US3173542A

US3173542A - Document handling device

Info

Publication number: US3173542A
Application number: US210017A
Authority: US
Inventors: Luther G Simjian
Original assignee: Universal Match Corp
Current assignee: Universal Match Corp
Priority date: 1962-07-16
Filing date: 1962-07-16
Publication date: 1965-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 1982-03-16

Description

March 16, 1965 Filed L. G. SIMJIAN DOCUMENT HANDLING DEVIC July 16, 1962 6 Sheets-$heet l INVENTOR.

LUTHER G. SIMJIAN AGENT.

March 16, 1965 L. G. SIMJIAN 3,173,542

DOCUMENT HANDLING DEVICE Filed July 16, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3

4 hllu INVENTOR.

LUTHER G. SIMJlAN AGENT.

March 16, 1965 G. SIMJIAN DOCUMENT HANDLING DEVICE 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 16, 1962 INVENTOR.

LUTHER G. SIMJIAN AGENT.

March 16, 1965 1.. G. SIMJIAN 3,173,542

DOCUMENT HANDLING DEVICE Filed July 16, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Y/IO F l G. 7 I0 INVENTOR.

LUTHER G. SIMJIAN AGENT.

March 16, 1965 L. G. SIMJIAN 3,173,542

DOCUMENT HANDLING DEVICE Filed July 16, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 10

INVENTOR.

LUTHER G. SIMJIAN AGENT.

March 16, 1965 L. G. SIMJIAN DOCUMENT HANDLING vsvrcs 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 16, 1962 swam PUm 1mm INVENTOR. LUTHER G. SIMJIAN AGENT United States Patent G 3,173,542 DOCUMENT HANDLING DEVICE Luther G. Sirnjian, Greenwich, Conan, assignor to Universal Match Corporation, Ferguson, Mo, a corporation of Delaware Filed July 16, 1962, Ser. No. 210,017 22 Claims. (Cl. 209-74) This invention relates broadly to a device for the examination of paper currency or the like structures having indicia or other configurations written or imprinted on the surfaces thereof to eifect a separation based upon the indicia, imprint or configuration, and it relates more particularly to a device for the selection of currency to eifect a separation as between currency of one denomination from other denominations or as between a legitimate piece of currency from an illegitimate or counterfeit.

More specifically, this invention relates to a currency handling device for receiving a currency document and accepting the document if the latter is found to be legitimate or falls within acceptable standards while rejecting the document if it falls outside of such standards. The invention includes also means for dispensing change money or articles of merchandise in exchange for an accepted document.

As used herein, the term currency document is meant to refer to paper, plastic, board, metal and the like sheets or films cut to a predetermined dimension and provided with certain configurations or designs imprinted or otherwise embodied in or on the surface, whereby one document can be separated from another such as in currency of various denominations in the United States or countries foreign to the United States, or as in bank checks wherein the separation can be made from the standpoint of the payee, payor, or the amount of the check, or as in tickets or stubs for amusement, sale, purchase or the like.

In the device of the type described, it is contemplated that the currency document will be received on a platform which is within easy reach of a depositor. Authenticating means establish a preliminary check as to Whether the received document falls within predetermined characteristics. If the document appears to be acceptable, a slide can be operated to render the document inaccessible. Subsequently, further authenticating means go into action for performing additional tests. If the document proves to be acceptable, means are provided to remove the document to a storage receptacle and dispensing means associated with the device are actuated to issue to the user currency change or merchandise commensurate with the value of the accepted document. If, however, during the final tests the currency document proves to be unacceptable, the slide opens with the document remaining on the platform thereby signifying to the user that the document offered is not acceptable and the dispensing means remain inoperative.

An object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a new and novel device for receiving and testing currency documents or the like.

Another object of this invention is the provision or" a currency change device which includes means for testing a document, accepting the document and provide issuance of change in the event that the document has been accepted, while refusing acceptance of the currency docu ment in the event that the document has characteristics which fall outside of predetermined standards.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a device of the type indicated which is simple in construction and easy in operation, which is adapted for use with various systems of testing, which is adapted for use with various materials to be tested including thin or thick sheet stock having some indicia or configurations written, imprinted, or otherwise incorporated therein or thereon.

