MX2008007024A - Cash dispensing automated banking machine and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An automated banking machine (10) is provided. The automated banking machine may include a fascia (50) in operative connection with a frame (110). The machine may include a plurality of hardware devices which are accessible through the fascia. The hardware devices may include a cash dispenser (24), receipt printer (20), and a card reader (22). The fascia may include replaceable bezels (550,552) with apertures therein for providing access to hardware devices. The bezels may be operative to float with respect to the fascia and hardware devices to automatically align hardware devices with the bezels. In addition the hardware devices may include movable portions which are operative to automatically align with the bezels. The bezels may include ramps, ribs, or other angled surfaces which guide the hardware devices into alignment with the openings in the bezels.

Description

METHOD AND AUTOMATED BANK MACHINE SUPPLIER CASH MONEY TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically, this invention relates to an automated banking machine system and to a method which is operated to safely perform a plurality of transactions including the assortment of cash and other transfers of securities in response to its user inputs.

ANTECEDENTS OF ART Automated banking machines are well known. A common type of automated banking machine used by consumers is an ATM machine ("ATM"). ATM machines allow customers to carry out banking transactions. The common banking transactions that can be carried out with the ATM machines include the assortment of cash, the making of deposits, the transfer of funds between accounts, payment of invoices and questions of account balances. The types of banking transactions that a client carries out are determined by the capabilities of the particular banking machine and the programming of the institution that operates the machine. Other types of automated banking machines may allow customers to charge against accounts or transfer funds. Other types of automated banking machines can print or stock items of value such as coupons, tickets, betting receipts, vouchers, checks, food stamps, money orders, paper currency or traveler's checks. For the purposes of this description, an ATM machine, an automated banking machine, or an automated transaction machine will encompass any device which carries out transactions including the transfer of securities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of an example form of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine in which a user can carry out transactions.

It is an object of an exemplary form of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine in which a user can source cash.

Additional objects of the exemplary forms of the present invention will be apparent from the following modes for carrying out the invention and the appended claims.

The above objects can be achieved in an example embodiment by an automated banking machine that includes the output devices such as an display screen and a receipt printer. The machine may further include input devices such as a touch screen, a keyboard, a key pad, function keys and a card reader. The automated banking machine may also include transaction function devices such as a cash dispenser mechanism for money sheets, a deposit mechanism and other transaction function devices which are used by the machine to carry out banking transactions including the transfers of values. In an example embodiment the automated banking machine can include at least one computer. The computer can be in operational connection with the output devices and input devices, as well as with the cash dispensing mechanism, the deposit mechanism and other physical transaction function devices in the banking machine. The computer can also be operated to communicate with a host system located remotely from the machine.

In the example incorporation, the computer can include the software components that are executed there. The software components of the automated banking machine can be operated to make the computer pull out user interconnection screens through a machine display device. The screens of User interconnection may include screens for the consumer which provide the consumer with information to carry out consumer operations such as banking functions with the machine. The user interconnection screens may also include service screens which provide an authorized user who services the machine with information to carry out service and maintenance operations with the machine. In addition, the machine can include software components operated on the computer to control and communicate with the device devices of the machine including the input devices, the output devices and the transaction function devices.

In the example embodiment the automated banking machine may include a face with associated bevels and hardware component which are operated to automatically align with each other. In further example embodiments, the automated banking machine may include an outer surface comprising panels which are securely mounted to the machine frame without the use of fasteners such as screws and bolts. In additional example embodiments, sheet metal parts of the machine can be assembled without the use of external fasteners and a mechanical guide to insert the appendages from one part into the grooves of another part and bending the appendices to about ninety degrees to push the parts together in a fixed contact.

In the additional example embodiments, the automated banking machine can include a conduit sensor which is operated to detect blockages in the conduits and is operated to resist the lack of detection of locks as a result of foreign light sources. In addition, example embodiments of the automated banking machine may include a cassette to receive deposited items which is operated to allow detection of unauthorized access to items within the cassette. The example embodiments of the cassette and the associated support assembly can also be operated to close the cassette with the removal of the machine and can be operated to prevent a reservoir mechanism corresponding to a service position being moved while the cassette is being moved. installed on the machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example embodiment of an automated banking machine.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of an example embodiment of an automated banking machine.

Figures 3-17 show exemplary embodiments of a frame of an automated banking machine.

Figures 18-24 show example embodiments of an oscillating arm assembly of an automated banking machine.

Figures 25-27 show the exemplary embodiments of the leveling legs for an automated banking machine.

Figures 28-30 show the exemplary embodiments of an adjustable bezel for an automated banking machine fascia.

Figures 31-34 show the exemplary embodiments of a floating bezel for an automated banking machine fascia.

Figures 35-43 show exemplary embodiments of an oscillating fascia of an automated banking machine.

Figures 44-49 show exemplary embodiments of replaceable bevels for an automated banking machine fascia.

Figures 50-53 show an example embodiment of a task lighting device for an impost of an automated banking machine.

Figures 54 and 55 show exemplary embodiments of a mobile gate for a bezel of an automated banking machine.

Figures 56-62 show example embodiments of a receipt printer of an automated banking machine.

Figures 63-74 show example embodiments of a method for providing uniform patterns for carrying out transactions for a plurality of different types of automated banking machines.

Figures 75-78 show an exemplary embodiment of a system for assembling components in an automated banking machine.

Figures 79 and 80 show the example embodiments of features for mounting cables in an automated banking machine.

Figures 81 and 82 show an exemplary embodiment of a clipping lid hinge system for an automated banking machine.

Figures 83-101 show the example embodiments of the devices for assembling components in an automated banking machine.

Figures 102-107 show an example embodiment of an enclosure of an automated banking machine.

Figures 108-110 show an exemplary embodiment of a conduit sensor in an automated banking machine.

Figures 111-119 show an example embodiment of a cassette for receiving articles deposited in an automated banking machine.

Figures 120 and 121 show an example embodiment of the sheet metal parts of the machine being assembled together using appendages and grooves of the parts.

BEST MODES TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of an example embodiment of an automated banking machine 10. Here the automated banking machine 10 may include at least one output device 34 such as a 'display device 12. The output device 12 can be operated to provide a consumer with a user interface 18 which can include a plurality of screens or other outputs including actions that can be selected to operate the machine. The example embodiment may also include other types of output devices such as a receipt printer 20, a declarative printer 21, the speakers or any other type of device that is capable of extracting information that is visually, aurally or perceivably perceptible. sensorially The example embodiments of the automated banking machine 10 may include a plurality of input devices 32 such as an encoding pin pad (EPP) with a numeric keypad 16 and function keys 14 as well as a card reader 22 and / or a bar code reader 23. The example embodiment of the machine 10 may also include or use other types of input devices such as a touch screen, microphones or any other device that is operated to provide the machine with the inputs representative of the instructions or user information. The machine may also include one or more biometric input devices such as a finger print scanner, an iris scanner, a face recognition device, a hand scanner or any other biometric reading device which can be used to acquire a biometric entry that can be used to identify a user.

The example embodiment of the automated banking machine 10 may further include a plurality of transaction function devices which may include for example a cash dispenser 24, a deposit mechanism 26, a cash recycling mechanism or any other type of transaction. device which is operated to carry out transaction functions involving value transfers.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of components which can be included or can be in communication with the automated banking machine 10. The exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine 10 can be operated to communicate with a transaction processing server which it is mentioned here as a banking machine host of ATM machine 42. Such banking system host of ATM machine 42 can be operated to authorize the automated banking machine 10 to carry out transaction functions for users such as withdrawing cash from an account through the operation of the cash dispenser 24, depositing the checks or other items with the deposit mechanism 26, carrying out a balance investigation for a financial account and transferring securities between the accounts.

In addition, the machine 10 may include at least one computer 30. The computer 30 may be in operative connection with a plurality of components 44. Such components may include both hardware devices 46 and software components 40. The hardware devices 46 may correspond to the device or input devices previously described 32, to the output device (s) 34, and to the transaction function device (s) 36. In an exemplary embodiment, a transaction function device may be operated to perform a transaction function in response to at least one entry through at least one of the input devices.

In the example embodiments, the machine may include a safe box or security box 52. Portable items such as cash, notes, bills, checks, deposits or other valuables may be stored in the chest. Furthermore, in the example embodiments, the parts of the computer 30 can be stored in the security box so that the motherboard, the processor, the RAM, the CD-ROM drive, the soft disk drive, the hard drive or other computer components 30. In the additional example embodiments, the computer 30 may be stored outside of the chest 52.

In an exemplary embodiment, the software components may correspond to one or more terminal control software components that are operated in the computer 30. The terminal control software components may be operated to control the operation of the machine by both a consumer and an authorized user such as a service technician. For example such terminal control software components may include applications which allow a consumer to supply cash, deposit a check, or carry out other transaction functions with the machine. In addition, the terminal control software components can include applications which allow a service technician to carry out configuration, maintenance and diagnostic functions with the machine.

In the example embodiments of the machine, the previously described computer 30 and the hardware components 46 can be mounted within a cover. Such a cover may include a frame. The computer and the components of the machine can be safely mounted on the frame. As shown in Figure 1, the machine may include an impost 50 which provides access to one or more hardware components by a user of the machine and also hides the internal components of the machine and the frame of view of a consumer .

Figures 3-6 show an exemplary embodiment of a frame 110 for an automated banking machine case. The frame 110 may be composed of four vertical struts 100 rigidly secured to a safety box or chest 102. The horizontal struts 104 may be attached to each pair of vertical struts. A diagonal strut 106 can be attached to both horizontal struts to add rigidity. This embodiment of the described example of the frame is operated to allow access to five sides of the box to make it more accessible to the assembly and to be able to service a technician. As shown in Figures 4 and 5 once the automated machine is assembled and tested, beauty panels 120-128 can be placed in operative connection with the frame to enclose the upper part of the machine and also to cover the sides of the security chest of the ATM machine 102. In the example embodiment described, the trim panels can be hung on the frame without the use of separate fasteners or fasteners such as screws or bolts to hold these panels in place in the frame. The panels can be operated to be butted together and together with a rear access door 129, they hold each other in place. The panels may include appendages, slots, or other interlocking features to allow the panels to be securely mounted to the frame without tools. As shown in Figure 6, the outer panels 120-128 can be removed from the frame 110 without tools to provide access to service the upper case.

In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical struts 100 can be mounted in the hood 102 using bolts, screws or other fasteners. In an example embodiment, the screws can be partially screwed into the safety box before mounting the vertical struts. The vertical struts can then be placed on one side of the hood so that the heads of the screws pass through the openings in the strut. The strut can then be moved downward to engage the screws within the grooves extending up the strut from the openings. Once installed in this way, the screws can be tightened to rigidly mount the vertical struts in the chest.

Figures 7 and 8 show the engagement of a horizontal strut 104 with a vertical strut 100. As shown in Figure 7, the horizontal strut 104 may include two fingers 144 which enclose and self-locate the horizontal strut with the vertical slots 146 extending down from the tops of the vertical struts 100. The horizontal strut 104 may further include a leg 140 which passes behind the vertical strut 100. As shown in figure 8, once the horizontal strut is engaged with the strut vertical, a screw 148 can be placed through the openings in the vertical strut and the leg of the horizontal strut to fix the struts together. As shown in Figure 9, the ends of the diagonal strut 106 can be assembled using screws or other fasteners to the opposite ends of two horizontal struts 104.

Figures 10-12 show an example system and method for mounting the panels to the frame of the machine. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the lower side panels 124 and 128 can slide downward on the vertically extending appendages 150 of two vertical struts 100. The fingers can pass into the horizontal openings 152 in the upper edges 154. of the side panels 124 and 128. As shown in Figure 12, the vertical struts 100 may further include the appendages 156 which engage under a horizontal bracket 158 located on the interior surface of the side panels 124 and 128. The bracket horizontal may include the horizontal slots 160 which are placed to receive the appendages 156.

As shown in Figure 13 once the lower panels 124 and 128 have been mounted on the vertical struts, the upper panels 122, 126 can be mounted on the vertical struts. In this described embodiment embodiment, the upper panels are located to prevent the lower panels from being removed from the frame by blocking the lower panels preventing them from moving upward to disengage from the vertical struts.

As shown in Figure 14, the upper panels 122 and 126 can include the openings 162 in the lower edge 164 of the panels 122 and 126. When the upper panels are slid down along the frame, the openings 162 are operated to receive the vertically extending appendages 150 of the vertical struts 100 through them. In addition, as shown in Figure 15, the vertical struts may further include the vertically extending appendages 166 which are operated to engage within a slot 170 located within the upper edge 168 of the top panels 122 and 126.

Figure 16 shows the top panel 120 being mounted on the frame 110. In this example embodiment described, the top panel when mounted on the frame is operated to prevent the side panels from being removed from the frame by blocking the side panels avoiding that move up to disengage from the vertical struts. The top panel may include the appendages 172 which are operated to engage in the slots 174 in the horizontal struts 104 of the frame 110. Figure 17 shows an appendix 172 fully engaged with a slot 174 of the horizontal strut 104. With the top panel in FIG. This position is engaged, the side of the upper panel 120 includes a part 176 which is located directly above the parts 178 of the side panel 122 and operates to prevent the side panel from moving up and being removed from the frame. In this example embodiment described, the parts 178 of the side panel 122 may correspond to a flange or projection which extends below the top panel 120. In alternate example embodiments the top panel may be relatively higher than the side panel 122 and may have a width sufficient to extend above the upper edge 68 of the side panel 122 to lock the side panels preventing them from moving upwards.

Referring again to Figure 5, when the door 129 is in a closed position, the upper edge 180 of the door is operated to lock the upper panel 120 preventing it from slipping so as to disengage the appendices 172 (figure 17) in the panel upper from the horizontal struts 104 of the frame. In this example embodiment described, the door 129 can be fixed in a closed position thereby preventing each of the top panel, the top side panels and the bottom side panels from being removed. When the door 129 is opened the upper panel 120 is enabled to be removed from the frame 110. When the upper panel is removed the upper side panels are enabled to be removed from the frame 110. When the upper side panels are removed the side bottom panels they are enabled to be removed from the frame.

In this example embodiment described, the panels can be mounted on the frame without the use of separate fasteners such as screws and without the use of tools. The service door 129 is operated to prevent the panels from being removed when the door is in a closed position and operated to allow the panels to be removed when the door is in the open position. In alternate example embodiments, the automated banking machine may include other systems and methods for securing panels to the frame including the use of fasteners or other connecting devices.

Referring again to Figure 5, an example embodiment of the automated banking machine can include a service door 129 which includes a window 200. The window can be used to view a display device such as a service monitor located within of the enclosure. Figure 18 shows an example of an automated banking machine 10 with the service door 129 in the open position. Within the machine, a service monitor oscillating arm assembly 202 can be mounted which is operated to hold a service monitor 204 in a plurality of different positions. For example, as shown in Figure 18, the swing arm assembly 202 is operated to orient the service monitor 204 in a position adjacent to the opening 206 of the machine. When the door 129 is closed, the window 200 of the service door 129 can be placed on the front of the monitor to allow all or at least parts of the display screen of the service monitor to be visible through the window 200. .

