BRPI9914652B1 - automated banking machine - Google Patents

Abstract

"automated banking machine". It is an automated banking machine (10) which includes a bill receipt and distribution mechanism (77). The mechanism includes a storage spool (66), a take-up spool (68) and a flexible blanket (70) extending between the spools. the note receiving and distribution mechanism is housed within a note storage module (44). notes are selectively passed into and out of the storage module to a pass area (92). the machine further includes a banknote opening (30) and a banknote opening (28). a banknote outlet carrier 96 extends between the passageway (92) and the banknote outlet opening. a note entry carriage (98) extends between the passageway and the note entry opening. a bill validator (58) extends adjacent the bill entry conveyor to understand the validity of bills inserted into the machine. The machine is selectively operative in response to entries to receive and deliver notes. The machine is still operative to allow replenishment of notes therein without access to the interior of the housing.

Description

Field of the Art The present invention relates to automated banking machines that distribute notes to users and have an internal banknote storage area that can be replenished without access to the interior of the machine. Prior Art Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. A common type of automated banking machine is an automated teller machine (ATM). ATMs have been developed that are capable of performing a number of monetary transactions, including the distribution of cash notes. Other types of banking machines distribute notes and other types of paper to users such as bank tellers, clerks, and other service providers. Other types of automated transaction machines distribute items such as tickets, travelers checks, receipts, vouchers or game materials. Automated transaction machines generally distribute such materials while taxing appropriate charges and credits to their respective user, machine owner, and distributed material provider accounts. For the purposes of this description, an automated banking machine will be considered to be any machine that is capable of performing transactions that include cash transfers.

Automated transaction machines that distribute notes or other types of value sheets are generally built to prevent unauthorized access to sheet delivery within the machine. In most cases, such automated transaction machines include a secure armor or other secure wrap. Access to the wrapper is controlled by a lock or other security device such that the interior can only be accessed by appropriate personnel. The interior of the secure wrap generally includes storage areas for cash notes and other types of sheets that are available.

Often storage areas are in removable cans or other types of wrap that can be installed and removed immediately from the machine when the safe area is accessed. Sheets are distributed by the machine to users from the sheet storage areas. When storage areas require replenishment, a service person opens the secure armor and replenishes the sources of supply. In some cases this is done by removing empty or partially empty cans and replacing them with full cans. In other situations, this may involve inserting a "brick" of notes or sheets into cans or other sheet storage areas to replenish sheet supply sources.

A drawback associated with the construction of such conventional automated transaction machines is that replenishment of the sheet supply sources requires opening the safe area of the machine. This gives the service person access to all valuable sheets as well as sensitive electronic equipment inside the machine. This presents opportunities for theft and fraud. When cans are changed, several people may have access to the can during times when it is being loaded, transported and installed on the machine. Similarly, partially empty cans returning from refueling machines can go through several hands. This may present opportunities for petty theft for which liability cannot be immediately documented. Cans have been developed that maintain tamper-resistant and tamper-evident leaves. However, such containers are unsafe against failure and may still be subject to adjustments by trained thieves. Cans holding sheets can also be stolen while in transit to and from machines. The use of cash cans is also expensive. The use of such cans adds costs to the cost of automated transaction machines because they require the inclusion of mechanisms that can open, close and work in conjunction with cans containing sheets. Handling and transportation of cans also adds costs to machine operation. Lower-cost automated transaction machines are often installed at gas stations, convenience stores, and other trading facilities. Such automated trading machines often only perform cash distribution transactions. Although the reduced capacities of such machines result in lower machine acquisition cost, the problems of handling the sheets still exist. Because security in such merchant facilities is often not as high as that found in banking environments, it is not uncommon to use armored car delivery services to carry out the replenishment transactions of such machines. This adds costs to machine operation.

Automated trading machine operators in commercial facilities wish to replenish the cash supply sources on such machines with cash that is available within the establishment. Doing so can avoid the cost of having to pay a third party to perform cash replenishment, which reduces operating costs. However, in many commodity trading environments, the reliability of working people may not be verifiable. As a result, the machine operator may not want to give their personnel access to large amounts of money that are available inside an automated banking machine. Replenishing sources of money supply within such machines may be an activity limited to supervisory level personnel. However, despite such precautions, discrepancies may occur. This is particularly true when several individuals have the ability to access the inside of a machine.

Recently, automated transaction machines have been developed that are able to "recycle" money. Such machines are capable of accepting cash notes from a user or operator, and determining whether each note is genuine or not and its particular type. Such machines selectively store notes deposited at locations within the machine. At a later time, when the same user or another user requests a banknote distribution, the machine distributes the banknotes previously deposited to the user. Although such machines have the ability to have their sources of supply replenished without access to the interior of the machine, such machines are generally complex and expensive. The installation of such a machine would generally not be justified by the price in situations where relatively low cost cash-only machines are currently used.

There are also many other types of self-service vending machines that users operate that could be improved by adding the ability to such machines to accept and distribute cash notes. Common examples of such machines include engine fuel dispensing pumps, vending machines, automated ticket machines and automated gaming machines. Often, such machines already have a user interface that is capable of reading a user's credit card. Such machines also have the ability to charge a user account charge in exchange for goods or services provided. There is a growing supply of self-service machines that have the ability to accept a user's smart card. Smart cards include in them a memory that has data representing monetary value. Instead of charging a user account charge, such machines also have the ability to deduct the monetary value from the value represented by the data in the user's smart card memory. The ability to receive and distribute money in general has not been provided in most self-service and vending machines for a variety of reasons. First, the mechanisms of receiving and distributing money in the past were generally expensive and would make the cost of acquiring and operating such machines prohibitive. Second, such machines generally do not include the security features included with automated teller machines or cash dispensers, because the items distributed by such machines are generally not immediately available for the value of money. Another reason for such machines not being able to accept and / or distribute money is that to do so would incur the machine operator's cost associated with handling the machine, as discussed earlier, costs that are frequently encountered in use. ATMs and cash dispensers in operation. Another drawback has been that accepting and distributing money an integral part of such machines may limit their operation to selected times and locations where greater security can be maintained. Thus, while users may benefit from having machines such as engine fuel dispensing pumps and vending machines accepting and receiving cash, providing such machines with these capabilities is cost prohibitive.

Thus, there is a need for an automated banking machine that is not expensive to produce and operate, but also highly reliable.

There is also a need for an automated banking machine that can be replenished with cash or other valuables without access to the banknote storage areas within the machine. There is also a need for an automated banking machine that includes a bill receipt and distribution component that only adds limited cost to machine production and operation.

Description of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is capable of distributing valuable papers, such as cash notes. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine which distributes cash notes from a banknote storage area within the machine and which is capable of having the banknote storage area replenished without access to the inside of the bank. machine. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that includes a refillable banknote supply source without access to the inside of the machine and that is configurable to be replenished from the front or rear side of the machine. . It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is economical to produce and operate. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is capable of receiving, validating and distributing sheets such as cash notes. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine which provides for the receipt and distribution of cash notes as a supplementary function to a primary sale or self-service function performed by the machine. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is capable of distributing banknotes from a banknote storage area within the machine and which is capable of having a banknote supply source readily removed from the machine by personnel. authorized. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is easy for users to operate and that provides promotional messages and other messages to machine users.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following, Best Ways of Carrying Out the Invention and the appended claims.

The foregoing objectives are achieved in an exemplary embodiment by an automated banking machine. The automated banking machine may be a machine whose primary function is to receive and / or distribute sheets such as cash notes. Alternatively, the automated banking machine may be associated with a primary function such as selling motor fuel, lottery tickets, tickets or other transactions and may include the distribution and / or receipt of valuable paper, such as money. The automated banking machine in an exemplary embodiment includes a machine housing. The housing includes a user interface area that includes at least one input device through which the machine can receive at least one input from a user of the machine. A sheet inlet opening extends through the housing, as does a sheet outlet opening.

Inside the machine housing is a note receiving and dispensing mechanism. The bill receiving and dispensing mechanism is operatively connected to a sheet storage area which, in the embodiment described, is used to hold cash notes. The sheet receiving and dispensing mechanism includes a passageway through which sheets are passed when they are being received by the mechanism for storage in the storage area. The sheets also pass through the pathway when they are being distributed by the engine from the storage area. The described embodiment further includes a note entry conveyor extending between the note entry opening and the passageway. A note validator is positioned adjacent to the note entry transport. The banknote validator is operative to perceive banknotes that are entered through the input slot for the purpose of determining whether banknotes are valid or not. The machine also includes a banknote carry-out. The banknote carry-over extends between the passage and the outlet port through the housing. The machine further includes one or more drive mechanisms that are operatively connected to the inlet and outlet conveyors and allow selective movement of notes or other sheets therein. The automated banking machine of the described embodiment further includes a controller. The controller is in operative connection with the validator and the drive for inbound and outbound transports. The controller is also in operative connection with the input devices, as is the validator. The controller is operative to control the machine such that, in response to at least one input to the input device, banknotes or other sheets stored in the storage area are distributed by the mechanism and moved through the outlet transport to the outlet opening. The controller is also operative in response to inserting a note or other sheet into the input slot for the validator to determine if the inserted note is valid. If so, the bill is accepted by the bill receipt and distribution mechanism and is stored in the storage area.

Configurations of the automated banking machine of the present invention may provide both bill receipt and bill distribution to customers while debiting and crediting checking accounts. Alternative embodiments of the invention may be configured to only distribute notes to customers operating the machine. In such arrangements, acceptance of notes is limited to personnel who are authorized to refuel the machine on behalf of the owner or operator of the machine. Alternative machine configurations may provide that the inlet and outlet openings are generally positioned on one side of the machine, while alternative embodiments of the invention may provide that such openings are generally on opposite sides of the machine. . Some forms of the invention may provide for sheet acceptance at the note entry opening one sheet at a time, while others may be configured to accept sheet piles which are then sorted, authenticated and stored within the machine.

In some exemplary forms of the invention, the bill receiving and dispensing mechanism may include a roll storage type mechanism. The roll storage mechanism includes a flexible blanket extending between a storage reel and a withdrawal reel. The storage reel and the withdrawing reel are driven by a reel drive mechanism that allows selectively moving the reels to deliver sheets and receive sheets from the walkway. Storage and take-up reels in some embodiments are contained within the banknote storage module which is installed and removed immediately from the machine housing by authorized persons. Certain preferred forms of the invention are highly reliable and still have relatively lower cost to produce and to operate.

Other preferred forms of the invention include a user interface with a display. The display is used to present promotional messages or other messages to machine users. In preferred forms of the invention, such forms are provided by interacting the controller with a replaceable smart card memory plug-in or similar device. Various forms of user interfaces can also be provided to simplify and facilitate the operation of automated transaction machines.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an automated banking machine of the present invention. Figure 2 is a rear plan view of the machine shown in Figure 1 with an access door in an open position. Figure 3 is a schematic view showing an automated banking machine controller and transaction function devices and other devices operatively connecting with it. Figure 4 is a transparent side view of the mechanisms for handling sheets such as cash notes in the automated banking machine shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a schematic view showing the components included in the sheet trajectories of the transaction machine. automated banking shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a schematic view of a reel drive mechanism that operates to move the storage and withdrawal spools in a sheet distribution direction. Figure 7 is a schematic view of the first and second drive elements of the reel drive mechanism, together with the transmission element that interconnects the drive elements. Figure 8 is a schematic view similar to Figure 7 with the reel drive mechanism operating to move the storage and withdrawal spools in a sheet receiving direction. Figure 9 is a simplified side view of the sheet handling components in the machine walkway. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the passage area including the first and second sheet separation elements for separating sheets from the sheet support mat. Figure 11 is a schematic side view of the door element for directing leaves between inlet and outlet conveyors in the passage area. Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the secondary separating member and its suspension in the banknote storage module. Figure 13 is a schematic side view of the directional dragging elements used in conjunction with the storage and withdrawal spools. Figure 14 shows a tab portion on the banknote storage module engaged with a cylindrical support member. Figure 15 is an isometric view of the cylindrical support member shown in Figure 14. Figure 16 is an isometric view of a flexible note support blanket with machine readable indexes thereon, the blanket is shown in support connection with Money bills. Figure 17 is a schematic side view indicating movement of parts of sheet handling mechanisms when dispensing banknotes. Figure 18 is a side schematic view showing the movement of sheet handling mechanisms when the note validator is operating to determine if an inserted note is valid. Figure 19 is a schematic view showing a note that has passed from the note validator to the pass area. Figure 20 is a schematic view indicating the operation of the sheet handling mechanisms in the movement of a note through the passageway and into the support connection with the sheet and sheet storage reel. Figure 21 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of an automated banking machine including an incoming and outgoing banknote transport in connection with a banknote validator. Figure 22 is a schematic view of another alternative embodiment having a banknote opening on an opposite side of the machine from the banknote opening. Figure 23 is a schematic view of an automated banking machine that is capable of receiving and separating a stack of notes. Figure 24 is a schematic view of a mechanism used to separate notes individually from the stack in the embodiment shown in Figure 23.

