WO2002001514A2 - Dispositif de reception d'especes et procede correspondant - Google Patents

Dispositif de reception d'especes et procede correspondant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002001514A2
WO2002001514A2 PCT/CA2001/000936 CA0100936W WO0201514A2 WO 2002001514 A2 WO2002001514 A2 WO 2002001514A2 CA 0100936 W CA0100936 W CA 0100936W WO 0201514 A2 WO0201514 A2 WO 0201514A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
currency
receptacle
receiving device
user
deposit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2001/000936
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2002001514A3 (fr
Inventor
John Siemens
Original Assignee
Namsys Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CA002312275A external-priority patent/CA2312275C/fr
Application filed by Namsys Inc. filed Critical Namsys Inc.
Priority to AU70394/01A priority Critical patent/AU7039401A/en
Priority to EP01949150A priority patent/EP1292926A2/fr
Publication of WO2002001514A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002001514A2/fr
Publication of WO2002001514A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002001514A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/04—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates
    • B65H31/08—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled one above another
    • B65H31/10—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled one above another and applied at the top of the pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/04—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates
    • B65H31/12—Devices relieving the weight of the pile or permitting or effecting movement of the pile end support during piling
    • B65H31/18—Positively-acting mechanical devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/009—Depositing devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/10—Mechanical details
    • G07D11/12—Containers for valuable papers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/10—Mechanical details
    • G07D11/12—Containers for valuable papers
    • G07D11/125—Secure containers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/10—Mechanical details
    • G07D11/16—Handling of valuable papers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/20—Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
    • G07D11/24—Managing the stock of valuable papers
    • G07D11/245—Replenishment

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the general field of currency handling equipment, and more particularly to devices capable of accepting deposits of paper currency.
  • Paper currency or cash is still extensively used, particularly in high cash environments such as supermarkets and other large retail stores.
  • the general procedure is to store cash collected in the course of a business day in a secure local storage device such as a store safe.
  • Safes are well known devices for storing valuables that generally comprise a reinforced container made from a strong steel or concrete, and having a lockable access door with internal or heavily reinforced hinges.
  • the stored cash may then be retrieved from the safe periodically by security personnel, such as armed security guards, and securely transported to the bank depository.
  • the security guards may not arrive to retrieve the cash until the next day, or even later.
  • the stored cash is usually randomly scattered throughout the interior of the safe, and then has to be stuffed into bags and loaded onto an armoured vehicle. Unless this happens to be the guard's last pick-up of the day, there are probably other cash pick-ups from other outlets.
  • the cash may therefore not arrive at the bank until a day or two after it is received from the customer. The delay may be even longer if the armoured vehicle picks up loads for deposit at different institutions. This could impose yet a further intervening step of unloading at a central site, sorting according to eventual destination, and re-loading onto another truck.
  • the cash bag may be opened or cut and its contents removed. If a bag has been opened and re-closed, it may be difficult to subsequently identify whether there has been a theft or a loading error. Alternatively, one or more bags may be taken outright and the misappropriation not evident until some time later. Moreover, in all of these cases it would be difficult to determine at which precise point in the circuit from the safe to the bank depository that the misappropriation or theft occurred,
  • U.S. Pat. 5,538,122 discloses a currency receiving device comprising a safe with an attached currency counter and having a currency receiving opening with a retractable cover, to selectively provide access to the interior of the safe. Cash placed for deposit is counted and then passed from the currency counter to the safe through the currency receiving opening.
  • the patent further teaches a removable currency receptacle made of heavy gauge steel, placed in the safe, to receive the currency. This patent teaches a device that may enable regular deposits to be made into the safe while the main access door is kept closed and locked. The removable receptacle is a more convenient and secure enclosure to use to transport cash from the safe to the bank depository.
  • the retractable cover taught is not an effective means of transferring the currency from the currency counter to the safe, and can result in currency being jammed and the cover not closing properly. This creates an opportunity for unauthorized access to the cash stored in the currency receptacle. Further, if the currency receptacle is not installed the device will still work and undesirably deposit currency loosely into the interior of the safe. Yet another matter is that if the main door of the safe is open, the receptacle may be easily removed and its contents taken. Further, even when the currency receptacle is removed by authorized personnel, it is still vulnerable to access by unauthorized personnel while in transit. This can be a problem since, as noted, the receptacle may pass through several trucks and loading sites before reaching the bank depository. The patent fails to teach any means by which a misappropriation during transit can be identified, or by which the cash may be better integrated into the financial banking system.
