CA2393059C - Lockable removable cassette - Google Patents
Lockable removable cassette Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2393059C CA2393059C CA2393059A CA2393059A CA2393059C CA 2393059 C CA2393059 C CA 2393059C CA 2393059 A CA2393059 A CA 2393059A CA 2393059 A CA2393059 A CA 2393059A CA 2393059 C CA2393059 C CA 2393059C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cassette
- chassis
- stacker
- lockable
- removable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
- G07D11/10—Mechanical details
- G07D11/12—Containers for valuable papers
- G07D11/13—Containers for valuable papers with internal means for handling valuable papers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
- G07D11/10—Mechanical details
- G07D11/12—Containers for valuable papers
- G07D11/125—Secure containers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
- G07D11/20—Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
- G07D11/22—Means for sensing or detection
- G07D11/235—Means for sensing or detection for monitoring or indicating operating conditions; for detecting malfunctions
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
- G07D11/40—Device architecture, e.g. modular construction
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H35/00—Gearings or mechanisms with other special functional features
- F16H2035/003—Gearings comprising pulleys or toothed members of non-circular shape, e.g. elliptical gears
Abstract
A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.
Description
LOCKABLE REMOVABLE CASSETTE
Background of the Invention The invention pertains to an improved method of construction for lockable removable cassettes or cash boxes used for the protection of banknotes in automated handling equipment such as gaming machines, vending machines, automated teller machines and the like.
Current cash box products suffer from several deficiencies, including not being sufficiently rugged for general handling, and being of high cost.
Further, it is not possible to distinguish a full cash box from an empty one without opening a currency access door with a key, conventional cash boxes require operation of a latch before removal is possible, and such cash boxes do not give a positive or easily recognizable indication that the cash box has not been properly seated in the host machine.
Summary of the Invention The present invention pertains to a lockable, removable cassette which includes improvements described herein that address all of the above defects.
An improved mechanism for stacking bills is also described. The improvements include a means to achieve a large stroke in a compact geometry and a means to adjust the available force on the pusher plate mechanism as a function of the pusher extension. Optimum compactness and efficiency can thereby be achieved.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus comprising a lockable, removable cassette for a banknote processor, the cassette having a single wall construction comprising a plastic shell, and a currency access door connected to the shell.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus comprising a lockable, removable cassette comprising: a guide means to guide the cassette during installation in a chassis; and a latch means for engagement during installation in the chassis; wherein the latch means includes a respective protrusion on each of first and second opposite outer surfaces of the cassette, the protrusion on the first outer surface protruding outwardly from the cassette in an opposite direction from the protrusion on the second outer surface, and wherein if the cassette is not securely latched during installation, then a biasing means moves the cassette in a direction away from the chassis, and wherein the cassette is automatically releasable from being securely latched to the chassis by pulling the cassette in a direction away from the chassis with a force sufficient to overcome a retention force.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a lockable removable cassette comprising: at least one guide; at least one lug; and at least one ramp; wherein when the cassette is loaded into a chassis the guide mates with a chassis guide, the lug mates with a bias means and the ramp mates with a latch means such that if the cassette is improperly loaded then the bias means moves the cassette away from the chassis.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a document processing system comprising: a chassis; a lockable, removable cassette; a stacker mechanism; a latching means to secure the cassette; a single sensor that detects the installation of the lockable, removable cassette and a home position of the stacker mechanism, wherein the sensor includes a light source, a light path means and a receiver; and a biasing means; wherein if the cassette is not securely latched to the chassis then the biasing means moves the cassette.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
la Attorney Docket No. 07703-356W0 I
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an isometric view of a bank note processor with an installed cassette according to the invention.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the lockable cassette removed from the acceptor showing the cash access door in the open position.
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the cassette assembly showing how an enclosure according to the invention is formed of two hall' shells and a secure lockable door.
Figure 4 is a detailed cross section of a welded joint before welding occurs.
Figure 5 is a detailed cross section of the welded joint of Fig. 4 ,just prior to bonding.
Figure 6 is a detailed cross section of welded joint after bonding.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the banknote acceptor showing the general arrangement of the bill path.
Figure 8 is a detailed view of cassette showily, an installation guide groove and latching ramp.
Figure 9 is a detailed view of chassis showing the cassette installation guide rails and springs.
Figure 10 is a simplified view showing springs For the cassette in the latched position.
Figure 11 is a simplified view of the cassette and retention springs in the unlatched position.
Figure 12 is a side elevation review of the banknote acceptor showing the cassette in its latched and unlatched locations.
Figure 13 is a cross section of the banknote path in the stacker mechanism.
Figure 14 is a kinematic diagram of the stacker mechanism in the retracted position.
Attorney Docket No, 07703-356W01 Figure 15 is a kinematic diagram of the same stacker mechanism of Figure 14 in the extended position.
Figures I6A and 1613 are an isometric view and a detail view. respectively. of the stacker mechanism in the hilly retracted position.
Figure 17 is an alternative view of the stacker illustrating how the non-circular gears are connected to the scissor mechanism via a crank pin, Figures 18A and 18B are isometric and detail views of the stacker mechanism in the fully extended position.
Figure 19 is a partial cross section of the stacking unit in isometric view.
wherein transport rollers and associated drive gears are visible.
Figure 20 is a form of a drive wheel that combines gear teeth with an integral molded tire.
Figure 21 illustrates the form of the constituent components of the drive wheel assembly of Figure 20, wherein the tire is formed over the gear hub and is not assembled to it.
Figure 22 is a detail view of a hinge design for the cassette.
Figure 23 shows a cut-away section of the cassette hinge illustrating how the door interlocks with the cassette shell.
Figure 24 illustrates an alternative method of securing the hinge using orbital riveting.
Figure 25 illustrates an implementation of a combined cassette and stacker home sensor configuration.
Like reference numbers in the various drawings indicate like elements throughout the different views.
Detailed Description Figure 1 shows a banknote processor (I) that includes a chassis (2 removable secure banknote cassette (3) and a removable banknote validator (6).
Attorney Docket No, 07703-356W01 chassis (2) is typically securely affixed to a host machine by mounting screws and therefore is usually not removed during normal operation or typical repair.
The cassette (3) and validator (6) may be removed from the chassis (2) independently of each other.
During normal operation the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is removed when it is desired by the operator to extract the stored payment media such as banknotes. It should be noted that the terms banknote. bill, paper currency.
security document, coupons and the like denote items which may be inserted into the validator, transported and then stored in the cassette.
Figure 1 shows the front of the removable secure banknote cassette (3) approximately as it is presented to an operator or service personnel. As shown, a flexible cassette handle (4) is presented in a convenient ergonomic location that allows the operators wrist to remain in a vertical plane while removing the cassette.
The main part of this handle (4) may be molded from an elastomeric material.
This has two important benefits. It provides operator comfort. which is important in an environment where cassettes are handled frequently. It also provides an ability for the handle to deflect, or lie flat against the cassette to avoid collision with cashbox door and any lock assemblies that may be part of the host machine. Previous cash box products have used folding mechanisms to achieve a compact cassette handle.
but such mechanisms have been fairly complex and difficult to manufacture resulting in higher costs and reduced ergonomic benefit. Notwithstanding the above accommodations, there may still exist host automatic transaction machines which cannot even accept a cassette with a flexible handle. For such automatic transaction machines having no clearance or little clearance the cassette handle (4) may be removed, The cassette can still be gripped using an integral molded cassette grip (5) fabricated on either side of the body of the cassette. The integral cassette grip (5) includes depressions that are conveniently implemented in the injection-molded parts at no cost, and can be conveniently gripped by an operator's fingers and hand.
Further, the integral grip is extremely durable and remains operational even if the primary cassette handle (4) is damaged or removed.
Attorney Docket No. 07703-356WO
Removal of the secure banknote cassette (3) is achieved by exerting a pull Force on the cassette handle (4) or the cassette grip (5) sufficient to overcome a retention force. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the retention force is provided by a cassette latching spring (23) on a latching ramp (19) (see the latch ramp detail in Figure 8, and the location of cassette ejector springs shown in Figure 9).
Referring to Figures 8, 10 and 12, once sufficient force to overcome the retention force has been applied by an operator, the action of an ejector spring (20) on an ejection lug (21) causes the removable secure banknote cassette (3) to move approximately two inches, in this implementation, toward the operator. Thus, Figure 12 shows the positions of an installed cassette (27) and an ejected cassette (28). Once ejected, the removable secure banknote cassette (3) can then be slid out of the chassis without further resistance. Figure 10 is a partial cutaway view of an installed cassette with the cassette springs in their latched position, while Figure 11 illustrates the cassette springs in their unlatched position.
During typical operations, an empty cassette replaces a removed one. Inserting another cassette is also achieved in a simple manner. Referring to Figures 9, 10 and 11, the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is first approximately aligned with chassis guide rails (26) and then pushed home with sufficient Force and stroke to overcome the resistance of the ejector spring (20) and the spring member (16) on the latching ramp (19).
In the present implementation, if the insertion effort is unsuccessful the ejector (20) will push the removable secure banknote cassette (3) back towards the operator by approximately two inches as shown by the ejected cassette (28) in Figure 12. This gives a clear visual indication and tactile feedback to the operator that the operation did or did not succeed. Furthermore, in many applications involving various automatic transaction machines it will not be physically possible to close the outside panel access doors of the automatic transaction machine with the removable secure banknote cassette (3) in the ejected position. Figure 12 illustrates the difference in positions between a latched or installed cassette (27) and an unlatched or ejected cassette (28) in relation to the chassis (2) and bill validator (6).
