both the first arcuately shaped moving member and the second
arcuately shaped moving member.
14. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein in cross section
the first separating member bounds the passage on a first transverse side and
further comprising a guide, wherein the guide is in supporting connection with
the housing and bounds the passage on a transverse side generally opposed of
the first transverse side.
15. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
storage module, wherein the storage module includes the note storage area,
and wherein the storage module is removably mounted in supporting
connection with the housing, and wherein the storage module includes a

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module opening, and wherein the passage area extends through the module
opening.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15 and further comprising a
first separating member extending through the module opening and in cross
section bounding a first transverse side of the passage area, and a first
arcuately shaped moving member in supporting connection with the note
storage module, wherein the first separating member engages the first
arcuately shaped moving member and is operative to separate notes therefrom.
17. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
passage sensor adjacent the passage area, wherein the passage sensor is in
operative connection with the controller, and wherein the controller is
operative responsive to sensing a note discharged by said note receiving and
dispensing mechanism with the sensor to operate the note outlet transport to
move the note in a direction from the passage area toward the note outlet
opening.
18. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
passage sensor adjacent the passage area, wherein the passage sensor is in
operative connection with the controller, and wherein the controller is
operative responsive to the passage sensor sensing a note in the inlet
transport
adjacent the passage area to operate the note receiving and dispensing
mechanism to accept the note into the note storage area.
19. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the note inlet
transport includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first
portion
is adjacent the note validator, and wherein the second portion includes a
limited slip engaging member, and wherein the first portion holds a note in
generally nonslip engagement therewith, wherein when a note is passed
towards the passage area from the first portion to the second portion the note
is

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in slipping engagement with the engaging member until the note disengages
from the first portion.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the controller is
operative to move the first portion and the second portion in a first
direction as
the validator senses the note, wherein notes are urged to move towards the
passage area when moved in the first direction, and responsive to the
validator
sensing an invalid note the first portion is operative to move the note in an
opposed direction toward the note inlet opening.
21. The apparatus according to claim 20 wherein as a note in the
first portion is moved in the opposed direction the controller is operative to
cause the second portion to run in the first direction, wherein the note in
engagement with the limited slip engaging member moves in the opposed
direction in generally nonslip engagement with the first portion.
22. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
user interface, wherein the interface includes at least one input device in
operative connection with the controller, wherein the controller is operative
responsive to an input to the input device to cause a note to be delivered
from
the note storage area to the note outlet opening.
23. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
user interface, wherein the user interface comprises at least one input
device,
wherein the controller is operative responsive to an input to the input device
to
accept a note inserted in the note inlet opening and to place the note in the
note
storage area.
24. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a
note separating mechanism in operative connection with the controller,
wherein the note separating mechanism is positioned intermediate of the note

55
inlet opening and the validator, wherein the controller is operative to cause
the
note separating mechanism to deliver individual notes from a stack of notes
inserted through a note inlet opening.
25. The apparatus according to claim 24 and further comprising a
note thickness sensor in operative connection with a controller, wherein the
note thickness sensor is positioned intermediate of the note separating
mechanism and the validator, and wherein the controller is operative to cause
the note separating mechanism to return a note to the stack responsive to the
note thickness sensor sensing a multiple note being delivered by the note
separating mechanism from the stack.
26. The apparatus according to claim 24 and further comprising a
gate adjacent the passage area, and wherein the controller is operative
responsive to sensing an invalid note in the note inlet transport to move the
invalid note to the passage area, and thereafter the controller is operative
to
cause the invalid note to be engaged with the gate and the note outlet
transport
and moved by the note outlet transport toward the note outlet opening.
27. A method of operating the apparatus recited in claim 23
comprising the steps of:
(a) inputting an input to the input device;
(b) delivering a note from the note storage area to the
passage area with the note receiving and dispensing
mechanism; and
(c) moving the note from the passage area to the note outlet
opening with the note outlet transport.

26
28. A method of operating the apparatus recited in claim 1
comprising the steps of:
(a) inserting a note into the note inlet opening;
(b) sensing the note as valid with the note validator;
(c) moving the note to the passage area with the note inlet
transport; and
(d) moving the note from the passage area to the note
storage area with the note receiving and dispensing
mechanism.
29. The method according to claim 28 and subsequent step (d)
further comprising the steps of:
(e) moving the note from the note storage area to the
passage area with the note receiving and dispensing
mechanism;
(f) moving the note from the passage area to the note outlet
opening with the note outlet transport; and
(g) extending the note from the note outlet opening.
30. The method according to claim 29 wherein the note inlet
opening and the note outlet opening extend on generally opposed sides of the
housing, wherein step (a) is performed on a first side of the housing and step
(g) is performed on an opposed side of the housing.

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31. The method of operating the apparatus recited in claim 24
comprising the steps of:
(a) inserting a stack of notes in the note inlet opening;
(b) delivering notes from the stack generally one at a time
from the stack with the note separating mechanism to
the note inlet transport;
(c) sensing each of the notes for validity with the note
validator;
(d) moving valid notes to the passage area with the inlet
note transport;
(e) moving the valid notes from the passage area to the note
storage area with the note receiving and dispensing
device.
32. Apparatus comprising:
a housing including at least one sheet opening for passing
sheets therethrough;
a user interface in supporting connection with the housing, the
user interface including at least one input device;
a sheet storage reel movably mounted in supporting connection
with the housing;

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a take-up reel movably mounted in supporting connection with
the housing;
a flexible web extending between the storage reel and the take-
up reel, the web extending adjacent to a sheet passage area
intermediate of the storage reel and take-up reel;
a reel drive mechanism in operative connection with the storage
reel and take-up reel, wherein the reel drive mechanism is
selectively operative to move sheets in supporting connection
with the web between the sheet storage reel and the passage
area;
a sheet transport mechanism, wherein the sheet transport
mechanism is selectively operative to move sheets between the
sheet passage area and the sheet opening;
a sheet validator in operative connection with the sheet
transport mechanism, wherein the sheet validator is operative to
distinguish acceptable sheets from unacceptable sheets;
a controller in operative connection with the input device, the
reel drive mechanism, sheet transport mechanism and sheet
validator, wherein the controller is operative responsive to the
sheet validator sensing a valid sheet inserted into a sheet
opening to cause the valid sheet to be stored in supporting
connection with the web on the storage reel, and the controller
is further operative responsive to at least one input to the input
device to cause the valid sheet to be moved from the storage
reel to the sheet opening.

59
33. ~The apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the housing
includes a sheet inlet opening and a sheet outlet opening disposed from the
sheet inlet opening, and wherein sheets are accepted into the apparatus
through
the sheet inlet opening and sheets are delivered from the apparatus through
the
sheet outlet opening.
34. ~The apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the sheets are
both accepted into the housing and delivered from the housing through a
single sheet opening.
35. ~The apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the input device
includes a card reader, and wherein an input operative to cause sheets to be
delivered from the sheet opening includes reading a card with the card reader.
36. ~In a cash dispensing machine including:
a housing;
a note outlet opening extending through the housing;
a passage area within the housing;
a note outlet transport extending in the housing between the
passage area and the note outlet opening, the note outlet
transport including a separating member engaging surface,
apparatus comprising:
a note storage module removably mounted in
supporting connection with the housing, the note
storage module including a note storage area therein,
wherein the note storage module includes a module first

60
wall including a module opening therein, wherein the
module opening is adjacent the passage area when the
note storage module is in an operative position, wherein
notes from the note storage area are selectively
delivered from the note storage module through a
module opening;
a first separating member movably mounted in
supporting connection with the note storage module,
wherein in the operative position of the note storage
maudle the separating member extends through the
module opening and operatively engages the separator
engaging surface.
37. The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the note storage
module includes a first arcuately shaped moving member, wherein notes
moving towards a module opening are passed in supporting connection with
the first arcuately shaped moving member, wherein in the operative position of
the note storage module the separating member operatively engages the first
arcuately shaped moving member, wherein notes moving in supporting
connection with the first arcuately shaped moving member are caused to
engage the separating member.
38. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the note storage
module includes a movable web, wherein notes moving between the note
storage area and the passage area are moved in supporting connection with the
web, and wherein the first arcuately shaped moving member includes a surface
of the web.
39. The apparatus according to claim 36 and further comprising a
biasing member in supporting connection with the note storage module and in

61~
operative connection with the separating member, wherein in the operative
position of the note storage module the biasing member is operative to bias
the
separating member toward engagement with the separator engaging surface.
40. ~The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the note storage
module includes a first arcuately shaped moving member, wherein notes
moving toward the module opening are moved in supporting connection with
the first arcuately shaped moving member, and wherein in the operative
position of the note storage module the separating member operatively
engages the first arcuately shaped moving member, and wherein the biasing
member is further operative to bias the separating member toward engagement
with the first arcuately shaped moving member.
41. ~The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the first
separating member is movably mounted in supporting connection with the
module first wall.
43. ~The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the notes moving
through the module opening extend generally in a note plane, and wherein the
separating member is mounted to move relative to the note storage module in
a direction generally transverse to the note plane.
43. ~The apparatus according to claim 42 wherein the separating
member is movably mounted to further move rotationally relative to the note
plane.
44. ~The apparatus according to claim 43 and further comprising an
interengaging projection and slot, wherein the slot extends along the
direction
generally transverse to the note plane, and wherein the projection is
rotatably
movable relative to the slot, and wherein one of the separating member where
the module first wall is operatively connected to the projection and the other

62
of the separating member where the module first wall is operatively connected
to the slot.
45. ~The apparatus according to claim 44 wherein the slot is
bounded by an ear portion in supporting connection with the module front
wall, and wherein the note storage module includes a pair of ear portions
disposed adjacent opposed transverse sides of the module opening, and further
comprising a pair of generally opposed projections in operative connection
with the separating member, wherein each projection is movable in a
corresponding slot in an ear portion.
46. ~The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein at least one ear
portion includes a cutout area extending through the ear portion of the slot,
wherein the cutout area is configured such that a projection is enabled to
pass
through the cutout area.
47. ~The apparatus according to claim 36 and further comprising an
interengaging projection and slot wherein when the note storage module is
aligned in the operative position in supporting connection with the housing,
the projection and slot are in engaged relation, and wherein one of either the
projection or slot is operatively connected with the housing and the other of
the projection or slot is operatively connected with the note storage module.
48. ~The apparatus according to claim 47 wherein the housing
includes a generally cylindrical support member having a circumferential
recess, and wherein the note storage module includes an arcuately shaped
projection engageable in the recess.
49. ~The apparatus according to claim 48 wherein the cylindrical
support member includes a pair of axially disposed circumferential recesses,
and wherein the note storage module includes a pair of disposed arcuately

63
shaped projections, wherein each projection is engageable in a corresponding
recess.
50. The apparatus according to claim 48 wherein the projection
includes a generally u-shaped portion.
51. The apparatus according to claim 50 wherein the note storage
module is in operative connection with a tab, and wherein the u-shaped
projection bounds an opening in the tab.
52. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein the housing is in
operative connection with a pair of disposed cylindrical support members, and
wherein the note storage module includes a pair of disposed tabs, wherein in
the operative position of the note storage module a generally u-shaped portion
of a projection in supporting connection with each tab engages a recess in
supporting connection with a corresponding cylindrical support member.
53. The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the housing
includes in supporting connection therewith a support member, and wherein
the note storage module includes a tab in supporting connection therewith,
wherein the tab includes an opening, wherein in the operative position of the
note storage module the opening accepts the support member therein.
54. The apparatus according to claim 53 wherein the support
member is an axially elongated member, and wherein the note storage module
includes at least one tab portion engaging the support member at a plurality
of
axially disposed locations.
55. The apparatus according to claim 54 wherein the note storage
module includes a plurality of tab portions, wherein the tabs are axially

64~
disposed from one another relative to the supporting member in the operative
position of the note storage module.
56. ~The apparatus according to claim 54 wherein the housing is in
operative connection with a further support member, wherein the further
support member is disposed transversely relative to the support member, and
wherein the note storage module further includes a further tab portion,
wherein
the further tab portion engages the further support member in the operative
position of the note storage module.
57. ~The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the note storage
module includes a plurality of tab portions, wherein each tab portion includes
an opening therein, and wherein the openings are generally aligned and
elongated along a first direction, and wherein the housing includes a pair of
disposed support members, and wherein movement of the note storage module
along the direction from an inoperative position is operative to move the
openings in the tab portions to engage the support members, whereby the note
storage module is moved to the operative position.
58. ~The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the note storage
area in the note storage module includes a rotatable member, and wherein the
note storage module further includes a locking member, wherein the locking
member selectively operatively engages the rotatable member to hold the
rotatable member in fixed rotational position relative to the note storage
module.
59. ~The apparatus according to claim 58 wherein the locking
member and the rotatable member include an interengaging projection and
recess, and wherein when the projection and recess are engaged the rotatable
member is held rotationally fixed relative to the note storage module.

