GB2199890A - A cassette for storage and transportation of banknotes - Google Patents

Abstract

A cassette 1 comprises a container 2, a compartment within the container for the storage of banknotes, a feed-in passage 3 to the container for the input of banknotes, conveyor means 26 for conveying individual banknotes from the passage to the compartment, a closure 5 for the passage, a first locking means for the closure, an access door 14 to the compartment to facilitate the removal of banknotes, a second locking means for the access door, detection means 39 for detecting tampering with the container, banknote spoiling means 30 for spoiling banknotes within the compartment and primable control means 37 connected to both the detection means and the spoiling means such that the control means. when primed actuates the note spoiling means in response to detection of tampering with the container. The cassette is useful in receiving banknotes at a cash till and subsequently transporting the banknotes to a bank or secure location. <IMAGE>

Description

A CASSETTE FOR STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF BANKNOTES This invention relates to a cassette for the storage and transportation of banknotes and the like.

The cash takings of many businesses are transported to a bank in secure containers which may include anti-theft devices of various types. A need exists to provide an improved container Tor such transportation which will deter attemDts at theft of the contents.

According to the present invention there is disclosed a cassette for storage and transportation of banknotes and the like comprising a container, a compartment within the container for the storage of banknotes, a feed-in passage to the container for the input of banknotes, conveyor means for conveying individual banknotes from the passage to the compartment, a closure for the passage, a first locking means for the closure, an access door to the compartment to facilitate the removal of banknotes, a second locking means for the access door, detection means for detecting tampering with the container, banknote spoiling means for spoiling banknotes within the compartment and primable control means connected to both the detection means and the spoiling means such that the control means when primed actuates the note spoiling means in response to detection of tampering with the container.

An advantage of such an arrangement is that the theft of the cassette together with its contents is discouraged by the knowledge given to a potential thief that the contents will be spoiled so as to be unusable if any attempt to open the cassette is made other than by legitimate unlocking of the locking means.

Preferably the spoiling means comprises perforation means for applying a perforation pattern to banknotes within the compartment.

The perforation pattern may therefore be such as to identify the owner of the e banknotes or may display any suitable warning such as the word "stolen" by means of which the banknotes may be rendered unusable.

Preferably the conveyor means comprises a conveyor belt having means for clasping a leading edge of a banknote, the banknote being conveyed in use by movement of the clasp means around the conveyor belt path between a pick up point in the feed-in passage and a release point in the note storage compartment.

An advantage of such an arrangement is that the compartment may be located separately from the feed-in passage so as to hinder the withdrawal of notes and also the use of a conveyor belt facilitates the orderly handling and stacking of successive notes.

Advantageously the detection means comprises a double skinned outer layer of the container defining an airtight chamber, a pressure differential being maintained with the chamber with respect to the external ambient air pressure, and further comprising means for detecting pressure change within the container.

Any penetration of the outer layer of the casing will consequently result in the pressure within the chamber being equalised with the ambient air pressure thereby causing a detectable pressure change. Such a detection means is therefore sensitive to both large and small holes being made in the container.

The tampering detection means may include photo-electric means within the container for detecting light entering the cassette and/or may comprise at least one optical fibre incorporated in an external wall of the container, the fibre or fibres being connected between a light source and li-ght detector, and a detection circuit being provided for detecting interruption of the light path.

Advantageously the control unit comprises a micro processor which also controls the functions of the first and second locking means.

Conveniently the cassette may comprise a time lock means for preventing unlocking of the first and second locking means during a predetermined time period.

Advantageously the e cassette may comprise a re-chargeable power pack for supplying power to the control means, the conveyor means and the note spoiling means. The cassette may then be re-charged whilst in a stationary position adjacent a till for example during which time notes may be loaded into the cassette. Once charged the power pack provides all necessary power to enable the cassette to be operated without external power supply whilst being transported or stored.

Conveniently the cassette comprises a control panel for the input of data to the control means and having manual data entering means incorporated in the passage closure such that the control panel is accessible for use only in the open position of the closure. There the control means is a micro processor a control panel having push button keys is a convenient way of entering data and the incorporation of the control panel in the passage closure ensures that it is inaccessible when the cassette is closed and primed.

Advantageously the cassette further comprises means for receiving input data as to the denomination of banknotes and further comprises means for calculating and displaying the value of the accumulated contents. This may conveniently form an extension of the facility provided by the control panel so that the value of each bill is entered by pushing an appropriate push button key.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings of which Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cassette with the passage closure in the open position and connected to an external power supply, Figure 2 is a sectional side elevation of the cassette of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional relationship of elements of the cassette.

The cassette 1 of Figures 1 and 2 comprises an elongate container 2 of rectangular profile. A feed-in passage 3 is provided at a first end 4, the passage being closeable by means of a lid or closure 5 which is pivotally connected to the upper surface 6 by means of a transversely extending hinge 7.