Figure 19 shows a side view of the service monitor mounted on the oscillating arm assembly 202. In this example embodiment described, the oscillating assembly can be operated to pivot independently at a plurality of points. In the example embodiment, the assembly 202 may include a frame bracket 210 that is operated to mount on a vertical strut of the automated banking machine frame. The frame bracket may be in pivot connection with a swing arm 212. For example, the swing arm may be operated to rotate with respect to a bolt 214 in operative connection through the frame bracket 210 and arm portions. oscillating 212. As shown in Figure 20, the swing arm can be operated to rotate 90 degrees relative to the frame bracket to place the service monitor 204 outside the opening 206 inside the machine.

Referring again to Figure 19, assembly 201 may further include a monitor bracket 216 that is operated to hold service monitor 204 to assembly 202. In this described example embodiment, monitor bracket 216 may be in pivot connection. with the oscillating arm 212. For example, the monitor bracket 216 can be operated to rotate with respect to a pin 218 in operative connection through portions of the monitor bracket 216 and the swing arm 212. For example, with the oscillating arm rotated to extend outwards as previously described (FIG. 20), the monitor bracket can be operated to rotate the monitor about 90 degrees (FIG. 21) with respect to the oscillating arm 212. In addition, in the incorporations for example, the monitor bracket can be operated to rotate the monitor 204 about 180 degrees (FIG. 22) relative to the swing arm 212.

In addition to being operated to rotate the service monitor around a plurality of vertical axes, an example embodiment of the assembly can be operated to adjust the vertical inclination of the service monitor. For example, as shown in Figure 23, the monitor bracket 216 may be operated to pivot along a horizontal axis to tilt the service monitor 204 downwardly. Figure 23 shows an example of the assembly that is being oriented to tilt the service monitor down by about 13 degrees. However, it is understood that in alternate example embodiments the service monitor oscillating arm assembly can be operated to tilt the monitor at other smaller and / or larger angles. Additional example embodiments of the assembly may be operated to rotate the monitor along one or more vertical axes at a plurality of different angles inwardly and outwardly relative to the machine frame.

Referring again to Figure 19, the assembly may include one or more spring pistons or other closure devices which are operated to fix the rotational positions of the assembly. For example a spring plunger 220 can be pressed to move in a fixed position which fixes the swing arm 212 in its current rotational position relative to the frame bracket 210. Pulling the spring plunger 220 can be operated to position the spring plunger 220 in an unlocked position that allows the swing arm 212 to rotate freely with respect to the frame bracket 210. The assembly may also include the additional spring plungers 222 or other closing devices at pivot points as well.

As shown in Figure 24, an exemplary embodiment of the service monitor swing arm assembly may further include a support bracket 224 for a service keyboard 226 in pivot connection with the monitor bracket 216. Such a support bracket 224 can be operated to rotate about a horizontal axis to tilt the keyboard 226 at a plurality of different angles. Such angles for example may include orienting the keyboard 226 at a vertical angle 230; an angle of 30 degrees 232 from the vertical; and an angle of 107 degrees 234 from the vertical.

Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine may include a plurality of legs under the hood which are operated to hold the machine above a floor or other surface. In an example embodiment such legs can be adjusted in height to take into account the surfaces which are not level or are uneven. Also in the example embodiments the legs can be adjustable in height from inside the chest. Fig. 25 shows an example embodiment of the leveling leg 250 in operative connection with the chest 102 of the machine. As shown in Figures 26 and 27 the leveling leg may include a threaded arrow 252 which is operated to screw up or down into a threaded hole 254 through the bottom 256 of the chest. The leg may include a base or foot end 257 that is operated to engage and rest on a floor or other supporting surface. The foot 257 may comprise a flange extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of the arrow 252. The flange may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the threaded part of the arrow. The flange may have a circular, square, slotted or other known shape. The foot end 257 may be of a size to ensure a sufficient contact area with the support surface. The support resistance and the diameter of the threaded shaft and the flange can be determined based on the weight of the machine.

As shown in Figure 27, the leg 250 can include a tool receiving end 258 which is sized to be turned by a wrench. In the example embodiment the receiving end of tools may include a square projection which is relatively narrower than the diameter of the threaded shaft 252. When the automated banking machine is being assembled, the receiving end of tools of the leveling leg can be inserted into the hole 254 from below the chest. The leveling leg can then be rotated to screw the leveling foot further up into the chest.

To cause an automated banking machine to be level on an uneven surface, one or more of the leveling legs may be rotated to increase or decrease the length of the leveling legs extending below the chest. In an example embodiment, the leveling process may include opening the chest door and turning one or more of the square tool receiving ends of the leveling legs with a wrench. For automated banking machines which include hardware devices in the chest such as cash cassettes, the hardware device can be either removed from the chest or the hardware device can be moved out of the chest into a service position to provide access to the leveling legs.

As discussed previously, an automated banking machine can include an impost in operative connection with the machine frame. Such an impost may include a plurality of openings through which the components of the machine are accessible. For example as shown in Figure 1, the automated banking machine can include a component such as a cash dispenser 24. The cash dispenser can be mounted within the frame / chest of the machine. To allow a user to have access to the cash dispenser from the cash dispenser, the impost may include an aperture 54 therethrough.

In the example embodiments of the machine, to accommodate components of different size and shapes, the fascia may include a plurality of openings therethrough which have different shapes and sizes. In addition, in the example embodiments, the size of the openings can be made large enough to accommodate access to a plurality of components of different size and shapes. Any cracks or spaces that remain between the edges of the openings in the fascia and the outer cover of the component can be filled with at least one block of obstruction. The blocks can be mounted safely to the fascia, to a bevel that removable fascia and / or to the component to avoid access to the interior of the machine.

In the example embodiments, the blocks can be formed with a size and shape which corresponds to the size and shape of the separation in the openings of the fascia. However, in an alternate exemplary embodiment, the separations can be minimized with openings in the fascia which are adjustable in size. Figures 28-30 show an example of a portion of a removable fascia bezel 400 which includes an adjustable aperture 402. In this example the aperture 402 has a size and shape to receive a pad 404 therethrough for the contact with a 406 notebook printer of the automated banking machine. In the example embodiments automated banking machines can have different types of notebook printers to be used with different types of notebook media. Such means may have different widths which require the opening 402 in the fascia bevel to be narrowed or widened.

In this described example embodiment the fascia bevel can include an obstructing block 408 which can be selectively placed to accommodate openings with different size requirements. As shown in Fig. 29, the obstructing block 408 may be in slidable connection with the rear or interior portions 410 of the face bevel 400. As shown in Fig. 30, in this example embodiment described, the obstructing block 408 may include a slot 414. Screws 412 or other fasteners may be placed through the slot and mounted on the interior 410 of the fascia bezel. The obstructing blocks 408 may be slid along the screws to a position which reduces or widens the portion of the opening 402 which is accessible to pass an article therethrough. The screws can then be tightened to rigidly lock the obstructing block in place on the fascia bezel. When a different size notebook printer or other component is installed on one side of the fascia bezel, the screws 412 can be released and the clogging block can be repositioned to change the size of the opening part to accommodate the different width of the new notebook printer. The screws can then be tightened again to fix the clogging block in place.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fascia bezel may include a funnel 418 with the upper and lower walls 420 and 422 that are tapered towards each other to reduce the outer opening 402 (FIG. 28) to a relatively narrow inner slot 424 (FIG. figure 29). The obstructing block 408 may include a flange 416 with a shape and size which correspond to the interior cross-sectional shape of the funnel 418. When the obstruction block is mounted on the fascia bevel, the flange 418 of the obstruction block is slid inside the funnel 418 through a side opening 426. The flange corresponds to a mobile side wall inside the funnel which is operated to cover the gaps or holes that may otherwise be present when the width of the hardware device is smaller than the width of the slit 424 of the funnel.

In the example embodiments of the automated banking machine, the fascia may be in a hinged connection with the frame of the machine. In other exemplary embodiments, the fascia may be in sliding connection with the frame. When a service technician wishes to have access to the hardware devices of the machine behind the fascia, the fascia can be released and opened by rotating the fascia around one or more hinges and / or sliding the fascia outwardly from said fascia. fascia In other example embodiments, the service technician can operate to access the back of the machine and move the individual hardware devices out of the fascia to a service position.

In another example, when the impost and hardware devices are put together, the openings in the fascia must be aligned with the hardware devices installed in the frame of the machine. An example embodiment of the automated banking machine includes the systems and methods for automatically aligning the hardware components with the openings in an impost.

Figure 31 shows an example of an impost 450 of an automated banking machine which includes a floating bevel 452. In Figure 31 the upper part of the fascia is shown cut out to show the interior characteristics of the floating bevel. Here the bezel includes an opening 454 which will be aligned with an opening of a hardware device of the machine. The fascia 450 includes an opening 456 which is to be filled by the bevel 452. In this example embodiment described the bevel 452 is in sliding connection with the fascia and is operated to slide vertically and horizontally with respect to the fascia. In addition, the bevel 452 includes a size which is wider in both the vertical and horizontal length with respect to the opening 456 in the fascia, so that when the bevel is slid either up, down, left and / or to the right, the bevel will continue to fill opening 456.

In the example embodiment, the machine is operated to limit the movement of the bevel to a range of vertical and horizontal movements with respect to the fascia.

In the example embodiment shown in Figure 31, the fascia 450 may include one or more slots or channels 458 in which the bevel 452 slides. Figure 32 shows a top cross-sectional view of the fascia 450 and of the bevel 452 before the fascia is closed on one side of the frame 474 and the hardware devices of the machine. In this example, the hardware device 472 may not be aligned with the aperture 454 of the bevel 542. However, in this example embodiment described, the bevel 452 may include the guides 470 which are operated to move the bevel 452 and its opening 454 in alignment with hardware device 472 when the fascia is closed. The guides 470 may include angled and / or arcuate surfaces 476 which act in the shape of a funnel. The outer space 482 between the outer ends 478 of the guides is sufficiently wide to allow the hardware device 472 to enter the outer space 482 even though the bevel is significantly out of alignment with the hardware device. The inner space 484 between the inner ends 480 of the guides 470 is relatively narrower than the outer space 482 and almost corresponds to the width of the hardware device.

When the fascia is closed, at least one of the angled and / or arcuate surfaces 476 of the guides is operated to slide against a side 486 of the hardware device, and as a result they push the bevel to slide relative to the impost. As shown in Figure 33, when the fascia 450 reaches its closed position adjacent the frame 474, the sliding of the hardware device along at least one of the guides is operated to cause the aperture 454 of the bevel to move. to a latch aligned with the hardware device.

Figure 34 shows a top cross sectional view of an alternate example embodiment of a floating bevel 462. Here the bevel 462 includes one or more openings 464. The fascia 460 includes the projections 466 which pass through the openings. In this example embodiment described, the diameters of the bevels 464 of the bevel are relatively larger than the diameter of the projections 466 to allow the bevel to move to different horizontal and vertical positions relative to the fascia.

Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine may include an impost which provides access to the fastened components to the fascia without having to completely remove the fascia from the machine. In this example embodiment described, the fascia can be operated to lean in relation to the frame in an open position. Figures 35-40 show an example embodiment of an fascia moving from a closed position to an open inclined position. In this example embodiment described, the machine 500 may include a rain shield box 502. Figure 35 shows a front view of the fascia 504 in a closed position. Figure 36 shows a rear view of the fascia 504 in the closed position.

The fascia 504 is operated to slide horizontally in and out of the rain shield box 502 on the guide wheels / rollers 506 on each side of the fascia. The fascia can be retained in the rain shield box in its closed position by one or more latches 507. Once the fascia is completely closed, these latches engage to fix the fascia in the closed position. In an example embodiment, the swing latches may not be disengaged from the outside of the machine and may only be accessed and disengaged from inside the machine.

The hit latches may include a bolt 509 that is automatically pushed into the slot 511 of the fascia, when the fascia is completely closed. The strike latch 507 may include a lever 513 that when pulled is operated to push the bolt to move it out of the slot. An example embodiment of the strike latch may further include a pull handle 515 in operative connection with the lever 513. The pull handle 515 may extend towards the rear of the machine to allow a technician to more easily open the latch. blow from the back of the machine through a service door.

Figures 37 and 38 show the fascia sliding horizontally and outwardly from the rain shield box 502. Figures 39 and 40 show the fascia extending outwardly from the rain shield in an inclined orientation. Figure 41 shows roller wheels 506 when the fascia is in the closed position. Figure 42 shows the roller wheels 506 when the fascia is in the open position. When the fascia is being opened or closed the roller wheels are operated to roll along the bottom wall of the rain shield box 502. When the fascia is fully open, the rain shield box may include a projection 508 which is operated to further block the outward movement of the roller wheels 506. In this example embodiment described the fascia may include the hooks 510 adjacent the roller wheels 506 which are operated to catch on the projection 508 of the shield box against the rain to prevent an additional outward movement of the rolling wheels.

In this described example embodiment, when the hook 510 has reached the projection of the rain shield box, a further front of the rolling wheels 512 can extend beyond the edge 514 of the rain shield, while a wheel 516 rear wheel stays on the shield against the rain. As shown in Figure 43, in this extended position, the fascia is operated to tilt downward by pivoting on the projection 508.

Referring again to Figure 39, an upper part of the fascia may include the joints 520 that extend between the fascia 504 and the rain shield box 502. The hinges 520 are operated to extend outwards for a fixed distance the which limits the amount of inclination of the fascia 504 in relation to the shield box against the rain 502.

In the example embodiments of the automated banking machine, the fascia can be operated to allow different types of hardware devices with different sizes to be accessed through the fascia. For example as shown with respect to Figures 44 and 45, an impost 548 can be configured with different bevels to engage with a relatively narrow hardware device. 550 (Fig. 44) or relatively wider hardware devices 552 (Fig. 45). In addition, in some embodiments the bezels 554 may be included in the fascia to receive the hardware devices, while in other configurations a white bezel 556 may be included in the fascia when the hardware device is absent.

As shown in Figure 46 an example embodiment of the fascia 548 can be configured by a plurality of different bevels such as a display device bezel 560; a declaration printer bezel 562, a blank coin bezel 564, a bezel dispenser 562, a numeric keypad bezel 568, a bar code reader bezel 570, a bezel depositor 572, a bezel blank card reader 574 , a card reader bezel 576, a receipt printing bezel 578, and / or other bezels which engage hardware devices in the machine.

To provide flexibility to the location of the hardware devices mounted on the machine frame, the fascia can be adapted to receive individual bevels in different locations on the fascia. In this embodiment of the described example of the fascia, the bevels can be installed from the front of the fascia and can be retained by snap closure features, appendages, or other fasteners from the rear of the fascia. For example, Figure 47 shows a rear view of an fascia 548, in which a bevel is mounted on the fascia using striking fasteners 580 on the bevel that extend through the openings 582 in the fascia. In addition, the bevels can be assembled using fasteners such as screws 584 which are threaded into engagement with a bevel from the back of the fascia.