65
60. ~The apparatus according to claim 59 and further comprising an
actuator in supporting connection with the note storage module, wherein the
actuator is operative to move the locking member to hold the rotatable
member fixed responsive to disengagement of the note storage module from
the housing.
61. ~The apparatus according to claim 60 wherein the cash
dispensing machine includes an electrical signal source in the housing, and
further comprising an electrical connector releasibly connecting the actuator
with the electrical signal source, wherein the connector electrically
disconnects the actuator responsive to removal of the module from supporting
connection with the housing, and wherein the actuator is operative to cause
the
locking member to hold the rotatable member responsive to disconnection of
the electrical connector.
62. ~The apparatus according to claim 47 wherein the note storage
area in the note storage module includes a rotatable member, and wherein the
note storage module further includes a locking member, wherein the locking
member selectively operatively engages the rotatable member to hold the
rotatable member in fixed rotational position relative to the note storage
module.
63. ~Apparatus comprising:
a housing;
a sheet storage reel rotatably mounted in supporting connection
with the housing;
a take-up reel rotatably mounted in supporting connection with
the housing;

66
a flexible web extending between the storage reel and the take-
up reel, the web extending adjacent a sheet passage area
intermediate of the storage and take-up reels;
a first drive member selectively movable relative to the housing
in a first direction and an opposed second direction;
a transmission member operatively connected to the first drive
member, wherein responsive to movement of the first drive
member in the first direction the transmission member is
moved to a first position, and wherein responsive to movement
of the first drive member in the second direction the
transmission member is moved to a second position;
wherein when the transmission member is in the first position
the first drive member is caused to be operatively engaged with
the take-up reel. wherein responsive to movement of the first
drive member in the first direction the take-up reel is operative
to move the web in a sheet dispensing direction such that sheets
in supporting correction with the web on the storage reel are
moved adjacent the passage area, and wherein in the second
position of the transmission member the first drive member is
caused to be operatively engaged with the take-up storage reel, wherein
responsive to movement of the first drive member in the second
direction the storage reel is operative to move the web in a
sheet receiving direction such that sheets in supporting
connection with the web adjacent the passage area are moved
with the web toward the storage reel.
64. The apparatus according to claim 63 and further comprising:

67
a second drive member operatively connected to the first drive
member and the transmission member, wherein the second
drive member is operatively intermediate of the first drive
member and the reels, wherein movement of the second drive
member responsive to movement of the first drive member is
operative to move both the transmission member and the reels.
65. The apparatus according to claim 64 and further comprising a
first drag member operatively connected to the second drive member wherein
the first drag member is operative to resist movement of the second drive
member in transmitting motion between the first drive member and the reels,
wherein the first drag member is operative to cause the transmission member
to move to the first and second positions responsive to movement of the first
drive member in the first and second directions respectively.
66. The apparatus according to claim 63 and further comprising a
transmission drag member in operative connection with the transmission
member, wherein the transmission drag member is operative to urge the
transmission member to remain in its then current first or second position.
67. The apparatus according to claim 63 wherein the first drive
member is a rotatable member, and wherein the first drive member rotates
about a first axis of rotation, and wherein the transmission member rotates
generally about the first axis of rotation when the transmission member moves
between the first and second positions.
68. The apparatus according to claim 67 and further comprising a
second drive member operatively connected with the first drive member,
wherein the second drive member rotates relative to the transmission member
about a second axis of rotation, wherein the second axis of rotation rotates

68
about the first axis of rotation as the transmission member moves between the
first and second positions.
69. The apparatus according to claim 68 wherein the storage reel
includes a generally annular storage reel drive surface, and the take-up reel
includes a generally annular take-up reel drive surface, wherein in the first
position of the transmission member the second drive member operatively
engages the take-up reel drive surface, and in the second position the second
drive member operatively engages the storage reel drive surface.
70. The apparatus according to claim 69 wherein the storage reel
and the take-up reel are identical.
71. The apparatus according to claim 69 and further comprising a
locking member in supporting connection with the housing, and further
comprising an actuator, wherein the actuator is selectively operative to hold
the storage reel in relatively fixed rotational relation.
72. The apparatus according to claim 71 wherein the storage reel
and the locking member are housed within a storage module, and wherein the
storage module is removably mounted relative to the housing, and wherein the
locking member is operative to hold the storage reel in fixed relative
relation
relative to the storage module responsive to removal of the module from the
housing.
73. The apparatus according to claim 72 and further comprising an
electrical signal source located in the housing and external of the module,
and
wherein the actuator is housed in the module, and further comprising a
releasible electrical connector electrically connecting the actuator and the
electrical signal source, wherein the electrical connector is disconnected
when
the module is removed from the housing, and wherein the actuator is operative

69
to cause the locking member to hold the storage reel responsive to the
connector electrically disconnecting the actuator from the electrical signal
source.
74. The apparatus according to claim 63 and further comprising a
user interface in supporting connection with the housing, the user interface
including an input device, and further comprising a drive in operative
connection with the first drive member and a controller in operative
connection with the input device and the drive, and wherein the controller is
operative responsive to at least one input to the input device to operate the
drive to cause the web to move in a sheet dispensing direction, wherein sheets
in supporting connection with the storage reel are moved toward the passage
area.
75. The apparatus according to claim 74 wherein the housing
further includes an outlet opening and a sheet transport for moving sheets
from
the passage area to the outlet opening, whereby sheets from the storage reel
are
delivered to the outlet opening responsive to an input to the input device.
76. The apparatus according to claim 63 and further comprising a
storage reel directional drag applying member in operative connection with the
sheet storage reel, wherein the storage reel directional drag applying member
is operative to apply relatively higher resistance to movement of the sheet
storage reel when the web moves in the sheet dispensing direction compared
to resistance to movement when the web moves in the sheet receiving
direction.
77. The apparatus according to claim 76 wherein the storage reel
directional drag applying member includes an extendable portion, wherein the
extendable portion is configured to be extendable generally in only an
extendable direction, wherein during movement of the web in a sheet

70
receiving direction the extendable portion is extended in the extendable
direction.
78. The apparatus according to claim 76 wherein the storage reel
drag applying member includes a band portion extending in engagement with
a generally annular brake surface in operative connection with the storage
reel.
79. The apparatus according to claim 78 wherein the band portion
includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second
end
arc operatively connected to the housing, and wherein the second end is
operatively connected to the housing through an extendable portion, wherein
the extendable portion is operative to extend the effective length of the band
portion when the web moves in a sheet receiving direction.
80. The apparatus according to claim 63 and further comprising a
storage reel directional drag applying member in operative connection with the
take-up reel, wherein the take-up reel directional drag applying member is
operative to apply relatively higher resistance to movement of the take-up
reel
when the web moves in a sheet receiving direction compared to resistance to
movement when the web moves in a sheet dispensing direction.
81. The apparatus according to claim 80 wherein the storage reel
directional drag applying member includes an extendable portion, wherein the
extendable portion is configured to be extendable in generally an extendable
direction, wherein during movement of the web in a sheet dispensing direction
the extendable portion is extended in the extendable direction.
82. The apparatus according to claim 80 wherein the take-up reel
drag applying member includes a band portion extending in engagement with
a generally annular brake surface in operative connection with the take-up
reel.

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83. The apparatus according to claim 82 wherein the take-up reel
drag applying member includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first
end and the second end are operatively connected with the housing, and
wherein the second end is operatively connected to the housing through an
extendable portion, wherein the extendable portion is operative to extend the
effective length of the band when the web moves in the sheet dispensing
direction.
84. The apparatus according to claim 63 and further comprising a
note inlet opening in the housing, a note validator in operative connection
with
the note inlet opening, and a drive in operative connection with the first
drive
member and the note validator, wherein the drive is operative responsive to
the
note validator sensing a valid note passed into the note inlet opening to
cause
the drive to move the web in the sheet receiving direction, wherein the valid
note is stored in supporting connection with the sheet storage reel.
85. The apparatus according to claim 84 and further comprising a
sheet inlet transport, wherein the sheet inlet transport is operative to move
notes from the note validator to the note passage area responsive to the
validator sensing a valid note.
86. A method of operating the apparatus recited in claim 75
comprising the steps of:
(a) storing at least one note in supporting connection with
the web on the sheet storage reel;
(b) receiving an input to the input device; and
(c) operating the drive and the sheet transport responsive to
the controller to deliver the note to the outlet opening.

72
87. A method of operating the apparatus recited in claim 85
comprising the steps of:
(a) inserting a valid note in the note inlet opening;
(b) sensing the note with the note validator; and
(c) operating the drive and the sheet transport responsive to
the note validator sensing the valid note, to store the
note in supporting connection with the web on the
storage reel.
88. Apparatus comprising:
a housing;
a sheet storage reel rotatably mounted in supporting connection
with the housing;
a take-up reel rotatably mounted in supporting connection with
the housing;
a flexible web extending between the storage reel and the take-
up reel, the web extending adjacent a sheet passage area
intermediate of the storage and take-up reels;
a reel drive mechanism operatively connected to the storage
and take-up reels, wherein the reel drive mechanism is
selectively operative to move the web wherein sheets are
moved in supporting connection with the web between the
storage reel and the sheet passage area; and

73
a storage reel directional drag applying member in operative
connection with at least one of the reels, wherein the directional
reel drag applying member is operative to apply relatively
higher resistance to movement of the one reel in a first
direction than in a second direction opposed of the first
direction.
89. The apparatus according to claim 88 wherein when the web
moves in a sheet dispensing direction sheets are moved in supporting
connection with the web from the storage reel to the passage area, and wherein
the directional drag applying member is in operative connection with the
storage reel and is operative to apply the relatively higher resistance to
movement of the storage reel when the web moves in the sheet dispensing
direction.
90. The apparatus according to claim 88 wherein when the web
moves in a sheet receiving direction sheets are moved in supporting
connection with the web from the passage area to the storage reel, and wherein
the directional drag applying member is in operative connection with the take-
up reel and is operative to apply the relatively higher resistance to movement
of the take-up reel when the web moves in the sheet receiving direction.
91. The apparatus according to claim 88 and further comprising a
storage reel directional drag applying member in operative connection with the
storage reel, and a take-up reel directional drag applying member in operative
connection with the take-up reel, and wherein when the web moves in a sheet
dispensing direction sheets in supporting connection with the storage reel are
moved in supporting connection with the web to the passage area, and when
the web is moved in a sheet receiving direction sheets in supporting
connection with the web are moved in supporting connection with the web
from the passage area to the storage reel, and wherein the storage reel

74
directional drag applying member is operative to apply relatively higher drag
to the storage reel as the web moves in the sheet dispensing direction, and
the
take-up reel directional drag applying member is operative to apply relatively
higher drag to the take-up reel when the web moves in the sheet receiving
direction.
92. The apparatus according to claim 91 and further comprising a
storage module, wherein the storage module is removably mounted on the
housing, and wherein the storage reel take-up reel, storage reel directional
drag
applying member, and take-up reel directional drag applying member are in
supporting connection with the module.
93. The apparatus according to claim 88 wherein the directional
drag applying member includes an extendable portion, wherein the extendable
portion is extendable in an extendable direction, wherein the extendable
portion extends in the extendable direction responsive to the associated reel
rotating in the second direction.
94. The apparatus according to claim 88 wherein the one reel in
operative connection with the directional drag applying member has a
generally annular brake surface in operative connection therewith, and wherein
the directional drag applying member includes a band portion extending in
engagement with the annular brake surface.
95. The apparatus according to claim 94 wherein the directional
drag applying member includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the
first end and the second end are operatively connected to the housing, and
wherein the second end is operatively connected to the housing through an
extendable portion, wherein the extendable portion is operative to extend the
effective length of the band portion when the reel operatively connected to
the
directional drag applying member rotates in the second direction.

75
96. The apparatus according to claim 94 wherein the band portion
extends in engagement with the brake surface generally at least about 180
degrees.
97. The apparatus according to claim 88 and further comprising a
user interface including an input device in operative connection with the
housing, and a controller in operative connection with the input device and
the
reel drive mechanism, wherein the controller is operative responsive to an
input to the input device to operate the reel drive mechanism to move the web
such that sheets in supporting connection with the web on the storage reel are
moved to the passage area.
98. The apparatus according to claim 97 and further comprising an
outlet opening in the housing, and an outlet transport extending between the
passage area and the outlet opening, and wherein the outlet transport is in
operative connection with the controller, and the controller is further
operative
responsive to the input to move at least one sheet from the passage area to
the
outlet opening.
99. The apparatus according to claim 88 and further comprising an
inlet opening in the housing, and a note validator in operative connection
with
the inlet opening, wherein the note validator is operative to sense a valid
note
inserted through said inlet opening, and wherein the note validator is
operatively connected to the reel drive mechanism, wherein responsive to the
note validator sensing a valid note inserted through the inlet opening the
note
validator is operative to cause the reel drive mechanism to move the valid
note
from the passage area into supporting connection with the web.
100. The apparatus according to claim 98 and further comprising a
note inlet opening in the housing, a note validator in operative connection
with
the note inlet opening, wherein the note validator is operative to sense if a
note

76
inserted through the inlet opening is a valid note, an inlet note transport
extending between the note validator and the passage area, wherein the note
validator and the inlet transport are in operative connection with the
controller,
wherein the controller is operative responsive to the note validator sensing a
valid note inserted through the inlet opening to transport the note in
connection with the inlet transport from the validator to the passage area and
to operate the reel drive mechanism to move the valid note from the passage
area to the storage area.
101. A method of operating the apparatus recited in claim 98
comprising the steps of:
(a) storing at least one note in supporting connection with
the web on the storage reel;
(b) receiving an input through the input device; and
(c) operating the reel drive mechanism and note outlet
transport with the controller responsive to the input, to
deliver the note to the outlet opening.
102. Apparatus comprising:
a housing;
a sheet storage reel rotatably mounted in supporting connection
with the housing, the storage reel rotatable relative to the
housing about a first axis;
a take-up reel rotatably mounted in supporting connection with
the housing;

77
a flexible web extending between the storage reel and the take-
up reel, the web extending adjacent a sheet passage area
intermediate of the storage and take-up reels, and wherein the
web joins the storage area adjacent a nip;
a reel drive mechanism in operative connection with the storage
and take-up reels, wherein the reel drive mechanism is
selectively operative to move sheets in supporting connection
with the web between the storage reel and the passage area;
a separating member movably mounted in supporting
connection with the housing, wherein the separating member
includes an edge portion, wherein the edge portion engages the
web and is operative to disengage sheets therefrom, wherein the
edge portion engages the web at a location disposed in a
direction from the nip toward the passage area, and wherein the
separating member is rotatably mounted relative to the housing
about a second axis, wherein relative to the first axis the second
axis is angularly disposed from the nip generally at least 90
degrees.
103. The apparatus according to claim 102 and further comprising a
biasing member, wherein the biasing member is operative to bias the edge
portion to engage the web.
104. The apparatus according to claim 102 wherein the separating
member includes a deflector surface, wherein the deflector surface extends
from the edge portion in generally facing relation and generally parallel to
the
web.

