GB2619760A

GB2619760A - ATM container

Info

Publication number: GB2619760A
Application number: GB2208902.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tripp Nicholas; Westington Anthony
Original assignee: Secure Innovation Ltd
Current assignee: Secure Innovation Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-16
Filing date: 2022-06-16
Publication date: 2023-12-20
Also published as: GB202208902D0

Abstract

An ATM container 50 comprises: a body having a width extending between a first side 60 and a second side , the width being between 120 mm and 200 mm, a length extending between a first end 56 and a second end 58, the length being between 210 mm and 400 mm and a height extending between a top 52 and a bottom 54, the height being between 60 mm and 120 mm, the body being hollow to define a storage space and having an upper portion proximate the top and a lower portion proximate the bottom. The first end defines a void V extending into the lower half of the body from the first end, preferably by at least 140 mm. Also disclosed is at least two ATMs each having cash cassette bays of different sizes or shapes but each of the two ATMs having an ATM container of the same size and shape installed within one of its respective bays. The invention provides a universal ATM container which may be fitted into a cash cassette slot of different ATMs from different manufacturers. The container may hold an interference or tampering detection system or a gas neutralisation system.

Description

ATM Container

Background

Automated teller machines (ATMs) provide a convenient way for account holders to access funds held in their bank accounts using a card having either (or both) a magnetic strip or a microchip encoded with data that identifies the account to which the card is linked to provide access to that account, provided that the user of the ATM can verify his identity, typically by entering a numeric code using a keyboard of the ATM.

In order to provide a reliable service ATMs typically store a large amount of cash, in the form of bank notes, in one or more replaceable cash cassettes held in a safe or other secure area of the ATM. When the cash cassettes are empty or almost empty the ATM is replenished, typically by replacing the empty or almost empty cash cassettes with full cash cassettes.

Because full cash cassettes and even partially full cash cassettes can hold a significant amount of cash, they are often targeted by thieves. ATMs and ATM cassettes are typically provided with security systems that are designed to deter thieves from attempting to gain access to the cash stored within them. Such systems typically include detectors to detect unauthorised attempts to access the cash cassette(s) and alarms to notify authorities of the attempted theft. Some security systems also include spoiling systems that are operative to spoil the cash stored in the ATM or cash cassette on detection of an attempted theft, by dispensing an indelible ink, dye, adhesive or other spoiling agent onto the cash, thereby rendering it unusable and worthless. Some security systems for ATMs additionally or alternatively include gas neutralisation systems, which are designed to detect the presence of explosive gases and release a substance such as an inert gas that can be used to neutralise or displace the explosive gas, thereby preventing the ATM from being breached by introducing an explosive gas into its interior and igniting the explosive gas.

Whilst security systems of the kind described above can be effective in deterring thieves, they can represent a significant capital investment for a financial institute. For bank note spoiling systems that use ink, dye or adhesive, each ATM cassette that can be used in an ATM must be upgraded. This could mean that up to six or eight cassettes per ATM must be upgraded. Where a gas neutralisation system is to be installed in an ATM an engineer will need to visit the ATM and gain access to its safe in order to install the necessary equipment. In addition to the significant capital expenditure required, fitting or retrofitting ATMs and ATM cassettes with security systems is a time-consuming process, involving identifying an appropriate solution, seeking and obtaining approval for the capital expenditure, waiting the lead-time for the equipment and then installing or upgrading the ATM. This time frame could be anywhere up to six months, by which time many attacks can have taken place and the losses to the financial institution can have become significant.

Often attacks on ATMs are carried out by criminal gangs which move from region to region within a country or territory. Due to the significant capital investment costs of security systems, it is not always possible to equip every ATM or ATM cassette with a security system, and moving security equipped ATMs to different regions within a country or territory as the attacks move is very difficult logistical problem.

One way that this issue has been addressed by financial institutions with no or a limited number of security equipped ATMs is that when intelligence is received by the financial institution indicating that attacks on ATMs have occurred or are likely to occur in a particular geographical region, the amount of cash held in each ATM cassette in the ATMs within that region is reduced by the financial institution. This reduces the attractiveness of the affected ATMs to criminals, as the value of the cash stored within those ATMs is reduced, thereby reducing the likelihood of attacks on those ATMs and limiting the losses that will be incurred in the event of a successful attack on an ATM.