Figures 25 to 30 are schematic views of a user interface and its operation that may be used in connection with embodiments of the invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, as shown therein on an automated banking machine of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention generally indicated by 10. Machine 10 is a cash machine whose primary functions are to distribute and receive cash notes. It is to be understood that other embodiments of the invention may be machines whose primary functions include conducting other types of transactions. These may include, for example, engine fuel distribution, ticket distribution, voucher distribution, distribution of game materials or other functions that a user may perform using the machine. The machine 10 includes a housing 12. As used herein, the housing 12 refers to the outer wrap of the machine as well as the internal structures supporting the machine components therein. A user interface, generally indicated by 14, is supported on the housing and is accessible by a user. In the embodiment shown, the user interface includes input devices and output devices. One of the input devices is a card reader 16. The card reader 16 in the machine shown is a card-type card reader that is operative for reading magnetic stripe cards 18 which are passed through the reader by customers. Cards 18 can be several types of cards, such as credit or debit cards that include information to identify you and / or your accounts. The user interface 14 of the described embodiment also includes other input devices. These include a keyboard 20 and function keys 22. Users are allowed to enter data and instructions on the machine by selectively pressing the keys that make up the keyboard, as well as function keys 22. User interface 14 also includes a output device that includes a display 24. The display 24 of the described embodiment may be a CRT or LCD display that is operative for displaying messages to a user, including messages that instruct the user on how to operate the machine.

It is to be understood that the input devices and output device shown are exemplary and that other embodiments of the invention may employ other types of input and output devices. These include, for example, other types of card readers for magnetic stripe reading or other types of cards. These may include, for example, motorized readers or depth readers. Other types of cards may also be used with the machine. Such cards include so-called "smart cards" which include a programmable memory with data therein. Such data may include information about you and your accounts. They may also include information representing monetary value. This value can be deducted from memory as the card is used to make purchases. Such cards may have value in them replenished periodically. Other types of input devices that read articles can be used, such as articles encoded with optical indexes that can be used to identify the user or their accounts. Other types of input devices may include biometric type reading devices such as fingerprint readers, retinal scanning devices, iris scanning devices, speech recognition devices or other types of input devices that are capable of providing an entry that can identify a particular user and / or their accounts. The keyboard and function keys serving as input devices in the exemplary embodiment described may be replaced in other embodiments by other types of devices which are capable of selectively receiving data or instructions from a user. Other types of output devices may also be used. These may include other types of visual and non-visual output devices that are capable of communicating a message to a user and which may instruct the user on machine operation. It is obvious that when other devices are incorporated into the automated transaction machines of the invention that perform other functions, other types of input devices associated with performing those other functions may also be included. These may include, for example, switching and control devices for controlling engine fuel distribution when the machine of the invention is incorporated into an engine fuel distribution device. Particular additional devices will depend on the environment in which the invention is used.

Turning to the description of the machine 10 shown in Figure 1, the housing therethrough includes a receiving aperture 26. The receiving aperture is used to provide the user with printed receipts for transactions conducted on the machine. The housing further includes a banknote opening 28. Banknote opening 28 is used to deliver distributed banknotes from the machine to a user. It is to be understood that the banknote opening may also be referred to herein as a banknote opening and that in embodiments of the invention, sheets other than banknotes may be received and distributed from the machine. The machine 10 further includes a note input opening 30. The note input opening '30 is used to insert notes or other types of sheets into the machine for storage. As indicated by dotted lines, in some embodiments the banknote opening 30 may be rendered inaccessible by a movable cover 32. The cover 32 is selectively secured by a suitable locking mechanism 34. The cover may be used in circumstances where the The machine operator only wants selected authorized persons to be able to enter notes for storage in the machine. This may be the case when the machine operator wants users to only use the machine as a cash dispenser. In some embodiments, the cover may provide a banknote holding surface or include a banknote holding structure such as a pocket to facilitate keeping the banknotes distributed to the machine user when the cover is in position.

As shown in Figure 1, the machine housing further includes a connector 36. Connector 36 is operable to releasably receive a plug in the memory element 38. The plug in the memory element in the embodiment shown is used to hold messages. that should be provided to machine users through display 24. As discussed later, the memory plug 38 may hold promotional messages that are displayed to machine users on a timed basis. Such promotional messages may include, for example, discounts on certain goods or special offers that expire on a certain date. In a preferred embodiment, the memory plug 38 may be supported on a smart card. Memory may include one or more promotional items that are promoted only during certain times of the day, on certain days of the week, or during particular periods of time. Use of this feature will be discussed later in detail. Figure 2 shows the rear of machine 10. Machine housing 12 includes an access door 40 which is shown in the open position in Figure 2. Access door 40 includes a locking mechanism 42. Locking mechanism 42 is normally used to hold access door 40 in the closed position. Locking mechanism 42 may be opened by authorized persons to allow them access to an internal area of the machine. The internal area of the machine includes several components which are shown schematically. Such components may include, for example, a banknote storage module 44. As described in detail later, banknote storage module 44 includes a banknote storage area for holding banknotes within the machine. Banknote storage module 44 is removable and readily installed on the machine once access door 40 is in the open position. Other components within the machine housing may include a journal device 46. The journal device 46 may be, for example, a printer that makes a permanent hard copy record of transactions that are performed by the machine. Other devices within the machine may include a communications device 48. The communications device may be, for example, a modem, wireless transmitter, line interface connection, or other device suitable for communicating with other computers to perform the communications. transactions with the machine. These other computers may include, for example, computers in credit and / or debit card networks that are capable of handling transactional and account-setting messages between users, sources of monetary value, and the machine operator. Another device shown schematically inside the machine in Figure 2 is a receipt printer 50. The receipt printer 50 is operative to produce printed receipts which are distributed to customers through receipt opening 26. Figure 3 shows Schematically, the electrically controlled devices which are included in the described mode of machine 10. A controller 52 serves as a control device for controlling the electrical devices within the machine. Controller 52 includes an internal clock device schematically indicated by 54. The controller is in operative communication with a memory 56 which is also referred to herein as a data store. Controller 52 may, in various embodiments, include one or more operatively connected processors or computers that serve as an electrical signal source for devices that are operatively connected to the controller.

As shown in Figure 3, the controller is operative to communicate with the transaction function devices described above. These include the card reader 16, the keyboard and function keys 20 and 22 and the display 24. The controller is also operative to communicate and control the operation of the receipt printer 30 and the periodical device 46, which in this case , is a journal printer. The controller is also in operative communication with memory plug 38 and communications device 48 is used to communicate with other devices. In the described embodiment, the controller 52 is also operative to communicate with other devices. These include, for example, a note validator 58 which will be discussed in detail later. The banknote validator is operative to understand banknotes to determine their validity and to distinguish between valid and non-valid banknotes inserted into the machine. Controller 52 is also operably connected to a module drive 60 and a transport drive 62 which are control circuits for controlling motors operating to move notes within the machine. This will be discussed later in detail. It is to be understood that these transaction function devices are exemplary and that other embodiments of the invention may include different and / or additional types of transaction function devices. Figure 4 is a view of the sheet handling mechanism that is used to store and distribute notes within the machine. The banknote handling mechanism, generally indicated at 64, includes the banknote storage module 44 discussed above, which is removably mounted to the machine housing. The note storage module includes a storage reel 66 which is rotatably mounted to a support connection with the machine housing in the storage module. A take-up reel 68, which in the preferred embodiment is identical to the storage reel, is also rotatably mounted on the machine. A flexible blanket 70 extends between the storage reel and the note storage module reel of the described embodiment includes therein a reel drive mechanism 72. The reel drive mechanism is operative in a manner which will be discussed later. for selectively actuating the storage reel 66 or the withdrawing reel 68. The note storage module 44 also includes an actuator 74 therein. The actuator is in operative connection with a movable locking element 76. locking 76 may be moved by actuator 74 between a position where rotational movement of the storage reel is allowed and a position where the locking element holds the rotary storage reel in a relatively fixed position with respect to the banknote storage module. 44. This is achieved in the locking position of the locking element by engaging cooperating projections and recesses i indicated schematically by 78 on the locking element and the storage reel. Actuator 74 is electrically connected to controller 52 via a releasable connector 80. Controller 52 serves as an electrical signal source that operates the actuator generally to allow storage reel 66 to move when properly positioned within the machine. . When the banknote storage module is positioned at. With the machine and releasable connector 80 connecting the actuator 74 to the electrical signal source, the projections and recesses of the locking element and the reel are disengaged, allowing the reel to move. This feature helps to hold the banknote storage cart that serves as a banknote storage area in a fixed position with respect to the module when the banknote storage module is removed from the machine. This makes it more difficult for unauthorized persons to extract the banknote from the banknote storage module after it has been removed from the machine. Note storage module 44 is supported on the machine by reed portions 82. Reed portions 82 include semicircular openings or slots 84 (see Figure 14). The axially elongate cylindrical support members 86 are accepted in the openings 84 when the note storage module 44 is in the operative position within the machine.

The openings 84 in the tongue portions 82 extend into generally flat elements and are bounded by a surface 88 which serves as an arcuate U-shaped projection. The U-shaped projecting surface 88 is positioned to extend into generally annular recesses or slots 90 extending around the cylindrical support members 86. The interlocking engagement of the U-shaped projections of the annular recesses allows positioning the note storage module 44 in the proper position within the machine housing. It also permits engagement and disengagement of the tongue parts and cylindrical support elements from the engaged and disengaged positions by moving the banknote storage module along the direction of arrow 1 shown in Figure 14.

In the described form of the invention, cylindrical support elements 86 also serve as support elements for constructing the surrounding structure of the banknote storage module within the machine. Elements 86 include threaded openings at each end to facilitate engagement with other components. The positioning of the annular recesses 90 in the cylindrical support elements are also asymmetric to facilitate proper alignment of the banknote storage module. During machine assembly, proper positioning of the cylindrical support elements is ensured by having the threaded openings at each end of the support elements having a different size and / or thread configuration. This construction, together with the corresponding fasteners that are used to hold the machine components together, ensures that the cylindrical support elements are properly installed during assembly. It is obvious that the construction of the support structure and the removable note storage module is exemplary and in other embodiments other suitable structures and mounting methods may be used. This includes using a configuration to position the storage module which is generally the reverse of that shown in Figure 14, as well as other interlocking projections and slots arrangements. The banknote handling mechanism shown in Figure 4 further includes a passageway area 92. The passageway area 92 extends through an opening 94 in the front wall of the banknote storage module (see Figure 10). Notes passing between the note receiving and distribution mechanism of the note storage module pass through the passage area 92.

As shown in Figure 4, a banknote transport carrier 96 extends between the passageway and the banknote outlet opening 28. The banknote conveyance 96 is operative for moving banknotes together with it. A note input conveyor 98 is operative for moving notes between the note input opening 30 and the passage area 92. The note input conveyor 98 includes a portion extending through the note validator 58. As discussed above. , the note validator is operative to understand notes passing through the note input transport. The note validator is operative for noticing notes that move in the note input transport. The grade validator is operative to determine if perceived grades are valid for machine acceptance purposes and to discriminate between valid and invalid grades.