As shown in Figure 48, these described example embodiments of the bevels 600 may include an opening 602 to provide access to a corresponding hardware device through the fascia.

Such access may allow the keys of a numeric keypad or other parts of the hardware devices to extend through the impost. Such openings can also allow objects such as money, cards, envelopes and other portable objects to pass in and out of the hardware device through the impost. Exemplary embodiments of the hardware devices in the ATM machine may include LEDs or other display elements which provide information to the user of the machine. For such hardware devices, the corresponding bevels may include one or more additional openings 604 which are adjacent to the display elements of the hardware device. The additional openings 604 allow the display elements such as the LEDs of the hardware devices to be visible through the fascia. As shown in figure 49, the bevel 600 may further include a transparent or translucent lens cover 606 at or adjacent to the additional aperture. Such a lens cover can have optical properties which are operated to amplify the light transmitted through the lens cover from the display elements of the hardware device. In other exemplary embodiments the lens covers may have optical properties including acting as a diffuser or color alteration of the light emitted from the LEDs.

Referring again to Figure 46, the example incorporations of the fascia 548 may include one or more task lighting devices 620 which may be operated to illuminate fascia parts including the machine input, transaction function devices of output the lines are used by a consumer to carry out the transaction functions with the machine. As shown in Figure 50, in an example embodiment the task lighting device 620 may include a two-dimensional LED grid 623 comprised of a compact size LED 622 mounted on a personal computer board 624 or other substrate. Such a LED grid can be activated using a 24 volt DC power supply of the machine for example. As shown in Fig. 51, the task lighting device may also include parabolic refracting diffuser lenses 626 or other diffusing device placed on the front of the LED grid 623.

Fig. 52 shows a schematic view of the elements of an example embodiment of the task lighting device 620. Here the task lighting device 620 can include a mounting bracket 628 which is in operative connection between the LED grid 623 and the diffuser lenses 626. The combination of the LED grid 623, the mounting bracket 628 and the diffuser lenses 626 can be connected to the fascia 548 on one side of an opening 630 in the fascia. As shown in Figure 53 the mounting bracket 628 may include sliding and closing devices 632 which are operable to releasably connect the task lighting device 620 to the fascia 548. The fascia 548 may further include an opening appendix. flexible 634 which can be folded downwards to allow the task lighting device 620 to slide out of engagement with the fascia 548.

Even when the described example incorporation of the task lighting device includes a plurality of LED light source, in the alternate example embodiments the task light device may include incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen or other light sources.

As discussed previously with respect to Figure 46, an impost may include a movable display device bezel 560 which covers a machine display device such as an LCD or CRT monitor. In example embodiments such display device bezel 560 may include keys 650 there.

In the example embodiments, the fascia 548 includes an opening 656 on which the display device is mounted. The bezel of the display device 560 may include a corresponding aperture 652 that is covered with a transparent blaster shield 654. Such a shield may comprise a plastic or glass resistant to cracking or rupture and may be operated to protect the display device from weather and other objects which can damage the display device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bezel of the display device 560 may include a gasket. When the display device bezel 560 is mounted on the fascia 548, the gasket can be placed between the bezel of the display device 560 and the fascia 548 in surrounding relationship around the opening 656 through the fascia. In this example embodiment described, the function keys 650 may be positioned outside the gasket to prevent water from entering the function keys to drain through the opening 656 in the fascia. In this described example embodiment, the fascia may include a relatively smaller hole for receiving the wires therethrough from the function keys of the bezel of the display device. Such an orifice can be placed above the function keys 650 when the bezel of the display device is mounted on the fascia.

As previously discussed, the bevels for mounting to the fascia may include an opening through which a hardware device is accessible. For example as shown in Figure 46, the fascia may include a card reader bezel 576 with an opening 670 through which the card can be inserted or removed from the card reader device. When an automated banking machine is being serviced, it is often necessary to separate one or more hardware devices from the contact with the impost. Unfortunately, when a hardware device is removed this way, users who are not aware that the machine is turned off for service may continue trying to insert the objects through the openings in the bezels. If the hardware device such as the card reader is not adjacent to the bezel 676, the card may fall into the interior of the machine.

Exemplary embodiments of the bevels for the fascia may include gates which are operated to close the openings to the bevels when the corresponding hardware device is not placed on one side of the bevel. Fig. 54 shows a top perspective view of a card reader bezel 576 which includes a gate 672. The gate 672 is operated to move between a first position which covers the opening 670 through the bevel 576 and a second position the which opens the opening 670. Figure 54 shows the gate 672 in the first position or lowered position which covers the opening 670. Figure 55 shows the gate 672 in the second position or upward position which uncovers the opening 670. In this example embodiment described gate 672 includes projections 674 on opposite sides of the gate. The projections are operated to slide into vertical grooves 676 even side of opposite ends of bevel 576.

The gate may further include the ribs 676 on one side of the opposite ends of the gate. The ribs may include the lower outer surfaces 680 which extend outward from the rear surface or rear face 673 of the gate in an upward direction and at an acute angle with respect to the vertically oriented rear surface 673. When the reading device of cards is pulled back from the card reader bezel 576, gravity or a push device such as a spring is operated to push the gate to slide down to cover the opening 670 of the bezel. When the card reader device is moved to contact the bezel, the card reader is operated to make contact with the outer surfaces 680 of the ribs 678 of the gate 672 and push the gate upwardly out of the opening 670. In the exemplary embodiments the acute angle of the lower surfaces 680 of the ribs may be between 30-60 degrees or some other angle which is operated to facilitate the gate that has moved upward when the bevel 576 and the reader cards get in touch.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the gate is in the second position or lowered position, an outward facing surface of the gate may include a distinctive color and / or indicia which are visible through the opening. The distinctive color and / or indicia may serve to inform a user that the machine is not in service. For example, the gate may include a red color and / or may have words on it that represent that the device or the machine is out of service.

As discussed previously, the automated banking machine may include the floating bevels which provide an opening that can move vertically and / or horizontally to align with the hardware device. Also, in the example embodiments, the machine may include hardware devices which are operated to move in three dimensions with respect to the machine frame to automatically align and position the hardware device with the fixed aperture in a bezel of the fascia .

For example, Figure 56 shows an example embodiment of a receipt printing device 700 which is operated for archiving with a receipt printer bezel 702. Here the bevel includes one or more alignment ribs 704. The alignment ribs include angled or inwardly arched surfaces 706 which are operative to guide the front 708 of the receipt printing device 700 within a latch with the aperture 710 of the bevel 702 when the fascia and the receipt printing device are put together. In the exemplary embodiments, the angled surface 706 of the alignment ribs may extend downward from the bottom of the opening 710 in the bevel 702 at an acute angle with respect to the generally vertical rear surface of the bevel. Such an acute angle of the angled surface 706 may be between 30-60 degrees or some other angle that is operated to guide the printer in alignment with the aperture 710 in the bezel when the printer and the bezel come into contact. In the example embodiments, a bevel of the fascia and the hardware devices can be put together when a previously opened fascia is moved to a closed position relative to the frame of the machine. In other exemplary embodiments, a bezel of the fascia and a hardware device can be put together when a hardware device is returned from an outside service position to an interior position relative to the frame. Fig. 57 shows the receipt printing device 700 connected in aligned relation with the bevel 702.

To achieve three-dimensional adjustment of the hardware device, all or parts of the hardware device can be operated to move relative to the machine frame between a plurality of different top-down, side-to-side and front-to-back positions. . For example, Figure 58 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of the receipt printer 700. In this example embodiment described, the receipt printer may include a movable part 720 that is in pivot connection with a fixed part 722. When mounted on a frame of the automated banking machine, the fixed part 722 may be mounted in a generally rigid hitch with the frame. The movable part 720 can then be operated to pivot with respect to the fixed part 722 and the frame of the machine.

In this example embodiment described, the receipt printer includes one or more pins 726 in operative connection between the movable part 720 and the fixed part 722. The movable part 720 is operated to pivot with respect to the fixed part on the pins 726. For example, in this example embodiment described, the bolts 726 may extend from the movable part 720 to make a pivoting latch within the grooves 724 in the fixed part 722. However, it is understood that in the alternate example embodiments, the Fixed part may include bolts which extend to a pivot hitch with slots in the movable part. In any embodiment, a front or outlet end 708 of the movable part 720 is operated to move in an upward direction 728 or in a downward direction 730 relative to the fixed part 722 and an anchor for pivoting the movable part 720 with with respect to the fixed part 722.

As used here, the output end 708 corresponds to the part of the printer in which a sheet such as a receipt leaves the printer. However, it should be understood that in other types of transaction function devices the front of the device may correspond to an input end which is operated to receive a deposit. Either the front of a transaction function device corresponds to an exit end, an entry end, or both, the front part of the transaction function device which receives or removes an item through an ATM opening. the fascia is mentioned here as an opening for the transaction function device.

In the example embodiment, the slots 724 may include a horizontal length which is longer than the diameter of the bolts 726 and which is operated to allow the bolts 726 to move forward or rearwardly in the slots 724. As a result the exit end 708 of the movable part is operated to move in a forward direction 732 or in a rearward direction 734 by the movement of the bolts 726 in the slots 724. Figure 58 shows an example of the moved 726 bolts to a forward position in the slot 724, which moves the exit end 708 of the movable part to a forward position with respect to the fixed part 722. Figure 59 shows an example of the bolts 726 moved to a rear position in the slot 724, which moves the front 708 of the movable part to a backward position with respect to the fixed part 722.

In addition to the pins of the receipt printer which is operated to pivot with respect to the slots of the receipt printer and which is being operated to move it to different front or rear positions in the slots, the pins 726 may also be operated for moving in the transverse directions with respect to the slot or vertical plane that includes the slot. For example, Figure 60 shows a top view of the receipt printer. The exit end 708 of the moving part 720 is operated to move in either the opposite side-to-side directions 736 and 738 by the transverse movement of the bolts 726 with respect to the grooves 724.

In addition to bolts 726 moving in the front-rear synchronous or up-down directions relative to the slots 724, in the example embodiments, the bolts can move independently with respect to each other in their respective slots 724 For example, a first of the pins 740 may be operated to move to a forward position in its corresponding slot, while a second of the pins 742 moves to a backward position in its corresponding slot.

As a result a first side 744 of the exit end 708 of the movable part can be moved to a position that is further forward relative to the fixed part 722 compared to the position of a second side 746 of the exit end 708 of the part movable in relation to the fixed part 722.

Although in this embodiment of the described example of the receipt printer, the movable part is in operative connection with a fixed part using bolts which are operated to pivot and slide into the elongated slots, in other example embodiments, the hardware or part of the hardware devices can be operated to move in relation to the frame and fascia using other connection devices. For example, in alternate example embodiments, a hardware device of the machine may include a movable part that is mounted on a fixed part using flexible, extensible and / or elastic connecting devices. An example of such flexible, extensible and / or elastic connection devices may include a spring. In such exemplary embodiment the one or more springs may be used to connect the movable part to the fixed part of the hardware device. The springs can press the movable part in a domestic position. However, when the front of the insert makes contact with a bevel of an impost, the springs can be operated to enable the movable part to move out of its domestic position in an off-center position in which the front of the part movable is properly aligned and docked with the bevel of the impost.

Referring again to Figure 58, the example embodiment of the printer may include a bracket 750 that is operated to hold a paper roll 752. The paper 756 of the paper roll 752 may pass through a printing mechanism 754 which It is operated to print clues on paper. In an example addition, the printing mechanism can correspond to a thermal printer, an inkjet printer, a dot matrix printer or any other type of printing mechanism that is capable of producing indicia on paper in one, or more colors on paper 756 In the example embodiment described, the fixed part 722 of the printer may include the bracket 750 and the movable part 720 may include the printing mechanism 754. In addition, the movable part 720 may include a spring 751 that is operated to apply tension to the paper which minimizes the stack in paper 756 as moving member 720 moves relative to fixed member 722.

In an example embodiment the printing mechanism may correspond to the thermal printing device which is operated to produce indicia such as letters and graphics in two colors. Such colors may include black and some other color such as red or blue based on the paper used to print the signs. The printer can be operated to handle the dust requirements for the print head by alternating dust input to the print head through the use of different capacitors.

In the example embodiment, the printer may further include a cutting mechanism 758 that is operated to cut the roll paper into individual receipts. In this example embodiment described, the printer may include a set 764 of drag bands 760 which are operated to rotate. A lower run 763 of the bands is operated to move the receipt of cut paper through an inner surface 765 to the delivery opening 767 at the exit end 708 of the printer. The trailed webs 760 may include spaced apart projections 762 which are operated to assist the webs in grasping and pushing the receipt paper to move it from the printer mechanism 754 to the delivery port 767.

Figure 61 shows a front cross-sectional view of the receipt printer. The example embodiment of the receipt printer may include a lower surface 780 adjacent to the output end 708 of the printer. As used herein a surface 780 corresponds to a surface that includes a plurality of alternating and parallel ridges and troughs. The set 764 of trailing bands is operated to move the receipt on this surface 780 and to push the receipt to form a wavy or waffle shape corresponding to the waffle surface 780. In the example embodiment, the waffle surface it may include a central flange 782 positioned between two slots 784 and 786. The end portions of the bands 760 may be positioned to move through the slots 784 and 786.

Although the waffle surface 780 may be located adjacent the output end 708 of the printer, in the example embodiments, the printer may also be operated to impart all or portions of the waffle shape on the receipt before reaching the end. output 708 of the printer. For example, as shown in a cross-sectional view of the receipt printer 700 in Figure 62, the printer may include an elongated ledge 761 between the lower run 765 of the bands 760. When the bands move the receipt through the flange , the flange is operated to push the center of the receipt to tilt it upwards while the bands are operated to push the receipt part into the slots.

In the example embodiment the automated banking machine can be operated to determine whether or not a user has taken a receipt from the receipt printer. For example, the receipt printer may include a sensor 790 which is operated to detect the presence or absence of a receipt to one side of the output end 708 of the printer. The automated banking machine can use the sensor to determine if the receipt is still present after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the receipt was transported to the exit end 708 of the printer. When the machine determines that the user has not taken the receipt after the predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the machine can be operated to cause the receipt printer to retract the receipt.

In the embodiment example described, the bands 760 can be driven in reverse to move the receipt out of the exit end 708 of the printer and in a direction toward the printing mechanism 754. A gate 792 can rotate in response to the forces of severity or other forces, so that the projections 796 of the gate 792 extend transversely through the lower run of the bands 760. When the receipt printer reaches the gate, the inner surface 798 of the gate is operated to direct a receipt 792 to move it towards down to a 799 deposit to collect the collected receipts. Additional examples of the gates which may be used in the example embodiments of the printer are shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,850,075 of December 15, 1998 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the example embodiments, the receipt printer may include a serial, parallel, USB, or other interconnection for use with the interconnection with the computer of the automated banking machine. In addition, the printer may include one or more LED indicator lights 800 or other display elements which are operated to provide information about the operation of the printer to the user of the machine. Referring again to Figure 56, the receipt printer bezel 702 may include an additional aperture 802 which is adjacent to the LED indicator lights of the printer when the printer is connected to one side of the bezel 702. In the example embodiments alternatives the bezel may include a continuous opening which combines the aperture 710 for delivery of a receipt through the bezel with, the aperture 702 to view the LED indicator lights of the printer.