The lid 5 is shown in its open position in Figures 1 and 2 in which the underside 8 of the lid lies horizontal and upwardly facing to expose a control panel 9 mounted thereupon. The control panel 9 includes push button keys 10, an alpha numeric display panel 11 and indicator lights 12 and 13.

A hinged access door 14 is also provided in the end face 15 of the container 2 at the first end 4 and is shown in the closed position in figures 1 and 2.

A detachable electrical mains lead 16 is shown connected to the cassette 1 in Figure 1 and a detachable chain 17 is shown attached to the sidewall 18 of the container 2.

As shown in Figure 2 the feed-in passage 3 comprises upper and lower guide plates 19 and 20 respectively which extend inwardly of the container 2 to define a tapering duct 21 which is inclined in a downward direction towards the second end 22 of the container 2.

A compartment 25 extends longitudinally at the bottom of the container 2 such that the access door 14 provides an openable access to the compartment. A conveyor 26 extends longitudinally and on top of the compartment 25 and comprises a conveyor belt 27 which is driveable by means of an electrically driven pulley 28. A clasp 29 is attached to the belt 27 and is shown in its open jawed configuration in Figure 2 where it is positioned in alignment with the duct 21. The conveyor belt 27 is arranged such that it defines a conveyor path around which the clasp 29 may be conveyed. In the position shown in Figure 2 the clasp 29 is located at a pick up point 23 at the end of the duct 21 and the conveyor path is such as to convey the clasp 29 to a release point indicated generally at 24 which is located within the compartment 25. The clasp is opened and closed automatically by suitably located magnets (not shown) so as to close upon leaving the pick up point 23 and open again at the release point 24.

A note spoiler 30 is positioned within the casing so as to drive perforating needles (not shown) downwards through the compartment 25, the path of the needles being indicated generally by dotted lines 31. A key receiver 32 is externally accessible for locking and unlocking the cassette and comprises a window through which a infra-red beam may be directed from a key transmitter (not shown).

The outer wall 35 of the container 2 is double skinned and encloses an evacuated cavity 36. A pressure differential therefore is maintained between the vacuum within the cavity and the ambient external air pressure. The container 2 also comprises a micro processor 37 and a rechargeable dry cell power pack 38. A pressure sensor 39 is provided for sensing pressure change within the cavity 36.

The lid 5 and the access door 14 are provided with first and second locking means respectivelv (not shown) which are actuated by the micro processor 37 which is pre-programmed to actuate the locks, the conveyor 26 and the note spoiler 30 in response to input commands from the control panel 9 and inputs received from the key receiver 32, the pressure sensor 39 and an inbuilt timer. The micro processor 37 is programmed to function in accordance with the typical use described below.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2 the cassette 1 has its first lock open so as to enable the lid 5 to be opened thereby revealing the control panel 9. The access door 14 is closed and locked by the second locking means. The conveyor 26 is stationary in a position in which the clasp 29 is open jawed and positioned at the end of the duct 21. The note spoiler 30 is ready for use with the needles retracted.

A banknote fed into the feed-in passage 3 enters the duct 21 and a leading edge extends into the clasp 29. A key 10 appropriate to the denomination of the banknote is pressed by an operator to generate a command upon which the micro processor actuates the conveyor 26. Upon movement of the belt 27 and clasp 29 the note is clasped and fed around the conveyor path into the compartment 25. At the release point 24 the clasp 29 is released and the note falls to rest in the compartment 25. The conveyor movement continues until the clasp is again positioned at the end of the duct 21 ready for further use. The denomination of the banknote entered into the control panel 9 by the operator is added to a running total of notes held in the compartment 26 and is displayed at the alpha numeric display panel 11.

When it is required to close the cassette, for example when the maximum fill level of the container 25 is indicated at the display panel 11, tbe lid 5 is closed and the first locking means actuated having first entered a priming control command by pressing a key at the control panel 9. The mains lead 16 and chain 17 may then be removed for transportation of the cassette to a bank or other secure terminal where an infra-red key is held. To unprime and unlock the cassette the infra-red key is directed into the key receiver 32. The access door 14 may then be opened for the removal of banknotes from the compartment 25.

If during transit any unauthorised attempt at opening the cassette made at which results in puncture of the outer wall 35 then the pressure sensor 39 will generate an input to the micro processor 37 indicating that there has been tampering with the cassette. The note spoiler 30 will then be actuated such that needles perforate the banknotes with a pattern which is identifiable so as to render the banknotes unusable.

Alternatively the timer may be preset by inputting appropriate commands to the control panel to bar access to the cassette for a predetermined period.

Figure 3 shows schematically the functional relationship of the main elements of a typical cassette having a key receiver 32, a pressure sensor 39 and a timer 40 which are connected to and provide input signals to a micro processor 37. The micro processor 37 is pre-programmed to generate appropriate command signals to a locking means 43 which controls the access door 14 and also command signals to a trigger circuit 41 for actuating the note spoiler 30. A power pack 38 supplies power to the key receiver 32, the pressure sensor 39, the timer 40, the trigger circuit 41 and the note spoiler 30.