78
105. The apparatus according to claim 104 and further comprising at
least one movable member, wherein the movable member is operative to move
in engagement with sheets supported on the web, and wherein the deflector
surface is operative to extend on at least one transverse side of the movable
member.
106. The apparatus according to claim 105 wherein the deflector
surface extends on two transverse sides of the movable member.
107. The apparatus according to claim 105 and further comprising a
guide surface, wherein the guide surface is disposed in facing relation
relative
to the web in the passage area, and wherein the deflector surface extends on
at
least one transverse side of the guide surface.
108. The apparatus according to claim 102 and further comprising
an arcuately shaped web supporting member supporting the web adjacent the
passage area, and a secondary separating member engaging a portion of the
web overlying the arcuately shaped web supporting member, wherein the
secondary separating member is operative to engage an opposed side of the
web from a side of the web engaged by the separating member.
109. The apparatus according to claim 108 and further comprising a
biasing member wherein the biasing member is operative to bias the secondary
separating member to engage the web.
110. The apparatus according to claim 102 and further comprising a
user interface in supporting connection with the housing, the user interface
including an input device, and further comprising an outlet opening in the
housing, an outlet transport extending between the passage area and the outlet
opening, and a controller in operative connection with the input device, the
reel drive mechanism and the note outlet transport, wherein the controller is

79
operative responsive to an input to the input device to cause sheets stored in
supporting connection with the storage reel to be moved to the outlet opening.
111. The apparatus according to claim 110 and further comprising a
note validator in supporting connection with the housing, wherein the note
validator is operative to sense the validity of notes adjacent thereto, and
wherein the note validator is in operative connection with the controller, and
wherein the controller is operative responsive to the validator sensing a
valid
note to move the note to the storage reel.
112. Apparatus comprising:
a housing including at least one sheet opening, wherein the
sheet opening is adapted for passing sheets therethrough;
a user interface in supporting connection with the housing, the
user interface including at least one input device;
a sheet storage reel movably mounted in supporting connection
with the housing;
a take-up reel movably mounted in supporting connection with
the housing;
a flexible web extending between the storage reel and the take-
up reel, the web extending adjacent to a sheet passage area
intermediate of the storage and take-up reels;
a reel drive mechanism in operative connection with the storage
and take-up reels, wherein the reel drive mechanism is
selectively operative to move sheets in supporting connection

80
with the web between the sheet storage reel and the passage
area;
a sheet transport mechanism wherein the sheet transport
mechanism is selectively operative to move sheets between the
sheet passage area and the sheet opening;
a controller, wherein the controller is in operative connection
with the input device, the reel drive mechanism and the sheet
transport mechanism, and wherein the controller is operative
responsive to at least one input to the input device to cause
sheets to be moved between the storage reel and the sheet
opening;
wherein the web includes a plurality of machine readable
indicia thereon, wherein each of the indicia corresponds to a
location relative to an end of the web;
a sensor in operative connection with the controller, wherein
the controller is operative to generate at least one signal
responsive to sensing the indicia with the sensor.
113. The apparatus according to claim 112 wherein spacing between
adjacent machine readable indicia varies responsive to the distance of the
location from the end, and wherein the signal is generated by the controller
responsive to adjacent machine readable indicia having a predetermined
spaced relationship.
114. The apparatus according to claim 112 wherein the web includes
a first end operatively connected to the take-up reel and a second end
operatively connected to the storage reel, and wherein the spacing between

81
adjacent machine readable indicia varies responsive to a distance of the
location from each respective end.
115. The apparatus according to claim 112 wherein the spacing
between adjacent indicia decreases with proximity of the location to the end
of
the web.
116. The apparatus according to claim 114 wherein the spacing
between adjacent indicia decreases with proximity of the location to each of
the first end and the second end of the web.
117. The apparatus according to claim 112 wherein the web includes
a transfer sheet engaging area, wherein sheets in supporting connection with
the web are engaged with the sheet engaging area, and wherein the web further
includes a peripheral area, wherein the peripheral area is transversely
disposed
from the sheet engaging area, and wherein the indicia are in supporting
connection with the peripheral area of the web.
118. The apparatus according to claim 117 wherein the web includes
a peripheral area on each transverse side of the sheet supporting area,
wherein
each transverse side includes the indicia.
119. The apparatus according to claim 118 wherein the web includes
a first end in operative connection with the take-up reel and a second end in
operative connection with the storage reel, and wherein the indicia in each
peripheral area is indicative of the distance of the location relative to at
least
one of the ends.
120. The apparatus according to claim 118 wherein the spacing
between adjacent indicia varies with proximity to the end.

82
121. The apparatus according to claim 120 wherein the spacing
between adjacent indicia decreases with proximity to the end.
122. The apparatus according to claim 119 wherein the spacing
between adjacent indicia decreases with proximity to the each of the first end
and the second end.
123. The apparatus according to claim 112 and further comprising a
passage sensor, wherein the passage sensor is adjacent the passage area, and
wherein the passage sensor is in operative connection with the controller, and
wherein the passage sensor is operative to sense sheets adjacent the passage
area, and wherein the controller is operative to cause further sheets to cease
to
be stored on the storage wheel responsive to sensing indicia corresponding to
a
location adjacent the end of the web.
124. The apparatus according to claim 112 and further comprising a
passage sensor in operative connection with the controller, wherein the
passage sensor is operative to sense sheets adjacent the passage area, and
wherein the web includes a first end in operative connection with the take-up
reel and a second end in operative connection with the storage reel, and
wherein the controller is operative to operate the reel drive mechanism to
transfer the web into supporting connection with the note storage reel such
that
the portion of the web in engagement with the take-up reel is reduced to a
first
area of the web adjacent the first end, and the controller is further
operative
thereafter to operate the reel drive mechanism to place increasing amounts of
the web in supporting connection with the take-up reel until a sheet is sensed
in the passage area by the passage sensor, and wherein the controller is
operative to generate a further signal indicative of a location wherein a
sheet is
sensed by the passage sensor.

83
125. The apparatus according to claim 124 wherein the further signal
includes data representative of a number of sheets currently stored in
supporting connection with the web.
126. The apparatus according to claim 112 wherein the web includes
a first end in operative connection with the take-up reel and a second end in
operative connection with the storage reel, and wherein the signal is
generated
responsive to the sensor sensing indicia corresponding to a distance from the
second end.
127. The apparatus according to claim 126 wherein the signal
includes data representative of a quantity of sheets remaining in supporting
connection with the web.
128. A method of operating the apparatus recited in claim 112
comprising the steps of:
(a) storing a plurality of sheets on the storage reel in
supporting connection with the web;
(b) operating the reel drive mechanism and the sheet
transport with the controller responsive to inputs to the
input device to move sheets from the storage reel to the
sheet opening;
(c) sensing indicia associated with the web with the sensor;
and
(d) generating a signal with the controller responsive to the
indicia sensed corresponding to a particular location.

84
129. A method of operating the apparatus recited in claim 124
comprising the steps of:
(a) storing a plurality of sheets on the storage reel in
supporting connection with the web;
(b) operating the reel drive mechanism with the controller
to remove portions of the web from the take-up reel
until indicia corresponding to the first end area is sensed
by the sensor as being disposed from the take-up reel;
(c) operating the reel drive mechanism to include
increasing portions of the web on the take-up reel until a
sheet is sensed adjacent the passage sensor;
(d) sensing with the sensor an indicia corresponding to a
location where the sheet is sensed by the passage
sensor;
(e) generating with the controller the further signal
indicative of the location.
130. The method according to claim 129 and prior to step (b) further
comprising the steps of:
(f) storing data corresponding to a quantity condition in a
memory in operative connection with the controller,
wherein the quantity condition corresponds to a quantity
of sheets stored in supporting connection with the web;

85
(g) adjusting the quantity condition responsive to the
delivery of sheets towards the sheet opening;
(h) sensing loss of the data corresponding to the quantity
condition wherein step (b) is carried out responsive to
sensing loss of the quantity condition data.
131. In a apparatus including:
a housing;
a sheet storage reel movably mounted in supporting connection
with the housing;
a take-up reel movably mounted in supporting connection with
the housing;
a reel drive mechanism in operative connection with the storage
reel and the take-up reel, wherein the reel drive mechanism is
selectively operative to move the storage reel and the take-up
reel;
a sensor for sensing indicia along a web path intermediate of
the storage reel and the take-up reel, the web path including a
passage area; and
a web extending between the storage and take-up reels along
the web path, the web comprising:
a central sheet engaging area and a pair of peripheral
areas, each peripheral area disposed on an opposed side

86
of the sheet engaging area, wherein sheets are generally
engaged with the web in the sheet engaging area and not
the peripheral areas, and wherein each peripheral area
includes machine readable indicia which are detectable
by the sensor, wherein the web includes a first end and a
second end, and wherein the first end and the second
end are operatively attached respectively to one of the
take-up reel and the storage reel, and wherein the
machine readable indicia are spaced from one another,
and wherein spacing between adjacent machine
readable indicia decreases with proximity to each end.
132. The apparatus according to claim 131 and further comprising:
a user interface in supporting connection with the housing, the
user interface including at least one input device;
a sheet transport mechanism wherein the sheet transport
mechanism is selectively operative to move sheets between the
sheet passage area and the sheet opening; and
a controller in operative connection with the reel drive
mechanism, the sensor, the sheet transport mechanism and the
input device, and wherein the controller is operative responsive
to at least one input to the input device to cause sheets to move
from the storage reel to the sheet opening, and wherein the
controller is further operative to generate at least one signal
responsive to the sensor sensing indicia having a particular
relation to an end of the web.

Description

CA 02343773 2005-03-O1
AN AUTOMATIC TRANSACTION MACHINE WITH A NOTE
RECEIVING AND DISPENSING MECHANISM
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to automated transaction machines. Specifically
this invention relates to an automated ~:ransaction machine that dispenses
notes
to users and which has an internal note storage area which may be replenished
without accessing the interior of the machine.
BACKGRnUND ART
Automated transaction machinc;s are known in the prior art. A
common type of automated transaction. machine is an automated teller
machine (ATM). ATMs have been developed which are capable of
performing a variety of transactions including the dispensing of currency
notes. Other types of transaction machines dispense notes and other types of
sheets to users such as bank tellers, cashiers and other service providers.
Other types of automated transaction rr~achines dispense items such as
tickets,
travelers checks, scrip, vouchers or gaming materials. Automated transaction
machines generally dispense such materials while assessing appropriate
charges and credits to the respective ac~~ounts of the user, the machine owner
and the provider of the dispensed materials. For purposes of this description
an automated transaction machine will be considered as any machine that is
capable of carrying out transactions including transfers of value.
Automated transaction machines that dispense notes or other types of
sheets representative of value are generally constructed to prevent access to
the supply of sheets within the machine by unauthorized persons. In most
cases such automated transaction machines include a secure chest or other
secure enclosure. Access to the enclosure is controlled by a lock or other
security device so that the interior thereof may only be accessed by
appropriate personnel. The interior of the secure enclosure generally includes
storage areas for currency notes and other types of sheets which are valuable.

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The storage areas are often inside removable canisters or other types of
enclosures that may be readily installed in and removed from the machine
when the secure area is accessed. Sheets are dispensed by the machine to
users from the sheet storage areas. When the storage areas require
replenishment a service person opens the secure chest and replenishes the
supplies. In some cases this is done by removing the depleted or partially
depleted canisters and replacing those canisters with filled canisters. In
other
situations it may involve inserting a "brick" of currency or sheets into the
canisters or other sheet storage areas to replenish the sheet supplies.
A drawback associated with the construction of such conventional
automated transaction machines is that replenishing the sheet supplies
requires
opening the secure area of the machine. This provides the service person with
_
access to all the valuable sheets as well as the sensitive electronic
equipment
within the machine. This presents opportunities for theft and tampering.
When canisters are changed several individuals may have access to the
canister during the times when it is being loaded, transported and installed
in
the machine. Likewise partially depleted canisters returning from machines
for replenishment may pass through several hands. This may present
opportunities for pilferage for which responsibility cannot be readily
documented. Tamper resistant and tamper indicating sheet holding canisters
have been developed. However such containers are not failsafe and may still
be subject to compromise by skilled thieves. Sheet holding canisters may also
be stolen in their entirety when in transit to and from machines. The use of
currency canisters is also expensive. The use of such canisters adds to the
cost
of the automated transaction machines by requiring the inclusion of
mechanisms that can open, close and work in conjunction with sheet
containing canisters. The handling and transport of canisters also adds to the
cost of machine operation.
Lower cost automated transaction machines are often installed in gas
stations, convenience stores and other merchandising facilities. Such
automated transaction machines often carry out only cash dispensing

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3
transactions. While the reduced capabilities of such machines results in a
lower machine acquisition cost, the problems of handling sheets still exists.
Because the security in such merchandising facilities is often not as high as
that found in banking environments, it is not uncommon to use armored car
type courier services to carry out cash replenishment transactions in such
machines. This adds to the cost of machine operation.
Operators of automated transaction machines in merchandising
facilities would desire to replenish the note supplies in such machines with
cash that is available within the establishment. Doing this can avoid the cost
of having to pay a third party to carry out cash replenishment, which reduces
operating costs. However in many merchandise transaction environments the
trustworthiness of the personnel may not be verifiable. As a result the
machine operator may not want to give their personnel access to the large
amounts of cash which are available within the interior of an automated
transaction machine. Replenishing the can ency supplies within such
machines may be an activity limited to supervisory level personnel. However,
despite such precautions shortages and discrepancies can occur. This is
particularly true when several individuals have the capability of accessing
the
interior of a machine.
Recently automated transaction machines have been developed that are
capable of "recycling" currency. Such machines are capable of accepting
currency notes from a user or operator, and determining the genuineness and
particular type of each note. Such machines selectively store the deposited
notes in locations within the machine. At a later time when the same or
another user requests a dispense of notes, the machine dispenses the
previously deposited notes to the user. While such machines have the
capability of having the note supplies replenished without accessing the
interior of the machine, such machines are generally complex and expensive.
The installation of such a machine would generally not be cost justified in
situations where relatively low cost, cash dispense only type machines are
currently used.