Further and other objects and advantages of this invention will be more clearly apparent by reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the currency change device; 7

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary view similar to FIGURE 1 showing the slide moved to its extended position;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view with enclosure broken away to reveal the internal mechanisms;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional elevation taken along lines 4-4 in FIGURE 3, showings the mechanisms in normal position;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 depicting however the slide moved to its extended position;

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 5 showing the slide at its extended position with the associated mechanisms set for removing the document from the platform;

FIGURE 7 is a view similar to FIGURE 6 showing however the document in motion from its position on the platform to a receptacle behind the platform;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view along lines 88 in FIG- URE 3, depicting the rake which causes removal of the currency document from the platform;

FIGURE 9 shows the sequence of operations of the slide lock and latching means;

FIGURE 10 is a plan view of a coin dispensing mechanism for issuing change in exchange for the acceptance of a currency document;

FIGURE 11 is a sectional view along lines 11-l1 in FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of a fragmentary portion of the flexible belt which acts as a carrier means for coins or articles of merchandise;

FIGURE 13 is a sectional view along lines 13-13 in FIGURE 12, and

FIGURE 14 is an electrical circuit diagram showing the sequence of operations of the various mechanisms.

Referring now to the figures and FIGURES 1 through 4 in particular, a currency depository mechanism is contained in a housing 10 and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing currency change, articles of merchandise, certificates or other articles commensurate in value with the value of documents deposited, is contained in adjacent housing 12. Any convenient means may be used to secure

housings

10 and 12 to each other as for instance by the use of a hinged cover 14. It shall be clearly understood, however, that the currency depository device may be physically separated from the dispensing device.

The device for accepting and examining currency documents or the like is provided with a shelf 16 and a stationary platform 18, the latter being dimensioned to index thereon documents to be tested. The platform is so arranged that a major portion protrudes from the housing 10. Platform 18 is provided with grooves whose purpose will be apparent later. A first stationary authenticating means 20, FIGURE 4, is secured beneath platform 18 within housing 10. Suitable apertures (not shown) are provided so that the authenticating means is in communication with a document A placed on platform 18. Authenticating means 20 as well as another authenticating means 21 are devices for determining the validity of documents by establishing whether certain test areas fall Within predetermined characteristics. They also provide a valid or reject signal responsive to the characteristics found.

The authenticating means may investigate the optical characteristics of the document, the magnetic characteristics, physical properties, printed indicia or any of the other characteristics well known to those skilled in the art. As to the nature of the authenticating means, reference is made for instance to Patent No. 2,941,187 issued to Luther G. Simjian, dated June 14, 1960; to Patent No. 2,950,799 issued to R. L. Timrns, dated August 30, 1960; to Patent No. 3,000,000 issued 'to K. R. Eldredge, dated September 12, 1961; to Patent No.-2,897,481 issued to T. H. Shepard, dated July 28, 1959; or Patent No. 2,646,717 issued to P. J. Selgin, dated July 28, 1953, and so forth. It shall be clearly understood, however, that the type of the authenticating means and the nature of the test or tests performed, based upon which a document is accepted or rejected does not form a part of this invention. For the purpose of FIGURE 14 it has been assumed that the authenticating means investigate certain optical properties of the document and are generally of the type described in the Simjian patent supra.

With a reference to FIGURES 3 and 4, a horizontal slide 22 is supported by a set of bearings 24 which ride for reciprocatory motion upon a pair of shafts 26. A front plate 34, FIGURES 1 and 2, is attached at its lower end to slide 22. This plate serves for pulling the slide from its retracted position at which platform 18'is exposed for receiving thereupon a'document, FIGURE 1, to its extended position at which the document is enclosed between the platform and the slide, FIGURE 2. When the slide is in its extended position, the document is rendered inaccessible to the 'user of the apparatus. A document moving means 28, FIGURE 3, which generally can be described as a rake, is equipped at either side with a rearwardly extending arm 30, the free end of each arm being mounted for pivotal motion in a bracket 32 fastened upon slide 22. Rake 28 is constructed at its lower end with three spaced apart protrusions 28a which, upon pivotal movement of rake 28 toward platform 18, are designed to pass through corresponding slots 38 in slide 22.

A tension spring 40 is attached between the free end of one arm 30 and slide 22 to resiliently retain rake 28 in its normally raised position, that is, rake 28 is raised away from platform 18 as clearly seen in FIGURE 5. A threesided cover 36 is attached to front plate 34 to enclose the various mechanisms mounted above slide 22.