Attorney Docket No. 07703-356W01 '[he construction of the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is now described in more detail. The cassette (3) may be made Rom molded plastic and have a single wall construction. Figure 3 is an exploded view of an implementation of a cassette shell assembly. Referring to Figure 3. the outer shell includes a cassette left half (10). a cassette right half (11) and a currency access door (7). The two halves of the cassette may be provided with a tongue and groove feature to facilitate assembly alignment and welding. A suitable joining process may utilize a plastic welding process commercially available from EmaBond, a division of the Ashland Chemical Company. A novel aspect lies in the application of this known process to the field Of payment systems. A brief summary of the welding process is shown in Figures 4 to 6 and is provided here for informational purposes.
In an implementation, the plastic shell halves of the lockable removable cassette (3) may be molded with inserts of reinforcing material. It is also contemplated that the outer shell may be overmolded with a resilient material or a soft material, For example, cassette left half (10) and cassette right half ( II) may be fabricated by first inserting steel parts (for strength) into an injection mold tool and then molding plastic against the parts to form the cassette outer shell pieces. In addition. or alternately, a soft resilient material, such as a pliable rubber or the like.
could be overmolded around a portion or all of the outer shell to enable the cassette (3) to better absorb impacts. One skilled in the art would recognize that various materials could be used to either impart strength or improve shock absorption.
and that such materials may be applied to a portion or to the entire structure of the cassette.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the two halves of the cassette to be joined shown positioned prior to assembly. Prior to welding, a weld bead or weld material (12) is inserted and is sandwiched in the joint as shown in Figure 5.
The weld material (12) contains a fusible carrier typically made of the same thermoplastic material as the left half of cassette (10) and the right half of (11). In addition it contains a terrific heating material in a distributed form. The pre-assembled joint as shown in Figure 5 is next subjected to an intense radio frequency field. The absorption of this field by the heating agent causes the weld material to Rise and form Attorney Docket No. 07703-356W01 a thermal weld between the halves. Slight pressure is then applied to fully close the joint until it has cooled into a rigid state as shown in Figure 6. In this manner a durable single-wall construction of the cassette (3) as shown in Figure 3 is achieved, Figure 2 illustrates the various components of an assembled cassette (3) with access door (7) in an open position. In particular. a portion of a stacking mechanism(29) can be seen seated in the cassette adjacent to the banknote compartment (9), The access door (7) includes locking means (8) which conventionally require the use of keys (not shown) to unlock. A pair of:viewing windows (38) has been provided in the outer shell of the removable secure banknote cassette (3) in the bottom portion that face an operator when installed, These apertures (38) together with the use of transparent materials for the aperture plate (31) and the banknote channel housim.2, (49) of the stacker mechanism (29)(See Figure 13, which is a cross-section illustration of the stacker) make it possible to see a portion of the last bill or banknote (46) inserted when the cassette is installed. This provides the operator with two useful advantages: Firstly, the operator can easily determine whether the removable secure banknote cassette (3) contains any documents or if it is empty. Secondly, it is possible to resolve disputes with a customer over the denomination of the last bill (46) inserted without having to remove the cassette (3) from the chassis (2). Both the above functions are useful in situations where access to the keys for opening the locks (8) of the currency access door (7) of the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is tightly controlled.
In general, stacking mechanisms that include a banknote pusher plate and scissors arrangement for storing bills in a cash box are well known, However, as shown in Figures 16. 17 and 18, the present stacking mechanism (29) activates scissor arms (35) by means of a central link arm (36) attached to a crank pin (45).
The essential kinematic elements of this linkage are shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15.
Regarding Figures 14 and 15, the crankshaft rotates about a fixed center (A).
One end of the scissor mechanism is pivotally mounted about the fixed point (13). 'Ile other end of the scissors mechanism is connected to the frame at (F) by a pivot point that has freedom to slide in one direction only. A link arm (C) connects the crankshaft to the scissors at a pivot point (CO. In prior art systems it is conventional to Attorney Docket No, 07703-356W0 make points (0) and (F) coincident. The present implementation, however.
obtains a maximum scissor stroke within a small height, wherein the height is primarily constrained by the radius of the crank mechanism. In particular. use of an offset between points (G) and (I') permits some amplification of the scissor stroke.
such that a reduced thickness or compact stacking mechanism (29) is obtained. Referring to Figure 15, when the crankshaft rotates to pull link arm (C) to the left in the drawing.
the scissor arms are extended such that the angle (D) between scissors is reduced and the crossover point (E) moves toward a banknote compartment to move a pusher plate to store a banknote. The technique of stacking bills using a pusher plate and an aperture plate is well known and will not be discussed in detail herein.
The simplicity of the compact stacker (29) arrangement (see Figure 16A) results in a compromise in the mechanical effectiveness of the system. When the mechanism is close to the retracted position as shown in Figures I 6A and 1613, a very large force must be applied to the central link arm (36) to initiate movement.
This Force is required, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 13, to exert pressure via the scissor arms (35) on the banknote pusher plate (32) to strip a banknote (46) From the banknote channel (30) and past the aperture plate (31) into the banknote compartment (9) as shown in Figure 7. Conversely, it may be seen that a much more advantageous force ratio exists when the stacking mechanism (29) is close to the Fully extended position shown in Figures 18A and 18B.
If a prime mover is specified of sufficient torque to be adequate at the beginning of the stroke, excessively large forces may be generated at the Fully extended position, especially when the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is filled with currency. In order to improve this situation the Final gear pair (shown in detail EI of Figure 18) is made from custom parts and includes non-circa far drive gear (33) and non-circular driven gear (34). These gears have a profile such that the operating radius varies with angle as the gears rotate. The gears are designed as a complementary pair so the combined operating radii add up to a constant value For any given input angle. The gear profiles are chosen so that the maximum reduction ratio is achieved at the point of highest torque demand. Correspondingly, the maximum increase of ratio occurs close to the fully extended position us shown in Attorney Docket No, 017703-356M)]
Figures 18A and I 8B where excessive thrust could be a problem. In this instance the profiles are chosen so the gears are capable of continuous rotation. Other gear profiles may be employed it-the input drive to the mechanism is reversed as part of the complete cycle.
Current banknote acceptors use belts to transport the banknotes within a stacking mechanism. An alternative arrangement uses a system of drive wheels that may be conveniently connected by simple spur gears.
Figure 19 illustrates a partial section of a stacker mechanism, Drive wheel assemblies (39) alternate with intermediate drive gears (40) to form a beltless drive system. Referring to Figures 7 and 19, banknotes are transported from the banknote validator (6) in a generally downwards direction to the stacker (29) wherein the banknote is gripped by the drive wheel assemblies (39). Because less material deflection is required in this beltless drive system compared with a belt transport. the mechanical efficiency and durability are also improved. The problem of belt tracking where small shaft miss-alignments cause a belt to wander off its guide pulleys is eliminated as well.
Figures 20 and 21 illustrate a gear and tire assembly and an exploded view of the gear and tire assembly, respectively. In order to minimize manufacturing cost. the flexible tire material is molded around the gear and hub which is in turn an injection molding using a relatively rigid plastic resin such as Acetal or Nylon. The advantages of this arrangement are that the assembly of the tire to the wheel is eliminated and the geometry of the components may easily include features to prevent slipping or detachment of the tire.
Figure 19 is a partial section of the stacker and is a cut-away view showing how a spur L.T.ar train links a series of drive rollers. Figure 20 shows the Finished form of the driving wheels. Figure 21 shows the form of the base injection molded gear and hub and the shape of the 'second shot' tire component formed around it.
The transport tire and gear are therefore combined in a "two-shot- molding process. The "Iwo-shot - molding process is known, and is described. for example. in Volume 63.
Number 10A of -Modern Plastics Encyclopedia-. pages 252-265 and 340-346 (October 1986).
Attorney Docket No. 07703-356W01 The currency access door (7) shown in Figure 3 is assembled to the cassette by aligning it with the welded assembly and inserting a press lit hinge pin (not shown). A
level of security is provided by ensuring that the press fit hinge pin is pressed into a closed ended pocket and the outer surface is sub-Hush making covert tampering difficult.
Referring to Figure 22, the design of the currency access door (7) also incorporates a novel feature that prevents opening of the door even when the hinge pin is completely removed. It can be seen in Figure 22 that the form of the door contains a locking rib (43). This feature is duplicated on the opposite (hidden in Figure 22) side of the door as well. The shape of this locking rib (43) engages with a hinge boss (44) in such a manner that the door cannot be removed from the body of the cassette unless it is first rotated through approximately 90 degrees.
Figure 23 is a cut-away section showing how items (43) and (44) interlock. In normal operation of the cassette the access locks (8) shown in Figure 2 prevent door rotation when they are in the locked position.
In an alternative embodiment a pair of hinge pins are used. One pin is inserted from each side of the cassette. In another alternative implementation shown in Figure 24, the hinge pin may have one or both ends formed by orbital riveting. For example.
a pin (48) with one end preformed is inserted into the hinge assembly and then a head is formed by permanent deformation of the material by. For example. orbital riveting.
The result in each case is that the door remains secure even when the hinge pin(s) is (are) removed.
Fig. 25 illustrates an implementation of a combined cassette and stacker home sensor configuration (60). This implementation combines the Functions of a stacker home sensor and a cassette present sensor in one system. and such a configuration saves costs, An optical sensing arrangement is shown which improves reliability by eliminating electrical connections.
Referring to Fig. 25_ a light source (48) is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) (52) which is part of a removable banknote validator (6) (see Figure 7).
The light beam is directed along a series of light pipe moldings (40a and 40b).
The upper pair (49a) of these moldings are mounted in the removable banknote validator (6) The lower pair (49b) are mounted in the removable secure banknote cassette (3) (see Figure 7). The light path from light source (48) to light receiver (51) is completed by a prism (50) which may be mounted on the movable banknote pusher plate (32).