  • this device should include a removable currency receptacle with a unique identifier, recognizable by the currency receiving device, so that deposit information can be correlated with the particular receptacle receiving the deposit. This information is preferably kept at a remote location or processor, but may also be kept with the currency receptacle itself.
  • the label or identifier provides a tag through which the physical location and progress of the cash-in-transit can be known, and by which the cash contents itself may be effectively tied into the financial system. In this way the cash may be accurately known to its owner from the time it is first deposited in the safe until it is physically deposited at the owner's bank. This should assist the owner in maintaining accurate financial controls, and may even enable early crediting of the owner's bank account, thereby reducing the float expense.
  • the receptacle should also have a lockable lid to deter unauthorized access while it is in transit. Further, it would be advantageous for the currency receiving device to have a lockable mounting device to securely hold the currency receptacle when it is installed in the safe, to prevent unauthorized removal of the receptacle or its contents and to provide for. more efficient operation. The currency receiving device should recognize the presence of the receptacle so that currency will not be transferred unless the receptacle is securely in place. Finally, it would be advantageous to have a retractable cover or access gate to ensure that the deposited currency is quickly, securely, and reliably transferred from the currency counter to the receptacle.
  • a currency receiving device for receiving currency from a user, comprising: a safe having a lockable access opening and a transfer slot; a local processor, operatively connected to said safe, said local processor having a user interface to communicate with the user, and being capable of communicating with a remote processor; a currency counter, operatively connected to said safe, to count the currency deposited by the user; and a removable currency receptacle, contained within said safe and operatively connected to said currency counter, to receive currency from the currency counter and to store said currency, said removable currency receptacle having a unique identifier; wherein, upon said currency receptacle being installed in said safe, said identifier is correlated with said count of currency deposited by said user.
  • Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the currency receiving device of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a rear view of the currency receiving device of Fig. 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a partial cut-away view of Fig. 1 , showing an internal mechanism and a currency receptacle of the currency receiving device;
  • Figure 4 is a partial cut-away view of the currency receptacle of Fig. 3, showing an internal mechanism of the currency receptacle;
  • Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the currency receptacle of Fig. 4;
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of an unloading station, showing the currency receptacle of Fig. 3 being unloaded;
  • FIG 7 is a perspective view of a mounting device, which forms part of the internal mechanism of Fig. 3;
  • Figure 8 is an exploded view of a section of the mounting device of
  • FIG. 7 Figure 9 is a further perspective view of the mounting device of Fig. 7, with the currency recepacle of Fig. 3 installed;
  • Figure 10 is a top view of an access gate, which forms part of the internal mechanism of Fig. 3; and Figure 11 is a diagram view of the currency receiving device of Fig.
  • Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of an apparatus or device comprising the currency receiving device of the present invention.
  • the device is generally indicated with reference numeral 10.
  • the device 10 functions to receive and store paper currency or cash deposited by a user.
  • the present invention also includes aspects and methods that enhance security for storing and transporting said received currency, and that improve integration of said stored currency with computerized financial and banking systems.
  • Fig. 1 shows as elements of the currency receiving device a storage area 12, a local processor 14 having a touch screen 15, currency counter
  • the currency counter 16 further comprises an input hopper 24, reject tray 26, and an escrow bin 28 having a lockable housing 30.
  • the local processor 14 is preferably a personal computer (PC) having a touch sensitive screen, or "touch screen". While a conventional type screen may also be used, it can be appreciated that a touch screen has the benefit of reducing the need for a keyboard and its associated complication and expense.
  • a transfer slot or currency receiving opening 32 is shown bounded by dotted lines on the bottom surface of the escrow bin 28, thereby providing a passageway from the escrow bin 28 into the storage area 12.
  • An access gate 34 having a front slider 36 and a rear slider 38 is positioned underneath said currency receiving opening 32, on a top surface inside storage area 12.
  • Access gate 34 has an open position in which the front slider 36 and rear slider 38 are substantially apart, thereby exposing currency receiving opening 32.
  • access gate 34 also has a closed position in which the front slider 34 and rear slider 36 are drawn together to form a contiguous connection 39, thereby covering or blocking the passageway provided by currency receiving opening 32.
  • the device 10 of the present invention preferably includes an uninterrupted power service (ups) device. If power to the device 10 is lost during a transaction, the ups device can take over and provide power to complete the transaction. Subsequently the device 10 will not accept further deposits until the power is restored.
  • ups uninterrupted power service
  • Fig. 2 shows a rear view of the device 10, from which it may be seen that storage area 12 comprises a safe 40 for storing currency and a separate cheque safe 42 to store deposited cheques.