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There are also many other types of self service and vending machines
that users operate which could be improved by adding the capability to such
machines of accepting and dispensing currency notes. Common examples of
such machines include motor fuel dispensing pumps, vending machines,
S automated ticketing machines and automated gaming machines. Often such
machines already have a user interface that is capable of reading a user's
credit
card. Such machines also have the capability of assessing a charge to a user's
account in exchange for merchandise or services provided. Increasingly self
service machines are being provided with the capability of accepting a user's
smart card. Smart cards include a memory thereon which has data
representative of monetary value. Instead of assessing a charge to a user's
account, such machines also have the capability of deducting the monetary
value from the value represented by data in the memory of the user's smart
card.
Cash receiving and dispensing capability has generally not been
provided in most self service and vending machines for several reasons. First,
cash dispensing and accepting mechanisms have in the past generally been
expensive and would render such machines cost prohibitive to acquire and
operate. Second, such machines generally do not include the security features
included in automated teller machines or cash dispensers, because the items
generally dispensed by such machines are not readily disposed of for cash
value. Another reason such machines have not been provided with cash
accepting and/or dispensing capability is that to do so would require the
machine operators to incur the additional costs associated with cash handling
previously discussed, that are often encountered in the use of operating ATMs
and cash dispensers. A further drawback has been that making cash
acceptance and dispensing an integral part of such machines may limit their
operation to selected hours and locations where greater security may be
maintained. Thus, while users may benefit from having machines such as
motor fuel dispensing pumps and vending machines accept and receive cash,
providing such machines with these capabilities has been cost prohibitive.

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Thus there exists a need for an automated transaction machine that is
inexpensive to produce and operate, but that is also highly reliable. There
further exists a need for an automated transaction machine that is capable of
being replenished with currency notes or other sheets of value without having
5 to access the note storage areas in the interior of the machine. There
further
exists a need for an automated transaction machine which includes a note
receiving and dispensing component that adds only limited cost to the
production and operation of the machine.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated
transaction machine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated
transaction machine which is capable of dispensing sheets having value, such
as currency notes.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated
transaction machine which dispenses currency notes from a note storage area
within the machine and which is capable of having the note storage area
replenished without accessing an interior of the machine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated
transaction machine which includes a note supply that can be replenished
without accessing an interior area of the machine and which is configurable to
be replenished from either the front or the rear side of the machine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated
transaction machine that is economical to produce and to operate.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated
transaction machine that is capable of receiving, validating and dispensing
sheets such as currency notes.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated
transaction machine which provides for the receiving and dispensing of
currency notes as a supplementary function to a primary vending or self
service function that is carried out by the machine.

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It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated
transaction machine which is capable of dispensing notes from a note storage
area within the machine and which is capable of having a note supply readily
removed from the machine by authorized personnel.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated
transaction machine that is easy for users to operate and which provides
timeiy
promotional and other messages to users of the machine.
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 accomplished in an exemplary embodiment
by an automated transaction machine. The automated transaction machine
may be a machine whose primary function is the receipt and/or dispensing of _
sheets such as currency notes. Alternatively the automated transaction
machine may be associated with a primary function such as the vending of
motor fuel, lottery tickets, transit tokens or other transactions and may
include
the dispensing and/or receipt of sheets having value, such as currency.
The automated transaction machine in one exemplary embodiment
includes a machine housing. The housing includes a user interface area
including at least one input device through which the machine may receive at
least one input from a user of the machine. A sheet inlet opening extends
through the housing as does a sheet outlet opening.
Within the housing of the machine is a note receiving and dispensing
mechanism. The note receiving and dispensing mechanism is operatively
connected to a sheet storage area which in the described embodiment is used
for holding currency notes. The sheet receiving and dispensing mechanism
includes a passage area through which sheets are passed when they are being
received by the mechanism for storage in the storage area. Sheets also pass
through the passage area when they are being dispensed by the mechanism
from the storage area.
The described embodiment further includes a note inlet transport
which extends between the note inlet opening and the passage. A note

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validator is positioned adjacent the note inlet transport. The note validator
is
operative to sense notes which are inserted through the inlet opening for
purposes of determining whether the notes are valid. The machine further
includes a note outlet transport. The note outlet transport extends between
the
passage and the outlet opening through the housing. The machine further
includes one or more drive mechanisms that are operatively connected to the
inlet and outlet transports and which enable the selective movement of notes
or other sheets therein.
The automated transaction machine of the described embodiment
further includes a controller. The controller is in operative connection with
the
validator and the drive for the inlet and outlet transports. The controller is
also
m operative connection with the input devices as well as the validator. The
controller is operative to control the machine such that in response to at
least
one input to the input device, notes or other sheets stored in the storage
area
are dispensed by the mechanism and moved through the outlet transport to the
outlet opening. The controller is further operative responsive to insertion of
a
note or other sheet to the inlet opening to have the validator determine if
the
inserted note is valid. If so, the note is accepted by the receiving and
dispensing mechanism and stored in the storage area.
?0 Configurations of the automated transaction machine of the present
invention may provide for both receiving notes from and dispensing notes to
customers while charging and crediting appropriate accounts. Alternatively
embodiments of the invention may be configured for only dispensing notes to
customers who operate the machine. In such embodiments acceptance of
notes is limited to personnel who are authorized to replenish the machine on
behalf of the machine owner or operator. Alternative configurations of the
machine may provide for the note inlet and outlet openings to be positioned on
generally one side of the machine, while alternative forms of the invention
may provide for such openings to be on generally opposed sides of the
machine. Some forms of the invention may provide for accepting sheets into
the note inlet opening one sheet at a time while others may be configured for

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accepting stacks of sheets which are then separated, authenticated and stored
within the machine.
In some exemplary forms of the invention the note receiving and
dispensing mechanism may include a roll storage type mechanism. The roll
storage mechanism includes a flexible web that extends between a storage reel
and a take-up reel. The storage reel and take-up reel are moved by a reel
drive
mechanism that enables selectively moving the reels to deliver sheets to and
to
receive sheets from the passage area. The storage and take-up reels in some
embodiments are contained within a note storage module that is readily
installed in and removed from the machine housing by authorized personnel.
Certain preferred forms of the invention are highly reliable and yet
relatively
lower in cost to produce and operate.
Other preferred forms of the invention include a user interface with a
display. The display is used for presenting promotional or other messages to
users of the machine. These messages may be time sensitive and/or of limited
duration. In preferred forms of the invention such messages are provided by
interaction of the controller with a replaceable plug-in memory of a smart
card
or similar device. Various forms of user interfaces may also be provided to
simplify and facilitate operation of automated transaction machines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of an
automated transaction machine of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a rear plan view of the machine shown in Figure 1 with an
access door in an open position.
Figure 3 is a schematic view showing a controller of the automated
transaction machine and transaction function devices and other devices in
operative connection therewith.
Figure 4 is a transparent side view of the mechanisms for handling
sheets such as currency notes in the automated transaction machine shown in
Figure 1.

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Figure 5 is a schematic view showing the components included in the
sheet paths of the automated transaction machine shown in Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of a reel drive mechanism operating to
move the storage and take-up reels in a sheet dispensing direction.
S Figure 7 is a schematic view of the first and second drive members of
the reel drive mechanism, along with the transmission member which
interconnects the drive members.
Figure 8 is a schematic view similar to Figure 7 with the reel drive
mechanism operating to move the storage and take-up reels in a sheet
receiving direction.
Figure 9 is a simplified side view of the sheet handling components in
the passage area of the machine.
Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the passage area including the first
and second sheet separating members for separating sheets from the sheet
1 ~ supporting web.
Figure 11 is a side schematic view of the gate member which serves to
direct sheets between the inlet and outlet transports in the passage area.
Figure 12 is a side schematic view of the secondary separating member
and its suspension on the note storage module.
Figure 13 is a side schematic view of the directional drag applying
members used in connection with the storage and take-up reels.
Figure 14 shows a tab portion on the note storage module engaged with
a cylindrical support member.
Figure 1 ~ is an isometric view of the cylindrical support member
shown in Figure 14.
Figure 16 is an isometric view of a flexible note supporting web with
machine readable indicia thereon, the web being shown in supporting
connection with currency notes.
Figure 17 is a side schematic view indicating movement of parts of
sheet handling mechanisms when dispensing sheets.

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Figure 18 is a side schematic view showing movement of sheet
handling mechanisms when the note validator is operating to determine if an
inserted note is valid.
Figure 19 is a schematic view showing a note that has passed from the
note validator to the passage area.
Figure 20 is a schematic view indicating operation of sheet handling
mechanisms in moving a note through the passage area and into supporting
connection with the web and sheet storage reel.
Figure 21 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of an
10 automated transaction machine which includes a common note inlet and outlet
transport in connection with a note validator.
Figure 22 is a schematic view of a further alternative embodiment
which has a note inlet opening on an opposed side of the machine from the
note outlet opening.
Figure 23 is a schematic view of an automated transaction machine
which is capable of receiving and separating a stack of notes.
Figure 24 is a schematic view of a mechanism used for separating
notes individually from the stack in the embodiment shown in Figure 23.
Figures 25-30 are schematic views of a user interface and the operation
thereof which may be used in connection with embodiments of the invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings and particularly Figure 1 as shown
therein an automated transaction machine of a first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention generally indicated 10. Machine 10 is an automated
teller machine whose primary functions are to dispense and receive currency
notes. It should be understood however that other embodiments of the
invention may be machines whose primary functions include conducting other
types of transactions. These may include for example the dispense of motor
fuel, the dispense of tickets, the dispense of vouchers, the dispense of
gaming
materials or other functions that a user may carry out using the machine.

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Machine 10 includes a housing 12. As used herein housing 12 refers to
the external enclosure of the machine as well as the internal structures which
support components of the machine therein. A user interface generally
indicated 14 is supported on the housing and is accessible by a user. In the
embodiment shown the user interface includes input devices and output
devices. One of the input devices is a card reader 16. Card reader 16 in the
machine shown is a swipe type card reader which is operative to read magnetic
stripe cards 18 which are passed through the reader by customers. Cards 18
may be various types of cards such as credit or debit cards which include
information for identifying the user and/or their accounts.
User interface 14 of the described embodiment also includes other
input devices. These include a keypad 2U and function keys 22. Users are -
enabled to input data and instructions to the machine by selectively pressing
the keys which make up the keypad as well as the function keys 22.
The user interface I4 further includes an output device which includes
a display 24. Display 24 of the described embodiment may be a CRT or LCD
type display that is operative to display messages to a user, including
messages which instruct the user in operation of the machine.
It should be understood that the input devices and output device shown
are exemplary and that other embodiments of the invention may employ other
types of input and output devices. These include for example other types of
card readers for reading magnetic stripe or other types of cards. These may
include for example motorized readers or dip readers. Other types of cards
may also be employed with the machine. Such cards include so called "smart
cards" which include a programmable memory with data thereon. Such data
may include information about the user and their accounts. It may also
include information representative of monetary value. Such value may be
deducted from the memory as the card is used to make purchases. Some cards
may have the value thereon periodically replenished. Other types of input
devices may be used which read articles such as articles encoded with optical
indicia which can be used to identify the user or their accounts. Other types
of

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input devices may include biometric type reading devices such as fingerprint
readers, retina scan devices, iris scan devices, speech recognition devices or
other types of input devices which are capable of providing an input which can
identify a particular user andJor their accounts.
The keypad and function keys which serve as input devices in the
described exemplary embodiment may be replaced in other embodiments by
other types of devices which are capable of selectively receiving data or
instructions from a user. Other types of output devices may also be used.
These may include other types of visual and nonvisual output devices which
are capable of communicating a message to a user and which can instruct the
user in the operation of the machine. Of course when automated transaction
machines of the invention are incorporated with other devices which carry out
other functions, other types of input devices associated with carrying out
those
other functions may also be included. These may include for example
switching and control devices for controlling the dispense of motor fuel when
the machine of the invention is incorporated with a motor fuel dispensing
device. The particular additional devices will depend on the environment in
which the invention is used.
Returning to the description of the machine 10 shown in Figure 1, the
housing includes therethrough a receipt opening 26. The receipt opening is
used to provide the user with printed receipts for the transactions conducted
at
the machine. The housing further includes a note outlet opening 28. The note
outlet opening 28 is used to deliver notes dispensed from the machine to a
user. It should be understood that the note outlet opening may also be
referred
to herein as a sheet outlet opening, and that in embodiments of the invention
sheets other than notes may be received and dispensed from the machine.
The machine 10 further includes a note inlet opening 30. Note inlet 30
is used for inserting notes or other types of sheets into the machine for
storage.
As indicated in phantom, in some embodiments the note inlet opening 30 may
be rendered inaccessible by a movable cover 32. The cover 32 is selectively
secured by a suitable locking mechanism 34. The cover may be used in

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circumstances where the machine operator only wants selected authorized
personnel to be able to insert notes for storage in the machine. This may be
the case when the machine operator wants users to use the machine only as a
cash dispenser. In some embodiments the cover may provide a note
supporting surface or include a note holding structure such as a pocket to
facilitate holding dispensed notes for the user of the machine when the cover
is
in position.
As shown in Figure 1 the housing of the machine further includes a
connector 36. The connector 36 is operative to releasibly receive a plug in
memory element 38. The plug in memory element in the embodiment shown
is used for holding messages that are to be provided to users of the machine
through the display 24. As later discussed, the plug in memory 38 may hold
promotional messages which are displayed to users of the machine on a timely
basis. Such promotional messages may include for example discounts on
1 S certain merchandise or special offers which expire on a certain date. In
one
preferred embodiment the plug in memory 38 may be supported on a smart
card. The memory may include one or more promotional items which are
promoted only during certain times of day, on certain days of the week or
during particular time periods. The use of this feature is later discussed in
detail.
Figure 2 shows the rear of the machine 10. The housing 12 of the
machine includes an access door 40 which is shown in the open position in
Figure 2. The access door 40 includes a locking mechanism 42. The locking
mechanism 42 is normally used to secure the access door 40 in the closed
position. The locking mechanism 42 may be opened by authorized personnel
to enable them to access an interior area of the machine.
The interior area of the machine includes various components which
are shown schematically. Such components may include for example a note
storage module 44. As later described in detail the note storage module 44
includes a note storage area for holding notes within the machine. The note
storage module 44 is readily removable and installed in the machine once the