In such a configuration, the light receiver (51) only receives a signal when the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is present and the banknote pusher plate (32) is at the rest or "home" position which is shown in Figure 25 and in Figures 16a and 16b.
During normal operation a control system sends a signal to drive the stacking mechanism as discussed above with regard to Figures 16, 17 and 18. As the scissor arms (35) of the stacking mechanism extend from the home position, the signal output from the light receiver (51) rapidly falls to zero. When the stacker mechanism has completed one full cycle the movable banknote pusher plate (32) returns to its original or home position (shown in Figures 16a and 16b) and a positive signal is again seen at the light receiver (51). Upon sensing this signal the control system stops the stacker motor and the unit awaits the next document. Should the light receiver (51) not see a signal within a specified time window after starting the stacking operation, the control system will stop the stacker motor and send a "Cassette Full" message to the host machine.
If the signal level from light receiver (51) falls to a low level without a command to drive the stacking mechanism the control system will assume that the removable secure banknote cassette (3) has been removed and a message to this effect is sent to the host machine. When the same (or another) removable secure banknote cassette (3) is re-installed in the chassis (2) the signal is restored to the light receiver (51) and the banknote processor (1) returns to normal service.
The control system may perform an additional check to verify that a legitimate removable secure banknote cassette (3) has been installed by performing a test run of the stacker mechanism. If the signal from the light receiver (51) shows the characteristic sequential signal transitions representative of a full stacking sequence or cycle, then a genuine removable secure banknote cassette (3) is deemed to be present.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described.
Nevertheless, it should be understood that various modifications may be made.
Background of the Invention The invention pertains to an improved method of construction for lockable removable cassettes or cash boxes used for the protection of banknotes in automated handling equipment such as gaming machines, vending machines, automated teller machines and the like.
Current cash box products suffer from several deficiencies, including not being sufficiently rugged for general handling, and being of high cost.
Further, it is not possible to distinguish a full cash box from an empty one without opening a currency access door with a key, conventional cash boxes require operation of a latch before removal is possible, and such cash boxes do not give a positive or easily recognizable indication that the cash box has not been properly seated in the host machine.
Summary of the Invention The present invention pertains to a lockable, removable cassette which includes improvements described herein that address all of the above defects.
An improved mechanism for stacking bills is also described. The improvements include a means to achieve a large stroke in a compact geometry and a means to adjust the available force on the pusher plate mechanism as a function of the pusher extension. Optimum compactness and efficiency can thereby be achieved.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus comprising a lockable, removable cassette for a banknote processor, the cassette having a single wall construction comprising a plastic shell, and a currency access door connected to the shell.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus comprising a lockable, removable cassette comprising: a guide means to guide the cassette during installation in a chassis; and a latch means for engagement during installation in the chassis; wherein the latch means includes a respective protrusion on each of first and second opposite outer surfaces of the cassette, the protrusion on the first outer surface protruding outwardly from the cassette in an opposite direction from the protrusion on the second outer surface, and wherein if the cassette is not securely latched during installation, then a biasing means moves the cassette in a direction away from the chassis, and wherein the cassette is automatically releasable from being securely latched to the chassis by pulling the cassette in a direction away from the chassis with a force sufficient to overcome a retention force.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a lockable removable cassette comprising: at least one guide; at least one lug; and at least one ramp; wherein when the cassette is loaded into a chassis the guide mates with a chassis guide, the lug mates with a bias means and the ramp mates with a latch means such that if the cassette is improperly loaded then the bias means moves the cassette away from the chassis.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a document processing system comprising: a chassis; a lockable, removable cassette; a stacker mechanism; a latching means to secure the cassette; a single sensor that detects the installation of the lockable, removable cassette and a home position of the stacker mechanism, wherein the sensor includes a light source, a light path means and a receiver; and a biasing means; wherein if the cassette is not securely latched to the chassis then the biasing means moves the cassette.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
la Attorney Docket No. 07703-356W0 I
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an isometric view of a bank note processor with an installed cassette according to the invention.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the lockable cassette removed from the acceptor showing the cash access door in the open position.
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the cassette assembly showing how an enclosure according to the invention is formed of two hall' shells and a secure lockable door.
Figure 4 is a detailed cross section of a welded joint before welding occurs.
Figure 5 is a detailed cross section of the welded joint of Fig. 4 ,just prior to bonding.
Figure 6 is a detailed cross section of welded joint after bonding.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the banknote acceptor showing the general arrangement of the bill path.
Figure 8 is a detailed view of cassette showily, an installation guide groove and latching ramp.
Figure 9 is a detailed view of chassis showing the cassette installation guide rails and springs.
Figure 10 is a simplified view showing springs For the cassette in the latched position.
Figure 11 is a simplified view of the cassette and retention springs in the unlatched position.
Figure 12 is a side elevation review of the banknote acceptor showing the cassette in its latched and unlatched locations.
Figure 13 is a cross section of the banknote path in the stacker mechanism.
Figure 14 is a kinematic diagram of the stacker mechanism in the retracted position.
Attorney Docket No, 07703-356W01 Figure 15 is a kinematic diagram of the same stacker mechanism of Figure 14 in the extended position.
Figures I6A and 1613 are an isometric view and a detail view. respectively. of the stacker mechanism in the hilly retracted position.
Figure 17 is an alternative view of the stacker illustrating how the non-circular gears are connected to the scissor mechanism via a crank pin, Figures 18A and 18B are isometric and detail views of the stacker mechanism in the fully extended position.
Figure 19 is a partial cross section of the stacking unit in isometric view.
wherein transport rollers and associated drive gears are visible.
Figure 20 is a form of a drive wheel that combines gear teeth with an integral molded tire.
Figure 21 illustrates the form of the constituent components of the drive wheel assembly of Figure 20, wherein the tire is formed over the gear hub and is not assembled to it.
Figure 22 is a detail view of a hinge design for the cassette.
Figure 23 shows a cut-away section of the cassette hinge illustrating how the door interlocks with the cassette shell.
Figure 24 illustrates an alternative method of securing the hinge using orbital riveting.
Figure 25 illustrates an implementation of a combined cassette and stacker home sensor configuration.
Like reference numbers in the various drawings indicate like elements throughout the different views.
Detailed Description Figure 1 shows a banknote processor (I) that includes a chassis (2 removable secure banknote cassette (3) and a removable banknote validator (6).
Attorney Docket No, 07703-356W01 chassis (2) is typically securely affixed to a host machine by mounting screws and therefore is usually not removed during normal operation or typical repair.
The cassette (3) and validator (6) may be removed from the chassis (2) independently of each other.
During normal operation the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is removed when it is desired by the operator to extract the stored payment media such as banknotes. It should be noted that the terms banknote. bill, paper currency.
security document, coupons and the like denote items which may be inserted into the validator, transported and then stored in the cassette.
Figure 1 shows the front of the removable secure banknote cassette (3) approximately as it is presented to an operator or service personnel. As shown, a flexible cassette handle (4) is presented in a convenient ergonomic location that allows the operators wrist to remain in a vertical plane while removing the cassette.
The main part of this handle (4) may be molded from an elastomeric material.
This has two important benefits. It provides operator comfort. which is important in an environment where cassettes are handled frequently. It also provides an ability for the handle to deflect, or lie flat against the cassette to avoid collision with cashbox door and any lock assemblies that may be part of the host machine. Previous cash box products have used folding mechanisms to achieve a compact cassette handle.
but such mechanisms have been fairly complex and difficult to manufacture resulting in higher costs and reduced ergonomic benefit. Notwithstanding the above accommodations, there may still exist host automatic transaction machines which cannot even accept a cassette with a flexible handle. For such automatic transaction machines having no clearance or little clearance the cassette handle (4) may be removed, The cassette can still be gripped using an integral molded cassette grip (5) fabricated on either side of the body of the cassette. The integral cassette grip (5) includes depressions that are conveniently implemented in the injection-molded parts at no cost, and can be conveniently gripped by an operator's fingers and hand.
Further, the integral grip is extremely durable and remains operational even if the primary cassette handle (4) is damaged or removed.
Attorney Docket No. 07703-356WO
Removal of the secure banknote cassette (3) is achieved by exerting a pull Force on the cassette handle (4) or the cassette grip (5) sufficient to overcome a retention force. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the retention force is provided by a cassette latching spring (23) on a latching ramp (19) (see the latch ramp detail in Figure 8, and the location of cassette ejector springs shown in Figure 9).
Referring to Figures 8, 10 and 12, once sufficient force to overcome the retention force has been applied by an operator, the action of an ejector spring (20) on an ejection lug (21) causes the removable secure banknote cassette (3) to move approximately two inches, in this implementation, toward the operator. Thus, Figure 12 shows the positions of an installed cassette (27) and an ejected cassette (28). Once ejected, the removable secure banknote cassette (3) can then be slid out of the chassis without further resistance. Figure 10 is a partial cutaway view of an installed cassette with the cassette springs in their latched position, while Figure 11 illustrates the cassette springs in their unlatched position.
During typical operations, an empty cassette replaces a removed one. Inserting another cassette is also achieved in a simple manner. Referring to Figures 9, 10 and 11, the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is first approximately aligned with chassis guide rails (26) and then pushed home with sufficient Force and stroke to overcome the resistance of the ejector spring (20) and the spring member (16) on the latching ramp (19).
In the present implementation, if the insertion effort is unsuccessful the ejector (20) will push the removable secure banknote cassette (3) back towards the operator by approximately two inches as shown by the ejected cassette (28) in Figure 12. This gives a clear visual indication and tactile feedback to the operator that the operation did or did not succeed. Furthermore, in many applications involving various automatic transaction machines it will not be physically possible to close the outside panel access doors of the automatic transaction machine with the removable secure banknote cassette (3) in the ejected position. Figure 12 illustrates the difference in positions between a latched or installed cassette (27) and an unlatched or ejected cassette (28) in relation to the chassis (2) and bill validator (6).