  • Safe 40 has a lockable access opening or door 41. Each safe will have one or more locks 44 for security purposes. In Fig. 2 safe 40 is shown having two locks 44 for added security. It can be appreciated that the locks 44 are most commonly of the combination type, but other types of locks that provide adequate security may also be used.
  • Fig. 3 is a partial cut-away view of Fig. 1 showing certain internal elements of the currency receiving device 10. Access gate 34 with its component parts, the front slider 34 and rear slider 36, is now more fully shown in a partially open position.
  • Canister 46 is generally a rectangular container sized and shaped to receive paper currency. Said canister 46 has an access opening or open top end 48, so that when access gate 34 is open there is an unobstructed path or passageway from the bottom surface of escrow bin 28 (Fig. 1) into the interior of canister 46.
  • a movable platform 50 Internal to canister 46 is a movable platform 50 operatively connected to a rotatable shaft 52, which attaches to a first roller 54 at the base of the shaft.
  • First roller 54 in turn maintains a contiguous connection with a second roller 56, which is driven by a reversible electric motor 58 (not shown).
  • a stack of paper currency or cash 60 is shown on the platform 50, and also on the input hopper 24.
  • Canister 46 is secured in place by a mounting device 62 located on the bottom interior surface of the device 10, inside safe 40.
  • the mounting device 62 has among its components a locking lever 64, a backing rod 65, and two lock-arms 66. It can be seen in Fig. 3 that canister 46 is bounded on all four sides by these elements of mounting device 62.
  • the front of the canister 46 adjoins backing rod 65, the two sides are bounded by the long sides of the two lock-arms 66, and the back of canister 46 is held on either side by hook-like projections at the end of the same lock-arms 66.
  • backing rod 65 is fixed in place, and lock- arms 66 may be locked into the above position upon rotation of locking lever 64 and activation of a separate lock mechanism. Accordingly, in the locked position shown canister 46 is effectively secured. This also has the benefit of positioning canister 46 so that the open end 48 is directly below currency receiving opening 32, where it can most conveniently receive deposits of currency 60 from the escrow bin 28. Additionally, securing the canister 46 has the benefit of deterring unauthorized attempts to remove the canister 46, particularly when lockable access door 41 is open. Yet a further benefit provided by mounting device 62 is that it enables an electrical connection to be made between canister 46 and an electronic control box (not shown), as will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the body or outer shell of the currency receiving device 10 is preferably constructed from heavy gauge steel. It can also be appreciated that other materials that provide adequate security and protection may also be used.
  • the safe 40 and cheque safe 42 are preferably constructed from the type of steel or other materials commonly used to construct safes, and that are generally well known to those skilled in the art.
  • device 10 is approximately 54 inches high, 35 inches wide, and 29 inches deep.
  • the canister 46 is approximately 29 1 inches high, 8 3/4 inches wide and 5 % inches deep. For this height dimension the canister 46 has a capacity of about 3,500 currency notes. These dimensions of the device 10 have been found to be adequate in that they provide sufficient space in which to install the various component elements such as the currency counter 16 and local processor 14.
  • the touch screen 15 is positioned at a height of about 48 inches, which is a convenient height for viewing by most users.
  • the height of canister 46 at 29 A inches, leaves a narrow gap of about two inches with the top of the storage area 12, or safe 40. This relatively narrow clearance or gap has the benefit of limiting the ability of a person to reach into the canister's open end 48 to misappropriate the cash contents.
  • other dimensions of the device 10 and canister 46 may also be used that would provide adequate results.
  • a user of the device will generally be initially issued a magnetically encoded card and a personal identification (PIN) number.
  • PIN personal identification
  • the user begins the deposit by swiping the card through the card reader 18 and, when the card is recognized as described further below, be prompted for a PIN number.
  • the user then enters the PIN number by touching the designated characters displayed on the touch screen 15.
  • the device Upon the PIN number being checked and accepted the device enters into a deposit dialogue with the user.
  • measures than a magnetic card and pin number may also be used to identify the user, as long as an acceptable level of security is provided. For example, systems based on fingerprint or eye identification may also be used, particularly when those technologies become sufficiently advanced.
  • the deposit could be a single bill or currency note, but is more typically a stack of such notes.
  • a single deposit should be limited to the maximum capacity of the escrow bin, which is generally about 200 notes.
  • the currency receiving opening 32 and access gate 34 are sized and shaped so that the cash that falls into the escrow bin 28 rests on the closed access gate 34, closely centered about the currency receiving opening 32.