A transport drive 100 is operatively connected to inbound and outbound transports 96 and 98, respectively. Note inlet and outlet conveyors are shown in more detail in Figure 5. Note outlet conveyor 96 includes a belt 102 and a plurality of note interlocking rollers 104. The belt and intermediate rollers engage notes between they are such that the notes move with belt movement between the passage area and the note outlet opening 28. It is to be understood that although a belt and roller conveyor is used for the note output conveyor in the described embodiment, In other embodiments, other configurations of belts, rollers or other cooperating moving elements suitable for engagement and movement of the notes may be used. The note input transport in the described embodiment includes the note validator 58. In the described embodiment, the note validator 58 is a standard commercially available note acceptor that is operative for understanding and determining the validity of certain types of accounts. In the case of a machine that is configured to receive and distribute twenty dollar bills, the validator may be a device for understanding whether an inserted note is a valid twenty dollar bill. The validator 58 includes thereto adjacent to it a generally non-slip portion 106 of the note input conveyor 98. Part 106 is operative for engaging and moving inserted notes through the note input opening 30 passing through the validator. Part 106 is operative for moving notes that pass through the perception mechanisms within the validator 58 as required to perceive and note and determine their validity for the purpose of receiving within the machine. If it is determined that an inserted banknote is not valid or not suitable for acceptance into the machine, the non-slip portion 106 after moving the banknote into the validator is operative to move backward through the banknote entry opening 30. This is done by the validator operating on the basis of its internal programming or alternative modes operating in cooperative relationship with the controller 52.

If the note inserted through the note entry opening 30 is perceived as valid and acceptable by the validator 58, the note entry conveyor non-slip portion 106 is operative to release the note to a limited transport slip portion 108. The limited slip portion 108 includes a belt 110 and idler rollers 112. The belt 110 and idler rollers 112 have limited slip coupling elements which engage notes passing inwards from the validator 58. However, limited slip portion 108 is not operative to apply sufficient force to a note to remove it from engagement with non-slip portion 106 until the non-slip portion disengages the note. This allows the validator 58 of the described embodiment to move the note back sufficiently so that it can engage the limited slip engagement elements 110, 112 and further allows the non-slip portion to reverse the direction of the note so that it can be locked. delivered back through the note entry opening in case it is determined that the note is invalid. This feature allows the use of commercially available compact size note validators in the mode shown.

Although the note input conveyor 98 is shown in the embodiment described having a generally non-slip part and a limited slip part, other embodiments of the invention may not include such parts depending on the type of validator used. An example of such an embodiment is described later in detail. Furthermore, while the generally non-slip portion is shown as a plurality of cooperating rollers and the slip-clear portion 108 is shown as a belt and roller conveyor, other embodiments of the invention may include other types of moving elements that are operative for move the sheets as desired.

A door 114 is positioned adjacent to the passage area 92. The door 114 is operative for selectively directing the sheets and permits the passage of sheets with respect to the note input carry and the note output carry. As shown in more detail in Figures 9 and 11, door 114 includes a rotatably mounted door element 116. Door element 116 includes a curved advancing surface 118 which is disposed adjacent the passage area. When the advance surface 98 is disposed downward from the position shown in Figure 9 and the mechanism is operated to move sheets outward through the pass area 92, the outwardly moving notes are engaged with the advance surface and are directed to engage belt 102 and intermediate rollers 104 of the banknote conveyor 96. In this position, banknotes are loaded in an outward direction by the banknote conveyor to the banknote 28 opening. , when the notes are moved by the note entry conveyor toward the pass area 92, the advance surface 118 is moved up to an accept position with respect to Figure 9. In this position, the loaded notes are allowed to by inbound transport 98 pass into the passage area 92.

A guide 120 extends adjacent door 114 generally between the bill entry conveyor and the bank note conveyor. The guide includes rotating guide rollers 122 in supportive connection therewith. Guide roller 122 is generally engaged with belt 110 and rotates therewith. Guide 120 and guide rollers 122 further help guide sheets through the passageway in a manner which will be discussed later. The passageway area is also limited on an opposite side of the guide by a separating member 124. The separating member also described later in detail engages the surface of the belt 110 which serves as an arcuate shaped moving member in an overlapping area. to the belt support roll 126. The separating member 124 also engages the opposite side, the mat 70 in an area overlying a support roll 128 which is supported on the note storage module 44. The mat 70 serves as a bent shaped moving member when moving on roller 28 in engagement with the separating member 124.

As shown in Figure 11, gate 114 is moved between the accept position which is the position at which notes are accepted in the passage area from the note entry conveyor and the direction position at which notes pass into outwardly through the passageway are directed to the outbound conveyance by a limited slip transmission mechanism generally indicated 130. The limited slip transmission mechanism of the described embodiment includes a slide member 132. The slide member 132 is a belt relatively small sliding or similar force transmission element which can be used to translate the door element 115 to a desired position and thereafter to slip in response to the drive movement without causing damage to itself or other components connected. In the described embodiment, the sliding element 132 is connected to a pulley part 134 which is operatively connected to the door element 116. The sliding element 132 is also connected to a pulley part 136 which is connected to a roller 138 which supports the belt. 102 of the outbound transport. The stops indicated schematically by 140 limit the rotation of the door element 116.

When the banknote conveyor is driven to move the banknotes out of the walkway area 92, the belt 102 is driven in the direction indicated by Arrow 0. This causes the advance surface 118 of the door member 116 to move to lower until the door element is engaged with the stop 140 which limits its counterclockwise rotation. Because in this position the belt 110 is moved in the direction of arrow N, notes moving through the pass area 92 are engaged by the leading surface 118 in the steering position and moved together with it to engage the belt which moves outward 102. The outward moving belt continues to move as long as it is controlled to do so in response to the controller. However, once the door element 116 is against the stop, the sliding element 132 slides relative to at least one of the pulley parts 134 and 136. This causes the door element to be held in the steer position. does not result in further movement or damage to any of the components.

As may be appreciated from Figure 11, when the note entry conveyor 98 moves belt 110 in a direction opposite to that indicated by arrow N to deliver notes in the direction of passage area 92, belt 102 moves in a direction opposite to This movement causes the roller 138 to rotate the pulley parts 136 and 134 to rotate the door element 116. The door element 116 rotates in a clockwise position in the orientation shown to the acceptance position where the clockwise rotation of the door element is interrupted by engagement with one of the stops 140. Once the door element has moved to the accept position, the sliding element 132 slides relative to at least one of the pulley parts without causing damage to either components. In this position, the notes are allowed to pass through the door element by moving inwardly in supportive connection with the belt 110 to reach the passage area.

Although in this described embodiment of the invention the door 114 includes a door element that is moved by the same drive mechanism as the belt, in other embodiments other door movement mechanisms, including separate actuators, may be used. Alternative embodiments of the invention may employ passive door elements that allow notes to pass inward by deflecting or translating a movement of the door element in conjunction with the notes. Such passive gate elements may, through their configuration, engage the outwardly moving notes and direct them to engage the appropriate mechanisms for moving outwards. Various arrangements of door elements and leaf movement elements may be used in embodiments of the invention. It is further understood that although simple belts have been described herein as moving sheets in inbound and outbound conveyors, preferred embodiments of the invention may include a plurality of parallel moving belts, rollers or other banknote movement mechanisms that are operative for moving the notes in the directions described. Figure 12 shows, in more detail, the operation of the separating member 124 that limits a first side of the banknote area where banknotes move to and of banknote storage module 44. Banknotes moving through bankbook area generally move in a note plane schematically indicated at 142 in Figure 12. The note plane extends generally along an inner surface 144 of the separating member 124. The inner surface 144 of the exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of projections as shown. shown. The projections serve to minimize surface tensions such that the banknotes move more easily over the inner surface 144. The banknote storage module 44 includes an inner wall 146. The opening 94 extends through the inner wall. The opening is limited on each transverse side by an ear portion 148. Each ear portion 148 includes a generally vertically extending slot 150. A cutout portion 152 extends through the ear portion to the slot. The separating member 124 includes a pair of outwardly extending projections 154 that are sized to be movable in slot 150. The projections 154 also allow the separating element 124 to be rotatably movable with respect to the note storage module 44. The separating member also includes an eyelet 156. The eyelet 156 is engaged by a tensioning member 158. The tensioning member operates to tension the separating member 124 generally in a downward direction as shown.

When the note storage module 44 is installed in the machine housing, the separating member 124 is moved to a position where a first end of the separating element engages straps 110 overlapping the roll 126. Also in the operative position, the end opposite part of the separating member 124 engages the blanket 70 overlapping the roll 128. Thus, the separating element 124 engages at its opposite ends arc-shaped moving elements that move sheets in supportive connection therewith. The separating element of the exemplary embodiment is configured to guide the moving elements and engage the sheets that are supported on them. The engagement of the separating member with the sheets on the moving elements serves to separate the sheets and generally guide them along the note plane 142 through the passing of notes. The separating member 124 minimizes the risk of banknotes being carried by the support belt or blanket under the separating member where they may tangle or interrupt the operation of the mechanism. The floating character of the separation element facilitates its ability to properly position itself both vertically and rotationally on the mechanism when the banknote storage module is in its operative position. Thus, the separation element is allowed to correct minor misalignments and still perform its function by engaging the arched shaped moving elements on one side or the other. In addition, the configuration of slot 150 and cutout area 152 facilitates prompt replacement of the separating element. This is achieved because projections 154 can be moved across the cropping area. In addition, the tensioning member 158 can be connected immediately from the eye 156. Thus, the removal of an existing separating element and the installation of a new one is accomplished immediately.

It is to be understood that although in the described embodiment the projections are associated with the separating element and the slots are associated with the support housing structure, other embodiments may have these features reversed such that the projections are associated with the support housing and slots, associated with the separation element. Also in other embodiments, intermediate or additional structures may be used.

As best shown in Figure 10, the exemplary banknote storage module further includes a separating element 160. The separating element 160 engages an opposite side of the mat from that engaged by the separating element 124. The separating element 160 minimizes risk of notes supported by blanket 70 on the storage reel remain with the blanket when the blanket moves in a sheet distribution direction. The deflector 160 aids in separating the sheets from the web and directs them towards the passage area when the storage reel rotates in the direction shown in Figure 10. The separation element includes an edge portion 162. Edge portion 162 engages the blanket at a designated location 164. A deflector surface 166 extends from location 164 in the direction of passage. The deflector surface is positioned to extend generally parallel to the mat 70 in the area between where the mat joins the storage reel and the through area.

A movable member 168 engages the generally overlapping web 70 of the roll 128. The movable member 168 engages the inwardly moving notes so that they may be guided by the baffle surface for a narrowing 170 generally in the area where the mat joins. to the matting material stored in the storage reel 66. Similarly, the movable member 168 serves to engage sheets which are separated from the mat by the separating member 160 and to move the sheets outwardly through the passageway. The separating element 160 is rotatable with respect to the housing about a geometry axis generally indicated by 172. The separating element 160 is tensioned to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown around the geometry 172 by a tensioning element 174. The reel 66 rotates with respect to the housing and the banknote storage module about a rotating geometry axis indicated by 176. In the described form of the invention, the geometry axis 172 around which the separating element rotates is disposed. angularly with respect to the geometry axis 176 about which the storage reel rotates from the narrowing to a substantial angle of at least about 90 degrees. This configuration allows to provide relatively controlled angular movement of the edge portion where the amount of mat material stored in the storage reel changes during machine operation. This relatively limited movement ensures more reliable separation and banknote guidance to and from supportive connection to the storage reel. The configuration further minimizes wear of the mat material by maintaining desirable relative positions of the edge portion 162 and mat.

As shown in Figure 10, the surface of the deflector 166 is generally located on opposite sides of the movable member 168. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, movable member 168 may include a plurality of transversely disposed movable members. by the blanket. The deflecting surface can be configured to extend in the intermediate spaces between the moving elements. In addition, guide surface 120 also extends to intermediate areas of the deflecting surfaces. The positioning of the baffle surfaces transversely intermediate the movable member 168, as well as the guide surfaces 120, provides a relatively movable interlocking relationship of the surfaces, which facilitates guiding the sheets through the passageway. It should also be noted that the use of separating members 172 and 124 which engage opposite sides of the blanket generally helps to prevent non-uniform wear of the blanket and the appearance of uneven stresses along its surfaces. This, along with the configuration and orientation of the separation elements, helps extend the life of the blanket.