Attorney Docket No. 07703-356W01 '[he construction of the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is now described in more detail. The cassette (3) may be made Rom molded plastic and have a single wall construction. Figure 3 is an exploded view of an implementation of a cassette shell assembly. Referring to Figure 3. the outer shell includes a cassette left half (10). a cassette right half (11) and a currency access door (7). The two halves of the cassette may be provided with a tongue and groove feature to facilitate assembly alignment and welding. A suitable joining process may utilize a plastic welding process commercially available from EmaBond, a division of the Ashland Chemical Company. A novel aspect lies in the application of this known process to the field Of payment systems. A brief summary of the welding process is shown in Figures 4 to 6 and is provided here for informational purposes.
In an implementation, the plastic shell halves of the lockable removable cassette (3) may be molded with inserts of reinforcing material. It is also contemplated that the outer shell may be overmolded with a resilient material or a soft material, For example, cassette left half (10) and cassette right half ( II) may be fabricated by first inserting steel parts (for strength) into an injection mold tool and then molding plastic against the parts to form the cassette outer shell pieces. In addition. or alternately, a soft resilient material, such as a pliable rubber or the like.
could be overmolded around a portion or all of the outer shell to enable the cassette (3) to better absorb impacts. One skilled in the art would recognize that various materials could be used to either impart strength or improve shock absorption.
and that such materials may be applied to a portion or to the entire structure of the cassette.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the two halves of the cassette to be joined shown positioned prior to assembly. Prior to welding, a weld bead or weld material (12) is inserted and is sandwiched in the joint as shown in Figure 5.
The weld material (12) contains a fusible carrier typically made of the same thermoplastic material as the left half of cassette (10) and the right half of (11). In addition it contains a terrific heating material in a distributed form. The pre-assembled joint as shown in Figure 5 is next subjected to an intense radio frequency field. The absorption of this field by the heating agent causes the weld material to Rise and form Attorney Docket No. 07703-356W01 a thermal weld between the halves. Slight pressure is then applied to fully close the joint until it has cooled into a rigid state as shown in Figure 6. In this manner a durable single-wall construction of the cassette (3) as shown in Figure 3 is achieved, Figure 2 illustrates the various components of an assembled cassette (3) with access door (7) in an open position. In particular. a portion of a stacking mechanism(29) can be seen seated in the cassette adjacent to the banknote compartment (9), The access door (7) includes locking means (8) which conventionally require the use of keys (not shown) to unlock. A pair of:viewing windows (38) has been provided in the outer shell of the removable secure banknote cassette (3) in the bottom portion that face an operator when installed, These apertures (38) together with the use of transparent materials for the aperture plate (31) and the banknote channel housim.2, (49) of the stacker mechanism (29)(See Figure 13, which is a cross-section illustration of the stacker) make it possible to see a portion of the last bill or banknote (46) inserted when the cassette is installed. This provides the operator with two useful advantages: Firstly, the operator can easily determine whether the removable secure banknote cassette (3) contains any documents or if it is empty. Secondly, it is possible to resolve disputes with a customer over the denomination of the last bill (46) inserted without having to remove the cassette (3) from the chassis (2). Both the above functions are useful in situations where access to the keys for opening the locks (8) of the currency access door (7) of the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is tightly controlled.
In general, stacking mechanisms that include a banknote pusher plate and scissors arrangement for storing bills in a cash box are well known, However, as shown in Figures 16. 17 and 18, the present stacking mechanism (29) activates scissor arms (35) by means of a central link arm (36) attached to a crank pin (45).
The essential kinematic elements of this linkage are shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15.
Regarding Figures 14 and 15, the crankshaft rotates about a fixed center (A).
One end of the scissor mechanism is pivotally mounted about the fixed point (13). 'Ile other end of the scissors mechanism is connected to the frame at (F) by a pivot point that has freedom to slide in one direction only. A link arm (C) connects the crankshaft to the scissors at a pivot point (CO. In prior art systems it is conventional to Attorney Docket No, 07703-356W0 make points (0) and (F) coincident. The present implementation, however.
obtains a maximum scissor stroke within a small height, wherein the height is primarily constrained by the radius of the crank mechanism. In particular. use of an offset between points (G) and (I') permits some amplification of the scissor stroke.
such that a reduced thickness or compact stacking mechanism (29) is obtained. Referring to Figure 15, when the crankshaft rotates to pull link arm (C) to the left in the drawing.
the scissor arms are extended such that the angle (D) between scissors is reduced and the crossover point (E) moves toward a banknote compartment to move a pusher plate to store a banknote. The technique of stacking bills using a pusher plate and an aperture plate is well known and will not be discussed in detail herein.
The simplicity of the compact stacker (29) arrangement (see Figure 16A) results in a compromise in the mechanical effectiveness of the system. When the mechanism is close to the retracted position as shown in Figures I 6A and 1613, a very large force must be applied to the central link arm (36) to initiate movement.
This Force is required, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 13, to exert pressure via the scissor arms (35) on the banknote pusher plate (32) to strip a banknote (46) From the banknote channel (30) and past the aperture plate (31) into the banknote compartment (9) as shown in Figure 7. Conversely, it may be seen that a much more advantageous force ratio exists when the stacking mechanism (29) is close to the Fully extended position shown in Figures 18A and 18B.
If a prime mover is specified of sufficient torque to be adequate at the beginning of the stroke, excessively large forces may be generated at the Fully extended position, especially when the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is filled with currency. In order to improve this situation the Final gear pair (shown in detail EI of Figure 18) is made from custom parts and includes non-circa far drive gear (33) and non-circular driven gear (34). These gears have a profile such that the operating radius varies with angle as the gears rotate. The gears are designed as a complementary pair so the combined operating radii add up to a constant value For any given input angle. The gear profiles are chosen so that the maximum reduction ratio is achieved at the point of highest torque demand. Correspondingly, the maximum increase of ratio occurs close to the fully extended position us shown in Attorney Docket No, 017703-356M)]
Figures 18A and I 8B where excessive thrust could be a problem. In this instance the profiles are chosen so the gears are capable of continuous rotation. Other gear profiles may be employed it-the input drive to the mechanism is reversed as part of the complete cycle.
Current banknote acceptors use belts to transport the banknotes within a stacking mechanism. An alternative arrangement uses a system of drive wheels that may be conveniently connected by simple spur gears.
Figure 19 illustrates a partial section of a stacker mechanism, Drive wheel assemblies (39) alternate with intermediate drive gears (40) to form a beltless drive system. Referring to Figures 7 and 19, banknotes are transported from the banknote validator (6) in a generally downwards direction to the stacker (29) wherein the banknote is gripped by the drive wheel assemblies (39). Because less material deflection is required in this beltless drive system compared with a belt transport. the mechanical efficiency and durability are also improved. The problem of belt tracking where small shaft miss-alignments cause a belt to wander off its guide pulleys is eliminated as well.
Figures 20 and 21 illustrate a gear and tire assembly and an exploded view of the gear and tire assembly, respectively. In order to minimize manufacturing cost. the flexible tire material is molded around the gear and hub which is in turn an injection molding using a relatively rigid plastic resin such as Acetal or Nylon. The advantages of this arrangement are that the assembly of the tire to the wheel is eliminated and the geometry of the components may easily include features to prevent slipping or detachment of the tire.
Figure 19 is a partial section of the stacker and is a cut-away view showing how a spur L.T.ar train links a series of drive rollers. Figure 20 shows the Finished form of the driving wheels. Figure 21 shows the form of the base injection molded gear and hub and the shape of the 'second shot' tire component formed around it.
The transport tire and gear are therefore combined in a "two-shot- molding process. The "Iwo-shot - molding process is known, and is described. for example. in Volume 63.
Number 10A of -Modern Plastics Encyclopedia-. pages 252-265 and 340-346 (October 1986).
Attorney Docket No. 07703-356W01 The currency access door (7) shown in Figure 3 is assembled to the cassette by aligning it with the welded assembly and inserting a press lit hinge pin (not shown). A
level of security is provided by ensuring that the press fit hinge pin is pressed into a closed ended pocket and the outer surface is sub-Hush making covert tampering difficult.
Referring to Figure 22, the design of the currency access door (7) also incorporates a novel feature that prevents opening of the door even when the hinge pin is completely removed. It can be seen in Figure 22 that the form of the door contains a locking rib (43). This feature is duplicated on the opposite (hidden in Figure 22) side of the door as well. The shape of this locking rib (43) engages with a hinge boss (44) in such a manner that the door cannot be removed from the body of the cassette unless it is first rotated through approximately 90 degrees.
Figure 23 is a cut-away section showing how items (43) and (44) interlock. In normal operation of the cassette the access locks (8) shown in Figure 2 prevent door rotation when they are in the locked position.
In an alternative embodiment a pair of hinge pins are used. One pin is inserted from each side of the cassette. In another alternative implementation shown in Figure 24, the hinge pin may have one or both ends formed by orbital riveting. For example.
a pin (48) with one end preformed is inserted into the hinge assembly and then a head is formed by permanent deformation of the material by. For example. orbital riveting.
The result in each case is that the door remains secure even when the hinge pin(s) is (are) removed.
Fig. 25 illustrates an implementation of a combined cassette and stacker home sensor configuration (60). This implementation combines the Functions of a stacker home sensor and a cassette present sensor in one system. and such a configuration saves costs, An optical sensing arrangement is shown which improves reliability by eliminating electrical connections.