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access door 40 is in the open position. Other components within the housing
of the machine may include a journal device 46. The journal device 46 may
be for example a journal printer which makes a permanent hard copy record of
transactions which are carried out by the machine. Other devices within the
interior of the machine may include a communications device 48. The
communications device may be for example a modem, wireless transmitter,
lease line interface connection or other suitable device for communicating
with other computers to carry out transactions with the machine. These other
computers may include for example computers in credit and/or debit card
networks which are capable of handling transaction messages and settling
accounts between users, sources of monetary value and the operator of the
machine. Another device shown schematically in the interior of the machine
in Figure 2 is a receipt printer 50. The receipt printer 50 is operative to
produce printed receipts that are dispensed to customers through receipt
opening 26.
Figure 3 shows schematically the electrically controlled devices which
are included in the described embodiment of the machine 10. A controller 52
serves as a control device for controlling the electrical devices within the
machine. The controller 52 includes an internal clock device schematically
indicated 54. The controller is in operative communication with a memory 56
which is also referred to herein as a data store. The controller 52 may in
various embodiments include one or more processors or operatively connected
computers which serve as an electrical signal source for devices which are in
operative connection with the controller.
As shown in Figure 3 the controller is operative to communicate with
the transaction function devices previously described. These include the card
reader 16, the keypad and function keys 20 and 22 and the display 24. The
controller is also operative to communicate and control operation of the
receipt
printer 30 and the journal device 46, which in this case is a journal printer.
The controller is also in operative communication with the plug in memory 38
and the communication device 48 which is used to communicate with other

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devices. In the described embodiment the controller 52 is also operative to
communicate with other devices. These include for example a note validator
58 which will later be discussed in detail. The note validator is operative to
sense notes to determine their validity and to distinguish between valid and
5 invalid notes inserted into the machine. The controller 52 is also
operatively
connected to a module drive 60 and a transport drive 62 which are control
circuits for controlling motors which operate to move notes within the
machine. These are later discussed in detail. It should be understood that
these transaction function devices are exemplary and that other embodiments
10 of the invention may include different and/or additional types of
transaction
function devices.
Figure 4 is a view of the sheet handling mechanism that is used for
storing and dispensing notes within the machine. The sheet handling
mechanism generally indicated 64, includes the note storage module 44
15 previously discussed which is removably mounted on the housing of the
machine. The note storage module includes a storage reel 66 which is
rotatably mounted in supporting connection with the housing of the machine
in the storage module. A take-up reel 68 which in the preferred embodiment is
identical to the storage reel, is also rotatably mounted in the machine. A
flexible web 70 extends between the storage reel and the take-up reel.
The note storage module of the described embodiment includes
thereon a reel drive mechanism 72. The reel drive mechanism is operative in a
manner later discussed to selectively drive the storage reel 66 or the take-up
reel 68.
The note storage module 44 also includes therein an actuator 74. The
actuator is in operative connection with a movable locking member 76. The
locking member 76 is movable by the actuator 74 between a position in which
rotational movement of the storage reel is enabled and a position in which the
locking member holds the rotatable storage reel in relatively fixed position
with respect to the note storage module 44. This is accomplished in the
locking position of the locking member by engaging cooperating projections

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16
and recesses schematically indicated 78 on the locking member and the
storage reel.
The actuator 74 is electrically connected with the controller 52 through
a releasible connector 80. The controller 52 serves as an electrical signal
source which operates the actuator generally to enable the storage reel 66 to
move when it is properly positioned within the machine. When the note
storage module is positioned in the machine and the releasible connector 80
connects the actuator 74 to the electrical signal source, the projections and
recesses of the locking member and reel are disengaged enabling the reel to
move. This feature aids in securing the note storage reel which ser~.~es as a
note storage area, in fixed position relative to the module when the note
storage module is removed from the machine. This makes it more difficult for -
unauthorized persons to extract the note from the note storage module after it
has been removed from the machine.
The note storage module 44 is supported in the machine by tab
portions 82. Tab portions 82 include semicircular openings or slots 84 (see
Figure 14). Axially elongated cylindrical support members 86 are accepted
into the openings 84 when the note storage module 44 is in the operative
position within the machine.
The openings 84 in the tab portions 82 extend in generally planar
members and are bounded by a surface 88 which serves as an arcuately shaped
generally u-shaped projection. The u-shaped projecting surface 88 is
positioned to extend in generally annular recesses or slots 90 which extend
about the cylindrical support members 86. The interfitting engagement of the
u-shaped projections and the annular recesses enables positioning the note
storage module 44 in the proper position within the housing of the machine. It
further enables engaging and disengaging the tab portions and the cylindrical
support members from the engaged and disengaged positions by moving the
note storage module along the direction of arrow I shown in Figure 14.
In the described form of the invention the cylindrical support members
86 also serve as supporting members for the construction of the structure

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17
surrounding the note storage module within the machine. Members 86 include
threaded openings in each end to facilitate their engagement to other
components. The positioning of the annular recesses 90 in the cylindrical
support members are also asymmetrical to facilitate the proper positioning of
the note storage module. During assembly of the machine the proper
positioning of the cylindrical support members is assured by having the
threaded openings in each end of the support members of a different size
and/or thread configuration. This construction along with the mating fasteners
which are used to hold the machine components together assure that the
cylindrical support members are installed properly during assembly. Of
course the construction of the supporting structure and removable note storage
module is exemplary and in other embodiments other suitable structures and _
assembly methods may be used. This includes using a configuration for
positioning the storage module which is generally the reverse of that shown in
Figure 14 as well as other arrangements of interengaging projections and
slots.
The note handling mechanism shown in Figure 4 further includes a
passage area 92. The passage area 92 extends through an opening 94 in the
front wall of the note storage module (see Figure 10). Notes passing between
the note receiving and dispensing mechanism of the note storage module pass
through the passage area 92.
As shown in Figure 4 a note outlet transport 96 extends between the
passage area and the note outlet opening 28. Note outlet transport 96 is
operative to move notes in connection therewith. A note inlet transport 98 is
operative to move notes between the note inlet opening 30 and the passage
area 92. Note inlet transport 98 includes a portion which extends through the
note validator 58. As previously discussed the note validator is operative to
sense notes which pass through the note inlet transport. The note validator is
operative to sense notes which move in the note inlet transport. The note
validator is operative to determine if the sensed notes are valid for purposes
of
acceptance in the machine and to discriminate between valid and invaiid notes.

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A transport drive 100 is operatively connected to the inlet and outlet
transports 96 and 98 respectively. The note inlet and outlet transports are
shown in further detail in Figure 5. The note outlet transport 96 includes a
belt
102 and a plurality of note engaging idler rolls 104. The belt and idler rolls
engage notes therebetween such that the notes move with movement of the
belt between the passage area and the note outlet opening 28. It should be
understood that while a belt and roll transport is used for the note outlet
transport in the described embodiment, in other embodiments other
configurations of cooperating belts, rollers or other moving members suitable
for engaging and moving notes may be used.
The note inlet transport in the described embodiment includes note
validator 58. In the described embodiment note validator 58 is a standard
commercially available note acceptor which is operative to sense and
determine the validity of certain types of bills. In the case of a machine
which
is configured to receive and dispense twenty dollar bills, the validator may
be
a device for sensing whether an inserted note is a valid twenty dollar bill.
The
validator 58 includes therein or has adjacent thereto a generally nonslip
portion 106 of the note inlet transport 98. Portion 106 is operative to engage
and move notes inserted through the note inlet opening 30 past the validator.
The generally nonslip portion 106 is operative to move notes past the sensing
mechanisms within the validator 58 as required for sensing the note and
determining its validity for purposes of receipt within the machine. If an
inserted note is determined not to be valid or otherwise not suitable for
acceptance within the machine, the nonslip portion 106 after moving the note
inward into the validator is operative to move it outward back through the
note
inlet opening 30. This is done by the validator operating based on its
internal
programming or in alternative embodiments operating in cooperating relation
with the controller 52.
If a note inserted through the note inlet opening 30 is sensed as valid
and acceptable by the validator 58, the nonslip portion 106 of note inlet
transport 98 is operative to release the note to a limited slip portion 108 of
the

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19
note transport 98. Limited slip portion 108 includes a belt 110 and idler
rolls
112. The belt I 10 and idler rolls 112 serve as limited slip engaging members
which engage notes passing inward from the validator 58. However, the
limited slip portion 108 is not operative to apply sufficient force to a note
to
remove it from engagement with the nonslip portion 106, until the nonslip
portion disengages the note. This enables the validator 58 of the described
embodiment to move the note sufficiently rearward so that it can engage the
limited slip engaging members 110, 112 and still enable the nonslip portion to
reverse the direction of the note so that it can be delivered back out through
the note inlet opening in the event that the note is determined to be invalid.
This feature enables standard commercially available, compact size note
validators to be used in the embodiment shown.
While the note inlet transport 98 is shown in the described embodiment
has a generally nonslip portion and a limited slip portion, other embodiments
of the invention may not include such portions depending on the type of
validator used. An example of such an embodiment is later described in
detail. In addition although the generally nonslip portion is shown as a
plurality of cooperating rolls and the limited slip portion 108 is shown as a
belt and roll transport, other embodiments of the invention may include other
types of cooperating moving members that are operative to move sheets in the
desired fashion.
A gate 1 I4 is positioned adjacent to the passage area 92. Gate 114 is
operative to selectively direct sheets and enable the passage of sheets
relative
to the note inlet transport and note outlet transport. As shown in greater
detail
in Figures 9 and 11, gate 114 includes a rotatably mounted gate member 116.
Gate member 116 includes a curved lead surface 118 which is disposed
adjacent to the passage area. When the lead surface 98 is disposed downward
relative to the position shown in Figure 9 and the mechanism is operated to
move sheets outward through the passage area 92, the outward moving notes
are engaged with the lead surface and are directed to engage the belt 102 and
idler rolls 104 of the note outlet transport 96. In this position the notes
are

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carried in an outward direction by the note outlet transport to the note
outlet
opening 28. Likewise when notes are moved by the note inlet transport
towards the passage area 92, the lead surface 118 is moved upward to a~i
accepting position relative to Figure 9. In this position notes carried by the
5 inlet transport 98 are enabled to pass into the passage area 92.
A guide 120 extends adjacent to the gate 114 generally between the
note inlet and outlet transports. The guide includes rotatable guide rolls 122
in
supporting connection therewith. Guide roll 122 is generally engaged with
belt 110 and rotates therewith. The guide 120 and guide rolls 122 further aid
10 in guiding sheets through the passage area in a manner later discussed. The
passage area is also bounded on an opposed side of the guide by a separating
member 124. The separating member also later described in detail, engages
the surface of belt 110 which serves as an arcuately shaped moving member in
an area overlying belt supporting roll 126. The separating member 124 also
15 engages on an opposed side, the web 70 in an area overlying a supporting
roll
128 which is supported on the note storage module 44. The web 70 serves as
a arcuately shaped moving member when it moves over the roll 28 in
engagement with the separating member 124.
As shown in Figure 11, gate 114 is moved between the accepting
20 position which is the position wherein notes are accepted into the passage
area
from the note inlet transport, and the directing position in which notes
passing
outward through the passage are directed to the outlet transport, by a limited
slip transmission mechanism generally indicated 130. The limited slip
transmission mechanism of the described embodiment includes a slipping
member 132. Slipping member 132 is a small relatively slippery belt or
similar force transmission member, which can be used to translate the gate
member 116 to a desired position and thereafter a slip in response to driving
motion without causing damage to itself or other connected components. In
the described embodiment the slipping member 132 is connected to a pulley
portion 134 which is operatively connected to the gate member 116. The
slipping member 132 is also connected to a pulley portion 136 which is

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21
connected to a roll 138 which supports belt 102 of the outlet transport. Stops
schematically indicated 140 limit the rotation of the gate member 116.
When the note outlet transport is driven to move notes outwardly from
the passage area 92, belt 102 is driven in the direction indicated by the
Arrow
O. This causes the lead surface 118 of the gate member 1 I 6 to move
downward until the gate member is engaged with the stop 140 which limits its
counterclockwise rotation. Because in this position belt 110 is moved in the
direction of Arrow N, notes moving through the passage area 92 are engaged
by the lead surface 118 in the directing position and moved in connection
therewith to engage the outward moving belt 102. The outward moving belt
continues to run for as long as it is controlled to do so in response to the
controller. However once the gate member 116 is against the stop the slipping -
member I32 slips relative to at least one of the pulley portions I34 and 136.
This causes the gate member to be held in the directing position but does not
I 5 result in further movement nor damage to any of the components.
As can be appreciated from Figure 11, when the note inlet transport 98
moves belt 110 in a direction opposite to that indicated by Arrow N to deliver
notes toward the passage area 92, belt 102 moves in a direction opposite to
Arrow O. This movement causes roll 138 to rotate the pulley portions 136 and
134 to rotate the gate member 116. The gate member 116 rotates in a
clockwise position in the orientation shown to the accepting position where
clockwise rotation of the gate member is stopped by engagement with one of
the stops 140. Once the gate member has moved to the accepting position the
slipping member 132 slips relative to at least one of the pulley portions
without causing damage to any of the components. In this position notes are
enabled to pass the gate member moving inward in supporting connection with
belt I 10 to reach the passage area.
While in this described embodiment of the invention the gate 114
includes a gate member that is moved by the same drive mechanism as the
belt, in other embodiments other gate moving mechanisms including separate
actuators may be used. Alternatively embodiments of the invention may

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employ passive gate members which enable passage of the notes inwardly by
deflection or translation a movement of the gate member in connection with
the notes. Such passive gate members may through their configuration engage
outwardly moving notes and direct them to engage appropriate mechanisms
for moving the notes outward. Various arrangements of gate members and
sheet moving members may be used in embodiments of the invention. It
should further be understood that while single belts have been described
herein
as moving sheets in the inlet and outlet transports, preferred embodiments of
the invention may include a plurality of parallel moving belts, rolls or other
note moving mechanisms which are operative to move the notes in the
described directions.
Figure I2 shows in greater detail the operation of the separating
member 124 which bounds a first side of the passage area where notes move
to and from the note storage module 44. Notes moving through the passage
area generally move in a note plane schematically indicated I42 in Figure 12.
The note plane extends generally along an inner surface 144 of the separating
member 124. The inner surface 144 of the exemplary embodiment includes a
plurality of projections as shown. The projections serve to minimize surface
tension so that notes will move more easily over the inner surface 144.
The note storage module 44 includes an inner wall 146. The opening
94 extends through the inner wall. The opening is bounded on each transverse
side by an ear portion 148. Each ear portion 148 includes a generally
vertically extending slot 1 ~0. A cutout portion 152 extends through the ear
portion to the slot. The separating member 124 includes a pair of outward
2~ extending projections 154 which are sized to be movable in the slot 150.
The
projections 154 also enable the separating member 124 to be rotatably
movable relative to the note storage module 44. The separating member also
includes an eye 156. Eye 156 is engaged by a biasing member 158. The
biasing member operates to bias the separating member 124 generally in a
downward direction as shown.