Various alternative embodiments of the invention are possible for example the means for detecting tampering may include a photoelectric detector within the container for detecting any light entering the cassette as a result of unauthorised entry. A broad spectrum photo-diode may for example be located in the compartment 25. The double skinned outer wall 35 may additionally incorporate temperature sensors with the pressure and temperature within the cavity 36 being correlated to provide improved sensitivity to tampering. Optical fibres may also be incorporated in the outer wall 35 with a detection circuit being provided such that a light source transmits light along the fibre to be received at a detector and any break in the fibre is detected by loss of signal.

The cassette may be controlled either by a micro processor or by digital logic circuits. In either case the control unit has two outputs which are a lock releasing command and a spoiler triggering command. The first and second locking means may be combined into a single locking unit for convenience.

The lock releasing code may be of any required complexity for example a ten digit code transmitted sequentially by infra-red key which is received by the key receiver 32 and stored in the control unit for comparison against a predetermined code. The infra-red transmitter and detection circuits may comprise a proprietory device similar to those used in the remote control of television sets for example. Any other suitable form of keying device may be used such as ultrasonic beam devices.

The control unit will generate a command to trigger the note spoiler when tampering is detected and this may be effected by using an explosive detonator for example or by actuating a catch to release a spring or a gas powered device. An optional feature is for the control unit to monitor the voltage level available from the power pack and to activate the note spoiler in the event of excessive voltage drain or power pack exhaustion being detected.

The timer facility may alternatively be set using an infra-red key inputting to the key receiver using a suitable code.

Alternative means for spoiling banknotes may be employed such as a dyeing device or a heat generating device capable of incinerating the contents.

Alternatively the spoiling means may incorporate means for initiating a chemical reaction in materials which expand by several orders of magnitude as a result of the reaction. Such a reaction may be produced using a binary system of chemicals which are initially separated from one another and means are provided for mixing the chemicals to initiate the reaction when required, an example of such means being the use of a frangible membrane separating the chemicals together with means for rupturing the membrane to allow mixing. The expansion provided may be used instead of an explosive device to drive the perforating means or alternatively the destructive effect of the expansion on the structure of the cassette may he sufficient to destroy tbe banknotes without the addition of perforating means.

The mains lead which is connectable to the cassette during charging of the power supply and during normal filling with banknotes may be incorporated with the safety chain so as to he connected by a single coupling and may also incorporate an optical fibre detector in order to detect tampering with consequent triggering of the banknote spoiler.

It is envisaged that such cassettes should be generally available at retail outlets and should be normally positioned adjacent to a till. The infra-red key device would not normally be available to users at such filling sites but would be available only at banks or other receiving points so that it would not be possible for retail staff to assist voluntarily or involuntarily in any attempt at theft from the cassette.

Claims (12)

1. A cassette for storage and transportation of banknotes and the like comprising a container, a compartment within the container for the storage of banknotes, a feed-in passage to the container for the input of banknotes, conveyor means for conveying individual banknotes from the passage to the compartment, a closure for the passage, a first locking means for the closure, an access door to the compartment to facilitate the removal of banknotes, a second locking means for the access door, detection means for detecting tampering with the container, banknote spoiling means for spoiling banknotes within the compartment and primable control means connected to both the detection means and the spoiling means such that the control means when primed actuates the note spoiling means in response to detection of tampering with the container.

2. A cassette as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spoiling means comprises perforation means for applying a perforation pattern to banknotes within the compartment.

3. A cassette as claimed in any of claims 1 and 2 wherein the conveyor means comprises a conveyor belt having means for clasping a leading edge of a banknote, the banknote being conveyed in use by movement of the clasp means around the conveyor belt path between a pick up point in the feed-in passage and a release point in the note storage compartment.

4. A cassette as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the detection means comprises a double skinned outer layer of the container defining an air tight chamber, a pressure differentia being maintained with the chamber with respect to the external ambient air pressure, and further comprising means for detecting pressure change swithin the container.

5. A cassette as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tampering detection means comprises photoelectric means within the container for detecting light entering the c?.ssett

6. A cassette as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tampering detection means comprises at least one optical fibre incorporated in an external wall of the container, the fibre or fibres being connected between a light source and light detector, and a detection circuit being provided for detecting interruption of the light path.

7. A cassette as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control unit comprises a micro processor which also controls the function of the first and second locking means.

8. A cassette as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a time lock means for preventing unlocking of the first and second locking means during a predetermined time period.

9. A cassette as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a re-chargeable power pack for supplying power to the control means, the conveyor means and the note spoiling means.

10. A cassette as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a control panel for the input of data to the control means and having manual data entry means incorporated in the passage closure such that the control panel is accessible for use only in the open position of the closure.

11. A cassette as claimed in claim 10 comprising means for receiving input data as to the denomination of banknotes and further comprising means for caloilating and displaying the value of the accumulated contents.

12. A cassette substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.