A lever 42 with a central pivot 44, FIGURES .3 to 5, is attached at one end to the actuating arm of a solenoid 46. The other end of lever 42 is formed into a bifurcated section, generally indicated by'numeral48, FIGURE 3; One end 48a of the bifurcated section 48 carries a roller 50 which presses upon one of the arms 30 for the purpose of lowering rake 28 toward platform 18 when solenoid 46 is energized, see FIGURES 3 and 4. The other end 48b of the bifurcated section 48 is attached to a vertical bar 52 which is supported along the vertical side wall of housing by means of stationary pins 54 riding in'vertical slots 56. A barrier means 58 comprising a transverse fence is positioned beneath slide 22 and immediately to the rear of platform 18. This barrier is mounted to a set of rearwardly projecting arms 60, FIGURE 4, which are pivotally mounted in pins 62, fastened to the walls of housing 10. This barrier means when in its raised position separates stationary platform 18 from a receptacle B which is disposed inside the enclosure. Document A de-. posited on platform 18 is prevented from sliding 01f the platform and into the receptacle as long as barrier '58 protrudes above the surface of platform 18 and, therefore, engages the edge of the document. One 'arm 60 is attached by means of pin 64 to vertical bar 52 which upon energizing solenoid 46 lowers rake 28 due to roller 50 de- The slide 22, when disposed in its retracted position, is initially locked in this position and, in the absencev of a currency document on platform 18, cannot be pulled forward to its extended position. Locking is achieved by means of a stop 66which is mounted for limited pivotal motion upon pin 68 fastened to the side Wall of the housing. This stop compises a U-channel shaped section 70, FIGURE'9, which includes two upstanding opposite side walls 71 and'73. Wall 71 is constructed to exhibit a substantially perpendicular bend 72. The other wall 73 of stop 66, at the opposite end, is provided with'a similar bend 74. Stop 66 is positioned adjacent to the slide 22 in such a manner that initially bend 74 prevents'forward motion of the slide by virtue of bend 74 blocking forward passage of roller 76 which projects from bearing 24, see FIGURE 4. In order to allow the slide to move from its retracted position to its extended position above the platform, stop 70 must rotate slightly counterclockwise (FIG. 4) in order to permit the'passing of roller 76.

When document A has been deposited on the platform, the presence of the document is sensed by switch 89 (FIG- URE 5) and upon the first authenticating means 20 providing a signal to indicate that the initial test shows the document to be acceptable, a'signal is generated'for enerizing solenoid 78 'whoseactuating arm is coupled to the pivotally mounted stop by means of an extension 79 and pin 80. A tension spring S-Zsecured to the free end of extension 79 resiliently retains stop 66 in its normal position. Upon energizing solenoid 78, stop 66r'otates by a small amount as shown in FIGURE 9A and the slide can .be pulled toward its extended position. As the slide reaches its extended position, solenoid 78 is deenergized and stop 66 under the influence of spring 82 returns to its normal position. As the slide is disposed in its extended position and'stop 66 is restored, bend 72 latches the slide by blocking roller 76 until such time that the solenoid is re-energized and the stop rotated. The various positions of the locking arrangement are more clearly apparent by referring to FIGURE 4 which shows the slide locked in the retracted position; FIGURE 9A shows solenoid 78 energized, thereby permitting the slide to be pulled toward the platform; FIGURE 9B shows slide roller 76 having just passed the position of-stop 66 and finally, FIGURE 9C shows bend 72 preventing return travel of the slide by virtue of blocking the path of roller 76. 7

When the slide is in its extended position, a second authenticating means 21 fastened to the slide is positioned above the document which has been deposited on platform 18. Suitable circuit means energize this authenticating means in order to perform further authenticity tests on the document. After the authenticating means 21 has Op erated, two possible conditions exist which are, either the document has been found acceptable or it is deemed not acceptable. In either case, solenoid 78 is energized irr order to unlatch the slide which now returns from its ex tended position to its retracted position in response to the pressing arm 30. This pivotal motion of arm 42 also causes downward motion of bar 52, thus lowering barrier 58 below the surface of the platform. Lowering of the barrier provides an unobstructed path for document A from platform 18 to receptacle B.