As discussed in detail later, the note storage module 44 of the disclosed embodiment includes a note receiving and distributing mechanism generally referred to as 77 in Figure 4. This note receiving and distributing mechanism includes the storage reel 66 and the withdrawal reel 68. The mat 70 extending between the spools, the roll 128 and the movable member 168 which engages the mat in the passageway, and the separating member 160 serve to ensure that the banknotes are separated from the mat and directed to and from the crossing area. In operating this described embodiment, the reel drive mechanism 72 operates to move the reels so that the notes can be delivered to and distributed from the passage area. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, a number of different types of handling mechanisms may be positioned adjacent the passage area to obtain the distribution of notes or receipt of notes from customers.

The transport mechanisms described herein, while useful, are exemplary of one of many types of mechanisms that can be used. Note storage module 44 of the described embodiment is useful because module construction can be used with many types of such transport mechanisms, including very low cost mechanisms that are adapted for installations on machines that perform other types of primary functions. This includes the ability to retrofit the ability to distribute cash to such machines by providing adequate mechanisms for connecting the walkway and one or more exits that can be accessed by a customer. In addition, banknote storage module 44 can be removed immediately by authorized personnel from an area inside the machine.

Thus, for example, in an engine fuel distribution application, a system operator can easily remove module 44 from the fuel distribution pumps during downtime and store such items in a safe place. Removal and reinstallation of such items can be accomplished quickly to minimize the actions required by personnel at the facility. The operation of the bill receiving and dispensing mechanism within the banknote storage module 44 is controlled by the operation of the reel drive mechanism 72. The reel drive mechanism is operative to selectively control the rotation of the reel bank 66 and the take-up reel 68. By controlling the rotation of the reels, the banknotes can be brought into a support connection with the blanket 70 and stored in the banknote storage reel. Similarly, by controlling the rotation of the reels, the notes stored on the storage reel can be delivered to the pass area. The exemplary embodiment reel drive mechanism 72 includes a motor or other indicated drive 178. The operation of the drive and its direction of rotation is controllable in response to signals from controller 52 when the note storage module 44 is installed in the machine. Drive 178 is operative as shown in Figure 6 to rotate a first drive element 180 about a rotational geometry axis. The first drive element 180 in the described embodiment is a gear. However, in other embodiments, rollers, belts or other power transmission elements may be used. The first drive element is operative to rotate a second drive element 182. In the embodiment described, the second drive element is rotatably connected to the drive element 184 and the drive element is rotatable about the rotational geometry axis 179. of the first drive element 180. The second drive element rotates about a rotational geometry axis 185 which is movable with the drive element. It is obvious that in other embodiments, other drive arrangements may be used.

As shown schematically in Figure 7, a first drag element 186 is in cooperative connection with the second drive element 182. The first drag element 186 is operative to apply a force-resisting motion of the second drive element. Preferably, the first drag element applies a resistance to movement in either rotational direction of the second drive element. The first drag element may include a washer, friction disc, bushing or other suitable element to provide a limited and controlled degree of resistance to movement of the second drive element. The first drag element 186 is operative such that when the first drive element 180 rotates in a clockwise direction, as indicated in Figure 7, the resistive force applied by the first drag element 186 will also tend to cause the element Drive 184 rotate with the second drive element in a clockwise direction. However, when the clockwise direction of the drive element is interrupted, such as due to engagement of the second drive element with another drive surface, the second drive element will rotate counterclockwise in response to the rotation of the first element. drive Similarly, counterclockwise rotation of the first drive element will move the drive element and the second drive element counterclockwise until the second drive element engages a drive surface, in which case the second drive element will rotate clockwise. It should not be forgotten that these structures are exemplary and that intermediate drive elements and other mechanisms can be included, achieving similar results.

As shown in Figure 7, the reel drive mechanism 72 further includes a drive drag element 188. The drive drag element 188 is operative to apply a rotation limited resistance of the transmission element 184. This rotation limited resistance it is operative to provide limited and controlled resistance to the movement of the transmission element 184. It is also operative to generally hold the transmission element 184 in its then present position until it is deliberately moved in response to rotation of the first element. 180. The drive drag element may include a washer, friction disc, bushing or other suitable device for applying resistance to movement of the drive element.

As shown in Figure 6, rotation of the first drive element 180 in a counterclockwise direction is operative to move the drive element and the second drive element 182 counterclockwise to a position where the second drive element 182 engages a first drive surface 190 of the withdrawal carriage. Preferably, the drive surface 190 of the take-up reel is a surface including gear teeth adapted for mesh engagement with the gear teeth in the second drive element 182. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, Other drive surfaces suitable for receiving power transmitted by the reel drive mechanism may be used. As shown in Figure 6, the second drive member operates to rotate the take-up reel 168 in a counter-clockwise direction. This causes the mat 70 to move in a sheet distribution direction as indicated by the arrows shown overlapping the mat 70. As the reel drive mechanism operates to move the take-up reel, the sheet storage reel 66 moves in a counterclockwise direction as shown so as to unroll his blanket 70 and release notes in supportive connection thereto to the passage area. Figure 8 shows the operation of the reel drive mechanism 72 when the blanket 70 is moved in a sheet receiving direction. The sheet receiving direction is the direction in which the blanket moves when the notes in support connection with it are wrapped around the note storage area supported on the storage reel 66. The rotation of the first drive element 180 clockwise shown in Figure 8 is operative to rotate the second drive element 182 clockwise with respect to the first drive element until the second drive element engages a drive surface 192 in storage reel 66. When the second drive element 182 engages drive surface 192, the second drive element rotates in a counterclockwise direction which rotates reel 66 in a clockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of reel 66 causes the blanket 70 and the notes supported thereon to be wrapped in the storage reel. As the storage reel pulls the web, the web 70 unwinds from the withdrawal web 68. The operation of the drag mechanisms on the drive element as well as the second drive element helps to ensure that the first drive element remain in positive engagement with the desired drive surface of the reels during their movement. Also with reference to Figure 4, it should be noted that the drive surface 192 of the storage reel 66 preferably includes corresponding gear teeth for engaging the second drive element 182. These corresponding gear teeth may also constitute the projections. and interlocking recesses 78 allowing the locking element 76 to hold the storage reel in position when the note storage module 44 is removed from the housing.

To facilitate controlled rotational movement of the storage reel 66 and the withdrawal reel 68, a controlled dragging mechanism is included in the note storage module 44. An exemplary form of this dragging mechanism is shown schematically. Storage Figure 66 has an annular brake surface 194 therein. A directional drag application member 196 extends around the annular brake surface by an angle greater than 180 degrees as shown. Directional drag application member 196 includes a first end 198 and a second end 200 which are generally secured with respect to the housing through the banknote storage module. Directional drag application member 196 includes a web portion 202. The web portion 202 extends generally with the annular brake surface 194 of the storage reel. The directional dragging member 196 further includes an extendable portion schematically indicated by 204. The extendable portion 204 includes a resilient tensioning portion that is extendable in the direction of arrow E as shown in Figure 13.

During operation of the reel drive mechanism 72, the storage reel 66 is rotated in a clockwise direction when it is desired to move the web 70 in a sheet receiving direction such that the web and notes supported thereon are wound on the reel. storage. When the storage reel 66 is moved in a clockwise direction, the extendable part 204 tends to expand in the direction of the arrow E in response to the force applied to the band part 202 by the relative movement of the annular brake surface 194. This allows the storage reel 66 rotates in a relatively easy clockwise direction in response to the force applied by the extendable part 204. However, when the storage reel 66 is rotated in response to the movement of the blanket 70 in a counterclockwise direction, which corresponds As the blanket moves in a sheet distribution direction, the movement resistance of the storage reel is relatively higher. This is because the tension in the band part 202 is higher due to a lack of an extensible part between the band part and the first end 198. As a result, the tension in the band part is kept relatively higher as The storage reel is moved counterclockwise. This provides a relatively higher drag force on the storage reel, which minimizes the risk of skating.

A similar but oppositely arranged structure is used to apply drag force to take-off reel 68 in this exemplary embodiment. The withdrawing reel, which, as discussed earlier in this embodiment, is identical to the storage reel, includes an annular brake surface 206 thereon. A directional dragging member 208 includes a web portion 210 that engages the annular brake surface 206 about an angle of generally more than 180 degrees. The directional dragging element is generally fixed with respect to the housing at a first end 212 and a second 214. The directional dragging element 208 includes an extendable portion 216 adjacent the second end 214. The extendable portion 216 is expandable at an extendable direction generally indicated by arrow X.

In operating the reel drive mechanism 72, when the reel 68 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction that moves the web 70 in a sheet distribution direction, the extensible portion 216 of the drag application member 208 expands to apply relatively lower resistance to the movement of the take-up reel 68. However, when the take-up reel 68 is moved in a clockwise direction in response to the movement of the web in a sheet receiving direction, a relatively higher drag force high is applied to the withdrawal reel.

As a result of the directional dragging mechanism of the described embodiment, the drag force on the reel being driven by the second drive element 182 is relatively lower. This reduces the amount of force that the reel drive mechanism has to produce to move the take-up reel and the storage reel. This is useful compared to systems where drag application elements act equally on the storage reels regardless of the direction in which they are moved.

Again, with reference to Figure 5, the blanket 70 extends between the storage reel and the withdrawal reel along a blanket trajectory. The blanket path extends adjacent the passage area where the blanket is supported by roll 128. The blanket path further includes a pair of guide rollers 218, 220 which guide the blanket 70 along the blanket path to the carriage. 68. A sensor 222 is disposed adjacent the web path between the guide rollers. Sensor 222 is in operative connection with the controller and is operable to perceive machine readable indexes in supportive connection to the blanket. Figure 16 shows a blanket section 70 of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The web includes a transversely central leaf engaging area generally indicated by 224. The leaf engaging area 224 operatively engages the sheets in the passage area and maintains the sheets in a supportive connection with the storage roll 66.

Across out of the leaf engaging area 224 is a pair of peripheral areas 226 and 228. Peripheral areas extend transversely on one side or the other of the blanket adjacent its transverse edges. Peripheral areas 226 and 228 include machine readable indices 230. In the described embodiment of the invention, machine readable indices on the blanket serve to block the transmission of radiation therethrough. This radiation block is sensed by sensor 222. It is obvious that in other embodiments, other types of indices that may be perceived or read by a sensing device may be used.

As discussed earlier, the opposite ends of the mat are connected to the take-off reel and the storage reel respectively. In the embodiment described, the machine readable indexes are configured to correspond to a location in the blanket with respect to one end. In the described embodiment, the machine readable indices are symmetrical in the blanket and are configured such that the spacing between adjacent indices decreases with proximity to each end. This construction, in the described embodiment, allows the installation of the blanket in any of four possible orientations. Thus, a person who replaces the blanket does not have to worry about improper installation. This is because of the symmetry of the machine readable indices in the peripheral area, as well as the decreasing spacing between the machine readable indices with proximity to the end.

In machine operation, sensor 222 is operative to cause the controller to include data in the data store representative of the location of machine readable indexes that are in proximity to sensor 222. In the embodiment described, this data may include data corresponding to a count of a number of machine readable indices that moved by passing the sensor from a reference position located adjacent a first end of the blanket in a first end area adjacent to the take-up reel. Holding this data corresponding to a count, the controller may be operative to determine the relative position of the blanket with respect to its ends. In addition to or alternatively, the controller may also maintain data representative of a count of sheets that are currently stored in supportive connection with the storage reel. This number of sheets can be correlated to the location indexes such that the controller coordinates the location information provided by the indexes with data corresponding to the number of notes in the store.

Alternatively, the decrease in index spacing with proximity to the edges of the blanket allows the controller in the described embodiment to detect a condition suggesting that the blanket is approaching the first or second end. This allows the controller to provide a signal through communications devices or another output device to indicate that the machine is reaching a condition where it can no longer hold notes or is approaching a condition where it is running without notes. . For example, the blanket has to move at least a distance somewhat longer than the length of a note in the distribution of a sheet. If in the movement of the blanket over this distance during the distribution of a sheet, the sensor 222 senses the passage of more than a given number of indices on the blanket, the controller may determine that the blanket is approaching the second end, which means Some notes are left on the storage cart. By the number of machine-readable indices that pass the sensor in the distribution of a note or sheet, the controller generally knows precisely how close the blanket is now to reaching the edge area when no other notes are stored on the storage reel.