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23
When the note storage module 44 is installed in the housing of the
machine, the separating member 124 is moved to a position in which a first
end of the separating member engages belts 110 overlying roll 126. Also in
the operative position, the opposed end of separating member 124 engages the
S web 70 overlying roll I28. In this way the separating member 124 engages at
its opposed ends arcuately shaped moving members which move sheets in
supporting connection therewith. The separating member of the exemplary
embodiment is configured to ride on the moving members and to engage
sheets which are supported thereon. The engagement of the separating
member with the sheets on the moving members serves to separate the sheets
and direct them generally along the note plane 142 through the note passage.
The separating member 124 minimizes the risks that notes will be carried by
the supporting belt or web underneath the separating member where they may
jam or otherwise disrupt the operation of the mechanism. The floating
character of the separating member facilitates its ability to properly
position
itself both vertically and rotationally in the mechanism when the note storage
module is in its operative position. Thus the separating member is enabled to
correct for minor misalignments and still perform its function by engaging the
arcuately shaped moving members on either side. In addition the
configuration of the slot 1 SO and cutout area 152 facilitate the ready
replacement of the separating member. This is accomplished because the
projections 154 may be moved through the cutout area. Also the biasing
member 158 may be readily disconnected from the eye 156. Thus the removal
of an existing separating member and installation of a new one is readily
accomplished.
It should be understood that while in the described embodiment the
projections are associated with the separating member and the slots are
associated with the supporting housing structure, other embodiments may have
these features reversed such that the projections are associated with the
supporting housing and the slots associated with the separating member. Also
in other embodiments intermediate or additional structures may be used.

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24
As best shown in Figure 10 the note storage module of the exemplary
embodiment further includes a separating member 160. Separating member
160 engages an opposed side of the web from that engaged by separating
member 124. Separating member 160 minimizes the risk that notes supported
by the web 70 on the storage reel will remain with the web when the web
moves in a sheet dispensing direction. The deflector 160 aids in separating
sheets from the web and directs them toward the passage area when the
storage reel rotates in the direction indicated in Figure 10.
The separating member includes an edge portion 162. The edge
portion 162 engages the web at a location indicated 164. A deflector surface
166 extends from location 164 toward the passage. The deflector surface is
positioned to extend generally parallel to the web 70 in the area between the -
location where the web joins the storage reel and the passage area.
A movable member 168 engages the web 70 in generally overlying
1 ~ relation of the roll 128. The movable member 168 engages inward moving
notes so that they can be guided by the deflector surface into a nip 170
generally in the area where the web joins the stored web material on the
storage reel 66. Likewise the movable member 168 serves to engage sheets
that are separated from the web by the separating member 160 and to move the
sheets outward through the passage area.
The separating member 160 is rotatable relative to the housing about
an axis generally indicated 172. The separating member 160 is biased to
rotate in a clockwise direction as shown about the axis 172 by a biasing
member 174. The reel 66 rotates relative to the housing and note storage
module about an axis of rotation indicated I76. In the described form of the
invention the axis 172 about which the separating member rotates, is angularly
disposed relative to the axis 176 about which the storage reel rotates from
the
nip at a substantial angle of generally about at least 90 degrees. This
configuration enables providing relatively controlled angular movement of the
edge portion at the location as the amount of web material stored on the
storage reel changes during operation of the machine. This relatively limited

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movement assures more reliable separation and guidance of notes from and
onto supporting connection with the storage reel. The configuration further
minimizes the wearing of the web material by maintaining desirable relative
positions of the edge portion 162 and to the web.
5 As shown in Figure 10 the deflector surface 166 is generally located
such that it extends on opposed sides of the movable member 168. In certain
preferred embodiments of the invention the movable member 168 may include
a plurality of transversely disposed movable members across the web. The
deflector surface may be configured to extend in the intermediate spaces
10 between the movable members. In addition the guide surface 120 also extends
into the areas intermediate of the deflector surfaces. The positioning of the
deflector surfaces transversely intermediate of the movable member 168 as
well as the guide surfaces I20 provides a relatively movable interfitting
relation of surfaces which facilitates guiding sheets through the passage
area.
15 It should also be noted that the use of the separating members 172 and 124
which engage opposed sides of the web generally help to avoid uneven
wearing of the web and the buildup of stresses unevenly along the surfaces
thereof. This along with the configuration and orientation of the separating
members helps to prolong the life of the web.
20 As later discussed in detail the note storage module 44 of the described
embodiment includes a note receiving and dispensing mechanism generally
referred to as 77 in Figure 4. This note receiving and dispensing mechanism
includes the storage and take-up reels 66 and 68 respectively. The web 70
which extends between the reels, the roll 128 and movable member 168 which
25 engage the web in the passage area, and the separating member 160, serve to
assure that notes are separated from the web and directed to and from the
passage area. In the operation of this described embodiment, the reel drive
mechanism 72 operates to move the reels so that notes can be delivered to and
dispensed from the passage area. It should be noted that in alternative
embodiments a number of different types of note handling mechanisms may

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26
be positioned adjacent to the passage area to accomplish the dispense of notes
to or the receipt of notes from customers.
The transport mechanisms described herein while useful are exemplary
of but one of many types of mechanisms that may be used. The note storage
module 44 of the described embodiment is useful because the module
construction may be used with many types of such transport mechanisms
including very low cost mechanisms that are suited for installations in
machines that perform other types of primary functions. This includes the
ability to retrofit cash dispensing capability to such machines by providing
suitable mechanisms to connect the passage area and one or more outlets
which may be accessed by a customer. In addition the note storage module 44
may be readily removed by authorized personnel from an interior area of the
machine. Thus for example in a motor fuel dispensing application, a system
operator may readily remove the module 44 from the fuel dispensing pumps
during off hours and store such items in a secure location. The removal and
reinstallation of such items can be accomplished quickly to minimize the
actions required to be taken by personnel in the facility.
The operation of the note receiving and dispensing mechanism within
the note storage module 44 is controlled through operation of the reel drive
mechanism 72. The reel drive mechanism is operative to control selectively
the rotation of the note storage reel 66 and the take-up reel 68. By
controlling
the rotation of the reels notes may be brought into supporting connection with
the web 70 and stored on the note storage reel. Likewise by controlling the
rotation of the reels notes stored on the storage reel may be delivered to the
passage area.
The reel drive mechanism 72 of the exemplary embodiment includes a
motor or other drive indicated 178. The operation of the drive and its
direction of rotation is controllable in response to signals from the
controller
52 when the note storage module 44 is installed in the machine. The drive 178
is operative as shown in Figure 6 to rotate a first drive member 180 about an
axis of rotation 179. The first drive member 180 in the described embodiment

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27
is a gear. However in other embodiments rollers, belts or other force
transmission members may be used.
The first drive member is operative to rotate a second drive member
182. 1n the described embodiment the second drive member is rotatably
connected to the transmission member 184, and the transmission member is
rotatable about the axis of rotation 179 of the first drive member 180. The
second drive member rotates about an axis of rotation 18~ which is movable
with the transmission member. Of course in other embodiments other drive
arrangements may be used.
As schematically indicated in Figure 7 a first drag member 186 is in
operative connection with the second drive member 182. First drag member
186 is operative to apply a force resisting movement of the second drive _
member thereon. The first drag member preferably applies a resistance to
movement in either rotational direction of the second drive member. The first
drag member may include a thrust washer, friction disk, bushing or other
suitable member for providing a limited and controlled degree of resistance to
movement of the second drive member. The first drag member 186 is
operative so that when the first drive member 180 rotates in a clockwise
direction as indicated in Figure 7, the resistance force applied by the first
drag
member 186 will also tend to cause the transmission member 184 to rotate
with the second drive member in a clockwise position. However when the
clockwise rotation of the transmission member is stopped such as due to
engagement of the second drive member with a further drive surface, the
second drive member will rotate in a counterclockwise direction responsive to
2~ rotation of the first drive member. Likewise the counterclockwise rotation
of
the first drive member will move the transmission member and the second
drive member counterclockwise until the second drive member engages a
drive surface, in which case the second drive member will rotate clockwise. It
should be kept in mind that these structures are exemplary and that
intermediate drive members and other mechanisms may be included while still
achieving the similar results.

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28
As shown in Figure 7 the reel drive mechanism 72 further includes a
transmission drag member 188. The transmission drag member 188 is
operative to apply a limited resistance to rotation of the transmission member
184. This limited resistance to rotation is operative to provide a limited and
controlled resistance to movement of the transmission member 184. It is also
operative to generally hold the transmission member 184 in its then current
position until it is deliberately moved responsive to rotation of the first
drive
member 180. The transmission drag member may include a thrust washer,
friction disk, bushing or other suitable device for applying resistance to
movement of the transmission member.
As shown in Figure 6 rotation of the first drive member 180 in a
counterclockwise direction is operative to move the transmission member and-
the second drive member 182 eountercloc)t-wise to a position where the second
drive member 182 engages a drive surface 190 of the take-up reel. Drive
1 ~ surface 190 of the take-up reel is preferably a surface including gear
teeth
adapted for meshing engagement with gear teeth on the second drive member
182. However it should be understood that in other embodiments other drive
surfaces suitable for receiving power transmitted by the reel drive mechanism
may be used. As shown in Figure 6 the second drive member operates to
rotate the take-up reel 168 in a counterclockwise direction. This causes the
web 70 to move in a sheet dispensing direction as indicated by the arrows
shown superimposed on web 70. As the reel drive mechanism operates to
move the take-up reel the sheet storage reel 66 moves in a counterclockwise
direction as shown so as to unwind the web 70 therefrom and to deliver notes
in supporting connection therewith to the passage area.
Figure 8 shows the operation of the reel drive mechanism 72 when the
web 70 is moved in a sheet receiving direction. The sheet receiving direction
is the direction that the web moves when notes in supporting connection
therewith are wound into the note storage area supported on storage reel 66.
30 Rotation of the first drive member 180 in the clockwise direction shown in
Figure 8 is operative to rotate the second drive member 182 in the clockwise

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29
direction relative to the first drive member until the second drive member
engages a drive surface 192 on storage reel 66. When the second drive
member 182 engages the drive surface 192 the second drive member rotates in
a counterclockwise direction which rotates reel 66 in a clockwise direction.
The clockwise rotation of reel 66 causes the web 70 and notes supported
thereon to be wound into the web for storage on the storage reel. As the
storage reel pulls the web thereon the web 70 unwinds from the take-up reel
68.
The operation of the drag mechanisms on the transmission member as
well as on the second drive member help to assure that the f rst drive member
remains m positme engagement with the desired drive surface of the reels
during movement thereof. Also referring to Figure 4 it should be noted that
the drive surface 192 of the storage reel 66 preferably includes mating gear
teeth to engage the second drive member 182. These mating gear teeth may
1 ~ also make up the interengaging projections and recesses 78 which enable
the
locking member 76 to hold the storage reel in position when the note storage
module 44 is removed from the housing.
To facilitate the controlled rotational movement of the storage reel 66
and the take-up reel 68, a controlled drag appiying mechanism is included in
the note storage module 44. An exemplary form of this drag applying
mechanism is schematically shown in Figure 13. The storage reel 66 has
thereon an annular brake surface 194. A directional drag applying member
196 extends about the annular brake surface through an angle greater than 180
degrees as shown. The directional drag applying member 196 includes a first
2~ end I98 and a second end 200 which are generally fixed relative to the
housing through the note storage module.
The directional drag applying member 196 includes a band portion
202. The band portion 202 extends generally in engagement with the annular
brake surface I94 of the storage reel. The directional drag applying member
196 further includes an extendable portion schematically indicated 204.

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Extendable portion 204 includes a resilient biasing portion that is extendable
in the direction of Arrow E as shown in Figure 13.
During operation of the reel drive mechanism 72, the storage reel 66 is
rotated in a clockwise direction when it is desired to move the web 70 in a
5 sheet receiving direction such that the web and notes supported thereon are
wound onto the storage reel. When the storage reel 66 is moved in a
clockwise direction the extendable portion 204 tends to expand in the
direction
of Arrow E responsive to the force applied to the band portion 202 by the
relative movement of the annular brake surface 194. This enables the storage
10 reel 66 to rotate in a clockwise direction relatively easily responsive to
the
force applied by the extendable portion 204. However when the storage reel
66 is rotated responsive to movement of the web 70 in a counterclocl.-wise
direction which corresponds to the web moving in a sheet dispensing
direction, the resistance to movement of the storage reel is relatively
higher.
15 This is because the tension in the band portion 202 is higher due to a lack
of
an extendable portion between the band portion and the first end 198. As a
result the tension in the band portion is maintained relatively higher as the
storage reel is moved in the counterclockwise direction. This provides a
relatively higher drag force on the storage reel which minimizes the risk of
20 overrunning.
A similar but oppositely disposed structure is used for applying drag
force to take-up reel 68 in this exemplary embodiment. The take-up reel,
which as previously discussed in this embodiment is identical to the storage
reel, includes an annular brake surface 206 thereon. A directional drag
25 applying member 208 includes a band portion 210 that engages the annular
brake surface 206 about an angle of generally more than 180 degrees. The
directional drag applying member is generally fixed relative to the housing at
a
first end 212 and a second end 214. The directional drag applying member
208 includes an extendable portion 216 adjacent the second end 214.
30 Extendable portion 216 is expandable in an extendable direction generally
indicated by Arrow ~.