force exerted by spring 88 which is attached with one end to the slide bracket 32 and with the otherend to the rear of housing 10. FIGURE 5 shows the slide in its extended position prior to return. If on the other hand, the currency document was found to be acceptable, in addition to the actuation of'solenoid 78, solenoid 46 is energized. This solenoid via'levers 42 and 52 withdraws barrier 58 below the surface of platform 18, thereby providinga. path between platform 18 and receptacle B and concomitantly, lowers rake'28 toward the platform whereby the protrusions 28a at the lower end of the rake extendv through slots 38 in slide 22 into the longitudinal grooves of platform 18. This condition is seen in FIGURE 6.,

As the slide now returns from its extended to its retracted position, the document resting on platform 18 is scraped from theplatform and fed toward receptacle B, see FIG: URE 7.' As the slide returns, arm 30 travels underneath V roller 50which depressed the arm, FIGURES 6 and.'7..

The rake travels with the slide, but in the absence of an authenticity from the authenticating means, the rake and barrier remain in raised position in order to leave the document on the platform. In this case, solenoid 46 remains de-energized. Energizing of solenoid 46 not only lowers the rake but simultaneously withdraws also the barrier to cause the rake during return motion of the slide to feed the document from the platform to the storage receptacle. If the document is found to be not acceptable, the barrier remains in place and the rake remains raised as the slide returns. The user of the device cannot manually push the document into the receptacle since the raised barrier acts as a stop.

The dispensing mechanism contained in housing 12 for dispensing change or any other article whose value is commensurate with the accepted document may take the form of any of the conventional dispensing mechanisms and should not be limited to the particular embodiment shown in FIGURES through 13. These latter figures disclose a flexible belt ltltl which is provided along its length with a plurality of spaced recesses or pockets 102. Each pocket is adapted to receive one or more coins or articles of merchandise. In the example illustrated, each pocket contains a plurality of coins whose sum equals one dollar when the currency accepting means is designed to accept one dollar bills. Under these conditions, the entire device depicted in FIGURE 1 is a currency change device for one dollar bills. Belt 10-0 is wound upon a spool 104 having 'a shaft 106, the latter being journaled in a frame 108. Spool 1114 is driven by a roller 11% in response to frictional contact produced by the weight of the spool upon roller 11%. Vertical slot 109 in'frame 108 compensate for the reduced diameter of spool 104as the belt is unwound. Roller 110 operates as a measuring roller.

A motor 112 is intermittently driven by the action of switch 202 operating in conjunction with earn 114. This cam causes the frictional roller 11% to revolve through one turn, thereby advancing the belt 169 by a measured distance during which one pocket is brought into contact with a flexing means 122, in this instance a roller turning about shaft 124. As the belt advances about roller 122, the particular belt portion is flexed in such a direction and to such a degree that articles contained in the respective pocket are freed from retention therein and fall into chute 116. A take-up reel 118 accumulates the emptied belt 1110. Endless belt means and pulleys are used to couple the motor to the measuring roller 11% and take-up reel 118.

It will be apparent that flexing means 122 could comprise a stationary block about which the belt is drawn. Additionally, instead of moving the belt, the belt could be held stationary and flexing means could be advanced relative to the belt in order to apply a flexing force to preselected pockets for emptying the respective pockets. In its preferred embodiment, the belt is made of flexible material and the pockets are recessed in the belt. Alternatively, however, rigid or flexible pockets or dividers may be mounted along the length of the belt without deviating from the principle of the design disclosed herein. When employing lateral dividers in the form of spaced strips, stationary guide means on either side of the belt may be used in order to effect four sided pockets. A loading fixture may be used to load the pockets of the belt.