An exemplary embodiment of the waffle surface previously described 720 may be oriented to tilt down from the printer mechanism 754 to the aperture 710 through the bevel. In this orientation the waffle surface of the movable member can be operated to direct the water entering the machine to drain back out of the bevel of the machine.

Even though the previously described printer has been mentioned as corresponding to a receipt printer, it should also be understood that the described features of the printer can also be used for other types of printers and / or other hardware devices in the automated banking machine. Such other types of printers in an automated banking machine can include a declaration printer, a passbook printer, a ticket printer, a money order printer or another type of printer that can be used by an automated banking machine. In addition, the alignment and connection characteristics of the described receipt printer and the corresponding bezel can also be used in other hardware devices of the automated banking machine including, cash acceptors / dispensers, envelope acceptors / dispensers, card readers, display devices, coin dispensers / acceptors or any other hardware device which is accessible by a user through the fascia of the machine.

Automated banking machines can be manufactured to be used in different locations. Depending on the location of the automated banking machine, the size, shape and configuration of the fascia and / or the frame may be different. For example, Figure 63 shows a relatively narrow automated banking machine which is designed to be mounted through a wall of a building. As shown in Figure 64, the relatively narrow wall mounted machine 900 can be configured with hardware devices which are capable of allowing a user to carry out transactions such as cash assortment. Figure 65 shows the relative movements of a user's hand to carry out the steps for supplying cash with a relatively narrow wall mounted machine 900.

Initially in a first position 1 adjacent to a card reader 22, the user can insert his card in the card reader. The user can then move his / her hand in a generally leftward direction to a second position 2 adjacent to a numeric keypad 16, to key in the user's personal identification number. The user can then move his hand in a direction up and to the right to a third position 3 adjacent to the function keys 14 to press the function key corresponding to the cash withdrawal. By having the user more than one type of account associated with his card, the user can move his hand to the same or to another of the function keys to a fourth position 4 adjacent to the function keys to select an amount. The user can then move his hand down and to the left to a fifth position 5 adjacent to the numeric keypad 16 to enter the amount of cash that is to be stocked.

For example embodiments of the automated banking machine which include a display screen 12 with a touch screen, rather than pressing the function keys to select a withdrawal transaction the user can touch the graphic buttons displayed on the screen of display to select a transaction and / or an account. As a result of alternate example additions, after placing a personal identification number in the second position adjacent to the numeric keypad, the user can move his hand upward to a third / fourth position adjacent to the display of the display 12 rather than moving your hand up and to the right to a third / fourth position adjacent to the function keys 14. After the transaction and / or the account has been selected using the display screen, the user can then move his hand down from the display screen to the fifth position adjacent to the numeric keypad, to enter the amount of cash that will be stocked.

Once the quantity is entered, the user can move his hand up and to the right to a sixth position 6 adjacent to the function keys 14 to provide an input which verifies and / or initiates the assortment of the amount of cash. The user can then move his hand down and to the left to a seventh position 7 adjacent to the cash dispenser 24 to take the cash. In the example alternate embodiment of the machine with a touch screen, after the user has entered an amount with the numeric keypad in position five, the user can move his hand up to a sixth position adjacent to the screen of display 12 to provide an entry which verifies and / or initiates the assortment of the amount of cash. Subsequently, the user can move his hand down to a seventh position adjacent to the cash dispenser 24 to take the cash.

After taking the cash, the user can move his hand up and to the left to an eighth position 8 adjacent to the receipt printer 20 to take his receipt. In addition, the user can immediately move his hand to the right to a ninth position on the side of the card reader to take his card from the machine.

Figure 65 shows the relative positions 1-9 and the order that the user's machine can move in order to carry out the steps to stock the cash. This order forms a spatial pattern 902 for which the same user or a different user can follow in order to carry out the same transactions. An example embodiment includes configuring the hardware and fastener devices of different types and models of automated banking machines for a series of machines to allow a user to generally follow the same spatial pattern 902 of positions when they are carried out. type of transactions in different types and models of automated banking machines of the same series.

In the alternate example embodiments, the machine can be operated to prompt the user to select one of a plurality of different human languages with which the automated banking machine can extract information. In addition, in the example additions, the automated banking machine can prompt the user to indicate whether the user wants a receipt, other transaction or other information related to the functions carried out by the machine. Such variations in the programming of the automated banking machines can vary the time, the distances, the directions and the order in which the users move their hand. However, even though the patterns may be different for different transactions and different configurations of the user interconnection, in the example embodiments, the automated banking machine of different types and models in a series are capable of enabling a user to move their hand in generally the same pattern for the same types of transactions and user interconnection configurations.

For example, Figures 66 and 67 show a relatively wider automated banking machine 910 which includes a different fascia 912 to fascia 904 shown with a relatively narrower machine 900 in Figure 63. Fascia 912 includes relatively more locations for hardware devices that are going to be accessible through the fascia. However, as shown in Figure 68, the relative spatial positions 1-9 which a user's hand must follow in order to carry out the previously described assortment transaction forms a generally similar pattern 914 compared to the pattern 902 as it was shown in Figure 65.

Figures 69 and 70 show an automated banking machine that stands alone relatively narrow 920 which includes a different fascia 922 to the imposts previously described 904 and 912. Here the machine 920 is designed to be placed on the floor rather than through of a wall and can be mentioned as a hall model. However, as shown in Figure 71, the relative spatial positions 1-9 in which the user's hand must follow in order to carry out the previously described assortment transaction forms a generally circular pattern 924 compared to the 902 patterns. and 914 shown in Figures 65 and 68.

Figures 72 and 73 show an automated banking machine that stands alone relatively wide 930 which includes a different fascia 932 of those imposts previously described 904, 912 and 922. Here the machine 930 is designed to be placed on the floor rather that within a wall includes a configuration that is operated to provide accesses to a larger number of hardware devices than the model that stops only relatively narrow 920. However, as shown in Figure 74, the relative spatial positions 1 -9 in which the hand of a user must follow in order to carry out the previously described assortment transaction generally forms a similar pattern 934 compared to patterns 902, 914 and 924 shown in Figures 65, 68 and 71.

In the example embodiments, the distances between the components may be different depending on different models of the automated banking machines for a series. As a result, the previously described patterns 902, 914, 924 and 934 may require that a user's hand be moved by shorter or longer vertical or horizontal distances between the components depending on the model of the machines. However, in this described embodiment embodiment, the patterns are generally the same in relation to the relative up, down, right and / or left directions that a user's hand must follow to move from a component to a component to carry out the same transaction in different types and models of machines for the series.

As used herein, different models of automated banking machines for a series which are operative to direct a user's hand to move it in a common pattern to carry out a common transaction include at least one machine that stands alone or which is self-stable and which is operated to support itself on a floor and at least one machine that is operated to be mounted in support connection through a wall.

The example embodiment includes a method for manufacturing and / or configuring a series of different types and / or models of automated banking machines in which the relative positions of the common hardware devices are oriented in the same spatial configuration. In addition, the method may include providing each of the different types and / or models of automated banking machines in the series with the user interconnection software which is operated to direct a user to access the hardware components therein. order for the corresponding transactions.

To enable different models of automated banking machines to produce a common pattern of hand movements to carry out a common transaction, different models can place the common components in generally the same regions of the impost. For example, as shown in Figures 64, 67, 70, 73, the imposts of these different machine models can include three vertically aligned regions which (as shown in Figure 64) include an upper region 950, a middle region 952, and a lower region 954. For each of these models, the upper regions 950 may include the display screen 12 and the function keys 14. The middle regions 952 may include the receipt printer 20, the keypad 16 and the card reader 22. The lower regions 954 may include the cash dispenser 24. In addition to each of these models, the receipt printer 20 is generally positioned to the left of the numeric keypad 16 and the card reader 22 is generally positioned to the right of the numeric keypad 16 from the perspective of a user facing the machine.

However, as discussed previously, it should be understood that the example incorporations of the fascia can be made to place the components in different positions. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the declaration printer 21 and the receipt printer 20 can exchange the locations. Notwithstanding this, in the example embodiments, the different models of the automated banking machines described here are capable of having common components placed in common places to allow the patterns of hand movement to carry out the transactions in the different models of the machines so that they are generally the same. Therefore a user who carries out the same transactions in these different types and / or models of machines in a series of machines are trained to follow the same family movements and patterns to complete the same types of transactions.

Exemplary embodiments of automated banking machines may include a number of components which include portions with cylindrical or arched surfaces. An example of the cylindrical parts of the machine may include large capacitors. An example embodiment of the machine may include a bracket for mounting such cylindrical or arcuate portions within the machine enclosure so that the parts are rigidly secured in a position that is accessible for inspection and replacement by a technician.

Figure 75 shows an example embodiment of a bracket 300 that can be used to mount a capacitor or other object within an automated banking machine. The bracket may include an interior portion 302 defined by one or more walls 304, 306, 308 and 310. At least one of these walls may include a plurality of channels 312 and 316. The end of each channel may include a slot 314 and 318 which extends in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to one side of each channel. In the example embodiment a set of two adjacent channels 312 and 316 may include the fastening grooves 314 and 318 which extend toward each other. As shown in Figure 76, an object such as a capacitor 320 can be securely mounted to the bracket 300 using a cable tie 322 or other flexible fastener. The cable tie can extend through two adjacent slots 314 and 318 and around the capacitor 320.

Figure 77 illustrates a method for installing an object on the bracket 300. Here a cable tie 322 or other flexible fastener can be placed around the object such as the capacitor 320. The two ends 330 and 332 of the cable tie 322 can be slid through the adjacent channels 312 and 316 in the bracket. Either before or after the cable tie is inserted through the channels, the ends of the cable tie can be connected together to form a curl 350. When the cable tie is slid in the two adjacent channels 312 and 316, the capacitor 320 and the part of the bracket 352 that extends between the two channels adjacent 312 and 316 will extend through loop 350 of the cable tie. When the ends of the cable tie reach the slots 314 and 318 the cable tie can be tightened to reduce the circumference of the circuit 350. Reducing the circumference of the loop is operated to push the ends of the rope tie 330 and 332 into the slots 314 and 318 and rigidly holding the capacitor in the wall 308 of the bracket.

In an example embodiment, the bracket may also include features which facilitate the monthly mounting on the enclosure, frame or other part of the automated banking machine. In the example embodiment such features may include appendages or hooks 360 which extend to one side of a wall 362 of the bracket. As shown in Figure 78, the hooks 360 can be adapted to slide into one or more slots 380 in a portion 382 of the automated banking machine. In addition, the bracket 300 may include a hole 364 which is operated to receive a screw 384 or other fastener therethrough. In this described example embodiment, when the hooks 360 of the bracket are inserted into the slots 380 of the automated banking machine, the screw 384 or other fasteners can also be inserted into the hole 364 for use with a stiffness connection of the corbel to part 382 of the automated banking machine.

As shown in Figure 75, the bracket may also include the flanges 370 and the inner part 302 of the bracket. The flanges are operated to prevent the capacitor from moving to make contact with the wall 306, thus preventing the electrical contacts of the capacitor from being in electrical communication with the wall 306.

As shown in Figure 79, exemplary embodiments of the struts 100 and 104 of the frame 110 of the automated banking machine may include outwardly extending flanges 1010 or other spacers. The flanges or other spacers are operated to hold the panels at a sufficient distance from the surfaces 1012 of the struts to provide the channels 1014 for receiving the wires and cables 1018 of the hardware devices mounted within the frame 110. When viewed in the interior 1020 of the frame, the struts are operated to hide from view the wires or wires that are being directed along the outer surfaces 1012 of the struts.

In this described embodiment embodiment, the struts may further include the cable seals 1022 which are operated to hold the wires and cables in a location adjacent to the channels 1014 of the struts. Exemplary embodiments of the struts may further include the openings 1019 therethrough to direct cables, wires, power lines or other components between the inner parts 1020 of the frame and the channels 1014 of the struts.

In addition to the mounting cables adjacent to the frame struts, the example embodiments can direct the wires and wires through flexible conduits.

Figure 80 shows an example of a flexible conduit 1030.

The flexible conduit 1030 may include a continuous channel therethrough which extends between the ends of the conduit 1032 and 1034. One or more wires or wires 1036 of the hardware devices of the machine may be directed through the conduit channel. 1030. In this described example embodiment, the conduit may be composed of a plurality of hollow joints 1038. Each joint is connected to an adjacent joint with a bolt 1040.

Each adjacent pair of joints is operated to pivot with respect to each other around the bolt. When a hardware device is placed within the frame, the flexible conduit 1030 can be oriented in a generally U-shaped or arcuate orientation in which the opposite ends 1032 and 1034 are relatively and closely together. When the hardware device is pulled out of the machine for servicing, the flexible conduit 1030 is operated to unwind allowing the distance between the ends 1032 and 1034 to increase. In this described embodiment embodiment, one or both of the ends 1032 and 1034 of the flexible conduit may be in a pivot connection with the corresponding hardware devices, brackets and / or a machine frame.

To further retain wires and cables 1052, exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine may include cable retaining rings 1050. Such retaining rings may include a base with an opening therethrough to receive a fastener such as a screw. The retaining rings can be mounted as necessary on the frame and / or hardware devices of the machine. Each retaining ring can include a slot adjacent to the base which allows the cables to be passed in and out of the interior of the retaining ring. In an exemplary embodiment the cable retainer may correspond to an arcuate or crooked finger which at least partially surrounds a cable or power line.

Exemplary embodiments of automated banking machines may include large hinges to open several doors, fascia parts, chest door, or any other component which rotates between an open and a closed position. To prevent such hinges from being visible, an example embodiment of the machine may include a cut-off cover link system which is operated to cover one or more hinges without interfering with the opening of a door associated with the hinges.

For example, Figure 81 shows a top view of an automated banking machine 1300. The machine includes a door 1302 in hinged connection with a part 1307 of the machine. The hinges 1305 of the machine 1300 can extend down between the door 1302 and the part 1307 of the automated banking machine. Figure 81 shows the door in an open position. Figure 82 shows the door in the closed position.

When the door is in the closed position (Fig. 82) A cover device or a hinge cover 1304 (which may also be referred to herein as a trim cover) may be pushed by an articulation system 1306 to a position which hides or covers the hinges 1305 from a front face view 1308 and / or from a side face view 1310. In this described embodiment embodiment, the trim cover may correspond to an elongated cover with an open end. When the door is closed the hinges are operated to pass inside the opening of the cover so that at least the parts of the hinge are located within the cut-out cover 1304. In the alternate example embodiments the cut-out cover may correspond to an elongated wall which when the door is closed moves to one side of the side of the door as to hide the hinges 1305 from the point of view of the front face 1308.

The articulation system of the example embodiment may include a first joint 1312 and a second joint 1314. A first end 1322 of the first joint 1312 may be in pivot connection with the part 1307 of the machine at a first point 1320. The second end 1324 of the first link 1312 may be in operative support connection with the cut-off cover 1304 at a second point. A first end 1330 of the second link 1314 may be in pivot connection with the first link 1312 at a third point 1332. Also, a second end 1334 of the second link 1314 may be in pivot connection with the gate 1302 in a short point 1336.