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31
In operation of the reel drive mechanism 72 when the take-up reel 68 is
rotated in a counterclockwise direction which moves the web 70 in a sheet
dispensing direction, the extendable portion 216 of the drag applying member
208 expands to apply relatively lower resistance to movement of the take-up
reel 68. However when the take-up reel 68 is moved in a clockwise direction
responsive to the web moving in a sheet receiving direction, a relatively
higher
drag force is applied to the take-up reel.
As a result of the directional drag applying mechanism of the described
embodiment, the drag force on the reel being driven by the second drive
member 182 is relatively lower. This reduces the amount of force that the reel
drive mechanism must produce to move the take-up and storage reels. This is
useful compared to systems where drag applying members act equally on _
storage reels regardless of the direction in which they are moved.
Referring again to Figure 5, web 70 extends between the storage reel
and the take-up reel along a web path. The web path extends adjacent to the
passage area in which the web is supported by roll 128. The web path further
includes a pair of guiding rolls 218, 220 which guide the web 70 along the
web path to the take-up reel 68. A sensor 222 is disposed adjacent to the web
path between the guide rolls. Sensor 222 is in operative connection with the
2U controller and is operable to sense machine readable indicia in supporting
connection with the web.
Figure 16 shows a section of web 70 of an exemplary embodiment of
the invention. The web includes a transversely central sheet engaging area
generally indicated 224. The sheet engaging area 224 operatively engages
sheets therewith in the passage area and holds sheets in supporting connection
with the storage roll 66.
Transversely outward of the sheet engaging area 224 are a pair of
peripheral areas 226 and 228. The peripheral areas extend transversely on
either side of the web adjacent the transverse edges thereof. The peripheral
areas 226 and 228 include machine readable indicia 230 thereon. In the
described form of the invention the machine readable indicia is indicia on the

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37
web that serves to block the transmission of radiation therethrough. This
blocking of radiation is sensed by the sensor 222. Of course in other
embodiments other types of indicia which can be sensed or read by a sensing
device may be used.
As previously discussed, the opposed ends of the web are connected to
the take-up reel and the storage reel respectively. In the described
embodiment the machine readable indicia are configured so as to correspond
to a location on the web relative to an end. In the described embodiment the
machine readable indicia are symmetrical on the web and are configured such
10 that the spacing between adjacent indicia decreases with proximity to each
end. This construction in the described embodiment enables the installation of
the web in any of four possible orientations. Thus a person replacing the web
need not be concerned that it could be installed improperly. This is because
of
the symmetry of the machine readable indicia in the peripheral areas as well
as
15 the decreasing spacing between the machine readable indicia with proximity
to
the end.
In operation of the machine, the sensor 222 is operative to cause the
controller to include data in the data store representative of the location
for the
machine readable indicia which is in proximity to the sensor 222. In the
20 described embodiment this data may include data corresponding to a count of
a number of machine readable indicia which have moved past the sensor from
a reference position located adjacent to a first end of the web at a first end
area
adjacent to the take-up reel. By holding this data which corresponds to a
count, the controller may be operative to determine the relative position of
the
25 web with respect to the ends thereof. In addition or in the alternative,
the
controller may also hold data representative of a count of the sheets which
are
currently stored in supporting connection with the storage reel. This number
of sheets may be correlated with the location indicia such that the controller
coordinates the location information provided by the indicia with data
30 corresponding to the number of notes in storage.

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33
Alternatively, the decrease in spacing of the indicia with proximity to
the ends of the web enables the controller in the described embodiment to
detect a condition which suggests that the web is approaching the first end or
the second end. This enables the controller to provide a signal through the
communications device or through another output device to indicate that the
machine is either reaching a condition where it can hold no further notes or
is
approaching a condition where it is running out of notes. For example the web
must move at least a distance somewhat greater than the length of a note in
the
dispense of one sheet. If in moving the web this distance during the
dispensing of a sheet the sensor 222 senses passage of more than a set number
of indicia on the web, the controller may determine that the web is
approaching the second end which means that few notes are left on the storage
reel. By the number of machine readable indicia which pass the sensor in the
dispense of one note or sheet the controller knows generally accurately how
close the web now is to reaching the end area when no further notes are stored
on the storage reel.
Likewise when operating to receive a note, the reel drive mechanism
moves the web a length that is generally slightly greater than the length of
one
note. 1f in the process of accepting a note the sensor 222 senses more than a
set number of machine readable indicia passing the sensor, the controller may
determine that the web is approaching the first end at which point no further
web material is stored on the take-up reel. By the number of machine readable
indica passing the sensor with the receipt of a note, the controller is
operative
to determine relatively accurately the position of the web. This enables the
controller and its operatively connected memory to determine and indicate
quantity condition data which is indicative of a need to replenish the
machine,
that the machine is full andlor some notes will need to be removed from the
machine within a given time period. The machine is still capable of
accomplishing this even if the portion of the memory which may be holding
information corresponding to an exact location of the web should be lost or
corrupted.

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34
An example of how one exemplary embodiment of the invention may
operate to dispense sheets and to maintain a count of the number of sheets
remaining is discussed in connection with Figure 17. In the described
embodiment sheets are dispensed responsive to a user inputting an input
through one or more of the input devices. This may include for example a
customer passing a card through the card reader which includes account data
corresponding to the customer. If the card is a debit card the customer may
also input a personal identification number (PIN) through the keys of the
keypad. The customer may thereafter indicate that they wish to withdraw
notes and the value of the notes to be withdrawn through inputs through the
function keys and/or the keypad keys. In response to these inputs the
controller 52 is operative in the described embodiment to operate the -
communications device 48 to determine through communication with another
computer system whether the customer is authorized to withdraw the funds
requested. Assuming that the customer is authorized to withdraw the funds
the communication device 48 receives back from a host computer or other
connected system a message indicating that the requested withdrawal by the
customer is permissible. The controller then operates the reel drive
mechanism to rotate the take-up reel 68 in the direction indicated. This
causes
the storage reel to rotate in the direction shown. Rotation of the storage
reel
causes notes to be separated from the web 70 and moved into the note passage
area 92.
As shown in Figure 17 in the described embodiment a passage sensor
232 is positioned adjacent to the passage area 92. Passage sensor 232 is
operatively connected to the controller 52 and is operative to sense sheets
therein. The passage sensor 232 is operative to sense the leading edge of the
note entering the passage area. In response to the passage sensor the
controller
52 is operative to operate the transport drive which operates the outlet
transport 96. The outlet transport runs so that notes in connection therewith
move toward the note outlet opening 28. This motion of the outlet transport
also causes the gate 114 to move to the directing position to engage notes
with

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3~
the outlet transport. In the described configuration of the invention the
outlet
transport and the limited slip portion 108 of the inlet transport 98 move in
cooperating relation so as to move notes from the passage area into
engagement with the outlet transport.
The reel drive mechanism moves the web 70 in the note dispensing
direction until the end of the sheet is sensed passing the passage sensor 232.
The sheet passing the passage sensor is carried by the outlet transport 96 to
the
outlet opening 28 where it is delivered to the customer. This is represented
by
a note 234. The note at the outlet opening may be held in a tray or by other
suitable holding devices until taken by the customer. Alternatively a suitable
sensor adjacent to the outlet which is connected to the controller may operate
to hold the sheet in connection with the outlet transport in a stopped
relation
until the customer physically pulls it from the opening. Various approaches to
delivering the sheets may be used depending on the nature and character of the
transaction machine.
Additional sheets beyond one may be delivered. The controller 52
operates the reel drive mechanism to dispense additional sheets through the
passage area and to deliver them through the outlet transport to the customer.
When the desired number of sheets has been dispensed which corresponds to
the input from the user, the controller operates to stop both the reel drive
mechanism and the outlet transport.
In the course of dispensing sheets from the storage reel the passage
sensor senses each sheet. The passage sensor may be a radiation type sensor
that is capable of sensing both the leading and trailing edges of the sheet.
Of
course in other embodiments of the invention other types of passage sensors
may be used. As the web 70 moves to deliver one or more sheets to the
passage area the web sensor 222 provides signals to the controller 52. In
response to the sensing of the machine readable indicia by the sensor 222 the
controller generates signals. These signals include data representative of
sheet
quantities. This may include for example in some embodiments a simple
count which corresponds to a length of web remaining on the storage reel.

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3b
Because the notes are generally spaced at a uniform spacing this count data is
representative of a quantity of sheets remaining. This data can be stored in
the
memory 56 as a quantity condition which corresponds to the number of sheets
remaining.
Alternatively in embodiments of the invention the sensor 222 may be
operative to sense the number of indicia which pass the sensor as a sheet is
moved through the passage area as sensed by the sensor 232. The number of
indicia which pass the sensor 222 as a single note is dispensed can be
correlated with the distance of the location adjacent the sensor to the end of
10 the web. The controller is operative responsive to the sensor sensing more
than a determined number of such indicia during the dispense of a single note
may be programmed to store and provide an indication of a quantity condition-
which indicates that the machine is in need of note replenishment.
In addition to using the machine readable indicia on the web to provide
15 data representative of the quantity of notes remaining, the controller 52
may
also be operative to cause actual count data or data representative of a value
to
be stored in memory 56. In this way the controller may be operative to
maintain information on how many notes remain stored in the machine at any
time. This may enable a user to query the controller to determine the number
20 of remaining notes.
In the event that the described form of the controller should experience
a failure of the volatile memory data concerning the number of notes
remaining, the controller may operate the machine to execute a recovery
operation to determine how many notes are remaining. The executable steps
25 necessary to perform this recovery operation may be stored in nonvolatile
memory so that the machine can almost always execute the recovery operation
no matter what conditions are experienced. In the recovery operation the
controller responds to a loss of available memory data by operating the reel
drive mechanism to wind the web 70 onto the storage reel 66. The reel drive
30 mechanism continues to wind the web onto the storage reel until a first end
area adjacent the end of the web attached to the take-up reel is sensed. This

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37
may be done a number of ways, for example by the sensor 222 sensing a set
number of machine readable indicia on the web within a given time period
which the controller determines through use of the clock device 54.
Once the controller has determined that the web has been wound onto
the storage reel to generally the full extent, the controller operates the
reel
drive mechanism to begin moving the web from the storage reel to the take-up
reel. As the reel drive mechanism is operated by the controller to do this the
controller generates signals responsive to indicia sensed by the web sensor
222. These signals are indicative of how far the web has moved at any given
time. The process of winding the web onto the take-up reef is stopped when
the passage sensor 232 senses the first note entering the first passage 92. At
this point the controller 52 is operative to generate a further signal which
corresponds to the location on the web where first sheet is sensed. Because
the sheets are generally stored in relatively uniformly spaced relation, the
further signal generated is indicative of a number of sheets that remain in
supporting connection with the web on the storage reel. This enables the
controller to closely determine how many sheets remain in storage. Further
operation of the machine dispensing and receiving sheets may thereafter be
continued using the data corresponding to the sheet quantity determined
through the recovery operation. Of course this is but one example of operation
of the machine used in connection with a described embodiment. In other
embodiments other approaches to calculating and determining the number of
sheets in storage at any given time may be used.
The operation of the machine to receive a note is now explained with
reference to Figures 18-20. To insert notes into the machine may require an
appropriate input by an authorized user through the input devices. This may
include special cards or codes which are used by servicing personnel to
replenish notes in the machine. Alternatively as was discussed in connection
with Figure 1, the housing of the machine may include a physical security
device which can be accessed by authorized personnel and which only enables
such personnel to input notes into the inlet opening. Alternatively the inlet

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3s
opening may be positioned relative to the housing in such a way that it is
generally only accessible by authorized personnel. Finally in some
embodiments of the invention users may both insert cash into the inlet opening
as well as receive cash through the outlet opening. The particular activities
that a user may go through in order to enable the machine to operate to accept
notes through the note inlet opening will depend on the particular machine and
the programming by the operator of the controller 52.
When notes are to be accepted a note is inserted through the inlet
opening 30 to the inlet transport 98. In the inlet transport 98 the note first
extends in the nonslip portion 106 of the inlet transport which extends
adjacent
to the validator 58. The validator includes sensors therein for sensing if the
inserted note is a note that is valid for acceptance by the machine. For
example in this embodiment the validator may be configured to accept only
US twenty dollar bills and to reject all other inserted sheets as invalid for
this
machine. The controller 52 operates in connection with the validator 58, and a
sheet schematically represented 236 is moved therein by the nonslip portion
106. As represented in Figure 18 the sheet 236 may be extended from the
nonslip portion into the limited slip portion 108 which is driven by the
transport drive to move in the direction indicated. The limited slip portion
engages the sheet but allows it to be moved back and forth by the portion 106.
In the event that the note is determined to be invalid the nonslip portion may
disengage the note from the limited slip portion 108 and move it back
outwards through the opening 30. If the note is determined to be valid
however the portion 106 releases the note 236 into the limited slip portion
108
which moves the note in connection therewith towards the passage area 92.
Because in the described embodiment the limited slip portion 108 and
the outlet transport 96 are operated by a common drive mechanism, movement
of the limited slip portion in the direction indicated also causes the outlet
transport to move in a manner which causes the gate 114 to be rotated to the
note accepting position. As a result the note 236 is moved to the passage area

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39
92 as shown in Figure 19. When the note reaches the passage area it is sensed
by the passage sensor 232.
The controller is operative responsive to the note being sensed by the
passage sensor to operate the reel drive mechanism. The controller is
S operative to cause the web 70 to move in the note accepting direction as
shown in Figure 20. The reel drive mechanism moves the web so that the note
comes into supporting connection therewith and is wound onto the note
storage reel 66. The controller continues to operate the reel drive mechanism
until the trailing edge of the note is sensed as passing the passage sensor
232.
Thereafter the controller may operate the reel drive mechanism to move the
note a sufficient distance so as to provide spacing from the next note which
is
inserted. Once the controller has moved the inserted note a sufficient
distance
onto the note storage reel the reel drive mechanism stops until instructed to
move further by the controller.
While in this first described embodiment the nonslip drive portion
adjacent the validator sensors 58 is operative to immediately push out notes
that are sensed as not valid, alternative forms of the invention may be
programmed to operate differently. For example a controller 52 may be
programmed to move a note in the inlet transport past the validator. If the
validator senses an invalid note, the note may be stopped at the passage area
once the trailing edge of the note has passed the gate 114. The controller may
thereafter operate to reverse the direction of the transports 96 and 98 which
causes the gate to direct the note outward through the outlet opening. The
controller 52 may operate both the inlet and outlet transports as well as the
roll
storage mechanism to accomplish this. This may include for example causing
the invalid note to be stored partially or temporarily in supporting
connection
with the web 70 before the direction of the note is reversed to deliver the
note
outward. These are examples and other embodiments of the invention may
operate differently to reject notes.
Alternative forms of the invention may be produced to accommodate
other types of validating mechanisms. Figure 21 shows an alternative form of