  • the lockable housing 30 is locked so the user is not able to retrieve the cash. Any currency that is rejected for being unreadable will be placed on the reject tray 26. An instruction will appear on the touch screen 15 instructing the user to place the rejected currency in the input hopper 24 for another try.
  • the touch screen 15 displays the count recorded by the currency counter 16 and prompts the user whether to continue with the deposit. If the count displayed does not match the user's expectation, the user will likely select that part of the touch screen indicating the option not to proceed, whereupon the lockable housing 30 is unlocked and the user retrieves the cash. If the user selects the touch screen option to proceed with the deposit, access gate 34 will open by means of front slider 36 and rear slider
  • platform 50 is shown at about the middle of canister 46 for illustration purposes.
  • platform 50 will be positioned higher up at a level such that the top of the platform 50, or alternatively the top of a stack of currency 60 that may rest on the platform 50, is just below the open end 48.
  • At this level there is preferably only a short distance of about one inch for the cash 60 to fall from its initial position at the base of escrow bin 28. Since the notes being deposited themselves possess a certain thickness, in most cases the platform 50 will need to be further lowered so that the new, larger stack 60 on the platform 50 will fall completely within the canister 46.
  • the platform may be lowered by activating reversible electric motor 58 (not shown) so that second roller 56 rotates. Rotating second roller 56 engages first roller 54, which in turn rotates shaft 52 such that platform 50 descends down the canister 46.
  • the electric motor 58 not shown
  • Fig. 4 is a cutaway rear view from which it can be seen that platform 50 occupies a larger section of the interior of canister 46, and that rotatable shaft 52 and a variety of other elements occupy a narrower section at the back of the canister 46. In the preferred embodiment of canister 46 the platform 50 is about 3 Vz wide, and the narrower section at the back is about 1 " wide.
  • canister 46 There is a mounting bracket 68 through which platform 50 attaches to rotatable shaft 52.
  • mounting bracket 68 has an internal thread so that said bracket rises or descends along shaft 52 as shaft 52 rotates. As bracket 68 moves up and down, platform 50 is moved along as well.
  • the other elements shown in Fig. 4 are electrical in nature.
  • a solenoid lid lock 70 an electronic or circuit board 72, a first electrical connector or contact board 74 having contact points 75, a top sensor comprising an upper rest sensor 76 and a lower rest sensor 78, and a bottom or full capacity sensor 80.
  • sensors In the preferred embodiment sensors
  • circuit board 72 Fig.4 shows wires connecting each of the sensors 76, 78, and 80 with circuit board 72, and there are also connecting wires (not shown) from solenoid 70 to circuit board 72.
  • Circuit board 72 in turn connects through wires 82 to contact board 74, and as will be shown contact board 74 connects electrically to local processor 14 when canister 46 is installed in mounting device 62.
  • the present invention makes use of dual sensors 76 and 78 to reposition platform 50 to enhance reliability of the deposit. If the top bills in a stack being deposited happen to be dirty or crumpled, it is possible that a single detection sensor, for example sensor 76, might trigger prematurely. In that case access gate 34 might attempt to close while there are still some bills in the path of the currency receiving opening 32. This would create a gap between front slider 36 and rear slider 38, and possibly provide an opportunity for a person to improperly reach into canister 46.
  • Full capacity sensor 80 is triggered when platform 50 descends towards the bottom of canister 46, as canister 46 approaches its full capacity. It can be appreciated that sensor 80 should be set at a height somewhat above the bottom of canister 46. This is because sensor 80 is most likely to be triggered in the course of receiving a new deposit. To fully accommodate the balance of the deposit within canister 46, platform 50 may well need to continue beyond the trigger point. Otherwise, if sensor 80 is set too close to the bottom, a user who has elected to proceed with a deposit might have to be informed that the deposit cannot be accepted. Accordingly, sensor 80 should be set at a sufficient height so that the maximum expected deposit can be accommodated below the level set. Once sensor 80 is triggered, device 10 can inform subsequent users that the machine is full and cannot receive new deposits until the canister 46 is replaced.
  • canister 46 has a removable lid 84 having tabs 86. Lid 84 slides into the top or open end 48 of the canister through groove
  • Canister 46 also includes slots 90 that are sized and shaped to accept tabs 86 when lid 84 is pushed to the end of groove 88.
  • Figs.4 and 5 further show that canister 46 is closed on all sides except for the top or open end 48. It can be seen from Fig. 5 that this top end may be closed by inserting and sliding lid 84 until said lid completely covers said open end 48.