However, this approach has its own disadvantages, principally in a reduced level of service to customers, since less cash is available to dispense from the affected ATMs, and the attendant increased operating costs, since the ATMs will require more frequent replenishment.

Accordingly, a need exists for a way to protect ATMs and other machines for dispensing, receiving or recycling cash from attacks, without incurring the significant capital expenditure of fitting or retrofitting the machines with security systems. It would also be beneficial if ATMs could be utilised more effectively.

Summary

By way of a non-limiting overview, embodiments of the invention relate to a container arranged to be directly installed in an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), i.e. to contact parts of the ATM such as the bays of the ATM, as opposed to being received in further containers, such as cash cassettes, which are in turn received in the ATM. Such containers will be referred to herein as ATM containers. An ATM container according to embodiments of the invention has specific dimensions and shape which have been found to enable the ATM container to be directly installed in a range of different ATMs from different manufacturers, such as those made by NCR and Diebold Nixdorf, rather than requiring a container specific to each type of ATM.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ATM container comprising: a body having a width extending between a first side and a second side, the width being 120 mm to 200 mm, a length extending between a first end and a second end, the length being 200 mm to 400 mm and a height extending between a top and a bottom, the height being 60 mm to 120 mm, the body being hollow to define a storage space, the body having an upper portion and a lower portion, the body having an upper portion proximate the top and a lower portion proximate the bottom, wherein the first end defines a void extending into the lower half of the body from the first end.

Thus, the ATM container according to the first aspect of the invention has a void at the front, lower end which accommodates a range of different cassette engagement prongs found within ATMs to open the roller shutter on an ATM cassette. The inventors have found that an ATM container with the specified dimensions and void can enable the ATM container to be used in various ATM designs, rather than requiring a dedicated ATM container for each type of ATM. Thus, an ATM container according to the first aspect has a useful storage capacity while being capable of being received within a range of ATMS, thereby leading to improved utility.

Further, the present inventors have realised that the smallest usable cross-sectional area for a cassette bay is the area of a banknote. Therefore, an optimal lower bound for the cross-sectional size and shape of an ATM container, to provide a usable volume within the container, is provided by the above-stated lower limits.

Further, a lower bound for the length of the ATM container is provided so that a sufficient internal volume is found within the ATM container.

The void can have a height, extending from the bottom plane towards the top of the container, of at least 22 mm across the entire width of the void. The void may extend from the first end toward the second end such that the distance between the void and the second end is less than 210mm. The void may extend from the bottom toward the top such that the distance between the void and the top is between 40mm and 100mm.

Generally, the void may allow the ATM container to be inserted into an ATM bay without fouling on a prong of the ATM bay. The length of the void, and the position of the void, have been selected in order to avoid fouling on a range of prongs of different ATM bays.

The top, first end, second end, first side and/or second side can be defined by substantially planar surfaces.

The lower portion can comprise a first bottom portion, which is spaced from the top by a first distance, equal to the height, and a second bottom portion that is spaced from the top by a second distance, less than the first portion. The second bottom portion can define the void.

The void can extend across the width of the container.

The bottom can comprise an angled portion arranged between the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion.

The ATM container can further comprise side walls, arranged between the void(s) and the sides of the container, the side walls extending from the first bottom portion toward the first end. Thus, the void can have a width less than the width of the ATM container.

The side walls can each comprise a chamfer at an end of the respective side walls proximate the first end.

The container can be shaped such that the void is of rectangular cross section.

Alternatively, the container can be shaped such that the void is has a plurality of relatively deep portions interleaved with a plurality of relatively shallow portions.

The ATM container can further comprise a detection system for detecting unauthorised interference with the ATM, the detection system being arranged within the body.

The ATM container can further comprise a gas neutralisation system arranged to dispense a gas, the gas neutralisation system being arranged within the body.

The gas neutralisation system can comprise one or more canisters. The canisters may contain a volatile liquid or a gas arranged to be dispensed to neutralise a gas that may have been introduced into an ATM. The canisters may additionally or alternatively contain one or more solid chemical reagents arranged to react upon activation in order to generate a neutralising fluid. The reagents may be cool gas generators than decompose to release nitrogen gas at ambient temperature. The fluid canisters may be aligned with relatively shallow portions of the void and arranged between the relatively deep portion of the void.