In this example embodiment described, when the door is moved from an open position (Figure 81) to a closed position (Figure 82), the second joint 1314 is operated to push the first joint 1312 to rotate the trim lid to a position which hides the hinges 1305. When the door is moved in the opposite direction from the closed position (Figure 82) to the open position (Figure 81), the second hinge 1314 is operated to push the first hinge 1312 to rotate the Clipping cover outwardly of hinges 1305. In the open position, the trim cover is moved by a sufficient distance from hinges 1305 to provide room for the door to rotate around the hinges.

As with the previously described system for mounting the capacitors to the automated banking machine, other types of hardware devices can be mounted within the framework without the use of tools. For example, the frame of the machine may include one or more trays mounted therein to receive the hardware devices in a support connection therewith. An example of such tray 1402 is shown in Figure 83. The tray may include one or more slots 1404 therethrough. In the example embodiment, hardware devices 1406 may include mounting brackets 1408. Mounting brackets of hardware devices may include hooked appendixes 1410 similar in configuration to hooks 360 shown in Figure 78.

To connect the hardware device to the tray, the hooked appendages 1410 can be slid into the slots 1404 of the tray 1402. As shown in Figure 84, the tray can further include an upward angled appendix 1412 placed at a side of a bank 1414 of the tray 1402. In this described example embodiment, the angled tab 1412 is operated to make contact with a side 1416 of the hardware device 1406 thereby blocking the hardware device from sliding off its appendices hooked out of the slots in the tray. To insert or remove the hardware device, the angled appendix 1412 can be pushed down to allow the hardware device 1406 to pass over the top of the appendage at an angle.

An example embodiment of the automated banking machine may include several parts which are mounted on the outside of the machine. As shown in Figure 85, such parts may include the parts of the fascia such as a trim ring 14. The trim ring may be composed of more than one of the separate parts which are placed together to form the complete ring . For example, as shown in Figure 86, such separate portions may include a top portion 1422 and a side portion 1424. An example embodiment may include a method of assembling an assembly of parts in the automated banking machine. The method may include placing the parts together and inserting a gasket 1426 in both parts, whose gasket traverses the interconnection 1428 where the two parts meet. In this described method, the gasket is operated to keep the separated parts together while the assembly is being installed in the automated banking machine. In addition, in this example incorporation described, the gasket can also be operated to block rainwater and other elements preventing them from passing between the installed part and the automated banking machine.

Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine may include other features and methods for mounting hardware devices, components and brackets to the machine without the use of fasteners such as screws. For example, FIG. 87 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sheet metal bracket 1430. As shown in FIG. 88, the bracket may include one or more pre-bent appendages 1434. The appendages may include a slot 1432 cut partially within a surface of the appendix 1434. In the example embodiment, the slot can be cut with a laser to have a depth which is less than the thickness of the appendix.

Referring to Figure 87, the components 1436 of the automated banking machine such as the plastic cover for example, can be mounted on a sheet metal bracket 1430. The component 1436 can include a U-shaped appendix 1438 which forms a circuit with a slot through it. As shown in Figure 89, the U-shaped appendix 1438 can be placed around the appendix 1434 of the metal bracket 1430 so that the metal tab passes through the slot in the circuit. As shown in Figure 90, the metal appendix 1434 can be bent upward to form a second fold which secures the U-shaped appendage in place. In this described example embodiment, the metal tab 1434 is operated to be bent in the slot 1432. To remove the component, the metal tab 1434 can be bent back to allow the U-shaped tab to slide out of the barbed appendage. metal 1434.

Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine may include components comprising sheet metal portions which are connected together by inserting an appendix of one part into a slot of another part and then folding the tab to secure the parts together. Figure 120 shows an example of a first example automated banking machine part 2100 which includes a plurality of slots 2110 therethrough. In an example embodiment the slot 2110 is operated to receive there an appendix 2112 of a second part 2102 of the automated banking machine. In the example embodiments, the appendix 2112 may include a base portion 2114 adjacent the body 2108 of the second component which is tapered to a relatively narrow tip portion 2130.

The slot may include an elongated portion 2118 with a width corresponding to about and / or is slightly greater than the width of the base portion 2114 of the appendix 2112. The elongate portion 2118 may include at least two side edges 216, 2128. At least one of the side edges may include an outwardly arched portion 2120 which provides the slot 2110 with a center wider in relation to the thickness of the slot in each of the ends 2122 and 2124 of the elongated part. In the example embodiment, the arched portion 2120 has a generally semi-circular shape. Also for exemplary embodiments, the arcuate portion 2120 may not extend to each of the end portions 2122 and 2124. When an appendage, or set of appendages, is being inserted into a groove or set of grooves, the relatively wider arched portion. 2120 of the slots is operated to facilitate centering and aligning the appendages 2112 with the slots 2110. The relatively narrower end portions 2122 and 2124 are narrow enough to minimize a fully inserted appendix preventing sliding parallel directions to the surface of the first part 2100.

To facilitate that the appendices are folded exactly and consistently in the base, such appendages can be laser cut as discussed previously with respect to the metal tab 1432 shown in Figure 90. For example, as shown in Figure 120, the base 2114 of appendages 2112 can include a small thin groove 2116 with a depth that is less than the thickness of the appendage. In example embodiments, the length of the slot may be equal to or less than the width of the base of the appendix. In an example embodiment, the slot may not extend to the edges of the appendix.

After an appendix 2112 is inserted into a slot 2110, the force can be applied to one side of a side of the appendix using hand tools such as tweezers and / or a rubber hammer. In the example embodiment, the appendage is operated to fold into the slot which is operative to pull the two parts 2100 and 2102 together to form a tight and / or rigid connection between the parts. For example, hand tools such as tweezers can be used to initially begin bending an appendage which is operated to push the near parts together and shrink the gaps between the surfaces of matching parts. Subsequently a hand tool such as a rubber hammer can be used to bend the generally flat appendage (Figure 121) and to about ninety degrees to fix the two parts together.

Example embodiments of an automated banking machine can be operated to mount the PC boards in the automated banking machine without the use of tools. For example, Figures 91 and 92 show an example embodiment of a PC board cover 1440 that can be mounted on an automated banking machine. PC board cover 1440 can include stepped protuberances 1441 which are operated to cooperatively engage with the openings 1442 through the PC boards 1447 to hold the PC boards on the cover 1440. The personal computer board cover 1440 may further include the flexible strike closures 1444 with projections 1445 which are operated to hook the top of a personal computer board 1447 to releasably close the personal computer boards on the 1441 protuberances.

As shown in Figure 91, the PC board cover 1440 may include the relatively shorter strike closures 1446 adjacent to the higher strike closures 1448. As shown in Figure 93, the relatively shorter strike closures 1446 they can be used to mount a first PC 1450 board on the deck, while the relatively higher strike closures 1448 can be used to mount a second PC board 1452 on the deck in a position that is above the first PC board. The tops of the shorter punch closures 1446 or other spacer devices may be used to hold the second plinth PC 1452 in a spaced-apart relationship above the first PC 1450 board. The punch latches may be manually set open to assemble the plinth. PC board on the cover and then flex back to keep the PC board in place.

In the example embodiments of the automated banking machine, the cables which are screwed into the hardware components can be secured in place using the cable locks. For example, Figure 94 shows the previously described PC board 1440. Here the cover is shown with the integral cable closures 1460. The cable closures may include a plurality of ribs 1462. The adjacent ribs may include a smaller size 1464 spacing between the same to create an interference fit between the ribs and a cable 1466. As shown in Figure 95, the plastic boxes 1472 for the hardware devices and / or the hardware devices themselves may include one or more key closures. 1470 adjacent to the places where the cables 1474 can be connected to the hardware devices.

Figure 96 shows an alternate example embodiment of a key lock 1480 integrated in a sheet metal bracket. Here the bracket may include a plurality of ribs 1482 that receive the cables therebetween. The cable closures can be placed sufficiently close to a head 1484 of a connected cable 1490 so as to lock the cable preventing it from moving completely out of the connection with the hardware device 1486. Here the width of the separation 1488 can be relatively more narrow that the width of the head 1484 of the cable 1490. In this example embodiment described the cable 1490 can be installed at an acute angle in the port of the hardware device 1486 and then pushed down into the cable closure 1480 to ensure to the cable in the place generally perpendicular with respect to the port of the hardware device. In this described embodiment embodiment, the cable closures 1480 may or may not have the gaps between the adjacent ribs that are sufficiently small to form an interference fit with the cable.

Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine may include various methods of plastic parts connecting to metal parts. Such methods may include the use of flexible snaps as discussed previously with respect to the PC board cover in Figure 92. For example, as shown in Figure 97, a plastic bezel 1500 may include pins 1508 which they pass through the openings 1510 in a sheet metal bracket 1506 to assist in the proper positioning of the bevel in the sheet metal bracket. In addition, the plastic bezel may include flexible strike closures 1502 which may be inserted into the slots 1504 in the sheet metal bracket 1506 to lock the bezel in place.

In an example embodiment for assembling automated banking machines, only snaps and bolts can be used to secure the bezel in place. However, the example embodiment of the bezel may further include threaded supports 1512 which may be used at a later time to mount a screw or other fastener to hold the bevel on the sheet metal bracket when the bolts or snap fasteners bevel have been damaged or worn.

Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine may also include other methods and systems for assembling the parts without the use of tools or fasteners such as screws. For example, Figure 98 shows an example of a plastic trim bevel 1550, a rubber gasket 1552, and a light diffuser that are assembled on a sheet metal bracket 1556. In this exemplary embodiment described a first part such as the trim bevel 1550 may include cruciform bolts or ribs 1560 which act as a locator for placing a second part that is being assembled thereto such as a light diffuser 1554. The second part may also include the openings 1562 which they receive cruciform bolts 1562 through them.

In addition, the second part may include the ribs 1564 which fit against a third part such as a sheet metal bracket 1556. The ribs may operate to prevent the second part from being pushed in and out of engagement with the first part. part after assembly. The first part may include a tundish 1570 to receive the packing 1552. The packing can be operated to seal the assembly to prevent penetration of the rain. The gasket may also operate to provide friction between the first part 1550 (for example the bevel) and the third part 1556 (for example the sheet metal bracket) by sliding the first and second parts assembly into a latch with the third part. part. The additional friction provided by the gasket can also keep the assembly from separating during shipping. As shown in Figure 99, in the example embodiment, the third part 1556 (e.g. the sheet metal bracket) may include an L-shaped portion 1572 that is operated to guide the first part 1550 (e.g. bevel) during installation and is operated to stop the first part once it is slid into position. As shown in Figure 100 the first part 1550 can include the cut ribs 1574. As shown in Figure 101, the first part 1550 can be hooked to the third part 1556 by sliding the cut ribs 1574 behind the flanges 1576 of the third part 1556.

An example embodiment of an automated banking machine may include one or more closures there. Figures 102-107 show an example embodiment of an automated banking machine cover 1600. The cover includes a door 1602. The door 1602 includes at least one appendix 1604 with a hook or lances 1605 formed on a door edge 1606. . The appendix 1604 can be bent forward from the edge 1606 at an angle such as 45 degrees. As shown in Figure 103, the door 1602 can be mounted to the cover 1600 by sliding the appendages 1604 of the door into the slots 1608 in a wall 1610 of the cover. A lance 1605 of the appendix 1604 can then be slid down behind the wall 1610 of the cover. As shown in Figures 104 and 105, in this described example embodiment the slots 1608 are located in a wall 1610 of the cover which is perpendicular to the side 1612 of the box that is being closed by the door 1602.

As shown in Figure 102, the door 1602 may include a lip 1614 along an upper edge of the door 1602. When the door is in the closed position, the upper lip 1614 is located in the opening of the cover below of the upper wall 1616 of the cover to prevent the door from being removed by sliding it upwards. When the door is in the open position, the door can be removed by sliding the appendages 1604 out of the slots 1608 in the cover. In this described example embodiment the door is operated to rotate about 90 degrees from the closed position to the open position.

As shown in Figure 106, the example embodiment of the cover 1600 may include a removable cover 1620 on one side of the wall 1610 which includes the slots 1608 for receiving the appendixes of the door 1602. The cover may include the appendices 1622 with the lances 1624 that are operated to slide within the slots 1626 in the wall 1610 of the cover before the door is mounted on the cover. When the appendages 1622 have been inserted into the slots 1626, the cover can be slid in a direction extending outward from the side 1612 that will include the door. As the cover slides the lances 1624 of the appendages 1622 slide behind the wall 1610. Also the tabs 1628 on one edge 1630 of the cover can slide behind the wall 1610.

In the exemplary embodiment the cover 1620 includes a closing appendage 1632. As shown in Figure 107, when the cover is installed on said cover the closing appendage 1632 extends through the wall 1610. When the appendages of the Door 1602 is mounted in the slots 1608 of the wall 1610, the edge 1606 of the door is operated to lock the closure tab 1632 and the cover 1620 preventing it from sliding towards the door and disengaging from the cover. In this example embodiment described, to remove the cover, the door must first be removed.

Referring again to Figure 79, and to the example embodiment of the automated banking machine this may include a computer 1350 mounted outside the hood 102. The machine may include a personal computer frame 1352 which is operated to support the computer 1350 in the frame. The computer may include a hard drive bay bracket which is removable without using tools according to one or more of the previously described methods for assembling components without tools (for example the appendages with spears, the bent appendages and the appendages Fixing) . Also in the example embodiment the hard impeller can be in releasable connection with the hard drive bay bracket so that the impeller can be removed from the hard drive bay bracket while the hard drive bay bracket, the supply Power and / or other computer components remain in the chassis.

Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine may include one or more devices which transport media in and out of the machine.

For example, such devices may include the receipt printer and the cash dispenser previously discussed. Such devices such as the cash dispenser for example may include one or more optical sensors which are operated to determine whether a location in a transport in which the media passes or is deposited includes an article therein. Such an item may be the means themselves, a part of the device or a foreign object.

In an example embodiment, these sensors can be used to verify media accounts. The sensors can also be used to determine a mechanical position of the parts of the device such as the push plate mechanism. The sensors can also be used to signal when a media has been removed from a location such as a spillway gate.

The optical sensors may include a light source and a light detector. An object blocks the light from the light source preventing it from reaching the light detector and can be operated to trigger a determination by an automated banking machine that there is an obstruction there. However, there is a possibility that an individual may place an obstruction on one side of the optical sensor and may attempt to deceive the optical sensor by providing a source of substitute light directed toward the light detector. Because the detector continues to detect light from the substitute light source, the automated banking machine may not be able to detect the obstruction.

An example embodiment of the automated banking machine may include one or more sensors adjacent to a media path which are operated to provide protection against fraudulent actions which involve deceiving the light sensor. For example, an example embodiment of a sensor may include a light source such as an LED. When the light source is turned on, the automated banking machine is operated to cause the signal detected by the light detector to be evaluated. The sensor and / or other parts of the machine such as the software operating in the computer of the machine can be operated to evaluate the detected signal.