Similarly, when operating to receive a banknote, the reel drive mechanism moves the blanket by a length which is generally slightly greater than the length of a banknote. If in the process of accepting a note the sensor 222 perceives more than a set number of machine readable indexes passing the sensor, the controller may determine that the blanket is approaching the first end, at which point no other blanket material is stored in the I reeled out. By the number of machine-readable indices that pass the sensor upon receipt of a note, the controller is operative to determine the position of the blanket relatively accurately. This allows the controller and its operatively connected memory to determine and display quantity condition data that is indicative of the need for machine replenishment, that the machine is full, and / or some notes will need to be removed from the machine within a given time period. time. The machine is still capable of achieving this even though the portion of memory that may be holding information corresponding to an exact blanket location may be lost or tampered with.

An example of how an exemplary embodiment of the invention may operate to distribute notes and to maintain a count of the number of remaining sheets is discussed in conjunction with Figure 17. In the described embodiment, sheets are distributed in response to a user's input via one or more of the input devices. This may include, for example, a customer passing a card through the card reader, which includes account data corresponding to the customer. If the card is a debit card, the customer can also enter a personal identification number (PIN) using the keypad keys. After that, the customer can indicate whether he wants to withdraw notes and the value of notes to be withdrawn through entries via the function keys and / or keyboard keys. In response to these inputs, controller 52 is operative in the embodiment described for operating communications device 48 to determine by communicating with another computer system whether the customer is authorized to withdraw the requested funds. Assuming that the customer is authorized to withdraw funds, communication device 48 receives a message indicating that the withdrawal requested by the customer is permitted is returned from a central computer or other connected system. The controller then operates the reel drive mechanism to rotate the withdrawal reel 68 in the indicated direction. This causes the storage reel to rotate in the direction shown. Rotation of the storage reel causes the notes to be separated from the blanket 70 and moved to the note passage area 92.

As shown in Figure 17, in the embodiment described, a pass sensor 232 is positioned adjacent to the pass area 92. The pass sensor 232 is operatively connected to controller 52 and is operative to perceive sheets therein. The pass sensor 232 is operative to sense the leading edge of the note entering the pass area. In response to the pass sensor, the controller 52 is operative to operate the transport drive that operates the output transport 96. The output transport operates in such a way that the notes together with it move toward the input input opening. Notes 28. This movement of the outlet conveyor also causes the door 114 to move to the steering position to engage notes with the outlet conveyor. In the described embodiment of the invention, the outgoing conveyor and the limited sliding portion 108 of the inbound conveyor 98 move cooperatively to move notes from the passageway to engage with the outbound conveyor. The reel drive mechanism moves the blanket 70 in the direction of note distribution until the end of the sheet is sensed by passing the pass sensor 232. The sheet passing by the pass sensor is carried by the exit conveyor 96 to the exit opening 28 where it is delivered to the customer. This is represented by a note 234. The inlet opening note can be kept in a tray or other suitable retention mechanism until it is picked up by the customer. Alternatively, a suitable sensor adjacent to the output that is connected to the controller may operate to hold the sheet in connection with the output conveyor in a stationary relationship until the customer physically pulls it from the opening. Various approaches to sheet delivery can be used, depending on the nature and character of the transaction machine.

Additional sheets in addition to one can be delivered. Controller 52 operates the reel drive mechanism for distributing additional sheets through the passageway and for delivering them via outbound conveyor to the customer. When the desired number of sheets have been distributed, which corresponds to user input, the controller operates to interrupt both the reel drive mechanism and the outbound transport.

In the course of distributing banknotes from the storage reel, the pass sensor senses each sheet. The pass sensor may be a radiation type sensor which is capable of perceiving both the trailing edge and the leaf edge. It is obvious that in other embodiments of the invention, other types of passage sensors may be used. As the blanket 70 moves to deliver one or more sheets to the walkway, the blanket sensor 222 provides signals to the controller 52. In response to the sensor sensing machine readable indices, the controller generates signals. These signals include data representative of leaf quantities. This may include, for example, in some embodiments, a simple count that corresponds to a remaining mat length on the storage reel.

Because the notes are evenly spaced, these count data are representative of a number of leaves remaining. This data may be stored in memory 56 as a quantity condition that corresponds to the number of sheets remaining.

Alternatively, in embodiments of the invention, sensor 222 may be operative to perceive the number of indices passing through the sensor as a sheet is moved through the passage area as perceived by sensor 232. The number of indices passing through sensor 222 as a single note is distributed may be correlated to the distance from the location adjacent to the sensor to the end of the blanket. The controller is operative in response to the sensor sensing more than a certain number of such indices during the distribution of a single banknote, and may be programmed to store and provide an indication of a quantity condition indicating that the machine needs banknote replenishment.

In addition to using machine readable indexes on the blanket to provide data representative of the amount of notes remaining, controller 52 may also be operative to cause actual count data or data representative of a value to be stored in memory 56. Thus In this way, the controller can be operative to keep information about how many notes remain stored in the machine at any time. This may allow a user to consult the controller to determine the number of notes remaining.

In the event that the described form of the controller experiences a failure in volatile memory data concerning the number of notes remaining, the controller may operate the machine to perform a retrieval operation to determine how many notes remain. The executable steps required to perform this recovery operation can be stored in nonvolatile memory such that the machine can almost always perform the recovery operation, no matter what the conditions. In the retrieve operation, the controller responds to a loss of available memory data by operating the reel drive mechanism to wrap the blanket 70 on the storage reel 66. The reel drive mechanism continues to wrap the blanket on the storage reel until a first end area adjacent to the end of the blanket attached to the take-up reel is perceived. This can be done in a number of ways, for example by the sensor 222 sensing a defined number of machine readable indexes on the blanket within a given time period which the controller determines using the clock device 54.

Once the controller has determined that the blanket has been wrapped around the storage reel to its full extent, the controller operates the reel drive mechanism to begin moving the storage reel to the withdrawal reel. As the reel drive mechanism is operated by the controller to do so, the controller generates signals in response to the indices perceived by the blanket sensor 222. These signals are indicative of how far the blanket has moved at any given time. The process of wrapping the blanket on the take-up carriage is interrupted when the pass sensor 232 perceives the first note entering the first pass 92. At this point, controller 52 is operative to generate another signal corresponding to the location of the blanket where the first pass. leaf is perceived. Because the sheets are stored generally relatively evenly spaced, the other signal generated is indicative of a number of sheets remaining in supportive connection with the blanket on the storage reel. This allows the controller to accurately determine how many sheets remain in storage. Another machine operation distributing and receiving sheets can be continued using the data corresponding to the amount of sheet determined by the retrieval operation. Obviously this is nothing more than an example of machine operation used in conjunction with a described embodiment. In other embodiments, other approaches to calculating and determining the number of sheets in storage at any given time may be used. The operation of the machine for receiving a note is now explained with reference to Figures 18 to 20. To insert notes into the machine, proper input by an authorized user through the input devices may be required. This may include special cards or codes that are used by maintenance personnel to replenish notes on the machine. Alternatively, as discussed in conjunction with Figure 1, the machine housing may include a physical security device that can be accessed by authorized personnel and only allows such personnel to insert notes into the inlet opening. Alternatively, the inlet opening may be positioned relative to the housing such that it is generally accessible only to authorized personnel. Finally, in some embodiments of the invention, users can either insert money into the inbound opening as well as receive money through the outbound opening. The particular activities available to users to enable the machine to function to accept notes through the note entry slot will depend on the particular machine and the programming done by the controller operator 52.

When the notes are accepted, a note is inserted through the inlet opening 30 for the inbound conveyor 98. In the inbound conveyor 98, the note first extends at the non-sliding position 106 of the inbound conveyor extending adjacent to the validator 58. The validator includes sensors in it that capture whether the entered note is a note that is valid for acceptance by the machine. For example, in this mode, the validator can be configured to accept only US $ 20 charges and to reject all other sheets entered as invalid for this machine. Controller 52 operates in conjunction with calibrator 58, and a schematically represented sheet 236 moves therein by the non-sliding portion 106. As shown in Figure 18, the sheet 236 may be extended from the non-sliding portion within the sliding portion 108, which is driven by the transport drive to move in the indicated direction. The limited slip part engages the sheet but allows it to move back and forth through part 106. If the note is determined invalid the non-slip part may disengage the note from the limited slip part 108 and move to backward and outward through opening 30. If the banknote is determined to be valid, however, part 106 releases banknote 236 within the limited sliding portion 108 which moves the banknote together with it toward passageway 92 .

Due to the fact that in the embodiment described, the limited sliding part 108 and the output conveyor 96 are operated by a common drive mechanism, the movement of the limited sliding part in the indicated direction also causes the output conveyor to move from one direction to another. such that it causes the door 114 to be rotated to the note accepting position. As a result, the note 236 moves to the pass area 92, as shown in Figure 19. When the note reaches the pass area, it is perceived by the pass sensor 232. The controller is operative in response to the note being perceived. by the pass sensor to operate the reel drive mechanism. The controller is operative to cause the mat 70 to move in the note acceptance direction as shown in Figure 20. The reel drive mechanism moves the mat such that the note enters a support connection therewith and is wound around the banknote storage reel 66. The controller continues to operate the reel drive mechanism until the bank's leading edge is perceived as passing through the pass sensor 232. Thereafter, the controller can operate the reel drive mechanism to move a note long enough to provide spacing from the next note that is inserted. Once the controller has moved the inserted note a sufficient distance on the banknote storage reel, the reel drive mechanism is even instructed to move by the controller.

While in this first described embodiment the non-slip drive portion adjacent the validation sensors 58 is operative to immediately push notes that are perceived as invalid, alternative forms of the invention may be programmed to operate differently. For example, a controller 52 may be programmed to move a note in the incoming transport by passing the validator. If the validator notices an invalid note, the note can be stopped in the pass area once the note's leading edge has passed port 144. The controller can then operate to reverse the direction of transports 96 and 98, which causes the door to direct the note out through the exit opening. Controller 52 can operate both inlet and outlet conveyors as well as the roll storage mechanism to achieve this. This may include, for example, causing the invalid note to be partially or temporarily stored in a supporting connection to blanket 70 before the direction of the note is reversed to deliver the note away. These are examples and other embodiments of the invention may operate differently to reject notes.

Alternative forms of the invention may be produced to accommodate other types of validation mechanisms. Figure 21 shows an alternative form of a note-handling mechanism generally indicated by 238. Mechanism 238 is broadly similar to that described above unless otherwise indicated. It includes a note receiving and distributing mechanism 240 similar to the mechanism 77 discussed earlier. The mechanism 238 further includes a combined inlet and outlet transport 242. The input and output conveyor 242 is selectively operative to move the sheets into and out of a pass area 244. Note sensors 246 are positioned adjacent to conveyor 242. Note sensors 246 may be operative to realize that the Note is valid, such as, for example, if a note that is passing through transportation 242 is a valid twenty-dollar bill. An example of a suitable banknote perception device is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 749,260 of the applicant of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference.

If the note is perceived as valid, it may be moved by a carriage 242 by passing a door 248 and going to a storage location on the storage reel 250. Similarly, when the note is to be distributed from the storage reel, a The blanket 254 which holds the notes in supportive connection with the storage reel can move the note to the pass area 244. Port 248 is moved by an actuator (not shown) to direct the note to engage the carriage 242. The Conveyor 242 then operates in one direction to carry the banknote from the passageway to a banknote outlet adjacent the end of the conveyor 242.

If the mechanism controller 238 is operating to perceive notes being inserted into the machine and the sensors 246 operate to perceive an invalid note, transport 242 may be reversed immediately to reject the note. Alternatively, if it is not desired to reject the banknote from outside the machine, the banknote may be moved by conveyor 242 to passage area 244. The banknote may also be partially moved on blanket 254 as required in machine operation. Thereafter, after the note has been moved to the storage area, the position of port 248 may be changed and the controller may operate a bounce transport 256. The bounce transport is operated to move the note inward to a storage area. storage 258 inside the machine housing. As a result, suspicious notes are kept inside the machine housing until they can be removed by authorized personnel.