The ATM container can further comprise an alert system arranged to output an audible and/or electromagnetic signal, the alert system being arranged within the body.

The ATM container can further comprise engagement formations arranged on the sides of the body, the engagement formations being arranged to engage with corresponding parts of an ATM wherein the engagement formations are optionally removably coupled to the body.

The body can have a width of 150 mm to 198.5 mm. This can provide an ATM container with a large internal capacity. The inventors have found that a body having a width of 197.5 mm to 198.5 mm provides an ATM container of optimum storage capacity while being capable of being received within a range of ATMS, a preferred width being 198 MM.

The body can have a length of 300 mm to 394.5 mm. This can provide an ATM container with a large internal capacity. The inventors have found that a body having a length of 393.5 mm to 394.5mm provides an ATM container of optimum storage capacity while being capable of being received within a range of ATMS, a preferred length being 394.5 MM.

The body can have a height of 100 mm to 120 mm. This can provide an ATM container with a large internal capacity. The inventors have found that a body having a height of 119.3 mm to 120 mm provides an ATM container of optimum storage capacity while being capable of being received within a range of ATMs, a preferred height being 119.8 mm.

The storage space can extend substantially along the entire length of the upper portion of the container while the lower portion can have a relatively short storage space dictated by the length of the void. The top portion of the storage space can be used for example to contain one or more neutralising agents such as gas canisters, while the lower portion can accommodate control electronics for the ATM container.

In one specific arrangement, the void(s) can be shaped to define two relatively low points and three relatively high points in an interleaving fashion, the relatively low points being defined at the bottom of convex profile wall sections of the container; such an arrangement can enable the container to contain two fluid canisters in side-by-side arrangement. The central relatively high point defines the space between the two relatively low points which can be spaced between 20.5 mm and 21.5 mm apart. The relatively low points can be spaced between 11.5 mm and 12.5 mm from the side walls of the body. The two relatively low points can have a lower width of between 41.5 mm and 42.5 mm.

The body can be provided with engagement formations such as rails, tabs or slots on either side of the body and or at an end arranged to engage with mounting features within an ATM to support the ATM container in an ATM.

The engagement formations can be integrally formed, or discrete components arranged to be attached to the sides of the body.

The body can have the generally rectangular profile over a majority of its length. The body can be generally cuboidal.

The body can have a lid arranged to be opened and closed to permit access to the storage space.

In some cases, the cavity can be omitted. This can allow a greater storage volume within the ATM container to be provided in cases where the ATM container is to be installed in ATMs that do not have cassette engagement prongs. The ATM container can, due to the outer dimensions of the container, still be useable in a plurality of different ATMs.

An ATM container can also be referred to as a security device or security system. The ATM container can generally have a similar form to a cash cassette.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an ATM arranged to store and dispense cash, the ATM comprising a cash dispensing mechanism and a cash space for storing cash, the cash space being divided into a plurality of bays for receiving cash cassettes, wherein the ATM container of the first aspect is disposed within one of the bays.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided plurality of ATMs comprising: a first ATM comprising a first cash dispensing mechanism and a first cash space for storing cash, the first cash space being divided into a plurality of first bays for receiving cash cassettes, a second ATM comprising a second cash dispensing mechanism and a second cash space for storing cash, the second cash space being divided into a plurality of second bays for receiving cash cassettes, wherein the first bays have a different size or shape from the second bays, and wherein at least one of the first bays contains a first ATM container and at least one of the second bays contains a second ATM container, the first and second ATM containers having the same shape and size.

The first and second ATM containers may be ATM containers according to the first aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

By way of example only, certain embodiments of the invention will now be described by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram of an automated teller machine (ATM); Figure 2 is a perspective diagram of an ATM showing a bay of the ATM; Figure 3 is a diagram of the ATM bay showing cash cassette control features; Figure 4 is a diagram of an ATM in which an ATM container has been installed in a bay for receiving a cash cassette; Figures 5A-5C are diagrams of an ATM container according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams of an ATM container according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a system diagram illustrating components of the ATM container of Figures 6A and 6B.