For example, in an example embodiment, the sensor may include a circuit which is operated to evaluate the signal. Other strange light frequencies such as ambient light, factory light, and sunlight detected by the light detector may be canceled by the circuit. In the example embodiments, the sensor may include lenses which are operated to attenuate light frequencies other than infrared. The lenses can act as a passive filter which is operated to limit the type of light that is detected by the sensor.

In the example embodiment the light source of the sensor can be AC coupled to parts of the circuit to produce a signal which can be distinguished by the circuit from a DC light source such as a scintillation light. For example, the light source sensor can generate a light signal which varies in intensity over time with an established frequency or other pattern. The light detected by a sensor light detector can be evaluated by the circuit to determine if the detected light signal changes intensity over time to a corresponding pattern or frequency as the light signal generated by the light source.

If the detected light does not change in intensity or does not change in intensity with a frequency or pattern corresponding to the light signal from the light source, the circuit is operated to generate a signal representative of a problem with the conduit. The automated banking machine can respond to the problem signal to put the machine out of service and / or send a message to a remote server which sends the detection of the problem through the circuit.

If the detected light signal changes in intensity with a pattern corresponding to the pattern of intensity change of the degenerated light signal with the light source, the automated banking machine can respond to the circuit to try to move an article through the trajectory.

An example embodiment of a circuit 2000 that can be used to operate the sensor is shown in Figure 108. The sensor circuit 2000 may include a light source corresponding to an LED driver circuit 2200 comprised of an op-amp circuit 2005 and an impeller transistor 2008. The sensor circuit 2000 can also include a feedback circuit 2004 composed of a perception resistor that is fed back into the inverting terminal of the op-amp 2005. The LED current can be adjusted by the control of 6-bit PWM (pulsation width modulation) 2009. The duty cycle can vary from 0% to 100%. This can provide a range of LED currents from 0 mA to 80 mA respectively in 48 increments.

The sensor circuit 2000 can also include a light detector corresponding to a phototransistor receiver circuit 2006. A signal received with a phototransistor 2007 can be pulled high to the V / 2 reference level with a low resistance. The value of this resistor can be kept low to minimize any matters of near-field coupling and to reduce the sensitivity of the sensor to ambient light. The signal can then be passed through a series DC-block 2010 capacitor. This phase can provide a filtering of higher step along with maintaining any DC signals that could otherwise be amplified through the following phases and cause possible saturation. The signal can then be amplified through a non-inverting gain phase. The next phase of the circuit can incorporate an op-amp that is switched between a +1 and -1 gain. This can provide a demodulated signal to the integrating phase. The signal can integrate over several cycles in order to subtract the ambient light. The final output signal 2011 may consist of a DC level analog voltage varying in voltage from 2.5 volts to 5 volts. The 2.5 volt signals may indicate that the conduit adjacent to the sensor is either blocked or the LED is off. Signals above 2.5 volts may indicate that the conduit adjacent to the sensor is clear.

The sample incorporation of the sensor can be calibrated according to the following method. Initially the method may include selecting a PWM of zero to turn the LED and recording the resulting sensor signal. This registered sensor signal corresponds to the baseline from which blocked or unblocked states can be made. Then the method includes increasing the LED current by increasing the PVM work cycle. In addition, the method includes monitoring the analog voltage fed back through an A / D converter.

In example incorporation, there are three cases that can be handled during PWM settings. Case 1 allows the sensor to calibrate the full range. When the analog voltage read back reaches a maximum range of (V-0.2) and the PWM value is below 100%, the driving current LED can be set. The maximum range of (V-0.2) can be chosen for example to make 6% of the absolute full range of the sensor output to avoid saturation. This maximum sensor range can be stored / saved by the software that operates in the automated banking machine. Case 2 occurs if the return reading of the voltage does not reach the maximum range. During this situation, the voltage return reading needs to be around [V / 10 + baseline]. This ensures that there is a sufficient signal for the noise ratio. Case 3 occurs if the sensor does not reach the minimum value of [V / 10 + baseline]. This case 3 will generate a fault indicating an out of range calibration.

The calibration method can then include placing the upper and lower thresholds for both case 1 and case 2. As shown in figure 109, the upper and lower thresholds can be set at a margin of 30% from both the line of base (nominally V / 2) and the maximum range achieved. This can provide a noise band area of 40%. The upper and lower thresholds can be stored in the data warehouse by the circuit and / or software that operates in the automated banking machine. The signals will need to be equal to or be above the upper threshold to indicate that a conduit is not blocked. The signals will need to be equal to or be below the lower threshold to indicate that the conduit is blocked.

In addition, the calibration method may include the placement of a calibration threshold between the unblocked value of the sensor or baseline and the upper threshold. The sensor reading can be continuously checked against this threshold to indicate when the sensor needs recalibration. The recalibration threshold can be stored / set by the software that operates in the automated banking machine. Signals below this recalibration threshold may indicate that the recalibration of the circuit is required.

As shown in Fig. 1110, in this described example embodiment, a modulated PWM can be used. The carrier frequency can be 10kHz and the carrier frequency can be 500 kHz for example. The demodulation signal can be 10kHz with a 50% job.

Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine may include accepting devices which accept items from the users of the machine. For example, the machine may include a money acceptor which accepts individual bills or stacks of bills. In addition, the machine may include an envelope acceptor which receives the deposits provided in envelopes. In each of these cases, the machine can store the received bills, envelopes, or other items in a deposit mentioned here as a cassette.

Figure 111 shows an example of an acceptor device 1100 of an example embodiment of an automated banking machine which is operated to accept deposited items from the users and store the deposited items in an internal storage area. Here, the acceptor device 1100 corresponds to an acceptor on which it is operated to receive the envelopes deposited by the users in an opening 1102. One or more bands of an acceptor device move the envelope deposited inside a container containing a removable tank. which is mentioned here as a cassette 1104.

Figure 112 shows a schematic view of the cassette 1104. The cassette may include a reservoir 1106 with an upper opening 1108. A door mechanism 1110 may be in operative connection with the reservoir on one side of the opening. The door mechanism 1110 may include a door 1112 which is operated to move between a closed position which closes the opening to the tank and an open position which opens the opening to the tank. The door can be in sliding contact with a frame 1140, the frame can be formed integrated with the tank or it can be mounted on the upper part of the tank. The tank can correspond to a plastic or metal tank, to a flexible bag or to any other type of tank which is operated to contain the tanks.

In this described example embodiment the door may correspond to a drum door composed of a flexible plastic or other material which is in a sliding contact within the frame 1140. When the door is being slid the open parts of the door can be directed to move inside the warehouse.

As shown in Fig. 112, the frame may be composed of an upper part 1114 and a lower part 1116. As shown in Fig. 113 when the upper and lower parts 1114, 1116 are connected together, a channel 1118 is formed to one side of each of the opposite sides of the opening for the tank. The drum door may include the side flanges 1124 in sliding contact within the channels 1118 of the frame. To open or close the drum door, the flanges 1124 of the drum door are operated to slide into the channels 1118 in directions that are parallel to the channels of the frame.

In the example embodiment the channels and flanges are cooperatively adapted to resist the movement of the flanges out of the channels in a direction that is perpendicular to the channels. For example, the channels 1118 may include a relatively narrow opening 1120 connected to a wider interior area 1122. The flanges of the drum door may include a relatively narrow rod 1126 extending through the narrow opening 1120 of the channel. The rod 1126 of the flange can then be connected to a relatively wider part 1128 which extends into the wider inner area 1122 of the channel. In the example embodiment described, the cross section of the flange 1124 may have a generally "T" shape which slides through a generally "T" shaped cross section of the channel 1118. In other example embodiments, the channels and flanges may have a generally "L" shape or any other form which is operated to mechanically fix the flanges of the drum door within the channels.

In the example embodiment, the wider relative part of the flange is operated to resist being pulled through the narrow opening 1120. In cases where a significant amount of forces applied to the drum door, the parts of the channel and / or the flange portions of the drum door can be operated to deform and / or break in a manner which is visually evident, thereby indicating that the drum door has been breached.

In some example embodiments of the cassette, a person may attempt to enter the cassette through the drum door by applying excessive downward force in the middle part of the door. Such downward force may be operative to deform the door flange sufficiently to allow the flanges to pull out of the channels 118 through the opening 1120 of the channels.

In cases where the flange and / or the frame have not suffered visible damage, the size of the opening 1120 to the channel 1118 may be sufficiently small in relation to the size of the wider part 1128 of the flange 1124 to make the pushing the flange back through the opening 1120 to the channel 1118. As a result, the visible appearance of the door flange that is not properly seated in the channels of the frame is operated to indicate that the drum door has been breached .

Referring again to Figure 1112, when the door mechanism is being assembled initially, the flanges of the drum door can be placed on the channels 1118 that are being formed by the upper part. 1114 and the lower part 1116 of the frame. In addition, in this described example embodiment, the upper part 1114 and the part 1116 can be operated to slam together to form an integral frame which is further closed on the reservoir 1106. In the example embodiment the connection between the parts first and second 1114 and 116 of the frame and the connection between the frame and the tank 1106 are adapted to be difficult to separate without damaging the frame / tank or without access to the interior of the frame / tank. For example, the frame and reservoir portions may include the appendages 1130 which close inside the slots 1132 to engage and secure the components together. Such appendices can only be accessible from the frame or the tank. In alternate example embodiments, separate fasteners can be used to connect the frame and tank parts. Such fasteners can only be accessible from inside the frame or reservoir.

In cases where the drum door has been damaged and must be replaced, the example embodiment of the frame may include the features which allow the drum door to be replaced without separating the top 114 and bottom 116 of the drum. frame. For example, as shown in FIG. 114, a wall 1144 of the frame joining the channel 1118 may include an appendage or weakened portion 1142. The weakened appendix 1142 may include a portion 1146 which is structurally weaker than the adjacent portions 1148. from the wall and operating to break cleanly out of the adjacent part 1148 of the wall.

As shown in Figure 115, the weakened appendix 1142 may be flexible enough to bend in the channel 1118 to form an opening 1150. The opening 1150 may be large enough to allow the flange 1124 of the drum door 1112 to slide out of channel 1118. In this exemplary embodiment, opposite sides of the frame may include the fragile appendages to allow each side of the drum door to be removed and / or inserted back into the frame. When the drum door is inserted into the channels through the opening formed by the breach in the frangible appendage, the frangible appendage may be sufficiently flexible to return the broken part of the appendix 1146 to an alignment with the adjacent portions 1148 of the wall.

Figures 116 and 117 show an example embodiment of the closure mechanism 1160 of the cassette. In the example embodiment, the closing mechanism 1160 is operated to fix the drum door in a closed position which prevents access to the interior of the tank. The example embodiment of the closing mechanism can be placed in different states including an armed state and a closed state. Figure 116 shows the closing mechanism in the armed state. The armed state of a closing arm 1164 is turned upwards. In this position, the end 1162 of the door 1112 can be moved to a closed position on one side of the closing mechanism, however, the door will not close and may still be slid open again.

The clamping arm 1164 is pressed with a spring 1170 to rotate into a lowered position which is operated to engage with a slot 1166 in the door 1112. However, as shown in figure 116, when the clamping mechanism is in the armed state, the fixing arm 1164 is held up by an additional arm 1168. The additional arm 1168 is operated to rotate between a first position which keeps the closing arm up and a second position which releases the arm of closure 1168 to turn downwards. The arm further 1168 is pressed to rotate to the first position by a spring 1172. The additional arm includes a part 1174 which extends to one side of an opening 1176 through the side of the frame 1140. As will be further discussed in more detailWhen the cassette is inserted into the automated banking machine, a bolt in the automated banking machine is operated to pass into the opening 1176 in the frame and push the additional arm 1168 to rotate to the second position. As previously discussed in the second position the additional arm is operated to move to a location which releases the closing arm 1164 to rotate down to place the closing mechanism in the closed state.

Figure 117 shows an example of the closing mechanism in the closed state. Here, the closing arm 464 has rotated downwards. When the drum door is into the closed position on one side of the closing mechanism, the tip 1180 of the closing arm 1164 is operated to rotate inside the slot 1166 in the door. In this exemplary embodiment described when the door is being closed, an upper wall 1182 adjacent to the slot can initiate the thrust of the tip 1180 of the closure arm to rotate upwardly. When the wall 1182 has past the tip 1180 of the closure arm, the closure arm rotates downwardly within the slot 1166. In the example embodiment, the tip 1180 of the closure arm is operated to contact a interior surface 1184 and blocking wall 1182 and drum door 1112 prevent it from ing in an open position.

In the example embodiment, the closing mechanism can be returned to the armed state in response to turning from a left to right key to a non-closed position and then turning the key from right to left. The left to right rotation of the key is operated to push the closing lever 1164 to the upward position shown in figure 116 with the additional arm 1168 in the first position.

If the key remains in the non-closed position, the example embodiment of the closing machine is operated to prevent the closing arm from rotating downwards. In this described unlocked state of the closing mechanism, the closing mechanism can be operated to prevent the key from being removed from the closing mechanism.

When the key is turned from right to left to a closed position, the closing mechanism is placed in the armed state and the closing mechanism is operated to allow the key to be removed and, as previously discussed when the locking mechanism is in the armed state the closing arm is able to move down in response to the additional arm 1168 being rotated to the second position.

In the example embodiment the slot 1166 may be located on one edge of the drum door 1112 rather than in the center of the door. When the drum door is moved to the closed position, envelopes, cash or other relatively thin flexible articles can be caught between the front of the door 1163 and the front 1165 of the frame. However, with the closing arm 1164 engaging the slot 1166 on one side of the drum door side, the presence of such articles trapped between the door is less likely to interfere with the engagement of the locking arm 1164 in the slot 1166 .

Referring again to Figure 111, the example embodiment of the automated banking machine may include a bracket 1190 placed below the acceptor device 1100. Both the bracket 1190 and the cassette 1104 may be located within the hood 102 of the automated banking machine. The cassette 1104 can be operated to e removably to contact the bracket to position the reservoir 1106 of the cassette 1104 directly below the acceptor device 1100.

In this example embodiment described, the bracket may include the previously described bolt 1192. When the frame side 1140 with the opening 1166 has reached the end of the bracket, the bolt 1192 is aligned to enter the opening 1176 in the frame ( figure 116) which causes the closure to change from the armed state to the closed state.

As shown in Fig. 118, when the cassette is into the bracket 1190, an upwardly facing handle or part 1196 on the drum door is operated to contact a downwardly extending arm 1198 of the bracket. The arm 1198 is operated to block the movement of the handle in the bracket. As a result, the drum door is pushed to e relative to the frame 1140 within an open position when the cassette is inserted into the bracket. When the door is in the open position, the deposited articles of the acceptor device 1100 are operated to pass through the cassette frame inside the reservoir 1106.