Referring now to FIGURE 14, the electrical circuit is described for rendering the currency change device operative. A patron desirous of using the apparatus initially deposits a currency document on platform 18. Platform is is so dimensioned that a certain portion of the currency document comes to rest to the rear of front plate 34 as shown for instance in FIGURE 4. The deposit of a cur rency document on the platform is sensed by switch 89 which may include a bill contacting sensing element or which may include light responsive sensing means in order to obviate the need for physical contact with the document. The presence of a document on platform 18 trips switch 89 which with its lower contact applies a lamp voltage to the first authenticating means 20 and also to the second authenticating means 21. The first authenticating means also receives voltage for energizing its photoelectric cells via the upper contact of switch 214. This switch is mounted to be actuated when the slide has reached its fully extended position. For the present moment, the slide is in its retracted position and the switch occupies the position shown in FIGURE 14. Application of lamp voltage starts operation of the first authenticating means which determines whether a document area disposed to the rear of front plate 34 is of a predetermined character. If the area is not of the desired character, a reject signal is obtained and an indicating lamp 212 on the front panel of the device is energized to signify that the particular document is deemed not authentic. When the user of the device remo-ves the currency document, switch 81 is normalized, the position shown in FIGURE 14, thus cutting ofi lamp voltage to the authenticating means 20 and 21 and extinguishing lamp 212.

In the event that the first authenticating means determines that the document appears to be authentic or acceptable, a signal is sent from the authenticating means via the lower contact of switch 214 to lamp 210 disposed on the front panel, advising the user that the slide With front panel 34 should be pulled forward. The same signal also energizes solenoid 7 8 which rotates stop on by a small amount in order to release the slide from its locked position. As the user slides the slide toward its extended position above platform 18, switch 214 is operated, thereby cutting off current flow to solenoid 78 and lamp 214 while applying voltage to the photoelectric cells of the second authenticating means 21. The second authenticating means now are rendered operative and if a reject signal is developed, lamp 212 is re-energized. Simultaneously, solenoid I3 is re-energ-ized in order to unlatch the slide and cause the slide to return to its retracted position by virtue of the spring acting upon the slide. As the slide resumes its retracted position, switch 214 is normalized, i.e. returns to the position indicated.

In the event that the second authenticating means provide a signal judging the document to be authentic or acceptable, solenoid 46 is energized in addition to solenoid 78. Solenoid 46' simultaneously lowers the rake and the barrier, thereby causing the document to be moved from the platform into the receptacle as the slide returns to its normally retracted position. The same signal developed by the second authenticating means energizes also relay 22% which locks in through its upper contact and switch 262. As the document leaves the platform, switch 85? resumes its normal position. This causes upper contact of switch 89 to apply power to motor 112 via closed lower contact of relay 220. The lower contact removes lamp voltage. As motor 112 starts to run, switch 202 is operated to keep the motor operating for one revolution of cam 114. Simultaneously, operation of switch 202 removes the holding voltage from relay 2243 so that the relay resumes its normal position. Motor 112 causes advance of the belt, thereby effecting the dispensing of change into chute 116.

Return of the slide to its retracted position normalizes switch 214, hence removing photocell voltage from authenticating means 21.

It will be apparent that authenticating means 2% and 21 may operate as independent devices or that during the final test or tests, both means can be combined to give an integrated value of the type described in the patent to Simjian supra. Moreover, the authenticating means may be of different types, that is authenticating means 25D for instance, can test the physical characteristics of the document, while the second authenticating means is adapted to perform a reading operation. Each authenticating means also may be adapted to perform, simultaneously or sequentially, a plurality of authenticating operations. However, it is contemplated that the final output is either an authenv 7 a i s v ticity signal signifying that the document appears to be of the desired character, or a reject signal denoting that the document does not appear to be of the predetermined character.

While there has been described and illustrated a specific embodiment of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without deviating from the principle and intent of the present invention, which shall be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A document handling device comprising in combination:

a stationary platform for receiving and supporting thereon a currency document;

a slide for overlying said platform disposed for motion from a retracted position at which the platform is exposed to an extended position at which a currency document deposited on the platform is disposed between said platform and slide;

authenticating means disposed for communication with the document deposited on said platform and said means adapted to provide an authenticity signal when the, document is of a predetermined character;

a rake connected to said slide for motion therewith and normally maintained 'to move freely relative to said platform;

and means for moving said rake toward the platform in response to an authenticity signal from said authenticating means whereby to cause said rake to remove the document from the platform when the slide moves from its extended position to its retracted position.