Detailed Description

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a machine for dispensing, receiving or recycling cash is shown, in schematic form, at 10. In the illustrated example, the machine is an automated teller machine (ATM), but it is to be understood that the principles of the present invention are applicable to any cash-handling machine, such as machines for dispensing, receiving or recycling cash, including (but not limited to) ATMs, automated deposit receiving machines, and cash receiving and recycling machines used in retail outlets. Further, it will be appreciated that the functional blocks shown in Figure 1 are merely illustrative of the general structure and configuration of an ATM, and do not necessarily represent actual physical components of an ATM. Moreover, only those elements of an ATM that are relevant to the present invention are illustrated in Figure 1; it will be appreciated that an ATM is a complex system including numerous elements and components that are not shown in Figure 1.

The ATM 10 includes a housing 12 (in this example a safe) which houses a processing system 14 such as a personal computer (PC) that controls the operation of the ATM 10. The housing 12 also includes a plurality (in this example four) of bays 16, 18, 20, 22 in which cash cassettes 24, 26, 28, 30 can be received. The cash cassettes 24, 26, 28, 30 contain cash in the form of bank notes of different denominations that can be dispensed by the ATM 10 in response to a valid request from a user of the ATM 10.

As described above, a need exists for a way to protect ATMs and other machines for dispensing, receiving or recycling cash from attacks, without incurring the significant capital expenditure of fitting or retrofitting the machines with security systems. The present disclosure presents a removable portable security device that can be quickly, easily and cost-effectively fitted to such machines when required, and equally quickly, easily and cost-effectively removed when not required, as will now be described.

Referring additionally to Figure 2, each bay (in this case only bay 16 is shown) has a length L1, a width W1 and a height Hl. The present inventors have recognised that different ATMs, especially those produced by different manufacturers, have bays which are different to one another in terms of one or more of length, width and height.

Moreover, and referring additionally to Figure 3, each type of ATM has its own type of cassette control features 32, which are arranged to engage with features on an ATM cassette to open a roller shutter on the cassette when the cassette approaches a fully installed condition. The present inventors have recognised that different ATMs, especially those produced by different manufacturers, have cassette control features which are different to one another in terms of location, size and shape.

Figure 4 is a diagram of the ATM 10 of Figure 1, in which a removable portable ATM container, shown at 50, has been installed in the lowermost cash cassette bay 22 in place of the cash cassette 30. In this embodiment the ATM container 50 is a security device 50. Thus, the removable security device 50 occupies the whole or part of the bay 22 that can otherwise have been occupied by the cash cassette 30. The security device 50 is configured to be received and accommodated in one of the cash cassette bays 16, 18, 20, 22 of the ATM 10, and it will be appreciated of course that although in Figure 2 the removable security device 50 is shown as being installed in the lowermost cash cassette bay 22, it could be installed in any one of the cash cassette bays 16, 18, 20, 22. It is to be understood that the removable security device 50 is configured not to hold or store any cash itself. The interior volume of the security device 50 can be filled with electronics, or with other detection, neuralisation and/or spoiling systems such that the interior space does not have a sufficient empty space for holding cash. Further, the security device can have no cash dispensing means. Conventional cash cassettes have roller shutters covering openings for dispensing cash and can have various means for dispensing cash from the cassette. However, the security device 50 can have no such features.

Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C show multiple views of an ATM container 50 for installation in the ATM 10 or another machine for dispensing, receiving, or recycling cash. In this example, the ATM container 50 has a body defining an at least partially hollow volume with overall length L2, height H2, and width W2. The overall length L2 is greater than the height H2 and width W2 such that the volume has a general elongated, cuboidal shape. The overall length L2 in this embodiment is 394.5 mm but can in other embodiments be 200 mm to 400 mm. The overall height H2 is 119.8 mm but can in other embodiments be 60 mm to 120 mm. The overall width W2 is 198.5 mm but can in other embodiments be 120 mm to 200 mm. The container 50 has a top face 52 and bottom face 54, which extend in parallel for at least a portion of the length L2 of the container, connected at first and second ends 56, 58. The first end 56 extends between the top face and bottom face of the container at a height H3 and the second end 58 extends between the top face and bottom face of the container at a height H2, wherein the height H3 is less than the height H2. Height H3 is 81.8 mm but can for example be between 81.8 mm and 81.2 mm. The container has an overall width W2 spanning between first and second side walls 60, 62 which remains substantially consistent along the longitudinal axis LA of the container. The container therefore forms an overall cuboidal volume with a portion of free space i.e. a void V along a portion of the bottom face closest to the second end portion 56.