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a note handling mechanism generally indicated 238. Mechanism 238 is
generally similar to that previously described except as otherwise indicated.
It
includes a note receiving and dispensing mechanism 240 similar to mechanism
77 previously discussed. Mechanism 238 further includes a combined inlet
5 and outlet transport 242. Inlet and outlet transport 242 is selectively
operative
to both move sheets into and out from a passage area 244. Note sensors 246
are positioned adjacent to the transport 242. Note sensors 246 may be
operative to sense that the note is valid, such as for example whether a note
which is passing through the transport 242 is a valid US twenty dollar bill.
An
10 example of a suitable note sensing device for this purpose is described in
U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 08/749,260 which is owned by the Assignee of
the present invention and incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten
herein.
If the note is sensed as valid it may be moved by a transport 242 past a
gate 248 and into a storage location on the storage reel 250. Likewise when
15 the note is to be dispensed from the storage reel, a web 254 which holds
the
notes in supporting connection with the storage reel may move the note into
the passage area 244. The gate 248 is moved by an actuator (not shown) to
direct the note to engage the transport 242. The transport 242 then operates
in
a direction to carry the note from the passage area to a note outlet adjacent
the
20 end of the transport 242.
If the controller of the mechanism 238 is operating to sense notes being
input into the machine and the sensors 246 operate to sense an invalid note,
the transport 242 may be reversed immediately to reject the note.
Alternatively if it is not desired to reject the note through the exterior of
the
25 machine, the note may be moved by the transport 242 into the passage area
244. The note may also be moved partially onto the web 254 as is necessary
in the operation of the machine. Thereafter, after the note has been moved to
the storage area, the position of the gate 248 may be changed and the
controller may operate a reject transport 256. The reject transport is
operated
30 to move the note inward to a storage area 258 inside the housing of the

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41
machine. As a result suspect notes are held within the housing of the machine
until they can be removed by authorized personnel.
An advantage of the described embodiment of the invention shown in
connection with mechanism 238 is that a single transport can be used as both
the inlet and the outlet transport for notes. This may have advantages in some
embodiments in which the validity of notes may be determined within a single
note path which moves selectively in opposed directions.
An alternative note handling mechanism generally indicated 260 is
shown in Figure 22. The note handling mechanism 260 is similar to the first
1 U note handling mechanism described except where otherwise indicated. Note
handling mechanism 260 includes an outlet transport 262 that extends between
a passage area 264 and a note outlet opening 266. Mechanism 260 further
includes a note inlet opening 268. The note inlet opening extends in a housing
wall of the machine which is generally opposed of a housing wall in which the
1 ~ outlet opening extends. Inlet opening 268 is operatively connected to a
note
validator 270 which may be of a type previously described. The note validator
270 is connected to a first limited slip transport section 272 and a second
transport section 274. Transport sections 272 and 274 are operative to carry
notes that have passed the validator 270 to the passage area 264.
20 The operation of the mechanism 260 is generally similar to the first
described embodiment of the invention. However an advantage of the
construction shown in Figure 22 is that an operator of the machine is enabled
to load currency into the machine from the rear. Certain preferred forms of
the
invention are sufficiently small such that they may be supported on a counter
25 tog or on a standard interior building wall. This enables the machine
operator
to feed notes into the machine from behind the counter or from within an
interior room within a building. This may facilitate loading of notes in the
machine as the machine operator does not have personnel blocking access to
the machine as notes are being loaded, which may discourage customers from
30 using the machine. In addition this configuration may eliminate the need
for
covers or other devices over the note inlet opening to prevent confused

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42
customers from attempting to insert things into the inlet opening. Further
advantages of this alternative structure shown in Figure 22 will be apparent
to
those skilled in the art.
Yet another embodiment of a note handling mechanism generally
S designated 276 is shown in Figure 23. This alternative note handling
mechanism 276 is operative in the described embodiment to work in
connection with the note receiving and dispensing mechanism 77 of the first
embodiment including the note storage module 44 which has been previously
described. The alternative note handling mechanism 276 is operative to avoid
the need for a user to insert notes generally one at a time for storage within
the
machine.
The note handling mechanism includes an outlet transport 278 which
extends between a passage area 280 and a note outlet opening 282. A gate 284
is positioned adjacent to the passage area 280 and operates in the manner
previously described. An inlet transport 286 includes a first portion 288
which
extends adjacent to a validator 290. A second transport portion 292 extends
between the validator and the passage area 280.
The note separating mechanism generally indicated 294 is positioned
generally adjacent to the validator. The note separating mechanism is
operative to separate notes individually from a stack 296 and deliver the
individual notes to the validator 290. A note thickness sensor 298 is
positioned adjacent to the unstack mechanism. The note thickness sensor 298
operates to sense if more than one note has been removed from the stack. In
the event that more than one note is sensed as passing from the stack toward
the validator, the controller is operative to cause the note separating
mechanism 294 to reverse the movement of the note. The note is moved back
into the stack and another attempt made until a single note is separated as
sensed by the thickness sensors and delivered to the validator.
An exemplary separating mechanism is shown schematically in Figure
24. The arrangement includes a central feed roll 300 which is flanked by two
supplementary belt supporting feed rolls 302. The feed rolls 300 and 302 are

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43
rotated by a drive schematically indicated 304. The drive is selectively
operated responsive to signals from a controller.
A contact stripper roll 306 and a pair of non-contact stripper rolls 308
are positioned in generally opposed abutting arrangement with feed rolls 300
and 302. Rolls 306 and 308 are connected on a common shaft to a one-way
clutch 310. The one-way clutch is operative to resist rotation of rolls 306
and
308 in a direction which would facilitate the movement of sheets from the
stack towards the validator. However the clutch 310 readily enables the rolls
306 and 308 to rotate in a direction generally moving sheets away from the
validator towards the stack. When the drive 304 moves rolls 300 and 302 to
move a sheet at the bottom of the stack 296 towards the validator, both rolls
306 and 308 resist motion of the sheet. This generally prevents all but the
first
sheet at the bottom of the stack from moving past the sensors 298 to the drive
portion 288 adjacent the validator 290. If however multiple sheets are sensed
1 ~ by the sensors 298 as being passed out of the stack, the controller
operates to
reverse the direction of drive 304. In this situation rolls 306, 308, 300 and
302
cooperate to readily help move the sheets back into the stack.
As shown in Figure 23 in the described form of the invention the stack
296 may be inserted in an unstack area 312 within the housing of the machine.
Access to the unstack area may be controlled by a door schematically
indicated 314. In the described form of the mechanism shown in Figure 23,
the machine operator is enabled to place a stack of notes in the unstack area
312 and then close and secure the door 314. The machine may thereafter
operate to separate the notes in the stack to validate them as proper and to
store the notes in the storage reel of a connected note storage module. If in
the
course of sensing the sheets invalid sheets are found, the invalid sheets may
be
diverted through operation of the gate 284 into the transport 278 which can
deposit the sheets in the area adjacent to the note outlet opening 282.
Alternative forms of the invention may provide other storage areas for holding
invalid sheets. Further alternative forms of the invention may provide for
interrupting the note validating and stacking operation of the machine for a

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44
user who wishes to operate the machine for dispensing purposes. Of course
other alternative arrangements and configurations utilizing the principles of
the invention may be devised by those skilled in the art.
Alternative forms of user interfaces may be provided for use in
S connection with embodiments of the invention. Such an alternative
embodiment is shown in Figures 25-30. The alternative embodiment includes
a display 316 which in various embodiments may be an LCD, CRT or other
type of visual or nonvisual output device. The interface further includes an
input device in the form of a dip card reader for reading magnetic stripe
cards
I 0 generally indicated 318. The interface further includes a cancel button
indicated 320. In this simplified user interface the controller operates to
display messages which can be observed by the user on the display 316.
These various displays which include preprogrammed text and/or graphics are
referred to as screens herein. When the machine is waiting for a customer to
1 S begin operating the machine an initial screen indicated 320 and shown in
Figure 25 is output on the display. The initial screen 320 instructs a user to
insert their card into the dip reader and to withdraw the card therefrom when
the amount that they desire is displayed on the screen.
Figure 26 shows a card schematically indicated 322 of the magnetic
20 stripe variety being inserted into the reader 318. In response to the card
being
inserted and held therein a first amount screen indicated 324 is displayed.
The
first amount screen which is generated responsive to the controller advises
the
customer of an amount and to withdraw their card from the dip reader when
the amount shown on the screen corresponds to a desired amount that they
25 wish to receive. In the described embodiment within approximately five
seconds after the first screen is displayed a second account screen indicated
326 and shown in Figure 27 is displayed. The second amount screen shows a
different amount and again instructs the user to remove the card from the dip
reader when the amount that they desire is shown. Assuming that the user
30 does not withdraw the card from the reader when the second amount screen
326 is shown. A short time later (about five seconds in this exerw~lary

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4~
embodiment) a third amount screen is displayed. Because the described
embodiment dispenses twenty dollar bills each sequential display screen
increases the amount by twenty dollars. This sequence is continued until a
maximum amount screen is reached or until the customer presses the cancel
button 320.
Assuming that the customer removes their card from the reader 318
when a sixty dollar amount is displayed, a withdrawal screen generally
indicated 328 and shown in Figure 28 will be displayed. The withdrawal
screen 328 advises the customer of the amount that will be charged to their
account. Again assuming that the customer does not promptly hit the cancel
button 320 the controller operates to communicate through its associated
communication device with an appropriate host computer or other system to
determine whether the customer is authorized to charge the amount requested.
During this time period a wait screen 330 shown in Figure 29 is displayed.
When the machine receives authorization indicating that the customer is
authorized to receive the amount requested, the controller operates the
components of the machine to cause the requested amount to be delivered to
the customer through the outlet opening in the housing. The controller also
operates to have a transaction receipt printed. After this is done a
completion
screen generally indicated 332 and shown in Figure 30 is displayed. The
completion screen advises the customer to take their cash and their receipt.
Of
course if for some reason the transaction is not authorized, an alternative
screen advising the customer of this is displayed to the customer. Thereafter
the controller is operative to return to the initial screen 320.
An advantage of this exemplary user interface is that it can be used
with machines that dispense cash in response to credit card inputs and
requires
no further input devices other than a cancel button and a dip reader. Such
components are very common on many types of transaction machines whose
primary function is not the dispensing of cash. This interface facilitates
incorporating the note dispensing mechanism of the present invention into
other types of transaction machines. In addition other embodiments may

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46
eliminate the cancel button by enabling the customer to cancel the transaction
by removing the card at a time when a particular screen is displayed. Many
alternative embodiments employing these principles may be devised.
A further novel aspect of the described embodiment of the invention is
the ability of the machine to display selected promotional messages to the
customer on a timely basis. Such a promotional message is shown in screen
330 and indicates a sale on a beverage item. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention this promotional message is generated in response to the data
stored on the plug in memory 38 which is connected to the connector 36 on
the housing. The data stored in the plug in memory which in the described
form of the invention is a smart card, includes a promotional message as well
as time parameters associated with the promotional message. Thus for
example if the special offer represented in screen 330 is to extend only until
a
certain date, the controller and its associated clock device are operative to
1 ~ sense the passage of this date and to no longer display the particular
promotional message once this date has passed. For example if the operator of
the machine fails to remove the plug in memory and the controller determines
that the message is no longer timely, screen 330 may include only a blank
space or a blank area below the "please wait" notice on the screen while the
machine is operating to obtain verification and to dispense the user's cash.
Likewise other data may be stored in the plug in memory module so
that particular promotional messages are displayed at particular times of day
or
within particular time periods. The plug in memory module may also include
several promotional messages which are designed to be displayed at various
times or sequentially to users of the machine. Alternatively the data stored
in
the plug in memory module may include public service messages such as
promoting various charitable organizations and events. The data stored in the
plug in memory may also be operative to generate graphical presentations as
well as other types of video and audio presentations that may be of interest
to
a user. Other data stored in the memory module may include for example

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logos or other advertising for the establishment where the automated
transaction machine is operated.
Because the exemplary form of the invention enables the presentation
of promotional messages selectively by simply plugging a smart card into an
associated connector, the promotional messages may be changed readily from
outside the machine and very cheaply. For example the merchandising
establishment or entities sponsoring promotional events may provide
promotional messages on smart cards to operators of the machine. The
operators of the machines may plug the cards into the machine and during the
selected time windows for presentations of the messages, the messages will be
displayed. At times when the memory indicates that such messages are not to
be displayed, screens including the messages are not provided to users of the
_
machine. Thus the providers of promotional messages are able to avoid their
promotions being presented beyond the expiration date or at other times when
1 S it is not appropriate.
Of course the automated transaction machine may be operative to
output such promotional messages at other times during its operation. This
may include for example periodically displaying promotional messages in
place of the initial screen. This may include for example alternating a
promotional message with the initial screen 316 during relatively brief time
periods such as a period of five seconds. In this way a user walking up to the
machine will be advised in a very brief period of time how to operate the
machine. However such a user will also receive at least one and perhaps
several promotional messages before they proceed to insert their card into the
reader 318. In this way the described form of the invention enables operators
of the machines to conduct additional marketing relatively simply and reliably
and at a minimum cost.
It should be understood that while in the exemplary embodiment the
plug in memory element includes a smart card, other embodiments may
include other types of plug in memory devices. These may include for
example floppy disks, PROMS, CD-ROMs or other devices. It should further

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48
be understood that access to such replaceable memory items may be limited by
a cover, such as for example the cover for the note inlet opening previously
discussed. In this way access to the connector or reader for the plug in
memory is limited to persons who are authorized to change the plug in
memory. However, such persons do not need to have access to the note
storage area inside the machine to change the plug in memory.
Thus the preferred embodiment of the automated transaction
machine of the present invention achieves the above stated objectives,
eliminates difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems,
solves problems and attains the desirable results described herein.
In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,
clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to be
implied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and
are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions and
illustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is not limited
to
the exact details shown and described.
In the following claims any feature described as a means for
performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means known
to those skilled in the art to be capable of performing the recited function,
and
shall not be limited to the structures shown herein or mere equivalents
thereof.
Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the
invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and the
advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,
devices,
elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations,
methods and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.

Representative Drawing