2. A document handling device comprising in combination:

a stationary platform for receiving and supporting thereon a currency document;

a slide for overlying said platform disposed for reciprocatory motion from a normally retracted position at which the platform is exposed to an extended position at which a currency document deposited on the platform is disposed between said platform and slide; I

authenticating means disposed for communication with the document deposited on said platform and said means adapted to provide an authenticity signal When the document is of a predetermined character;

a rake connected to said slide for motion therewith;

control means for maintaining said rake away from the platform when the slide is moved from its retracted position to its extended position,

and said control means lowering said rake toward the platform and temporarily maintaining the rake in said position in response to an authenticity signal at which the platform is exposed to an extended posi- 5. bination:

, a s8 a force exerted by said biasing means from its retracted position to its extended position;

latching means for holding said slide in its extended position when said slide is at said position;

further control means actuating, said latching means in response to the operation of said authenticating means for causing said slide to return to its retracted position, 7

and said control means lowering said rake against the platform and temporarily maintaining the rake in said position in response to an authenticity signal from said authenticating means whereby to cause said rake to remove the document from the platform as the slide moves from its extended position to its retracted position.

4. A document handling device comprising in combination:

a stationary platform for receiving and supporting thereon a currency document;

a movable barrier means adapted to separate the platform from a receptacle disposed behind the platform and said barrier being normally positioned to provide a stop for the document to prevent the latter from passing to said receptacle;

a first means disposed for sensing the presence of a document on said platform;

a slide for overlying said platform disposed for reciprocatory motion from a normally retracted position 'at which the platform is exposed to an extended position at which a currency document deposited on'the platform is disposed between said platform and slide;

biasing means urging said slide toward said retracted position;

a second means disposed for communication with the document deposited on said platform and said second means adapted to provide an authenticity signal when the document deposited on the platform is of a predetermined character;

a rake connected to said slide for motion therewith;

means for maintaining said rake away from the platform when the slide is moved from its retracted position to its extended position; A

means for latching said slide in its extended position in response to the first means determining the presence of a document on the platform and upon moving said slide to its'extended position;

means causing said slide to unlatch in response to the operation of said second means whereby to cause said biasing means to return the slide to its retracted position;

and means operative in response to an authenticity signal from the second means for lowering said rake against the platform and temporarily maintaining the rake in said position and moving also said'barrier means from its normal position whereby to cause said rake to slide the document from the platform toward the receptacle as the slide returns from its extended position to its retracted position.

A document'handling device comprising in coma stationary platform for receiving and supporting thereon a currencydocument;

a movable barrier means disposed to separate the plat- A form from a receptacle located behind the platform and said barrier means being normally positioned to providea stop for the document to prevent the latter from passing to said receptacle;

first authenticating means disposed for providing an authenticity signal when the document received on said platform is of a predetermined character;

a slide for overlying said platform disposed for reciprocatory motion from a normally retracted position at which the platform is exposed to an extended position at which a currency document deposited 9. on the platform is disposed between said platform and slide;

biasing means urging said slide toward said retracted position;

means for locking said slide in its retracted position in the absence of an authenticity signal from said first means;

control means connected to said first means and to the means for locking the slide for releasing the slide from its locked position in response to an authenticity signal from said first means;

a second authenticating means disposed for communication with the document deposited on said platform for providing a further authenticity signal when the document is of a predetermined character;

a rake connected to said slide for motion therewith;

means for maintaining said rake away from the platform when the slide is moved from its retracted position to its extended position;

means for latching said? slide in its extended position in response to said slide being moved to its extended position;

means causing said slide to unlatch in response to the operation of said second means whereby the biasing means cause the slide to return to its retracted position;

and means operative in response to an authenticity signal from the second means denoting a predetermined docurnent character for lowering said rake against the platform and temporarily maintaining the rake in said position and moving also said barrier means from its normal position whereby to cause said rake to slide the document from the platform toward the receptacle as the slide returns from its extended position to its retracted position.

6. In a document'handling device as set forth in claim wherein said second authenticating means is disposed on said slide for motion therewith.

7. In a document handling device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said platform is provided with grooves and said rake is provided with protrusions, said protrusions and grooves mating with one another when said rake is moved against said platform.

8. In a document handling device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said movable barrier means comprises a strip which is adapted to protrude from the platform surface when positioned to provide a stop for the document.

9. in a document handling device as set forth in claim 5 wherein electromagnetic means are provided for releasing the slide from its locked position, for causing the slide to unlatch, and for lowering said rake against the platform.

10. In a document handling device as set forth in claim 5 wherein means urging said slide to move toward the retracted position include spring means.