Referring to Fig. 25_ a light source (48) is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) (52) which is part of a removable banknote validator (6) (see Figure 7).
The light beam is directed along a series of light pipe moldings (40a and 40b).
The upper pair (49a) of these moldings are mounted in the removable banknote validator (6) The lower pair (49b) are mounted in the removable secure banknote cassette (3) (see Figure 7). The light path from light source (48) to light receiver (51) is completed by a prism (50) which may be mounted on the movable banknote pusher plate (32).
In such a configuration, the light receiver (51) only receives a signal when the removable secure banknote cassette (3) is present and the banknote pusher plate (32) is at the rest or "home" position which is shown in Figure 25 and in Figures 16a and 16b.
During normal operation a control system sends a signal to drive the stacking mechanism as discussed above with regard to Figures 16, 17 and 18. As the scissor arms (35) of the stacking mechanism extend from the home position, the signal output from the light receiver (51) rapidly falls to zero. When the stacker mechanism has completed one full cycle the movable banknote pusher plate (32) returns to its original or home position (shown in Figures 16a and 16b) and a positive signal is again seen at the light receiver (51). Upon sensing this signal the control system stops the stacker motor and the unit awaits the next document. Should the light receiver (51) not see a signal within a specified time window after starting the stacking operation, the control system will stop the stacker motor and send a "Cassette Full" message to the host machine.
If the signal level from light receiver (51) falls to a low level without a command to drive the stacking mechanism the control system will assume that the removable secure banknote cassette (3) has been removed and a message to this effect is sent to the host machine. When the same (or another) removable secure banknote cassette (3) is re-installed in the chassis (2) the signal is restored to the light receiver (51) and the banknote processor (1) returns to normal service.
The control system may perform an additional check to verify that a legitimate removable secure banknote cassette (3) has been installed by performing a test run of the stacker mechanism. If the signal from the light receiver (51) shows the characteristic sequential signal transitions representative of a full stacking sequence or cycle, then a genuine removable secure banknote cassette (3) is deemed to be present.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described.
Nevertheless, it should be understood that various modifications may be made.
Claims (43)
1. An apparatus comprising a lockable, removable cassette for a banknote processor, the cassette having a single wall construction comprising a plastic shell, and a currency access door connected to the shell.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cassette is at least one of a Nylon material, a PPO material, a Polypropylene material, a Polycarbonate material, an ABS
material, and a Polyester material.
material, and a Polyester material.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cassette is made from a Polycarbonate and ABS blended material.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the walls are formed by at least one of Gas Assist Injection Molding, blow molding, rotational molding, Reaction Injection Molding and co-injection of two polymers.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the shell is combined with a reinforcing material.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the reinforcing material is at least one of a rigid material to impart strength and a soft material to improve shock absorption.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the shell is combined with a resilient material.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plastic shell comprises a first cassette portion and a second cassette portion joined together by a welding process.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one of a flexible handle and an integrated grip.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one of an aperture and a transparent window.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising an internal mechanism that is at least partially transparent.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the transport of banknotes is achieved primarily by rotating rollers.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the rotating rollers are formed by a 'two shot injection molding process.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the rotating rollers comprise an inner core made from a rigid plastic and an outer tire made from a flexible material,
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the currency access door remains secure even if a hinge pin is removed.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the currency access door remains secure even if a plurality of hinge pins are removed.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stacker mechanism.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the stacker mechanism comprises:
a stacker plate; and a drive means coupled to the stacker plate, wherein the drive means includes non-circular drive gears.
a stacker plate; and a drive means coupled to the stacker plate, wherein the drive means includes non-circular drive gears.
19. An apparatus comprising a lockable, removable cassette comprising:
a guide means to guide the cassette during installation in a chassis; and a latch means for engagement during installation in the chassis;
wherein the latch means includes a respective protrusion on each of first and second opposite outer surfaces of the cassette, the protrusion on the first outer surface protruding outwardly from the cassette in an opposite direction from the protrusion on the second outer surface, and wherein if the cassette is not securely latched during installation, then a biasing means moves the cassette in a direction away from the chassis, and wherein the cassette is automatically releasable from being securely latched to the chassis by pulling the cassette in a direction away from the chassis with a force sufficient to overcome a retention force.
a guide means to guide the cassette during installation in a chassis; and a latch means for engagement during installation in the chassis;
wherein the latch means includes a respective protrusion on each of first and second opposite outer surfaces of the cassette, the protrusion on the first outer surface protruding outwardly from the cassette in an opposite direction from the protrusion on the second outer surface, and wherein if the cassette is not securely latched during installation, then a biasing means moves the cassette in a direction away from the chassis, and wherein the cassette is automatically releasable from being securely latched to the chassis by pulling the cassette in a direction away from the chassis with a force sufficient to overcome a retention force.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising at least one of a flexible handle and an integrated grip.
21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein an unsecured cassette interferes with an access door of a host machine.
22. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising at least one of an aperture and a transparent window.
23. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a stacker mechanism.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the stacker mechanism comprises:
a stacker plate; and a drive means coupled to the stacker plate, wherein the drive means includes non-circular drive gears.
a stacker plate; and a drive means coupled to the stacker plate, wherein the drive means includes non-circular drive gears.
25. A lockable removable cassette comprising:
at least one guide;
at least one lug; and at least one ramp;
wherein when the cassette is loaded into a chassis the guide mates with a chassis guide, the lug mates with a bias means and the ramp mates with a latch means such that if the cassette is improperly loaded then the bias means moves the cassette away from the chassis.
at least one guide;
at least one lug; and at least one ramp;
wherein when the cassette is loaded into a chassis the guide mates with a chassis guide, the lug mates with a bias means and the ramp mates with a latch means such that if the cassette is improperly loaded then the bias means moves the cassette away from the chassis.
26. The lockable removable cassette of claim 25 further comprising at least one of a flexible handle and an integrated grip.
27. The lockable removable cassette of claim 25 wherein a failure to securely latch the cassette to the chassis generates a mechanical interference with a door of a host machine.
28. The lockable removable cassette of claim 25 further comprising at least one of an aperture and a transparent window.
29. The lockable removable cassette of claim 25 further comprising a stacker mechanism.
30. The lockable removable cassette of claim 29 wherein the stacker mechanism comprises:
a stacker plate; and a drive means coupled to the stacker plate, wherein the drive means includes non-circular drive gears.
a stacker plate; and a drive means coupled to the stacker plate, wherein the drive means includes non-circular drive gears.
31. A document processing system comprising:
a chassis;
a lockable, removable cassette;
a stacker mechanism;
a latching means to secure the cassette;
a single sensor that detects the installation of the lockable, removable cassette and a home position of the stacker mechanism, wherein the sensor includes a light source, a light path means and a receiver; and a biasing means;
wherein if the cassette is not securely latched to the chassis then the biasing means moves the cassette.
a chassis;
a lockable, removable cassette;
a stacker mechanism;
a latching means to secure the cassette;
a single sensor that detects the installation of the lockable, removable cassette and a home position of the stacker mechanism, wherein the sensor includes a light source, a light path means and a receiver; and a biasing means;
wherein if the cassette is not securely latched to the chassis then the biasing means moves the cassette.
32. The document processing system of claim 31 further comprising a banknote validator.
33. The document processing system of claim 31 wherein the stacker mechanism comprises:
a stacker plate; and a drive means coupled to the stacker plate, wherein the drive means includes non-circular drive gears.
a stacker plate; and a drive means coupled to the stacker plate, wherein the drive means includes non-circular drive gears.
34. The document processing system of claim 31 wherein the light path means comprises a light pipe having at least an input port, an interrupt position and an output port.
35. The document processing system of claim 34 wherein at least one interrupt portion is connected to a pusher plate of the stacker.
36. The document processing system of claim 34 further comprising a prism.
37. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cassette is substantially in a shape of a closed rectangular box when the currency access door is in a closed position, and wherein the plastic shell forms at least a majority portion of each of five sides of the cassette and wherein the currency access door forms a sixth side of the cassette, wherein the side of the cassette opposite the currency access door includes an opening for insertion of documents to be stored in the cassette.
38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the cassette includes a stacker to stack documents in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the documents are received through the opening, the cassette further including transparent windows located side-by-side on a common axis substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the documents are stacked.
39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein the position of the transparent windows allows visual inspection of a most recent document stored in the cassette so as to determine its denomination.
40. The apparatus of claim 38 comprising a chassis to hold the cassette, wherein the transparent windows are located in a front side of the cassette to allow visual inspection of the document stored in the cassette without removing the cassette from the chassis.
41. The apparatus of claim 38 including integral grips each of which comprises a depression in the outside of the cassette.
42. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a chassis to receive the cassette, the cassette including a respective protrusion on each of first and second opposite outer surfaces to secure the cassette in the chassis, wherein the protrusion on the first surface protrudes outwardly from the cassette in an opposite direction from the protrusion on the second outer surface, and wherein if the cassette is not secured in the chassis, the cassette moves in a direction away from the chassis, and wherein the cassette is automatically releasable from being securely latched to the chassis by pulling the cassette in a direction away from the chassis with a force sufficient to overcome a retention force.
43. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a chassis having separate sections to receive the cassette and a banknote validator, wherein, when the currency access door is in a locked state, the cassette is secure from access to documents stored therein even if the cassette is removed from the chassis.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US24119700P | 2000-10-17 | 2000-10-17 | |
| US60/241,197 | 2000-10-17 | ||
| PCT/US2001/032358 WO2002033667A2 (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2001-10-17 | Lockable removable cassette |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2393059A1 CA2393059A1 (en) | 2002-04-25 |
| CA2393059C true CA2393059C (en) | 2014-01-21 |
Family
ID=22909662
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2393059A Expired - Fee Related CA2393059C (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2001-10-17 | Lockable removable cassette |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (4) | US6712352B2 (en) |
| EP (4) | EP2196964A1 (en) |
| JP (4) | JP2004512242A (en) |
| CN (2) | CN102005082B (en) |
| AU (2) | AU777011B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2393059C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002033667A2 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA200204248B (en) |
Families Citing this family (83)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6712352B2 (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2004-03-30 | Mars Incorporated | Lockable removable cassette |
| US6851540B2 (en) * | 2001-12-17 | 2005-02-08 | International Currency Technologies Corporation | Paper currency collection detection arrangement for an automatic vending machine |
| US7066335B2 (en) * | 2001-12-19 | 2006-06-27 | Pretech As | Apparatus for receiving and distributing cash |
| EP1323655A1 (en) * | 2001-12-28 | 2003-07-02 | Mars Incorporated | Sheet stacking apparatus comprising a pusher with extendible lateral portions |
| JP2004102626A (en) * | 2002-09-09 | 2004-04-02 | Asahi Seiko Kk | Housing device driving device for bill receiving and housing device |
| JP4362607B2 (en) * | 2003-03-12 | 2009-11-11 | 旭精工株式会社 | Bill movement device in bill storage device |
| US8146914B2 (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2012-04-03 | Mei, Inc. | Currency cassette pressure plate assembly |
| JP2005221676A (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2005-08-18 | Canon Inc | Image forming apparatus and its controlling method |
| JP4418689B2 (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2010-02-17 | キヤノン株式会社 | Image forming apparatus |
| JP4386262B2 (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2009-12-16 | キヤノン株式会社 | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2005221677A (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2005-08-18 | Canon Inc | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2005331626A (en) * | 2004-05-19 | 2005-12-02 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Image forming apparatus, and control method and control program for image forming apparatus |
| SE531325C2 (en) * | 2004-09-08 | 2009-02-24 | Gunnebo Cash Automation Ab | Banknote handling system for the retailer including cassette |
| US7140608B2 (en) * | 2004-10-28 | 2006-11-28 | International Currency Technology Corporation | Bill box for bill acceptor |
| JP4545575B2 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2010-09-15 | ローレル機械株式会社 | Bill take-in device |
| CN101088005B (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2011-06-22 | 梅伊有限公司 | Document processor with optical sensor arrangement |
| KR100627557B1 (en) * | 2004-12-24 | 2006-09-21 | 노틸러스효성 주식회사 | Cassette of A.T.M. |
| CA2502344A1 (en) * | 2005-03-24 | 2006-09-24 | Cashcode Company Inc. | Validator with recycling cassette and stacker |
| JP4454025B2 (en) * | 2005-06-17 | 2010-04-21 | 株式会社ユニバーサルエンターテインメント | Banknote handling equipment |
| BRPI0613874A2 (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2011-02-15 | Mei Inc | banknote cassette and the like |
| CA2516549A1 (en) * | 2005-08-19 | 2007-02-19 | Cashcode Company Inc. | Banknote cassette |
| US7753596B2 (en) * | 2005-11-22 | 2010-07-13 | Corning Cable Systems Llc | Fiber optic closure methods and apparatus |
| EP2223873B1 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2013-04-24 | MEI, Inc. | Dispensing unit for notes of value |
| US7837095B2 (en) * | 2005-12-27 | 2010-11-23 | Mei, Inc. | Secure bag assembly for a lockable removable cassette |
| CN1991919B (en) * | 2005-12-31 | 2010-08-11 | 广州广电运通金融电子股份有限公司 | Temporary storage mechanism |
| GB0600322D0 (en) * | 2006-01-09 | 2006-02-15 | Rue De Int Ltd | Stacking cassette |
| US20070187485A1 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2007-08-16 | Aas Per C | Cash handling |
| US20080084022A1 (en) * | 2006-10-09 | 2008-04-10 | Wen-Fu Yang | Bill Stacker Detection Apparatus |
| JP5078066B2 (en) * | 2007-02-02 | 2012-11-21 | 株式会社ユニバーサルエンターテインメント | Banknote handling equipment |
| ITBO20070079A1 (en) * | 2007-02-14 | 2008-08-15 | Co Ri M A S R L | DISPOSABLE CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR LABELING. |
| JP5046702B2 (en) * | 2007-03-28 | 2012-10-10 | サンデン株式会社 | Bill recognition device |
| CA2586464A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2008-10-27 | Crane Canada Co. | Banknote acceptor with removable stacker |
| JP5261660B2 (en) * | 2007-10-17 | 2013-08-14 | 旭精工株式会社 | Banknote storage device |
| JP5188167B2 (en) | 2007-12-20 | 2013-04-24 | 株式会社ユニバーサルエンターテインメント | Paper sheet processing equipment |
| WO2009086583A1 (en) * | 2008-01-07 | 2009-07-16 | Harcor Security Seals Pty Limited | Transparent plastic container for bank notes |
| US20110011778A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2011-01-20 | Norishige Inoue | Banknote storing cassette and banknote handling machine |
| JP4388987B2 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-12-24 | 住友大阪セメント株式会社 | Mach-Zehnder waveguide type optical modulator |
| US20090294243A1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-03 | Harold Charych | Currency Validator Video Graphic Display Bezel |
| WO2010006244A1 (en) * | 2008-07-11 | 2010-01-14 | Mei, Inc. | Automated document handling system |
| US8393612B2 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2013-03-12 | Mei, Inc. | Removable currency storage unit with content access monitoring |
| DE102008052737A1 (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2010-04-29 | Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh | value container |
| US8812394B1 (en) * | 2008-11-10 | 2014-08-19 | Bank Of America Corporation | Process and data integration of additional funds into cash handling device and reconciliation |
| US20100300829A1 (en) * | 2009-06-01 | 2010-12-02 | International Currency Technologies Corporation | Bill box with wireless memory function for bill accepor |
| US8191700B2 (en) | 2009-06-01 | 2012-06-05 | International Currency Technologies Corporation | Bill box having a wireless memory function for use in a bill acceptor |
| US8096400B2 (en) | 2009-07-17 | 2012-01-17 | Mei, Inc. | Security gate mechanism for a currency handling device |
| JP5485402B2 (en) * | 2009-09-22 | 2014-05-07 | エムイーアイ インコーポレーテッド | Document storage assembly |
| US8480076B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2013-07-09 | Ncr Corporation | Media handling |
| US8419550B2 (en) * | 2009-11-09 | 2013-04-16 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Cashbox security mechanism and gaming machines with a cashbox security mechanism |
| DE202009016832U1 (en) | 2009-11-18 | 2010-03-04 | Mei, Inc. | Modular transport unit for a document handling device |
| EP2633354A1 (en) | 2010-10-28 | 2013-09-04 | Corning Cable Systems LLC | Impact resistant fiber optic enclosures and related methods |
| CN102654928B (en) * | 2011-03-01 | 2013-07-03 | 山东新北洋信息技术股份有限公司 | Cash box and cash recognizer with cash box |
| US9069151B2 (en) | 2011-10-26 | 2015-06-30 | Corning Cable Systems Llc | Composite cable breakout assembly |
| US8695977B2 (en) | 2012-01-12 | 2014-04-15 | Mei, Inc. | Apparatus and method for triple-gate diverter |
| US8695778B2 (en) | 2012-01-12 | 2014-04-15 | Mei, Inc. | Modular security gate |
| US8873926B2 (en) | 2012-04-26 | 2014-10-28 | Corning Cable Systems Llc | Fiber optic enclosures employing clamping assemblies for strain relief of cables, and related assemblies and methods |
| EP2672469B1 (en) * | 2012-06-04 | 2019-05-08 | Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH | Device for handling vouchers with a sensor assembly for precise positioning of head and safe module |
| US9290983B2 (en) * | 2012-12-17 | 2016-03-22 | Crane Payment Innovations, Inc. | Tamper evident storage device for items of value |
| KR20140084931A (en) * | 2012-12-27 | 2014-07-07 | 한국조폐공사 | push apparatus for currency in a cassette |
| US9704325B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2017-07-11 | Crane Canada Co. | Cashbox with latch arrangement |
| CN104240365B (en) * | 2013-06-07 | 2017-04-12 | 山东新北洋信息技术股份有限公司 | Cashbox and automatic terminal equipment using same |
| ES2550577T3 (en) * | 2013-08-22 | 2015-11-10 | Mei, Inc. | Stacking mechanism, assembly of a document case, vending machine and method of stacking a document in a document case |