An advantage of the described embodiment of the invention shown in conjunction with mechanism 238 is that a simple conveyor can be used as both inbound and outbound conveyance for banknotes. This may have advantages in some embodiments where note validity can be determined within a simple note path that selectively moves in opposite directions.

An alternative banknote handling mechanism, generally indicated by 260, is shown in Figure 22. Banknote handling mechanism 260 is similar to the first banknote handling mechanism described, except where otherwise indicated. Banknote handling mechanism 260 includes an outlet carriage 262 extending between passageway 264 and banknote opening 266. Banknote 260 further includes a banknote opening 268. Banknote opening extends into a housing wall of the machine which is generally opposite a housing wall into which the outlet opening extends. Input port 268 is operatively connected to a bill validator 270 which may be of a type described above. The bill validator is connected to a first sliding conveyor section 272 and a second conveyor section 274. The conveyor sections 272 and 274 are operative to carry the banknotes that passed through the validator 270 to passage area 264. The operation of the mechanism 260 is broadly similar to the first described embodiment of the invention. However, an advantage of the construction shown in Figure 22 is that a machine operator is allowed to carry money on the machine from behind. Certain preferred forms of the invention are small enough that they may be supported on a counter top or standard internal wall. This allows the machine operator to feed notes into the machine behind the counter or from inside an internal room within a building. This can make it easier to load notes on the machine as the machine operator has no personnel blocking access to the machine when notes are being loaded, which can discourage customers from using the machine. In addition, this setting can eliminate the need for covers or other devices over the note entry slot to prevent confused customers from trying to insert things into the entry slot. Other advantages of this alternative structure shown in Figure 22 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Yet another embodiment of a banknote handling mechanism generally designated 276 is shown in Figure 23. This alternate banknote handling mechanism 276 is operative in the embodiment described for working in conjunction with banknote receiving and distributing mechanism 77 of FIG. first embodiment including the note storage module 44 which has been described above. The alternate note handling mechanism 276 is operative to avoid the need for a user to usually insert notes one at a time for storage within the machine. The banknote handling mechanism includes an outlet carrier 278 extending between a passageway area 280 and a banknote outlet opening 282. A portion 284 is positioned adjacent to the passageway area 280 and operates in the manner described above. An inlet transport 286 includes a first part 288 extending adjacent a validator 290. A second transport part 292 extends between the validator and pass area 280. The banknote sorting mechanism generally indicated by 294 is positioned usually adjacent to the validator. The banknote sorting mechanism is operative to separate banknotes individually from a stack 296 and deliver individual banknotes to the validator 290. A banknote thickness sensor 298 is positioned adjacent to the stacking mechanism. Banknote thickness sensor 298 operates to understand if more than one banknote has been removed from the stack. In case more than one note is perceived passing from the stack towards the validator, the controller is operative to cause the note sorting mechanism 294 to reverse note movement. The note is moved back to the stack and another attempt is made until a single note is separated as perceived by the thickness sensors and delivered to the validator.

An exemplary separation mechanism is shown schematically in Figure 24. The arrangement includes a center feed roller 300 which is limited by two supplementary belt support feed rollers 302. Feed rollers 300 and 302 are rotated by a drive , indicated schematically by 304. The drive is selectively operated in response to signals from a controller.

A contact separating roller 306 and a pair of non-contacting separating rollers 308 are positioned in support arrangement generally opposite feed rollers 300 and 302. Rollers 306 and 308 are connected on a common axis to a one-way clutch 310. The one-way clutch is operative to resist rotation of rollers 306 and 308 in a direction that would facilitate leaf movement from the stack toward the validator. However, clutch 310 immediately allows rollers 306 and 308 to rotate in one direction, moving sheets away from the validator toward the stack. When drive 304 moves rollers 300 and 302 to move a sheet at the bottom of stack 295 toward the validator, both rollers 306 and 308 resist sheet movement. This generally prevents all but the first sheet at the bottom of the stack from moving by passing sensors 298 to drive portion 288 adjacent to validator 290. However, if multiple sheets are perceived by sensors 298 to be passed. Outside the stack, the controller operates to reverse drive direction 304. In this situation, rollers 306, 308, 300, and 302 cooperate to help immediately move the sheet back to the stack.

As shown in Figure 23, in the described form of the invention, stack 296 may be inserted into a stacking area 312 within the machine housing. Access to the stacking area can be controlled by a door, schematically indicated by 314. In the described manner of the mechanism shown in Figure 23, the machine operator is allowed to place a stack of banknotes in the stacking area 312 and then close and secure door 314. After that, the machine can operate to separate the notes in the stack to validate them as proper and to store the notes in the storage cart of a connected note storage module. If, in the course of sheet perception, invalid sheets are found, invalid sheets can be diverted by operating port 284 for transport 278 which may deposit the sheets in the area adjacent to the banknote opening 282. Alternative forms of the invention may provide other storage areas for holding invalid sheets. Other alternative forms of the invention may provide for disruption of banknote validation and machine stacking operation by a user wishing to operate the machine for distribution purposes. It is obvious that other alternative arrangements and configurations utilizing the principles of the invention can be imagined by those skilled in the art.

Alternative forms of user interfaces may be provided for use in conjunction with embodiments of the invention. Such an alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 25 to 30. The alternative embodiment includes a display 316 which, in various embodiments, may be an LCD, CRT or other type of visual or non-visual output device. The interface further includes an input device in the form of a card reader for reading magnetic stripe cards, generally indicated at 318. The interface further includes a cancellation button, indicated at 320. In this interface with the For simplified user use, the controller operates to display user-observable messages on display 316. These various displays including preprogrammed text and / or graphics are referred to herein as screens. When the machine is waiting for a customer to begin machine operation, a splash screen, indicated by 320 and shown in Figure 25, appears on the display. Home screen 320 instructs a user to insert their card into the card reader and to remove the card from it when the desired amount is displayed on the screen. Figure 26 shows a card schematically indicated by 322 of the magnetic stripe variety being inserted into the card reader 318. In response to the card being inserted and held there, a first amount screen indicated by 324 is displayed. The first amount screen that is generated in response to the controller warns the customer of an amount and to withdraw his card from the reader when the amount shown on the screen corresponds to a desired amount he wishes to receive. In the mode described within approximately five seconds later from the first screen displayed, a second account screen indicated 326 and shown in Figure 27 is displayed. The second amount screen shows a different amount and again instructs the user to remove the card from the reader when the desired amount is shown. It is assumed that the user does not remove the card from the reader when the second amount screen 326 is shown. Shortly thereafter (about five seconds in this mode), a third amount screen is shown. Due to the fact that the described embodiment distributes amounts of twenty dollars to each sequential display screen, the amount increases by twenty dollars. This sequence is continued until a maximum amount screen is reached or until the customer presses the cancel button 320.

Assuming the customer removes his card from reader 318 when an amount of sixty dollars is displayed, a withdrawal screen, generally indicated at 328 and shown in Figure 28, will be displayed. Withdrawal screen 328 notifies the customer of the amount that will be debited to their account. Again, assuming the customer does not immediately press cancel button 320, the controller operates to communicate through its communication device associated with an appropriate central computer or other system to determine whether the customer is authorized to debit the requested amount. . During this time, a standby screen 330 shown in Figure 29 is displayed. When the machine receives authorization indicating that the customer is authorized to receive the requested amount, the controller operates the machine components to have the requested amount delivered to the customer through the outlet opening in the housing. The controller also operates to have a printed delivery receipt. After this is done, a completion screen, generally indicated at 332, and shown in Figure 30, is displayed. The completion screen prompts the customer to pick up their money and receipt. It is obvious that if for any reason the transaction is not authorized, an alternate screen warning the customer of this is displayed to the customer. After that, the controller is operative to return to the home screen 320.

An advantage of this exemplary user interface is that it can be used with machines that distribute money in response to credit card entries and require no input device other than a cancellation button and a reader. Such components are very common in many types of transaction machines whose primary function is not the distribution of money. This interface facilitates the incorporation of the note distribution mechanism of the present invention into other types of transaction machines. In addition, other modalities may eliminate the cancel button by allowing the customer to cancel the transaction by removing the card at a time when a particular screen is displayed. Many alternative embodiments employing these principles can be imagined.

Another new aspect of the described embodiment of the invention is the ability to display selected promotional messages to the customer on a periodic basis. Such a promotional message is shown on screen 330 and indicates a sale on a beverage item. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, this promotional message is generated in response to data stored in the memory plug 38 that is connected to connector 36 in the housing. Data stored in the memory plug, which in the described form of the invention is a smart card, includes a promotional message as well as time parameters associated with the promotional message. Thus, for example, if the special offer represented on screen 330 extends only until a certain date, the controller and its associated clock device are operative to perceive the passing of this date and to no longer display the particular promotional message as it date has passed. For example, if the machine operator fails to remove the plug-in memory and the controller determines that the message is no longer periodic, the screen 330 may include only a blank space or a blank area below the message "please wait. "while the machine is operating for verification and to distribute user money.

Similarly, other data may be stored in the plug-in memory module such that particular promotional messages are displayed at particular times of the day or within particular time periods. The plug-in memory module may also include various promotional messages that are designed to be displayed at various times or sequentially to machine users. Alternatively, data stored in the plug-in memory module may include utility messages such as the promotion of various organizations and charity events. Data stored in plug-in memory can also be operative to generate graphical presentations as well as other types of video and audio presentations that may be of interest to a user. Other data stored in the memory module may include, for example, logos or other advertisement for the establishment where the automated banking machine is operated.

Because the exemplary form of the invention allows the display of promotional messages by selectively simply plugging a smart card into an associated connector, promotional messages can be changed immediately from the outside of the machine and very cheaply. For example, merchants or marketing entities that sponsor promotional events may provide smart card promotional messages to machine operators. Machine operators can plug the cards into the machine and during the selected period, message presentation windows, messages will be displayed. Sometimes when memory indicates that such messages should not be displayed, screens that include messages are not provided to machine users. Thus, promotional message providers are able to prevent their promotions from appearing beyond their expiration date or at other times when it is not appropriate. It is obvious that the automated banking machine may be operative to output such promotional messages at other times during its operation. This may include, for example, periodic display of promotional messages instead of the home screen. This may include, for example, alternating a promotional message with the home screen 316 for relatively short periods of time, such as a five-second period. In this way, a user going to the machine will be notified in a very short period of time how to operate the machine. However, such a user will also receive at least one and perhaps several promotional messages before inserting his card into reader 318. In this way, the described form of the invention allows machine operators to conduct additional marketing relatively simply and reliably and minimum cost.

It should be understood that while in the exemplary embodiment the plug-in memory element includes a smart card, other embodiments may include other types of plug-in memory devices. These may include, for example, floppy disks, PROMs, CD-ROMs, or other devices. It is further understood that access to such replaceable memory items may be limited by a cover, such as, for example, the cover for the note entry opening discussed above. In this way, access to the connector or reader for plu-in memory is limited to persons who are authorized to change plug-in memory. However, such persons do not need to have access to the banknote storage area within the machine to change the plug-in memory.

Thus, the preferred embodiment of the automated banking machine of the present invention achieves the above stated objectives, eliminates difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solves problems and achieves the desirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description, certain terms were used for brevity, clarity and understanding, however, no unnecessary limitation should be implied from this because such terms are used for the purpose described and are intended to be understood in the broadest sense. . Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations are given by way of example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown and described.

In the following claims, any feature described as a means for performing a function shall be understood to encompass any means known to those skilled in the art to be capable of performing the function cited, and shall not be limited to the structures shown herein or their equivalents thereof. .

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results achieved; novel and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods and relationships are given in the appended claims.