11. A document receiving device comprising: an enclosure; 7 stationary platform means for receiving and supporting a document thereon; movable means, for overlying said platform means, disposed for movement between a first position at which a document may be placed on said platform means and a second position at which a document placed on said platform means is enclosed between said movable means and'said platform means and the document is not accessible to surreptitious removal therefrom; document inspection means disposed for inspecting a document enclosed between said movable means and said platform means, and for providing an authenticity signal when the inspected document is of a predetermined character; and document moving means operated in response to said authenticity signal for moving a document from said platform means into said enclosure.

12. A device according to claim 11 further including:

means for omitting the operation of said document moving means in the absence of said authenticity signal; and

means for moving said movable means from its second to its first position;

whereby the document is left ,on said platform means in the absence of said authenticity signal.

13. A document handling device comprising:

a stationary platform for receiving and for supporting thereon a document;

a slide for overyling said platform, disposed for motion from a retracted position at which said platform isexposed to an extended position at which a document supported on said plaform is entirely disposed between said platform and slide;

authenticating means disposed for examining a document supported on said platform, and for providing an authenticity signal when the document is of a predetermined character;

document engaging means coupled to said slide for motion therewith and motion relative to said platform; and

control means coupled to said authenticating means for moving said document engaging means toward said platform in response to an authenticity signal from said authenticating means, thereby causing said document engaging means to remove a document from said platform when said slide moves from its extended position to its retracted. position.

14. A document handling device comprising:

a stationary platform for receiving and for supporting thereon a document; 1

a slide for overlying said platform, disposed for motion from a retracted position at which said platform is exposed to an extended position at which a document supported on said platform is entirely disposed between said platform and slide;

authenticating means disposed for examining a document deposited on said platform, and for providing an authenticity signal when the document is of a predetermined character;

a rake coupled to said slide for motion therewith and motion relative to said platform; and

control means coupled to said authenticating means for moving said rake against said platform in response to an authenticity signal from said authenticating means, thereby causing said rake to remove a document from said platform when said slide moves from its extended position to its retracted position.

15. A document handling device comprising:

a stationary platform for receiving and for supporting thereon a document;

a slide for overlying said platform, disposed for reciprocatory motion from a normally retracted position at which said platform is exposed to an extended position at which a document supported on said platform is entirely disposed between said platform and said slide;

authenticating means disposed for examining. a document supported on said platform, and for providing an authenticity signal when the document is of a predetermined character;

a rake coupled to said slide for motion therewith, and

movable towards and away from said platform; control means for maintaining said rake away from said platform when said slide is moved from its retracted position to its extended position; and

said control means coupled to said authenticating means and adapted to lower said rake against said platform and to maintain said rake lowered in response to an authenticity signal from said authenticating means; thereby causing said rake to remove a document from said platform when said slide is a 11 moved from its extended position to its retracted position.:

16. A document handling device comprising:

a stationary platform for receiving and for supporting thereon a document; v v

a slide for overlying said platform, disposed for re ciprocatory motion from a normally retracted position at which said platform is exposed to an extended position at which a document supported on said platform is entirely disposed between said platform and said slide;

means for biasing said slide toward said retracted position;

authenticating means disposed for examining a document supported on said platform, and for providing a first signal when the document is of a predetermined character, and for providing a second signal when the document is not of a predetermined character;

a rake coupled to said slide for motion therewith, and

movable against and away from said platform; control means for maintaining said rake away from said platform when said slide is moved from said retracted position to said extended position; latching means for normally maintaining said slide in said extended position upon said slide being moved to said extended position;

said control means coupled to said authenticating means, for actuating said latching means in response to the provision of a signal by said authenticating means, thereby releasing said slide for return to said retracted position by said slide biasing means; and

said control means adapted to move and to maintain said rake against said platform in response to a first signal from said authenticating means, thereby causing said rake to remove a document from said platform as said slide is moved from said extended position to said retracted position.