When the cassette 1104 is inserted into the bracket 1190, the arm 1198 of the bracket is operated to engage with a slot 1121 (see also figure 115) in the drum door 1112. When the cassette is removed from the bracket, the arm Engaged with the slot in the drum door is operated to push the drum door to slide to a closed position. As previously discussed, because bolt 1192 of the bracket previously placed the locking mechanism in a closed state, when the drum door slides to the closed position when the cassette is removed, the drum door engages with the mechanisms closing and closes completely. In this example embodiment described, the drum door is operated to remain closed until a key is rotated in the closing mechanism to place the closing mechanism in an unlocked or armed state.

In the example embodiment, the cassette can be inserted with a drum door either open or closed. However, when the cassette is removed, the drum door is closed and fixed. Furthermore, when the cassette is in the armed state before being inserted into the bracket, the drum door can be opened or closed many times without the drum door closing completely. In addition, the example incorporation of the cassette and the bracket is operated to allow the cassette to be inserted only in the bracket in one direction. As shown in Figure 112, the reservoir or frame may include a projection 1201 on the side of the cassette opposite the closure mechanism 1160. If a user attempts to insert the cassette in the wrong direction (for example with the end of the cassette with the projection 1201 entering first, the bracket is operated to make contact with the projection 1210 and prevent the cassette from being inserted).

In the example embodiment, the upper part of the chest can include through it an opening placed between the cassette 1104 located inside the chest and the acceptor device 1100 located above the chest. Exemplary embodiments of the machine may include accepting devices which are capable of being slid out from the machine frame to a service position. When the acceptor device slides out, the opening in the chest can be exposed which provides access through the opening to the articles in the cassette.

An example embodiment of the automated banking machine is operated to prevent the accepting device from moving out to a service position while the cassette remains inserted into the bracket with its drum door open. As shown in Figure 118, the bracket may include a movable hook 1202. Before the cassette 1104 is inserted into the bracket 1190, the hook is operated to automatically rotate or otherwise move downward in response to a pressing force. such as gravity, a spring or other force. In this downward position, the hook is not operated to interfere with the movement of an accepting device out of its position connected above the bracket and the chest. However, as shown in Fig. 119, when the cassette 1104 is inserted in the bracket 1190, the cassette is operated to make contact with the hook 1202 and push the hook 1202 to rotate or otherwise move upwards. In an upward position, the hook is operated to engage with the parts of the accepting device and prevent the acceptor device from moving upward to a service position which exposes an opening inside the chest and cassette of the machine. To allow the accepting device to move outward to a service position, the cassette 1104 can be removed first to allow the hook 1202 to move out of engagement with the accepting device.

In the example embodiments, the hood 102 may have a generally "L" shaped contour as shown in Figure 3 with a higher part 1204 on one side of a relatively shorter part 1206. In this example embodiment, the acceptor device can be placed on top of the shortest part 1206 and on one side of an upper side wall 1208 of the highest part. The cassette can be mounted on the bracket within the shorter part 1206 of the chest. An upper surface of the shorter wall 1206 may include the opening 1210 between the cassette inside the chest and the acceptor device mounted outside the chest. As previously described, the acceptor device can be operated to move the articles through the opening within the cassette. In this example embodiment described, the cash dispenser of the machine can be mounted within the upper part 1204 of the chest.

Therefore, the new automated banking machine system and methods achieve one or more of the objectives stated above, eliminate the difficulties encountered in the use of previous devices and systems, solve problems and achieve the desired results described here.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding, however, no unnecessary limitations should be implied because such terms are used to describe purposes and are intended to be broadly considered. In addition, the descriptions and illustrations given herein are 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 to perform a function should be considered as encompassing any means known to those skilled in the art to be able to carry out the recited function, and will not be limited to the features and structures shown. here or mere equivalents thereof. The description of the example embodiment included in the summary included herein shall not be construed as limiting the invention to the features described therein.

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

Claims (93)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An apparatus that includes: an automated banking machine that provides money; wherein the machine includes a plurality of leveling legs in operative connection with the base portion of the machine body, where the leveling legs operate to support the machine, wherein a leveling leg includes a threaded arrow, wherein the arrow has an axis, wherein the arrow comprises a threaded part, wherein the threaded part has a diameter, wherein the leveling leg includes a first end, wherein the first end is located on a first side of the base part, wherein the first end is configured for a coupling that matches a tool, wherein the first end has a diameter, wherein the diameter of the first end is relatively narrower than the diameter of the threaded part, wherein the leveling part includes a second end, wherein the second end is located on the second side of the base part, wherein the second end comprises a flange, wherein the diameter of the flange is relatively greater than the diameter of the threaded part, wherein the flange is configured for engagement with a support surface, wherein the base part includes a plurality of threaded openings, wherein the arrow threads correspond to the threads of an opening, wherein the rotation of the arrow is operated to axially move the arrow within the opening, wherein the movement of the leg is operated to adjust the level of the machine.

2. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the machine includes a box comprising the base part.

3. The apparatus as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the box includes a door, where when the door is closed then access to the first end is avoided, where when the door is open access to the first end is provided. .

4. The apparatus as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that the box comprises a money box, wherein the base part comprises a bottom of the box.

5. The apparatus as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that the first end is only accessible when the door is open.

6. The apparatus as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that the box comprises a hardware device, wherein when the hardware device is in an operative position in the box then access to the first end is blocked, where when the hardware device is in a service position then access to the first end is enabled.

7. The apparatus as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the hardware device comprises a cash cassette.

8. The apparatus as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the hardware device is supported on a tray, wherein the tray is moved to extend from the box, where in the service position the hardware device extends from box.

9. A method for operating the apparatus as claimed in clause 6, comprising: (a) open the door; (b) moving the hardware device from the operating position; (c) engaging the first end with a tool; (d) rotating the arrow through the tool, wherein the leveling leg moves axially causing the horizontal leveling of the machine to be adjusted; (e) unhook the tool from the first end; (f) moving the hardware device to the operating position; (g) close the door.

10. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the first end comprises a square configuration.

11. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that each leveling leg includes a first end, a second end and a threaded arrow therebetween, and wherein each leveling leg is operated to screw up or down inside a respective threaded opening.

12. The apparatus as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the axis of each leveling leg extends in a substantially parallel direction.

13. The apparatus as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that the flange of each leveling leg extends in a direction essentially perpendicular to the parallel direction.

14. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the automated bank money dispensing machine comprises an ATM machine, wherein the ATM machine includes a money dispenser and money bills, wherein the cash dispenser money is operated to stock the money bills from the ATM machine.

15. An apparatus that includes: an automated banking machine fascia bezel where the bezel is mounted irremovably in an impost of an automated bank machine assortment of money, wherein the bevel includes an opening, wherein the opening is configured to allow a machine user access through to a hardware device of the machine, where the bezel includes a movable gate, wherein the gate is operated to move between a closed position, where the access through the opening is blocked and an open position, where access through the opening is provided, wherein the gate is operated to move toward the open position in response to the relative movement of the hardware device toward the bevel during latching of the hardware device and the gate, wherein the gate is operated to automatically move to the closed position in response to relative movement of the hardware device outwardly from the bevel during hooking of the hardware device to the gate.

16. The apparatus as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the gate includes at least one rib, wherein at least one rib allows the gate to move relative to the bevel during the latching movement of the hardware device in relation to the bevel.

17. The apparatus as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that each rib includes an angled engagement surface, wherein each angled engagement surface is configured to engage the hardware device.

18. The apparatus as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that each angled engagement surface is operated to slide relatively in abut contact with the hardware device during the latching movement of the hardware device relative to the bevel.

19. The apparatus as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that each angled engagement surface comprises a lower outer surface extending upward at an acute angle from a rear face of the gate.

20. The apparatus as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the gate includes a front face and a rear face wherein the front face includes an indicator, wherein when the gate is in a closed position the indicator is operatively placed to inform to a potential machine user about a service not available.

21. The apparatus as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that the indicator comprises an out-of-service message.

22. The apparatus as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the gate in the open position is located above the opening.

23. The apparatus as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that the gate in the open composition is located behind the bevel.

24. The apparatus as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that in the closed position the gate physically blocks access through the opening.

25. The apparatus as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the bevel includes at least one slot, wherein the gate includes at least one projection, wherein each projection is operated to slide in a respective slot during the movement of the gate. the gate.

26. The apparatus as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that the bevel includes a first slot adjacent to a first end and a second slot adjacent to the opposite end, wherein the gate includes a first projection on one side of a first side and a second projection adjacent to an opposite side, wherein the first projection extends through the first slot, wherein the second projection extends through the second slot.

27. The apparatus as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that the gate is operated to slide down to the closed position through gravity.

28. The apparatus as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that it also comprises an automated bank dispensing machine where the machine includes an impost, where the impost includes a bevel.

29. The apparatus as claimed in clause 28, characterized in that the machine includes a hardware device.

30. The apparatus as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that the hardware device is operated to push the gate latched upwardly outwardly from the opening during insertion of the hardware device into the machine.

31. The apparatus as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that the hardware device comprises a card reader device.

32. The apparatus as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that the machine comprises an ATM machine, wherein the ATM machine includes a money dispenser and money bills wherein the money dispenser is operated to supply money bills from the ATM machine, wherein the fascia includes at least one input device and at least one output device, wherein the at least one input device and the at least one output device are accessible to the user of the machine.

33. A method for operating the apparatus as claimed in clause 28, characterized in that it comprises: (a) moving a hardware device in relation to the bevel where the movement in (a) causes the hardware device to latch the gate; (b) further moving the hardware device relative to the bevel, wherein the movement in (b) causes the gate to be moved to the open position; (c) further moving the hardware device in relation to the bevel, wherein the movement in (c) causes the gate to be placed in the open position; (d) further moving the hardware device in relation to the bevel, wherein the movement in (d) causes the gate to be moved to the closed position; (e) further moving the hardware device in relation to the bevel, wherein the movement in (e) causes the gate to be placed in the closed position; (f) further moving the hardware device relative to the bevel, where the movement in (f) causes the hardware device to disengage from the gate.

34. An apparatus that includes: an automated banking machine that provides money where the machine includes a hardware device, where the machine includes an impost, wherein the fascia includes at least one input device and at least one output device, wherein the fascia includes a bezel mounted removably thereto, wherein the bevel includes an opening wherein the opening is configured to allow a machine user access thereto to the hardware device, wherein the bevel includes at least one slot, where the bezel includes a movable gate, where the gate is configured to hook the hardware device, where the gate includes at least one rib, wherein each rib includes an angled engagement surface, wherein each angled engagement surface is configured to slide relatively in abutting contact with the hardware device, wherein the gate includes at least one projection, wherein each projection is operated to slide in a respective bevel groove during the movement of the gate, where the gate is operated to move between a closed position, where access through the opening is blocked, and an open position where access through the opening is provided, where the gate is operated to move toward the open position in response to the relative movement of the hardware device towards the bezel during the latching of the hardware device and the gate, where the gate is operated to move automatically to the closed position in response to the relative movement of the hardware device outward of the bezel during the hitch of the hardware device and the gate.

35. A method comprising: a) generating a first light signal adjacent to a path of an automated banking machine with a light source, wherein the light signal includes an intensity that changes with time in a first pattern, wherein the automated banking machine includes a money supplier, b) detect the first light signal with a light detector placed on the side of the path; c) determining with the machine that the intensity of the first light signal varies in time with a pattern corresponding to the first pattern, and d) in response to (c) moving at least one article through the path.

36. The method as claimed in clause 35, characterized in that at least one article includes one hour of money.

37. The method as claimed in clause 35, characterized in that a sensor circuit includes the light source and the light detector further comprises: e) periodically calibrate the sensor circuit.

38. The method as claimed in clause 35, characterized in that the first pattern includes a plurality of changes to the light intensity.

39. A means that can be read by computer carrying software instructions which are operated to make at least one processor in the machine cause the machine to carry out the steps of the method recited in clause 35.

40. A method comprising: a) generating a first light signal adjacent to a path in an automated banking machine with a light source where the intensity of the light signal changes with time in an output pattern, wherein the automated banking machine includes a dispenser of money; b) detecting the intensity of the first light signal with a light detector placed on one side of the path; c) determine with the machine that the intensity of the first light signal detected in (b) varies with time in a detected pattern that corresponds to the output pattern; d) in response to the determination in (c), operate the machine to move at least one article in the path; e) detecting a second light signal with the light detector; Y f) determine with the machine that the intensity of the second light signal detected in (c) does not vary with time in a detected pattern that corresponds to the output pattern.

41. The method as claimed in clause 40, characterized in that it also comprises: g) generate a message in response to (f); h) send the message to a remote server with the machine.

42. The method as claimed in clause 40, characterized in that it also comprises: g) place the automated banking machine in an out-of-service state.

43. Computer-readable media carrying software instructions which are operated to make at least one processor in the machine cause the machine to perform the method steps recited in clause 40.

44. A method comprising: a) generating a first light signal on one side of a path in an automated banking machine with a light source, where the intensity of the light signal changes with time in an output pattern, where the automated banking machine includes a money supplier; b) detecting the intensity of the first light signal with a light detector positioned on one side of the path, wherein the light source and the light detector are in operative connection with a sensor circuit; c) determine with the machine that the intensity of the first light signal detected in (b) varies with time in a detected pattern that corresponds to the output pattern; d) in response to the determination in (c) operate the machine to move at least one article in the path; 5 e) periodically calibrate the sensor circuit including: the) turn off the light source; 10 e2) detecting a second light signal with the light detector; e3) determining with the sensor circuit a base line voltage value associated with the second detected light signal; e4) operating the light source to produce a third light signal with a range of light intensities; 20 e5) detecting the third light signal with the light detector; e6) determining with the sensor circuit a maximum voltage level value associated with the third detected light signal; e7) determining with the sensor circuit a lower threshold value in response to at least one of a base line voltage value and the maximum voltage value.

45. The method as claimed in clause 44, characterized in that (c) includes: generating a voltage value associated with the first light signal using the sensor circuit; Y determining that the voltage value associated with the second light signal is at least one equal to and greater than the lower threshold value.

46. The method as claimed in clause 44, characterized in that it also comprises: f) detecting a fourth light signal with the light detector; g) generating a voltage value associated with the fourth light signal using the sensor circuit; h) determining that the voltage value associated with the fourth light signal is at least one of equal to and less than the lower threshold value; Y i) in response to (h), generate a message with the machine representative of the duct being blocked.

47. The method as claimed in clause 44, characterized in that it also comprises: f) determining a recalibration threshold value between the lower threshold value and the maximum voltage value; g) detecting a fourth light signal with the light detector; h) generating a voltage value associated with the fourth light signal using a sensor circuit; i) determining that the voltage value associated with the fourth light signal is at least one of equal to or less than the recalibration threshold value; j) in response to the determination in (i) return to function (e).

48. A computer-readable means that carries software instructions which are operated to make at least one processor in the machine cause the machine to carry out the steps of the method recited in clause 44.