Claims (86)

An apparatus, comprising: a housing (12) including at least one leaf opening (28, 30) for passing sheets through it; a user interface (14) in supportive connection with the housing, the user interface comprising at least one input device, characterized in that it comprises a sheet storage reel (66) movably mounted in connection with support with housing; a withdrawing carriage (68) movably mounted in support connection with the housing; a flexible web (70) extending between the storage reel and the withdrawal reel, the web extending adjacent an area of sheet passageway (92) intermediate the storage reel and the withdrawal reel; a reel drive mechanism (72) in operative connection with the storage reel and withdrawal reel, wherein the reel drive mechanism is selectively operative for moving sheets in supportive connection with the web between the sheet storage reel and the area of passage; a leaf transport mechanism (96, 98), wherein the leaf transport mechanism is selectively operative to move leaves between the leaf passage area and the leaf opening; a sheet validator (58) operatively in connection with the sheet transport mechanism, wherein the sheet validator is operative to distinguish acceptable sheets from unacceptable sheets; a controller (52) operatively connecting to the input device, the reel drive mechanism, the sheet transport mechanism and the sheet validator, wherein the controller is operative in response to the sheet validator noticing a valid sheet inserted opening a sheet to make the valid sheet be stored in supportive connection with the blanket on the storage reel and the controller is still operative in response to at least one input to the input device to make the valid sheet be moved from the storage reel to the sheet opening. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing includes a sheet inlet opening and a sheet outlet opening arranged from the sheet inlet opening, and wherein the sheets are accepted in the housing. apparatus through the sheet input opening and the sheets are delivered from the apparatus through the sheet output opening. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheets are both accepted in the housing and delivered from the housing by single sheet opening. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the input device includes a card reader, and wherein an operative input for causing the sheets to be delivered from the sheet opening includes the reading of a card with the card reader. 5. A cash dispensing machine comprising: a housing (12); a banknote outlet opening (30) extending through the housing; a through area (92) within the housing; a bank outlet carrier (96) extending in the housing between the passageway and the bank outlet opening, the bank outlet carrier including a engaging surface with the separating member (110), characterized in that comprising: a banknote storage module (44) removably mounted in a support connection with the housing, the banknote storage module including a banknote storage area therein, wherein the banknote storage module ( 44) includes a first module wall including therein a module opening (94), wherein the module opening is adjacent to the passage area when the banknote storage module is in an operative position, wherein the banknotes of the area Note storage devices are delivered selectively from the note storage module through a module opening; a first separating member (124) movably mounted in support connection with the banknote storage module, wherein in the operative position of the banknote storage module, the separation member extends through the opening of the module and engages operatively. the coupling surface with the separating element. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the banknote storage module includes a first arcuate shaped moving element (70) in which banknotes moving towards a module opening are passed through. in support connection with the first arched-shaped moving element, wherein in the operative position of the banknote storage module the separating element operatively engages the first arched-shaped moving element, whereby the notes moving in support connection to the first arcuate moving member engages the separating member. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the banknote storage module includes a movable blanket in which banknotes moving between the banknote storage area and the passageway are moved in connection with each other. support with the web, and wherein the first arcuate shaped moving member includes a web surface. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a tensioning element (158) in supportive connection with the banknote storage module and in operative connection with the separation element, wherein in the operative position. of the banknote storage module, the tensioning member is operative to tension the separating member in the direction of engagement with the separator engagement surface. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the banknote storage module includes a first arcuate-shaped moving element (70), wherein banknotes moving towards the opening of the module are moved in support connection with the arched-shaped moving element and wherein in the operative position of the banknote storage module, the separating element operatively engages the first arched-shaped moving element and wherein the tensioning element is operative to further tension the element. in the direction of engagement with the first arched shaped moving element. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first separating element is movably mounted in supportive connection with the first wall of the module. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the notes moving through the opening of the module generally extend in a note plane and wherein the separating element is mounted to move relative to the module. note storage in a direction generally transverse to the note plane. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the separating element is movably mounted to further rotate with respect to the plane of the note. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises an interlocking projection (154) and slot (150), wherein the slot extends along the direction generally transverse to the note plane, and wherein the projection is rotatably movable with respect to the slot and wherein one of the separating element where the first module wall is operatively connected to the projection and the other of the separating element where the first module wall is operatively connected to the slot. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the slot is limited by an ear portion (148) in supportive connection with the front wall of the module, and wherein the banknote storage module includes a pair. of ear portions disposed adjacent opposite opposite transverse sides of the module opening, and further comprising a pair of generally opposite projections in operative connection with the separating member, wherein each projection is movable in a corresponding slot in an ear portion. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one ear portion includes a cutout area (152) extending through the ear portion of the slot, wherein the cutout area is configured as such. a projection is allowed to pass through the clipping area. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises an interlocking projection (154) and slot (150) wherein, when the banknote storage module is aligned in the operative position in support connection. with the housing, the projection and the slot are in interlocking relationship, and one or the other between the projection and the slot is operatively connected with the housing and the other between the projection and the slot is operatively connected with the storage module. grades. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the housing includes a generally cylindrical support member having a circumferential recess (90) and wherein the banknote storage module includes an arcuate shaped projection (88). ) engaging in the recess. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the cylindrical support member includes a pair of axially disposed circumferential recesses and wherein the banknote storage module includes an arcuate-shaped pair of projections, wherein each projection is engageable in a corresponding recess. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the projection includes a generally U-shaped portion. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the banknote storage module is operatively connected to a tongue (82), and wherein the u-shaped projection limits an opening in the tongue. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the housing is operatively connected to a pair of disposable cylindrical support elements (86), and wherein the banknote storage module includes a pair of disposed tongues. wherein in the operative position of the banknote storage module, a generally u-shaped portion of a support connection projection with each tongue engages a support connection recess with a corresponding cylindrical support element. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing includes a support member (86) in a support connection with it, and wherein the banknote storage module includes a support connection tongue. therein, 82, wherein the tongue includes an aperture (84), wherein in the operative position of the banknote storage module the aperture accepts the support member therein. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the support element is an axially elongate element, and wherein the banknote storage module includes at least a tongue portion that engages the support element in a plurality of axially arranged locations. Apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the banknote storage module includes a plurality of tongue portions, wherein the latches are arranged axially with respect to the support member in the operative position of the module. banknote storage Apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the housing is operatively in connection with another support element, wherein the other support element is disposed transversely with respect to the support element and wherein the support module is provided. The note storage further includes another tongue portion, wherein the other tongue portion engages the other support member in the operative position of the note storage module. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the banknote storage module includes a plurality of tongue portions (82), wherein each tongue portion includes an opening (84) therein and the openings are generally aligned and elongated along a first direction and wherein the housing includes a pair of support elements (86) and wherein the movement of the banknote storage module along the direction from a non-position operative is operative to move the openings in the tongue portions to engage the support elements, whereby the banknote storage module is moved to the operative position. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the banknote storage area in the banknote storage module includes a rotatable member (66), and wherein the banknote storage module further includes a bank member. locking element (76), wherein the locking element selectively operably engages the rotary element to maintain the rotary element in a rotationally fixed position with respect to the banknote storage module. Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the locking element and the rotary element include an interlocking projection and recess (78) and wherein when the projection and recess are engaged, the element rotary is kept rotationally fixed with respect to the banknote storage module. Apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that it further comprises an actuator (74) in support connection with the banknote storage module, wherein the actuator is operative to move the locking element to maintain the element. rotary lock in response to disengagement from the banknote storage module of the housing. Apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the cash dispensing machine includes an electrical signal source (52) in the housing and further comprises an electrical connector (80) which releasably connects the actuator with the electrical signal source, wherein the connector electrically disconnects the actuator in response to the removal of the support connection module from the housing and the actuator is operative to cause the locking element to maintain the rotating element in response disconnecting the electrical connector. Apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the banknote storage area in the banknote storage module includes a rotatable element and wherein the banknote storage module further includes a locking element (76). wherein the locking element selectively operably engages the rotary element to maintain the rotary element in a fixed rotational position with respect to the banknote storage module. 32. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second drive element (182) operatively connected to the first drive element and the transmission element, wherein the second drive element is operatively intermediate to the first drive element and spools, wherein movement of the second drive element in response to movement of the first drive element is operative to move both the transmission element and the spools. Apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that it further comprises a first drag element (186) operatively connected to the second drive element wherein the first drag element is operative to resist movement of the second drive element. transmission movement between the first drive element and the spools, wherein the first drag element is operative to cause the transmission element to move to the first and second positions in response to the movement of the first drive element. drive in the first and second direction directions, respectively. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a drive drag element (186) in operative connection with the drive element, wherein the drive drag element is operative to propel the drive element. transmission to remain in its then current first or second position. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first drive element is a rotary element and wherein the first drive element rotates about a first rotational geometry axis and wherein the transmission element it generally rotates about the first axis of rotation as the transmission element moves between the first and second positions. Apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises a second drive element (182) operatively connected to the first drive element, wherein the second drive element rotates with respect to the transmission element about. a second axis of rotation, wherein the second axis of rotation rotates about the first axis of rotation as the transmission element moves between the first and second positions. Apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that the storage reel includes a generally annular storage reel drive surface (192) and the withdrawal reel includes a withdrawal reel drive surface (190). ) generally annular, wherein in the first position of the drive element, the second drive element operatively engages the drive surface of the withdrawing carriage and in the second position, the second drive element operatively engages the drive surface of the storage reel. Apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that the storage reel and the withdrawal reel are identical. Apparatus according to claim 37, further comprising a locking element (76) in supportive connection with the housing and further comprising an actuator (74), wherein the actuator is selectively operative to hold the relatively fixed rotational storage. Apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that the storage reel and locking element are housed within a storage module (44) and the storage module is removably mounted with respect to to the housing and wherein the locking element is operative to secure the storage reel in a fixed relative relation to the storage module in response to removal of the housing module. 41. The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising an electrical signal source (52) located in the housing and external to the module, and wherein the actuator is housed in the module and further comprises a releasable electrical connector ( 80) electrically connecting the actuator and the electrical signal source, where the electrical connector is disconnected when the module is removed from the housing and the actuator is operative to cause the locking element to hold the storage reel in response. the connector electrically disconnects the actuator from the electrical signal source. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a user interface in supportive connection with the housing, wherein the user interface includes an input device (20, 22), and comprises further a drive (100) in operative connection with the first drive element and a controller (52) in operative connection with the input device and the drive, and wherein the controller is operative in response to at least one input to the input device. input to operate the drive to cause the blanket to move in a sheet distribution direction, wherein the sheets in support connection with the storage reel are moved toward the through area. Apparatus according to claim 42, characterized in that the housing further includes an outlet opening (28) and a sheet carrier (96) for moving the sheets from the passageway to the outlet opening by storage sheets are delivered to the output slot in response to an input to the input device. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a directional dragging member on a storage reel (196) operatively connected to the sheet storage reel, wherein the dragging element is provided. Directional to the storage reel is operative to apply relatively higher resistance to sheet storage movement when the web moves in the sheet distribution direction compared to the resistance to movement when the web moves in the sheet receiving direction. Apparatus according to claim 44, characterized in that the directional dragging member to the storage reel includes an extendable portion (204), wherein the extendable portion is configured to be extendable generally in one direction only. where during movement of the blanket in a sheet receiving direction, the extendable portion is extended in the extendable direction. Apparatus according to claim 44, characterized in that the dragging member to the storage reel includes a web portion (202) which extends in engagement with a generally annular brake surface operatively in connection with the carrier. storage reel. Apparatus according to claim 46, characterized in that the web portion includes a first end (198) and a second end (200), wherein the first end and the second end are operatively connected to the housing and wherein the second end is operatively connected to the housing through an extendable portion (204), wherein the extendable portion is operative to extend the effective length of the web portion as the web moves in a sheet receiving direction. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a directional drag application element to the take-up reel (208) in operative connection with the withdrawal carriage, wherein the directional drag application element to the take-up reel Take-off reel is operative to apply relatively higher resistance to movement of the take-off reel when the web moves in a sheet receiving direction compared to the resistance to movement when the web moves in a leaf delivery direction. Apparatus according to claim 48, characterized in that the directional dragging member to the storage reel includes an extendable portion (216), wherein the extendable portion is configured to be extendable generally in an extendible direction. wherein during the movement of the blanket in a sheet distribution direction the extendable part is extended in the extendable direction. Apparatus according to claim 48, characterized in that the dragging member to the take-up reel includes a web portion (210) which extends in engagement with a generally annular brake surface in operative connection with I pulled him out. Apparatus according to claim 50, characterized in that the dragging member to the withdrawing carriage includes a first end (212) and a second end (214), wherein the first end and the second end are operatively connected to the housing, and wherein the second end is operatively connected to the housing through an extendable portion (216), wherein the extendable portion is operative to extend the effective length of the web when the web moves in the direction of distribution of the web. leaf. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a banknote entry aperture in the housing (30), a banknote validator (58) operatively connected with the banknote entry opening, and a drive. in operative connection with the first drive element and the note validator, wherein the drive is operative in response to the note validator to perceive a valid note passed to the note entry opening to cause the drive to move the blanket in the sheet receiving direction, where the valid note is stored in a support connection with the sheet storage reel. Apparatus according to claim 52, further comprising a sheet input conveyor (98), wherein the sheet input conveyor is operative to move the notes validator notes into the pass area. of grades in response to the validator noticing a valid grade. Apparatus according to claim 43, characterized in that a) storing at least one note in connection with the web on the sheet storage reel; b) receiving an input to the ada device; and c) operate the drive and conveyor sheets back to the controller to deliver the note to the opening. 55. Method of operation of the apparatus according to claim 53, characterized in that it comprises tapas of: (a) inserting a valid banknote into the banknote opening; b) understand the note with the note validator; and c) operate the drive and transport of the responses in response to the note validator to realize the valid, to store the note in a blanket support connection on the storage reel. 56. Apparatus comprising: a housing (12); a sheet storage reel (66) rotatably in supportive connection with the seat, the storage reel being positive with respect to housing around a first geometry; a withdrawing reel (68) rotatably mounted in support connection with the housing; a flexible blanket (70) extending between the storage reel and the withdrawing reel, the blanket extending adjacent a sheet passage area (92) intermediate the storage reel and the withdrawing reel, and in whereas the blanket joins the storage storage adjacent to a narrowing (170); a reel drive mechanism (72) operatively in connection with the storage reel and the withdrawal reel, wherein the reel drive mechanism is selectively operative for moving sheets in supportive connection with the blanket between the storage reel and characterized in that it comprises a separating member (160) movably mounted to a support connection with the housing (12), wherein the separating member includes an edge portion (162), wherein the separating portion the edge engages the web (70) and is operative to disengage the sheets therein, wherein the edge portion engages the web in a location disposed in one direction from the narrow in the direction of the passage area and wherein the separating member is rotatably mounted with respect to the housing about a second geometry axis, wherein with respect to the first geometry axis, the second geometry axis is disposed angularly from the narrow at least 90 degrees. Apparatus according to claim 56, further comprising a tensioning element (174), wherein the tensioning element is operative to tension the edge portion to engage the web. Apparatus according to claim 56, characterized in that the separating element includes a deflecting surface (166), wherein the deflecting surface extends from the edge portion, generally facing and generally facing. general parallel to the blanket. Apparatus according to claim 58, characterized in that it further comprises at least one movable member (168), wherein the movable member is operative to engage in engagement with sheets supported on the web, and wherein the deflecting surface It is operative to extend at least one transverse side of the movable element. Apparatus according to claim 59, characterized in that the deflecting surface extends on two transverse sides of the movable element. Apparatus according to claim 59, characterized in that it further comprises a guide surface (120), wherein the guide surface is disposed face to face with respect to the web in the passage area, and wherein the deflecting surface extends at least on a transverse side of the guide surface. 62. The apparatus of claim 56 further comprising an arcuate shaped support member (128) supporting the blanket adjacent the passage area, and a secondary separating member (124) which engages a portion. from the overlapping blanket to the arcuate shaped support member, wherein the secondary separating member is operative to engage an opposite side of the blanket from one side of the blanket engaged by the separating member. 63. Apparatus according to claim 62, further comprising a tensioning element (158), wherein the tensioning element is operative to tension the secondary separating element to engage the web. 64. Apparatus according to claim 56, characterized in that it further comprises a user interface (14) in supportive connection with the housing, the user interface including an input device (20, 22). and further comprises an outlet opening (28) in the housing, an outlet carrier (96) extending between the passageway and the outlet opening and a controller (52) operatively connecting with the outlet device, the mechanism drive system and banknote transport, wherein the controller is operative in response to an input to the input device to cause sheets stored in supportive connection with the storage reel to be moved to the outlet opening . 65. Apparatus according to claim 64, further comprising a banknote validator (58) in support connection with the housing, wherein the banknote validator is operative to realize the validity of banknotes adjacent to it and wherein the bill validator is in supportive connection with the controller, and wherein the controller is operative in response to the validator perceiving a valid note to move the note to the storage reel. 66. An apparatus comprising: a housing (12) including at least one sheet aperture (28, 30), wherein the sheet aperture is adapted for passing sheets therethrough; a user interface (14) in supportive connection with the housing, the user interface including at least one input device (20, 22); a sheet storage reel (66) movably mounted in support connection with the housing; a withdrawing carriage (68) movably mounted in support connection with the housing; a flexible web (70) extending between the storage reel and the withdrawal reel, the web extending adjacent a sheet passage area (92) intermediate the storage reel and the withdrawal reel; a reel drive mechanism (72) operatively in connection with the storage reel and the withdrawing reel, wherein the reel drive mechanism is selectively operative to move sheets in supportive connection with the blanket between the reel storage reel. leaves and the area of passage; a leaf transport mechanism (96, 98) wherein the leaf transport mechanism is selectively operative to move leaves between the leaf passage area and the leaf opening; a controller (52), wherein the controller is operatively in connection with the input device, the reel drive mechanism and the leaf transport mechanism and the controller is operative in response to at least one input to the input device. input to cause the sheets to be moved between the storage reel and the opening of the sheets, characterized by the fact that it comprises a blanket (70) comprising more than two machine readable indexes (230) therein, each of which of the indices corresponds to a location relative to one end of the blanket, wherein the spacing between adjacent machine readable indices varies in response to a distance from the location from the edge of the blanket; a sensor (222) operatively in connection with the controller, wherein the controller is operative to generate at least one signal in response to sensing indexes by the sensor. 67. Apparatus according to claim 66, characterized in that the spacing between adjacent machine readable indices varies in response to the distance from the site from the end, and the signal is generated by the controller in response to indices. machine readable lines that have a predetermined spaced ratio. 68. Apparatus according to claim 66, characterized in that the blanket includes a first end operably connected to the take-up reel and a second end operatively connected to the storage reel, and wherein the spacing between the indexes readable by the adjacent machines varies in response to a distance from the site from each respective end. 69. Apparatus according to claim 67, characterized in that the spacing between adjacent indices decreases as the site nears the end of the web. Apparatus according to claim 69, characterized in that the spacing between adjacent indices decreases with the proximity of the location to each of the first end and the second end of the web. 71. Apparatus according to claim 67, characterized in that the blanket includes a sheet transfer engagement area (224), wherein the sheets in supportive connection with the blanket are engaged with the engagement area of the sheet. and the web further includes a peripheral area (226), wherein the peripheral area is disposed transversely from the leaf engaging area and wherein the indices are in supportive connection with the peripheral area of the web. Apparatus according to claim 71, characterized in that the mat includes a peripheral area on each transverse side of the sheet support area where each transverse side includes the indices. 73. Apparatus according to claim 72, characterized in that the blanket includes a first end operatively connecting to the withdrawal reel and a second end operatively connecting to the storage reel and wherein the indices in each area are indicative of the distance from the site to at least one end. 74. Apparatus according to claim 72, characterized in that the spacing between adjacent indices varies with proximity to the end. 75. Apparatus according to claim 74, characterized in that the spacing between adjacent indices decreases with proximity to the end. 76. Apparatus according to claim 73, characterized in that the spacing between adjacent indices decreases with proximity to each of the first end and second end. 77. Apparatus according to claim 69, further comprising a bypass sensor (232), wherein the bypass sensor is adjacent to the bypass area and wherein the bypass sensor is in operative connection with the wherein the pass sensor is operative to perceive sheets adjacent to the pass area and wherein the controller is operative to cause other sheets to stop being stored on the storage wheel in response to perceiving indexes corresponding to a location adjacent to the pass area. end of the blanket. Apparatus according to claim 67, characterized in that it further comprises a bypass sensor (232) in operative connection with the controller, wherein the bypass sensor is operative to perceive sheets adjacent to the bypass area and wherein the blanket includes a first end in operative connection with the withdrawing reel and a second end in operative connection with the storage reel and wherein the controller is operative to operate the reel drive mechanism to transfer the blanket for support connection with the note storage reel such that the portion of the web in engagement with the withdrawal reel is reduced to a first area of the web adjacent to the first end and the controller is thereafter operative to operate the reel drive mechanism to place quantities mat in support connection with the take-up reel until a sheet is perceived in the the bypass sensor and wherein the controller is operative to generate another signal indicative of a location where a leaf is perceived by the bypass sensor. 79. Apparatus according to claim 78, characterized in that the other signal includes data representative of a series of sheets currently stored in supportive connection with the web. 80. Apparatus according to claim 67, characterized in that the blanket includes a first end operatively connecting to the withdrawal reel and a second end operatively connecting to the storage reel and wherein the signal is generated in sensor response perceives indices corresponding to a distance from the second end. 81. Apparatus according to claim 80, characterized in that the signal includes data representative of an amount of leaves remaining in supportive connection with the web. Apparatus according to claim 67, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) storing a plurality of sheets on the storage reel in supportive connection with the web; b) operating the reel drive mechanism and sheet transport with the controller in response to inputs to the input device to move sheets from the storage reel to the sheet opening; c) perceive indexes associated with the blanket with the sensor; and d) generating a signal with the controller in response to the perceived indices corresponding to a particular location. Apparatus according to claim 78, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) storing a plurality of sheets of the storage reel in supportive connection with the web; b) operating the reel drive mechanism with the controller to remove portions of the withdrawal reel mat until indices corresponding to the first end area are perceived by the sensor as being disposed from the withdrawal reel; c) operating the reel drive mechanism to include increasing portions of the mat in the withdrawal reel until the sheet is perceived adjacent to the pass sensor; d) perceive with the sensor an index corresponding to a location where the sheet is perceived by the pass sensor; e) generate with the controller the other signal indicative of location. A method according to claim 83 and prior to step b), characterized in that it comprises the steps of: f) storing data corresponding to a quantity condition in a memory in operative connection with the controller, wherein the condition quantity corresponds to a quantity of sheets stored in a supporting connection to the blanket; g) adjusting the quantity condition in response to leaf delivery in the direction of leaf opening; h) realizing the loss of data corresponding to the quantity condition under which step b) is performed in response to the perceived loss of quantity condition data. 85. Apparatus comprising a housing (12); a sheet storage reel (66) movably mounted in support connection with the housing; a withdrawing carriage (68) movably mounted in support connection with the housing; a reel drive mechanism (72) operatively in connection with the storage reel and the withdrawal reel, wherein the reel drive mechanism is selectively operative to move the storage reel and the withdrawal reel; CHARACTERIZED for comprising a sensor (222) for sensing indexes along a blanket path intermediate the storage reel and the withdrawal reel, wherein the blanket path includes a through area; and a blanket (70) extending between the storage reel and the withdrawing reel along the blanket path, the blanket comprising: a central leaf engaging area (224) and a pair of peripheral areas (226) ), each peripheral area disposed on an opposite side of the leaf engaging area, wherein the leaves are generally engaged with the web (70) in the leaf engaging area and not the peripheral areas and wherein each peripheral area includes indexes readable by the web. (230) which are detectable by the sensor, wherein the blanket includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end and the second end are operatively attached to a withdrawal reel (68) and storage reel ( 66) and wherein the machine readable indices are spaced from each other and wherein the spacing between adjacent machine readable indices decreases with proximity to each end. 86. The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising: a user interface (14) in supportive connection with the housing, wherein the user interface includes at least one input device (20). , 22); a sheet transport mechanism (96, 98) .. wherein the sheet transport mechanism is selectively operative to move sheets between the sheet passage area and the sheet opening; and a controller (52) operatively in connection with the reel drive mechanism, sensor, sheet transport mechanism and input device and wherein the controller is operative in response to at least one input to the input device for causing the sheets to move from the storage reel to the sheet opening and wherein the controller is still operative to generate at least one signal in response to the sensor perception index having a particular relationship with one end of the web.