The bottom face of the ATM container 50 is formed of a first bottom portion 54a and a second bottom portion 54c, which have third and fourth lengths L3, L4 respectively. The third length L3 is 234.5mm but can for example be 234 mm to 235 mm and the fourth length L4 is 140.5mm but can for example be 140 mm to 141 mm. The first and second bottom portions 54a, 54c are vertically spaced apart (i.e. spaced apart in the height direction) and parallel. The third and fourth lengths L3, L4 are connected by an angled chamfer portion 54b, having a length (in terms of the length of the container) CP, the lengths L3, L4 and CP summing to length L2. The length of the chamfered portion CP is 19 mm but can for example be 18.5 mm to 19.5 mm. The third length L3 extends from the second end 58 to the chamfer portion 54b and the fourth length L4 extends from the chamfer portion 54b to the first end 56. The vertical offset of the fourth length L4 from the third length L3 therefore creates a free space portion, also referred to as a void or cavity. The chamfer portion can be a single gradient chamfer, can be formed from a series of steps, or alternatively can be a combination of a chamfer(s) and a step(s). The chamfer aids the container 50 to move beyond a transverse bar that can be present in an ATM as the container is pushed into the cassette bay.

The portion of the body adjacent the second end 58, referred to as the second end portion, has a substantially consistent height H2 across the width W2 of the cassette. The portion of the body adjacent the first end 56, referred to as the first end portion, has a maximum height H3. However, in this embodiment the height H3 of the first end portion varies across the width W2 of the cassette such that there are minimum height portions 66 connected to maximum height portions 68. This face of the body at the first end 56 can therefore have a shape formed of a combination of rectangles and trapeziums, due to chamfers or tapered portions joining the maximum and minimum height areas. The maximum and minimum heights of the second end portion continue from the first end 56 along the first end portion, to the chamfered portion 54b. The maximum and minimum heights along the fourth length L4 therefore define the upper boundary of the void V. In this embodiment the difference Ml between minimum and maximum height portions 66, 68 is 16.7mm but can for example be 16.2mm to 17.2 mm. The container has two maximum height portions 68 of width M3 which is 42 mm but can for example be 41.5 mm to 42.5 mm. The two maximum height portions 68 are separated by a width M2 which is 21 mm but can for example be 20.5 mm to 21.5 mm. The space M4 between each maximum height portion 68 and its adjacent side wall 60, 62 is 12 mm but can for example be 11.5 mm to 12.5 mm.

The void V therefore has a maximum height H4 at the minimum height portions 66 which is 37.5 mm but can for example be 37 mm to 38 mm. The void V extends into and along the body by the length L4. The inventors have found that a void V of this shape and size can enable the container 50 to hold a pair of gas neutralisation canisters of length greater than 200mm and diameter greater than 30mm while also enabling the ATM container 50 to be received within a range of ATMs without fouling cassette control features.

An upper portion of the ATM container 50 is defined by the volume occupied by the length L2, height I-13, and width W2. This upper portion provides a substantially cuboidal volume which can for example house a gas neutralisation system including gas canisters, which can be arranged at maximum height portions and surrounded by chamfered or tapered portions, which can be angled to cooperate with the cylindrical shape of the gas neutralisation system. The upper portion can alternatively contain a spoiling system and can include canisters for dispensing spoiling agents, installed similarly.

A lower portion of the ATM container 50 is defined by the chamfer portion 54b, the first bottom portion 54a, the second end 58, the sides 60, 52 and the height H3. The lower portion can house electronic systems such as a detection system for detecting unauthorised interference with the ATM or an activation system for activating a gas neutralisation system or spoiling system.

Figures 6A and 6B show an ATM container 150 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The container 150 is arranged to be used in a regular cash cassette receiving slot of an ATM and thus has similar dimensions to the cash cassette shown in Figures 5A-5C. Therefore, only the differences will be described.

The container 150 is a partially hollow volume with overall length L5, height H7, and width W2. Length L5 is 369 mm but can for example be 200 mm to 400 mm and height H7 is 118.5 mm but can for example be 60 mm to 120 mm. A top face 152 and side walls 160 of the container 150 extend longitudinally by the fifth length L5 to connect first and second ends 156, 158. A bottom face 154 of the container 150 has a sixth length L6 which extends from the second end 158 to a step in the bottom face 174. In front of the step 174 is a void V2 for receiving cassette control features of an ATM.