| GB2518618B (en) * | 2013-09-25 | 2016-06-15 | Innovative Tech Ltd | A securable banknote carrier, and a banknote handling apparatus and banknote cassette for use with securable banknote carrier |
| CA2832600A1 (en) * | 2013-11-04 | 2015-05-04 | Crane Canada Co. | Banknote validator with cashbox |
| US9058626B1 (en) * | 2013-11-13 | 2015-06-16 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | System and method for financial services device usage |
| JP6179391B2 (en) * | 2013-12-26 | 2017-08-16 | 沖電気工業株式会社 | Coin storage and coin processing device |
| WO2015114681A1 (en) * | 2014-01-29 | 2015-08-06 | 日本金銭機械株式会社 | Paper sheet discriminating and storing device |
| CN104044654A (en) * | 2014-05-28 | 2014-09-17 | 苏州工业园区职业技术学院 | Driving wheel for wall-climbing robot |
| WO2016000063A1 (en) | 2014-07-04 | 2016-01-07 | Hifi Engineering Inc. | A device and system for detecting dynamic strain |
| WO2016000064A1 (en) * | 2014-07-04 | 2016-01-07 | Hifi Engineering Inc. | Method and system for detecting dynamic strain |
| US9721414B2 (en) | 2014-10-31 | 2017-08-01 | Crane Payment Innovations, Inc. | Document cassette displacement actuator for document acceptor |
| JP6441031B2 (en) * | 2014-11-06 | 2018-12-19 | 株式会社日本コンラックス | Banknote handling equipment |
| JP6522332B2 (en) * | 2014-12-22 | 2019-05-29 | 株式会社日本コンラックス | Banknote processing device |
| RU2632174C2 (en) * | 2015-10-12 | 2017-10-02 | Акционерное общество "Квантум Системс" | Method for forming aligned bundle of sheet material and used kit |
| GB201609424D0 (en) * | 2016-05-27 | 2016-07-13 | Scotia Safes Ltd | Security apparatus for ATM |
| CN106251475B (en) * | 2016-07-27 | 2022-05-31 | 深圳怡化电脑股份有限公司 | Coin pressing device, paper money input and output device and automatic storage money machine |
| KR101866992B1 (en) * | 2016-10-17 | 2018-06-14 | 주식회사 에이텍에이피 | Locking device for cassette push plate |
| GB2560315A (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-12 | Innovative Tech Ltd | A safe conduit device |
| KR102312906B1 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2021-10-15 | 효성티앤에스 주식회사 | Portable cassette holder |
| BR112020026779A2 (en) * | 2018-06-28 | 2021-04-06 | Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated | METHOD OF OPERATING AN AUTOMATED TRANSACTION MACHINE |
| USD1019785S1 (en) | 2018-08-03 | 2024-03-26 | Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. | Gaming machine |
| US20220092921A1 (en) | 2020-09-24 | 2022-03-24 | Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. | Mounting assembly for an electronic gaming machine |
| US11842610B2 (en) | 2020-12-04 | 2023-12-12 | Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated | Method of operating an automated transaction machine for enhanced security |
| US20230045373A1 (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2023-02-09 | Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. | Bill validator mount for electronic gaming machines |
Family Cites Families (104)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1394941A (en) | 1921-10-25 | Fare-collecting box | ||
| US901778A (en) | 1908-03-30 | 1908-10-20 | J G Brill Co | Fare-box. |
| US2253270A (en) * | 1939-06-07 | 1941-08-19 | Michle Printing Press And Mfg | Gear |
| US2973139A (en) | 1959-01-05 | 1961-02-28 | Louis Lawrence Epstein | Locking coin box |
| US3016185A (en) | 1959-10-06 | 1962-01-09 | Wurlitzer Co | Tamperproof coin box |
| US3131819A (en) * | 1961-04-14 | 1964-05-05 | Clark Aiken Company | Shuttle piler |
| US3404790A (en) * | 1966-11-02 | 1968-10-08 | Weyerhaeuser Co | Supply station |
| US3642151A (en) * | 1970-01-26 | 1972-02-15 | Potlatch Forests Inc | Sheet-handling apparatus |
| JPS4943359B1 (en) * | 1970-05-27 | 1974-11-20 | ||
| US3773272A (en) * | 1971-06-25 | 1973-11-20 | Simpac Intern Inc | Tape-cartridge assembly |
| US3773252A (en) | 1971-07-02 | 1973-11-20 | Seeburg Corp | Self-locking cash box |
| US3966116A (en) | 1974-04-12 | 1976-06-29 | Qonaar Corporation | Security box and receptacle housing for valuables |
| US4050562A (en) | 1974-04-22 | 1977-09-27 | Mars, Inc. | Banknote escrow and stacker apparatus and method |
| US3918371A (en) * | 1974-07-26 | 1975-11-11 | Sargent & Greenleaf | Safe deposit door and lock construction |
| JPS5230302U (en) | 1975-08-22 | 1977-03-03 | ||
| JPS5230302A (en) | 1975-09-04 | 1977-03-08 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Radio receiver |
| US4168092A (en) * | 1977-07-11 | 1979-09-18 | Am International, Inc. | Multiple paper stack unloader |
| DE2829584C2 (en) | 1978-07-05 | 1982-12-02 | Nixdorf Computer Ag, 4790 Paderborn | Transportable banknote cassette |
| JPS5570642A (en) | 1978-11-24 | 1980-05-28 | Canon Inc | Casset mounting device |
| US4313601A (en) | 1980-07-09 | 1982-02-02 | Diebold Incorporated | Automatic banking machine with sealed tamper-indicating container for receiving and storing diverted paper money bills |
| US4397460A (en) * | 1981-07-06 | 1983-08-09 | Magnetic Peripherals Inc. | Overlapped document detector |
| US4447097A (en) * | 1981-08-31 | 1984-05-08 | Lafevers James O | Dispenser cassette |
| US4494743A (en) * | 1981-08-31 | 1985-01-22 | Docutel Corporation | Dispenser picker apparatus |
| US4434931A (en) | 1981-11-12 | 1984-03-06 | Umc Industries, Inc. | Cash box for paper currency |
| US4513439A (en) * | 1982-07-12 | 1985-04-23 | Ardac, Inc. | Security validator |
| DE3441449A1 (en) * | 1984-11-13 | 1986-08-28 | Licinvest Ag, Chur | DEVICE FOR CYCLICALLY RE-LAYERING A STACK OF SHEETS |
| US4655391A (en) * | 1985-03-25 | 1987-04-07 | Ncr Corporation | Container having tamper-indicating means |
| JPS61229185A (en) | 1985-04-04 | 1986-10-13 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic type currency storage box |
| US4739922A (en) * | 1985-05-01 | 1988-04-26 | Somerville Belkin Industries Limited | Dispensing container |
| US4648327A (en) | 1985-07-01 | 1987-03-10 | Cubic Western Data | Safe locking mechanism |
| JPS62159296A (en) | 1986-01-07 | 1987-07-15 | アイエム電子株式会社 | Paper money identifier/stacker |
| JPH0530220Y2 (en) | 1986-10-31 | 1993-08-02 | ||
| JPS63265747A (en) | 1987-04-22 | 1988-11-02 | Kyokuto Kaihatsu Kogyo Co Ltd | Safety device for truck used for lifting and dumping |
| JPH01295391A (en) | 1987-06-24 | 1989-11-29 | I M Denshi Kk | Identifying device for printed matter |
| US4854247A (en) | 1987-10-19 | 1989-08-08 | Glenview Security Systems, Inc. | Lock type sealed paper currency collector and security device |
| US5041938A (en) * | 1988-03-15 | 1991-08-20 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Magnetic tape cassette |
| JPH01269688A (en) | 1988-04-20 | 1989-10-27 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Driving device for bicycle |
| US5180232A (en) * | 1988-07-08 | 1993-01-19 | Norand Corporation | Modular printer system |
| JP2743339B2 (en) * | 1988-07-25 | 1998-04-22 | アスモ 株式会社 | Power window regulators for vehicles |
| US4896826A (en) | 1988-09-29 | 1990-01-30 | Denis Bernier | Tamper-deterrent fee collecting box for buses |
| JPH0299836A (en) | 1988-10-07 | 1990-04-11 | Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo Kk | Thin film type thermo-substrate |
| US4913341A (en) * | 1989-01-03 | 1990-04-03 | Bachman Theodore L | Currency storage device |
| JPH0299836U (en) * | 1989-01-30 | 1990-08-08 | ||
| US4977583A (en) | 1989-04-03 | 1990-12-11 | Ardac, Inc. | Cassette cash box for currency validator |
| US4949901A (en) | 1989-05-11 | 1990-08-21 | Jerome Remien Corporation | Self-locking bill accumulator |
| US4997128A (en) | 1989-08-07 | 1991-03-05 | Ardac, Inc. | Cassette cash box for currency validator |
| JPH03196288A (en) | 1989-12-26 | 1991-08-27 | Toshiba Corp | Safe cassette |
| US5251738A (en) * | 1991-01-23 | 1993-10-12 | Sevens Unlimited, Inc. | Currency handling system |
| US5209395A (en) | 1991-05-23 | 1993-05-11 | Mars Incorporated | Method and apparatus for a lockable, removable cassette, for securely storing currency |
| JP2558985Y2 (en) * | 1991-06-21 | 1998-01-14 | 日本金銭機械株式会社 | Bill handling equipment |
| US5161736A (en) | 1991-06-24 | 1992-11-10 | Bloomfield Manufacturing Co. | Locking currency stacker apparatus and method |
| US5158275A (en) * | 1991-06-26 | 1992-10-27 | Compaq Computer Corporation | Multiple tray rotary paper feed system for an image reproduction machine |
| US5224579A (en) | 1991-06-28 | 1993-07-06 | Tst International Pty. Ltd. | Vault security and identification system |
| JP2540254B2 (en) | 1991-09-18 | 1996-10-02 | リンナイ株式会社 | Air conditioner |
| US5205481A (en) | 1991-11-07 | 1993-04-27 | Rowe International, Inc. | Locked cassette bill box |
| US5209335A (en) | 1991-11-08 | 1993-05-11 | Mars Incorporated | Security arrangement for use with a lockable, removable cassette |
| DE4200186C1 (en) * | 1992-01-07 | 1993-07-15 | Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag, 4790 Paderborn, De | |
| JPH05246571A (en) * | 1992-03-02 | 1993-09-24 | Toyo Commun Equip Co Ltd | Thin paper sheet accumulation height detecting device |
| JPH0648066A (en) | 1992-07-29 | 1994-02-22 | Suzuki Ratetsukusu:Kk | Rubber fingerstall, rubber glove and manufacture thereof |
| JP3285965B2 (en) | 1992-10-30 | 2002-05-27 | 株式会社日本コンラックス | Banknote recognition and storage device |