17. A document handling device comprising:

a stationary platform for receiving and for supporting thereon a document;

a receptacle disposed behind said platform;

movable barrier means for dividing .said platform.

from said receptacle, said barrier means being normally positioned to provide a stop for a document supported on said platform to prevent such a document from passing to said receptacle;

first means disposed for sensing a document supported on said platform, and for providing a first signal in response thereto; 7 V

a slide for overlying said platform, disposed for reciprocatory motion from a normally retracted position at which said platform is exposed to an extended position at which a document supported on said,

platform is disposed entirely between said platform and said slide; r I

means for biasing said slide toward said retracted position;

second means dlsposed for examining a document sup ported on said platform, and for providing a second signal when the document deposited on theplatform is of a predetermined character, and for providing a third signal when the document is not of a ,pre-

determined character; a a rake coupled to said slide for motion therewith, and

movable against and away from said platform means for normally maintaining said rake away from platform when said slide is moved from said retracted position to said extended position;

control means coupled to said first means and said' second means, for latching said slide in said extended position in response to a first signal and said sliderbeing moved to said extended position;

said control means adapted to unlatch'said slide in response to a signal from said second means, thereby permitting said biasing means to return said slide to said retracted position; and

said control means in response to a second signal from said second means adapted tomove and to maintain said rake against said platform and also to move I said barrier means from its normal position, thereby causing said rake to slide a document from said platform toward said receptacle when said slide is moved from said extended position to said retracted position.

18. A document handling device comprising:

a platform for receiving and for supporting thereon a document;

receiving means adjacent said platform;

movable barrier means for dividing said platform from said receiving means, said barrierrneans being normally positioned to provide a stop for a document supported on said platform to prevent such a docu ment from passing to said receiving means;

first examining means disposed for examining a docu ment supported on said platform and for providing a first signal when the document is of a predetermined character, and for providing a second signal when the document is not of a predetermined character;

a slide for overlying said platform, disposed for re- 7 ciprocatory motion from a normally retracted position at which said platform is exposed to an extended position at which a document supported on said platform is entirely disposed between said'platform and said slide;

means for biasing said position;

means for locking said slide in said retracted position;

control means coupled to said first examining means and to said means for locking said slide, for releasing said slide from said means for locking in response to a first signal from said first examining means;

second examining means disposed for examining a document-supported on said platform and for providing a third signal when the document is of a predetermined character, and for providing a fourth signal when it is not of a predetermined character;

a rake coupled to said slide for motion therewith, and

movable against and away from said platform;

means for normally maintaining said rake away from said platform when said slide is moved from said retracted position to said extended position;

means for latching said slide in said extended position in response to said slide being moved to said extended position;

said control means coupled to said second examining ,means, for unlatching saidslide in response to a signal from said second examining means, thereby permitting said means for biasing to return said slide to said retracted position; and a said control means in response to a third signal from slide toward said retracted said second examining means adapted to move and to maintain said rake against said platform and also to move said barrier means from its normalposition,

thereby causing said rake to slide a document from said platform toward said receiving means as said slide returns .from said extended position to said a retracted position. I i

19. A document handling device as set forth in claim 18 wherein said second examining means is disposed on said slide for motion therewith;

'20. A document handling device as' set forth in claim 18 wherein said platform is provided with grooves and said rake is provided With protrusions, said protrusions 13 and said grooves mating with one another when said rake is moved against said platform.

21. A document handling device as set forth in claim 18 wherein said movable barrier means comprises a strip which protrudes above the upper surface of said platform when positioned to provide a stop for a document.

22. A document handling device as set forth in claim 18 wherein said control means includes a plurality of electromagnetic means for releasing said slide from its retracted locked position, for releasing said slide from its extended latched position, and for moving said rake against said platform.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Dunham 22172 Ray 22172 Timms 1944 Patzer 8 814 Patzer 8814 Weingart 1944 SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Acting Primary Examiner.

ROBERT E. REEVES, Examiner.

Claims

1. A DOCUMENT HANDLING DEVICE COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: A STATIONARY PLATFORM FOR RECEIVING AND SUPPORTING THEREON A CURRENCY DOCUMENT; A SLIDE FOR OVERLYING SAID PLATFORM DISPOSED FOR MOTION FROM A RETRACTED POSITION AT WHICH THE PLATFORM IS EXPOSED TO AN EXTENDED POSITION AT WHICH A CURRENCY DOCUMENT DEPOSITED ON THE PLATFORM IS DISPOSED BETWEEN SAID PLATFORM AND SLIDE; AUTHENTICATING MEANS DISPOSED FOR COMMUNICATION WITH THE DOCUMENT DEPOSITED ON SAID PLATFORM AND SAID