The container 150 also has side walls 170, 172, extending from the sides 160 downwardly and in front of the step 174. The side walls 170, 172 have a bottom edge with length L7 and a chamfer 173 having length CP2, such that L6, L7 and CP2 sum to L5. Length L6 is 165.5 mm but can for example be 165 mm to 166 mm. Length L7 is 175.5 mm but can for example be 175 mm to 176 mm. The side walls 170, 172 give the profile of the device 150 the shape of a rectangle with a chamfer adjacent the first end 156. The chamfer aids the container 150 to move beyond a transverse bar that can be present in an ATM as the container is pushed into the cassette bay.

The height H5 of the first end 156 is less than the height H4 of the second end so that the chamfer height is defined by the height difference of the end portions, which results in a free space in front of the step 174. Height H5 is 96 mm but can for example be 95.5 mm to 96.5 mm and height H6 is 22.5 mm but can for example be 22 mm to 23 mm. The overall height of the second end H7 is therefore between 118.5 in this embodiment.

It should be noted that the above dimensions given are examples only and that the skilled person will, based on the present disclosure, be able to construct an ATM container having further varying dimensions.

This arrangement can allow easier installation of the device 150 in an ATM, by moving the chamfer further forward and can also allow greater freedom in the shaping of the lower portion of the device 150.

Figure 7 is a diagram of an example of a security device 50 for installation in the ATM 10 or another machine for dispensing, receiving, or recycling cash. In this example the security device, shown generally at 60, takes the form of a modified cash cassette, having a base 62 to which a lid 64 is securely attached to prevent access to the interior of the security device 60.

The primary purpose of the security device 60 illustrated in Figure 7 is to neutralise attacks on the ATM 10 in which an explosive gas is introduced into the ATM 10 and subsequently ignited to breach the ATM 10 and gain access to the cash cassettes 24, 26, 28, stored in the cash cassette bays 16, 18, 20. To this end, the security device 60 includes a gas sensor 66 and a canister 68. The canister 68 may contain a compressed neutralising agent, which can be a volatile liquid such as carbon dioxide, an inert gas such as argon, or any other suitable neutralising agent. In some cases, the canister 68 may contain solid or liquid chemicals arranged to react to generate a neutralising gas such as nitrogen. In cases where a chemical reaction occurs, a heat shield may be required for protecting the ATM and the security device. Alternatively, the neutralising agent may be produced by decomposition of a chemical at room temperature, as described in WO 2009/078707 Al.

The security device 60 is controlled by a controller 70, which is powered by a rechargeable battery 72. A charging port 74 is electrically connected to the battery 72, to permit the battery 72 to be recharged when the security device 60 is not in use, or when the security device 60 is installed in an ATM 10, provided that a suitable power supply is available. Alternatively, the security device 60 can be powered by a power supply unit of the ATM 10 in which it is installed, or by a mains electrical supply, in which case the security device 60 can include one or more power connectors by means of which the security device 60 can be connected to the power supply unit of the ATM 10 or to the mains power supply. Such an arrangement makes it more time consuming to remove the security device 60 from the ATM 10, as the device 60 must be disconnected from the mains power supply, but the device 60 is nevertheless removable, as the device is not permanently received within the ATM 10.

An on/off switch 76 is provided, to permit the security device 60 to be deactivated when not in use. A status indicator 78, which can be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) or a digital display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided, and is connected to the controller 70, such that the current status of the security device 60 can be readily ascertained by a user such as a member of staff at a financial institution such as a bank. A wireless communication system 80 is also connected to the controller 70 for bidirectional communication with the controller 70, to allow the controller 70 to report the status of the security device 60 to a remote device such as a module hosted within the ATM 10, and to receive commands and status information from the remote device.

An input of the controller 70 is connected to an output of the gas sensor 66, whilst an output of the controller 70 is connected to an electrically operated control valve 82 which seals an outlet of the canister 68. The electrically operated control valve 82 itself has an outlet 84, which permits the compressed gas contained within the canister 68 to escape into the housing 12 of the ATM 10 when the electrically operated control valve 82 is opened.