| JPH06150106A (en) * | 1992-11-05 | 1994-05-31 | Nippon Conlux Co Ltd | Paper money identifying device |
| JP2568833Y2 (en) * | 1992-11-27 | 1998-04-15 | 日本金銭機械株式会社 | Bill handling equipment |
| US5372361A (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1994-12-13 | Japan Cash Machine Co. Ltd. | Bill handling apparatus with exchangeable pusher for stacker |
| ZA944849B (en) | 1993-04-05 | 1995-03-20 | First National Bank Of Souther | A system for the secure transportation of articles |
| JP3246095B2 (en) | 1993-07-13 | 2002-01-15 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | High frequency heating equipment |
| IT1272752B (en) * | 1993-10-27 | 1997-06-26 | Enrico Mola | REVOLVING PLATFORM EQUIPMENT FOR LOADING AND HANDLING OF STAGE CAGES FOR POULTRY AND SIMILAR. |
| JP2602447Y2 (en) * | 1993-11-11 | 2000-01-17 | グローリー工業株式会社 | Structure of bound paper sheets for paper sheet processing machine |
| DE69510699T2 (en) * | 1994-01-10 | 2000-03-09 | Mars Inc | Tamper-proof cash box with a container-in-container construction |
| US5405131A (en) * | 1994-01-10 | 1995-04-11 | Mars Incorporated | Currency validator and secure lockable removable currency cassette |
| US5411249A (en) | 1994-01-10 | 1995-05-02 | Mars Incorporated | Currency validator and cassette transport alignment apparatus |
| JPH07215491A (en) | 1994-01-28 | 1995-08-15 | Hitachi Ltd | Bill handling mechanism |
| US5624017A (en) | 1994-04-06 | 1997-04-29 | Gap Technologies, Inc. | Multi-purpose currency validator with compact low power cassette stacker |
| JPH07295381A (en) | 1994-04-25 | 1995-11-10 | Konica Corp | Image forming device |
| EP0700022B1 (en) * | 1994-09-01 | 1998-07-22 | Universal Sales Co., Ltd. | Paper currency acceptor |
| JP3710523B2 (en) | 1994-09-01 | 2005-10-26 | アルゼ株式会社 | Banknote handling equipment |
| DE4434126C1 (en) * | 1994-09-23 | 1996-03-21 | Atronic Casino Technology Dist | Removal device for banknote unit of games machine |
| JP3849987B2 (en) * | 1994-12-26 | 2006-11-22 | サンデン株式会社 | Optical detector of paper sheet identification device |
| US5632367A (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1997-05-27 | Mars, Incorporated | Validation housing for a bill validator made by a two shot molding process |
| US5730271A (en) * | 1995-07-13 | 1998-03-24 | Cashcode Company Inc. | Currency validator with security box |
| US5836510A (en) | 1995-09-05 | 1998-11-17 | Kirchner; Roger | Locking removable bill stacking cassette with moving rails |
| JPH09135991A (en) | 1995-11-14 | 1997-05-27 | Toshiba Corp | Forming method of waste water duct of washing machine |
| US5662202A (en) * | 1995-11-24 | 1997-09-02 | Ardac Incorporated | Currency validator with cassette cash box |
| US5997121A (en) * | 1995-12-14 | 1999-12-07 | Xerox Corporation | Sensing system for detecting presence of an ink container and level of ink therein |
| US5695173A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1997-12-09 | Ochoa; Arturo Valencia | Scissors lift platform with electronic control |
| CH692572A8 (en) * | 1996-07-10 | 2002-10-15 | Sarnatech Bnl Ltd | SHAFT, ALSO AXIS OR ROLLER BODY. |
| US5850966A (en) | 1996-07-16 | 1998-12-22 | Safepak, Inc. | Deposit retrieval and transport security apparatus |
| US5907141A (en) * | 1996-07-19 | 1999-05-25 | Mars Incorporated | Use of security coupons in connection with locking mechanisms for vending and gaming machines |
| US5873446A (en) * | 1996-11-29 | 1999-02-23 | Paokai Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Coin box assembly |
| US6209944B1 (en) * | 1997-10-15 | 2001-04-03 | Charles R. Billiu | Stowable truck bed enclosure |
| ES2281958T3 (en) * | 1998-01-07 | 2007-10-01 | Mei, Inc. | MECHANISM TO STACK AND ACCUMULATE FLEXIBLE LAMINARY ELEMENTS. |
| JPH11208902A (en) | 1998-01-19 | 1999-08-03 | Murata Mach Ltd | Paper feeder of image forming device |
| EP0932125B1 (en) * | 1998-01-27 | 2003-04-09 | Ascom Autelca Ag | Device with a pivotable wing, in particular for a coin collection apparatus in a vending machine |
| US6292579B1 (en) * | 1998-02-09 | 2001-09-18 | Mars Incorporated | Document validator having an inductive sensor |
| US6246466B1 (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 2001-06-12 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Sheet pack and recording apparatus |
| JP3621576B2 (en) | 1998-03-04 | 2005-02-16 | 北辰工業株式会社 | Rubber roller core |
| US6014594A (en) * | 1998-03-11 | 2000-01-11 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine payout dispensing system with on escrow area and locks |
| US6138814A (en) * | 1998-06-19 | 2000-10-31 | Sigma Game, Inc. | Front loading cash box assembly |
| GB2338704B (en) * | 1998-06-23 | 2002-12-31 | Mars Inc | Banknote stacking apparatus |
| JP3756331B2 (en) * | 1998-10-23 | 2006-03-15 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Recording paper package |
| US6286629B1 (en) * | 1999-02-03 | 2001-09-11 | David N. Saunders | Lift-positioning system |
| JP4222585B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2009-02-12 | 日本金銭機械株式会社 | Paper sheet storage device |
| WO2001055257A1 (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2001-08-02 | Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P. | Thermoplastic elastomers having improved adhesive properties |
| US6712352B2 (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2004-03-30 | Mars Incorporated | Lockable removable cassette |
| USD482056S1 (en) * | 2002-08-08 | 2003-11-11 | Mars Incorporated | Currency cassette |
-
2001
- 2001-10-16 US US09/982,578 patent/US6712352B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-10-17 EP EP10158965A patent/EP2196964A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-10-17 AU AU13303/02A patent/AU777011B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2001-10-17 CN CN2010102604402A patent/CN102005082B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-10-17 JP JP2002536975A patent/JP2004512242A/en active Pending
- 2001-10-17 CA CA2393059A patent/CA2393059C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-10-17 EP EP10158962A patent/EP2214142A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-10-17 WO PCT/US2001/032358 patent/WO2002033667A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-10-17 EP EP01981673A patent/EP1327229A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-10-17 CN CN018031625A patent/CN1451146B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-10-17 EP EP10158960A patent/EP2209094A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2002
- 2002-05-28 ZA ZA200204248A patent/ZA200204248B/en unknown
-
2004
- 2004-02-10 US US10/775,873 patent/US7789214B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-05-25 US US10/853,989 patent/US7481308B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-12-13 AU AU2004237890A patent/AU2004237890B2/en not_active Ceased
-
2007
- 2007-12-11 JP JP2007319937A patent/JP4435825B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2008
- 2008-05-09 JP JP2008123031A patent/JP4435839B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2009
- 2009-10-27 JP JP2009246597A patent/JP2010020805A/en active Pending
-
2010
- 2010-03-04 US US12/717,894 patent/US8616360B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP2214142A1 (en) | 2010-08-04 |
| JP2008251028A (en) | 2008-10-16 |
| WO2002033667A2 (en) | 2002-04-25 |
| ZA200204248B (en) | 2004-04-08 |
| AU2004237890A1 (en) | 2005-01-13 |
| EP2209094A1 (en) | 2010-07-21 |
| CA2393059A1 (en) | 2002-04-25 |
| US20040213620A1 (en) | 2004-10-28 |
| WO2002033667A3 (en) | 2003-05-01 |
| AU777011B2 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
| JP2004512242A (en) | 2004-04-22 |
| JP2010020805A (en) | 2010-01-28 |
| US20100156036A1 (en) | 2010-06-24 |
| AU1330302A (en) | 2002-04-29 |
| US20020056960A1 (en) | 2002-05-16 |
| US7789214B2 (en) | 2010-09-07 |
| JP4435825B2 (en) | 2010-03-24 |
| US6712352B2 (en) | 2004-03-30 |
| AU2004237890B2 (en) | 2007-12-06 |
| US8616360B2 (en) | 2013-12-31 |
| CN102005082B (en) | 2012-10-10 |
| CN102005082A (en) | 2011-04-06 |
| JP4435839B2 (en) | 2010-03-24 |
| US7481308B2 (en) | 2009-01-27 |
| EP2196964A1 (en) | 2010-06-16 |
| EP1327229A2 (en) | 2003-07-16 |
| JP2008097642A (en) | 2008-04-24 |
| US20040155102A1 (en) | 2004-08-12 |
| CN1451146B (en) | 2010-11-17 |
| CN1451146A (en) | 2003-10-22 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2393059C (en) | Lockable removable cassette | |
| EP0665520B1 (en) | Alignment apparatus for currency validating and transporting device and storage cassette | |
| EP0662675B1 (en) | Secure currency cassette with a container within a container construction | |
| EP0662676B1 (en) | Currency validator and secure lockable, removable currency cassette | |
| JP3778598B2 (en) | Banknote handling equipment | |
| EP1934952B1 (en) | Banknote cassette | |
| CA2462782A1 (en) | Currency cassette pressure plate assembly | |
| AU2004237892B2 (en) | Lockable Removable Cassette | |
| KR102463167B1 (en) | Automatic teller machine having medium storage | |
| KR101527576B1 (en) | Appratus for opening and closing an outer shutter in an automatic teller machine for bundle note | |
| JPS59229688A (en) | Paper handling device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20151019 |