49. An apparatus comprising: an automated banking machine that includes: a money supplier; at least one processor; a money path; at least one sensor circuit, wherein at least one sensor circuit is in operative connection with a radiation source and a radiation detector positioned on one side of the path; wherein at least one sensor circuit is operated to cause the radiation source to draw radiation having an intensity that changes with time in a first pattern; wherein the at least one sensor circuit is operated to receive a detected radiation signal in response to the radiation perceived with the radiation detector; wherein at least one of at least one processor and at least one circuit is operated to determine whether the detected radiation signal changes in intensity in a second pattern which corresponds to the first pattern; wherein when the at least one of at least one processor and at least one circuit determines that the detected radiation signal changes in intensity in a second pattern which corresponds to the first pattern, the at least one of at least one a processor and at least one circuit is operated to allow the movement of money in the path; Y wherein when the at least one of a processor and the at least one circuit determines that the detected radiation signal does not change in intensity in a second pattern which corresponds to the first pattern, the at least one of at least one processor and the at least one circuit is operated so as not to enable the money to move in the path.

50. The apparatus as claimed in clause 49, characterized in that at least one processor is operated to send a message from the automated banking machine to a remote server in response to at least one of at least one processor and so minus a circuit that determines that the detected radiation signal does not change in intensity in a second pattern which corresponds to the first pattern.

51. The apparatus as claimed in clause 49, characterized in that at least one processor is operated to cause an automated banking machine to be changed to an out-of-service state in response to at least one of at least one processor and at least one circuit determining that the detected radiation signal does not change in intensity in a second pattern which corresponds to the first pattern.

52. The apparatus as claimed in clause 49, characterized in that the first pattern includes a plurality of changes in light intensity.

53. A method that includes: a) operating a source of radiation in an automated banking machine that dispenses money to get radiation, where the radiation output changes intensity 5 a plurality of times in a first pattern during a first period of time, wherein the radiation output from the radiation source passes through at least a part of a money path in an automated banking machine; b) during the first period, detect the radiation from the radiation source with 15 a radiation detector placed on one side of the money path; c) determine through the operation of the banking machine the intensity of the The radiation detected during the first period changes in a second pattern corresponding to the first pattern; Y d) in response to the determination in (c) 25 to enable at least one money sheet to move it in the money path.

54. Computer read media carrying software instructions which are operated to make at least one processor in an automated banking machine have the machine perform the method steps recited in clause 53.

55. An automated banking machine that provides money: a frame; a money dispenser in operative connection with the frame; at least one transaction function device in operative connection with the frame, wherein the transaction function device includes an opening which is operated to provide at least one of an article assortment and an article deposited therethrough; an fascia in operative connection with the frame, wherein the fascia includes at least one removable bezel, wherein the bevel includes an opening therethrough which is operated to be placed on one side of the opening of the function device of the fascia. transaction, wherein the opening includes a part which is accessible to pass an article through it, wherein the bevel includes an obstruction block, wherein the block of obstruction is operated to slide to one side of the opening of the block. Bevel to change the part from a first size to a second size.

56. The machine as claimed in clause 55, characterized in that the bevel includes fasteners which are operated to fix the block of obstruction to the bevel to prevent the block of obstruction from moving relative to the bevel opening.

57. The machine as claimed in clause 55, characterized in that the bevel includes a funnel in a surrounding relationship around a part of the bevel opening, wherein the funnel includes an upper wall and a bottom wall on opposite sides of the opening covering to form a slit which is relatively narrower than the bevel opening, wherein the block of obstruction is operated to slide through the funnel.

58. The machine as claimed in clause 57, characterized in that the block of obstruction includes a flange placed inside the funnel, wherein the flange forms a side wall inside the funnel which extends from the bevel opening of the groove.

59. The machine as claimed in clause 58, characterized in that the flange has a shape which corresponds to an internal cross-sectional shape of the funnel.

60. The machine as claimed in clause 55, characterized in that the transaction function device includes a printer.

61. The machine as claimed in clause 55, characterized in that the transaction function device includes a notepad printer.

62. A method comprising: a) mounting an impost bezel in an automated banking machine fascia, wherein the automated banking machine includes a money dispenser, wherein the bevel includes an obstruction block that is operated to slide to one side of an aperture through of the bevel, wherein the opening includes a part with a first size which is accessible to pass an article through it; b) sliding the block of obstruction to one side of the opening to change the part of the opening which is accessible to pass an article therethrough from a first size to a second size; Y c) fix the block of obstruction in the bevel to prevent the block of obstruction from moving in relation to the opening.

63. The method as claimed in clause 62, characterized in that in (a) the bevel includes a funnel in a surrounding relationship around a part of the opening, wherein the funnel includes an upper wall and a bottom wall over the opposite sides of the opening which converge to form a slit which is relatively narrower than the opening where in (b) the block of obstruction slides through the funnel.

64. The method as claimed in clause 63, characterized in that in (a) the block of obstruction includes a flange placed inside the funnel, wherein the flange forms a side wall inside the funnel which extends from the opening to the cleft

65. The method as claimed in clause 64, characterized in that in (a) the flange has a shape which corresponds to an interior cross-sectional shape of the funnel.

66. The method as claimed in clause 62, characterized in that it also comprises: d) mounting a transaction function device within the machine wherein the transaction function device includes an opening having a size wherein (b) the second size of the part corresponds to the size of the opening for the function device of transaction.

67. The method as claimed in clause 66, characterized in that in (d) the transaction function device includes a printer.

68. The method as claimed in clause 67, characterized in that in (d) the transaction function device includes a notepad printer.

69. An automated banking machine that provides money: a frame; a money dispenser in support connection with the frame; a transaction function device in support connection with the frame, wherein the transaction function device includes a device opening adapted to pass items therethrough which are at least one of those received by the machine and assorted from the machine; an impost in support connection with the frame, and a bevel part in support connection with the fascia, wherein the bevel part includes a bevel opening therethrough, wherein the bevel opening is generally aligned with the opening of the device; a member in a movably slidable support connection with 1 apart from bevel, wherein the member limits an open part of the bevel opening, and wherein the member is selectively slidably movable relative to the bevel opening to change at least one dimension of the open part through which the items are allowed to pass.

70. The machine as claimed in clause 69, characterized in that 1 apart from bevel includes a funnel-shaped part in a relationship adjacent to the bevel opening, wherein the funnel-shaped part includes an upper wall and a wall background on the opposite sides of the bevel opening which converge towards the open part where the member is selectively moved transversely in the funnel-shaped part, whereby the transverse dimension of the open part is changed in response to movement of the member.

71. A method carried out with an automated banking machine that includes a money dispenser and an impost, wherein the impost includes an impost bevel including an opening therethrough, and wherein the impost bezel is in operative connection with an obstruction block, wherein the block of obstruction is adapted to move slidably to one side of the opening to selectively change at least one dimension of an open part of the opening through which the articles are enabled to pass, which includes: a) sliding the block of obstruction on one side of the opening to a first position relative to the opening so as to change at least one dimension of the open part of the opening through which the articles are enabled to pass; Y b) subsequent to (a) setting the block of obstruction in the first position so that the size of the open part remains essentially constant during a plurality of subsequent bank machine transactions that includes passing items through the open part.

72. The method as claimed in clause 71, characterized in that the automated banking machine includes a first transaction device which is operated for at least one of receiving and supplying items passed through the open part, and further comprises: c) subsequent to (b) removing the first transaction function device from the automated banking machine and installing a second transaction function device in the automated banking machine; d) sliding the block of obstruction on one side of the opening from the first position to a second position relative to the opening so as to change at least one dimension of the open part through which the articles are enabled to pass; and e) subsequent to (d) setting the block of obstruction in the second part so that a size of the open part remains essentially constant during a plurality of subsequent bank machine transactions that include passing items through the open part in response to the second transaction function device.

73. The method as claimed in clause 72, characterized in that the second transaction function device installed in (c) is not capable of at least one of dispensing or receiving articles moved through the covered part when the block of Obstruction is in the first position.

74. The method as claimed in clause 72, characterized in that the fascia bevel includes a funnel-shaped portion adjacent to the opening, wherein the funnel-shaped part includes an upper wall and a bottom wall on the sides Opposites of the opening which converge towards the opening, and wherein (A) includes moving at least a part of the block of obstruction within the funnel-shaped part.

75. A method comprising: 5 a) receiving at least one entry through the ATM machine's input device which includes a money dispenser, whose at least one entry comprises a command to 10 determine whether a layer of hardware or an application layer of the ATM machine is responsible for at least one error in the operation of the ATM machine; 15 b) in response to at least one entry, carry out through the operation of the ATM machine at least one predefined test function to 20 through communication with an extension to the financial services layer (XFS) of the ATM machine, where the financial services layer includes a part of 25 application interconnection and a hardware interconnection part, wherein the application of the interconnection part of the financial services layer is overcome to communicate with the application layer of the ATM machine, and wherein the part of the Hardware interconnection of the financial services layer is operated to communicate with the hardware layer of the ATM machine; 10 c) determine if at least one definite test function was completed successfully; d) in response to the determination (c), determining through the operation of the ATM machine whether the application layer or the hardware layer of the ATM machine feasibly causes at least one error in the operation of the automatic cashier machine 20; Y e) drawing through at least one output device of the ATM machine representative indicia 25 of the determination (d).

76. The method as claimed in clause 75, characterized in that in (d) when at least one predefined test function is carried out successfully, the determination indicates that at least one error is feasibly caused by the application layer. of the ATM machine, and wherein when at least one predefined test function is not carried out successfully, the determination indicates that at least one error is feasibly caused by the hardware layer of the ATM machine.

77. The method as claimed in clause 76, characterized in that at least one error in the operation of the ATM machine includes an error in the operation of the cash dispenser of the ATM machine, and wherein in ( b) the at least one predefined test function includes operating the money dispenser through communication with the application interconnection part of the XFS layer.

78. The method as claimed in clause 77, characterized in that the application layer of the ATM machine includes a user interconnection application that is operated to be pulled through a display device of the ATM machine so less a user interface screen associated with the money assortment, wherein the hardware layer of the ATM machine includes a money dispenser and at least one software component service provider money dispenser, and wherein in (b) the at least one predefined test function includes the operation of the at least one service provider software component.

79. The method as claimed in clause 78, characterized because in (b) the user interconnection application is operated to cause the money supplier to operate through communication with the application interconnection part of the XFS layer and wherein the XFS layer is operated in response to communication with the user interconnection application to make the money supplier operate through communication between the hardware interconnection part of the XFS layer and at least one service provider component money supplier.

80. The method as claimed in clause 76, characterized in that at least one error in the operation of the ATM machine includes an error in an operation of at least one hardware device of the ATM machine and in where (b) the at least one predefined test function includes operating the at least one hardware device of the ATM machine through communication with the XFS layer.

81. The method as claimed in clause 76, characterized in that the application layer of the ATM machine includes a user interface application wherein the hardware layer of the ATM machine includes at least one ATM device. hardware and at least one service provider software component associated with at least one hardware device, and wherein (b) the at least one predefined test function includes the operation of at least one provider software component of service.

82. The method as claimed in clause 81, characterized in that in (b) the user interconnection application is operated to cause at least one hardware device to operate through communication with the application interconnect portion of the device. the XFS layer, wherein in response to communication with the user interconnect application, the XFS layer is operated to cause at least one hardware device to operate through communication between the hardware interconnection part of the layer XFS and at least one service provider software component.

83. A method comprising: 5 a) carry out a plurality of functions with a plurality of hardware devices of an ATM machine through communication with extensions for a service layer 10 (XFS) of the ATM machine, wherein the XFS layer includes an application interconnect part and a hardware interconnect part, wherein the interconnection part of the 15 application of the XFS layer is operated to communicate with the application layer of the ATM machine, where the hardware interconnection part of the XFS layer is operated to communicate with the 20 layer of ATM machine hardware; b) determine if each of the functions is completed successfully; 25 c) determine through the operation of the ATM machine which of the application layer of the ATM machine and the hardware layer of the ATM machine is responsible for at least one problem associated with the ATM machine, wherein when all the functions are carried out successfully, the determination is indicative of at least one problem that is associated with the application layer of the ATM machine, wherein when at least one of the functions are carried out without success, the determination is indicative of at least one problem being associated with the hardware layer of the ATM machine; Y d) draw through a message representing the determination in (c) through at least one ATM machine output device.

84. The method as claimed in clause 83, characterized in that in (a) the plurality of functions include the operation of at least one money dispenser of the ATM machine.

85. The method as claimed in clause 83, characterized in that in (a) the application layer of the ATM machine includes a user interconnect application, wherein the hardware layer of the ATM machine includes a plurality of software components of service providers in operational connection with hardware devices.

86. A method comprising: a) generating at least one error message with an ATM machine including a money dispenser in response to at least one error associated with the operation of the ATM machine; b) receiving at least one entry through an ATM machine input device including a command to determine whether an application layer or a hardware layer of the ATM machine has at least caused the generation of at least one an error message; c) determine through the operation of the ATM machine whether the generation of at least one error message was feasibly caused by the 5 application of the layer or hardware layer of the ATM machine including: i) carrying out at least one function 10 with at least one hardware device of the ATM machine through communication with extensions for the financial services layer 15 (XFS) of the ATM machine; Y ii) determine if at least one function successfully completed, where 20 when at least one function successfully completed, the application of the ATM machine layer is determined as having feasibly caused The generation of at least one error message, and wherein when at least one function is not successfully completed, the hardware layer of the ATM machine is determined as having feasibly caused the generation of at least one message. of mistake; Y d) draw through at least one ATM machine output device indications representative of the determination in (c).

87. The method as claimed in clause 86, characterized in that in (c) the operation of the money dispenser is included.

88. The method as claimed in clause 86, characterized in that the application layer of the ATM machine includes at least one software application and the hardware layer of the ATM machine includes at least one ATM device. hardware of the ATM machine, and wherein (c) includes the operation of at least one hardware device.

89. The method as claimed in clause 88, characterized in that the hardware layer of the ATM machine includes at least one service provider software component where the application layer of the ATM machine includes at least one component adapted to communicate with at least one software component service provider through communication with the XFS layer, and wherein (c) includes operating at least one service provider software component.

90. The method as claimed in clause 89, characterized in that at least one software application includes a user interconnection application, and further comprises operating the ATM machine in response to the user interconnection application.

91. The method as claimed in clause 80, characterized in that in (d) the application layer of the ATM machine includes a diagnostic application that makes at least one ATM machine computer take out at least minus a message that is indicative of the determination in (c) through at least one output device.

92. The method as claimed in clause 80, characterized in that in (c) the user interconnect application is operated to cause at least one hardware device to operate through communication with the XFS layer, wherein the XFS layer is operated to cause at least one hardware device to operate through communication with at least one service provider software component.

93. A computer readable means carrying instructions which are operated to make at least one computer in the machine have the machine carry out the steps of the method recited in clause 96. SUMMARY An automated banking machine is provided. The automated banking machine can include an impost in operative connection with a frame. The machine may include a plurality of hardware devices which are accessible through the fascia. Hardware devices can include a cash dispenser, a receipt printer and a card reader. The fascia can include replaceable bevels with openings there to provide access to the hardware devices. The bevels can be operated to float with respect to the fascia and hardware devices to automatically align the hardware devices with the bevels. In addition, the hardware devices may include movable parts which are operated to automatically align with the bevels. The bevels may include ramps, ribs or other surfaces at angles which guide the hardware devices into alignment with the openings in the bevels.