Alternatively, the output of the controller 70 may be connected to an actuator, such as a pyrotechnic-mechanical actuator. The actuator may actuate a piston to dispense a liquid to neutralise the gas. Alternatively, the actuator may puncture a pressurised gas container, such as a CO2 container, and the pressurised gas may dispense the liquid, optionally though a burst disc and/or through a nozzle.

The gas sensor 66 is operative to detect one or more explosive gases, or a class of explosive gas, and to output a signal representative of the concentration of the detected gas or gases to the controller 70. The controller 70 compares this signal to a pre-set threshold, and if the detected concentration of gas meets the threshold, outputs a signal to the electrically operated control valve 82 to cause the valve 82 to open, thereby releasing the compressed gas from the canister 68. The compressed gas released in this way neutralises the explosive gas introduced into the ATM 10 by forcing the explosive gas out of the ATM 10, thereby preventing the explosive gas introduced into the ATM 10 from being ignited.

In other embodiments, an ATM container according to embodiments of the invention can be a security device having other types of security features such as a tracker, control electronics for causing release of degradation agents into ATM cash cassettes or an audible alarm system.

Moreover, in other embodiment the ATM container is not a security device; for example, the ATM container can be used to store valuable other than cash in the ATM, or can be used to house maintenance or monitoring tools.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An ATM container comprising: a body having a width extending between a first side and a second side, the width being between 120 mm and 200 mm, a length extending between a first end and a second end, the length being between 210 mm and 400 mm and a height extending between a top and a bottom, the height being between 60 mm and 120 mm, the body being hollow to define a storage space, the body having an upper portion proximate the top and a lower portion proximate the bottom, wherein the first end defines a void extending into the lower portion of the body from the first end.
2. The ATM container of claim 1, wherein the void extends from the first end toward the second end such that the distance between the void and the second end is less than 210mm.
3. The ATM container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the void extends from the bottom toward the top such that the distance between the void and the top is between 40mm and 100mm.
4. The ATM container of any preceding claim, the top, first end, second end, first side and/or second side are defined by substantially planar surfaces.
5. The ATM container of any preceding claim, wherein the bottom comprises a first bottom portion, which is spaced from the top by a first distance, equal to the height, and a second bottom portion that is spaced from the top by a second distance, less than the first portion.
6. The ATM container of claim 5, wherein the bottom comprises an angled portion arranged between the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion.
7. The ATM container of claim 5 or 6, wherein the second bottom portion defines the void.
8. The ATM container of any preceding claim, wherein the void extends across the width of the container.
9. The ATM container of any one of claim 1 to 8, wherein the void has a width less than the width of the ATM container.
10. The ATM container of claim 9, further comprising side walls arranged between the void(s) and the sides of the container, the side walls extending from the first bottom portion toward the first end.
11. The ATM container of claim 10, wherein the side walls each comprise a chamfer at an end of the respective side walls proximate the first end.
12. The ATM container of any preceding claim, further comprising a detection system for detecting unauthorised interference with the ATM, the detection system being arranged within the body.
13. The ATM container of any preceding claim, further comprising a gas neutralisation system including one or more cannisters arranged to dispense a fluid, the gas neutralisation system being arranged within the body.
14. The ATM container of claim 13, wherein the container is shaped to define a void having a one or more relatively deep portions and one or more relatively shallow portions, each canister being aligned with a respective relatively shallow portion of the void and flanked by respective one or more relatively deep portions of the void.
15. An ATM arranged to store and dispense cash, the ATM comprising a cash dispensing mechanism and a cash space for storing cash, the cash space being divided into a plurality of bays for receiving cash cassettes, wherein the ATM container of any preceding claim is disposed within one of the bays.
16. A plurality of ATMs comprising: a first ATM comprising a first cash dispensing mechanism and a first cash space for storing cash, the first cash space being divided into a plurality of first bays for receiving cash cassettes, a second ATM comprising a second cash dispensing mechanism and a second cash space for storing cash, the second cash space being divided into a plurality of second bays for receiving cash cassettes, wherein the first bays have a different size or shape from the second bays, and wherein at least one of the first bays contains a first ATM container and at least one of the second bays contains a second ATM container, the first and second ATM containers having the same shape and size.
17. The plurality of ATMs of claim 16, wherein the first and second ATM containers are according to any one of the ATM containers of claims 1 to 14.