  • lid 84 is shown as a removable element, separate from canister 46, it can be appreciated that other forms of construction are also possible as long as the lid functions to selectively open or close access to the interior of canister 46.
  • lid 84 could be attached to canister 46 through a pivot point or hinge.
  • solenoid lid lock 70 is hidden and shown in outline view. It can be seen from this view that solenoid 70 activates a pin 92 which moves vertically up or down as it is actuated by solenoid 70. Fig. 5 further also shows a hole 94 in one of the tabs 86. The mechanism by which canister 46 is locked in the preferred embodiment can now be understood. After closing canister 46 by sliding lid 84 to the end so that tabs 86 engage slots 90, hole 94 will be positioned immediately above and in line with pin 92. Solenoid 70 is then activated, causing pin 92 to thrust upward so that it fills hole 94. In this position lid 84 cannot be removed as it is held in place by pin 92.
  • the lock mechanism has three sensors, not shown, that feed back to circuit board 72. There is a lid-on sensor to indicate when lid 84 is fully inserted so that the tabs 86 engage the slots 90, a pin-inserted sensor to indicate when pin 92 is in hole 94, and a solenoid-on sensor to indicate when solenoid 70 is activated. The signals sent by these sensors trigger the device 10 to activate or de-activate the solenoid 70 as appropriate.
  • Three sensors are used for the lock mechanism in the preferred embodiment to enhance security and guard against tampering. For example, if a person were to attempt to somehow push in pin 92 to try to remove lid 84, this would be recognized as tampering because the solenoid-on sensor would not be off as expected. It can be appreciated that other methods of mechanically securing a cover or lid, or for achieving an electronically controlled lock, may also be used to achieve these functions of the present invention.
  • locking of the lid 84 could also be achieved through use of a conventional key lock, whereby turning a key would raise or lower pin 92.
  • an electronic lock whereby pin 92 is electrically activated by solenoid 70 is preferred, as it enables removable canister 46 to function as a self contained, sealed unit which cannot be re-opened until solenoid 70 is re-actuated in the reverse direction. This reduces the risk of misappropriation and pilferage of the cash contents of canister 46.
  • the electronic lock capability of canister 46 is an advantage of the present invention, particularly when canister 46 needs to be removed from device 10 and transported to a bank depository.
  • FIG. 6 shows one functional embodiment of an unloading station 96.
  • canister 46 is mounted on a support frame 98.
  • contact board connector 104 (not shown) that provides an electrical contact to contact board 74, a duplicate second roller 56 that engages first roller 54, and a duplicate electric motor 58, which is visible in Fig.6.
  • a computer such as a conventional personal computer (PC) functions as local processor 14.
  • the PC connects with a control box 102 which connects with the electric motor 58 and an electrical contact to the control board 74.
  • the control box 102 is an element of device 10, and has additional functions that will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the PC or local processor 14 signals, through control box 102, for solenoid 70 to remove pin 92 from hole 94. Lid 84 can then be removed. Then PC 14 activates electric motor 58 to drive platform 50 towards open end 48. As platform 50 moves, its cash contents 60 spill out of canister 46, so that the cash can be collected and sorted.
  • the software and hardware components of unloading station 96 will only be made available to an authorized user of device 10, and that unloading station 96 will include appropriate security measures such as password protection. Accordingly, currency 60 deposited inside a locked canister 46 should be reasonably secure from misappropriation except in cases of overt acts such as where the canister 46 is stolen outright and opened or broken apart by force. It can be appreciated that other embodiments of unloading station 96 may also be used.
  • the PC 14 and control box 102 might be integrated in a common housing mounted on the support frame 98.
  • circuit board 72 contains electronic circuits that receive information from sensors 76, 78, and 80, which govern movement of the platform 50, and also from the sensors associated with the lock mechanism. Circuit board 72 makes this information available to local processor 14 through the electrical connection provided by contact board 74. In addition to this functionality, circuit board 72 also contains in its on-board memory a unique identifier or electronic tag, which uniquely identifies the canister 46 in which circuit board 72 is installed.
  • the identifier or electronic tag similarly becomes available to local processor 14 through the connection of contact board 74.
  • the identifier for a particular canister 46 may be known and used not only by local processor 14, but also by the broader system to which device 10 is attached.
  • the removable currency receptacle or canister 46 possesses this unique identifier.
  • the canister 46 when removed and locked becomes not only a self-contained and sealed unit as described above, but it also becomes an identifiable unit whose location and movement may be readily tracked by automated computer means.
  • information relating to the various deposits made, such as the currency received, the denomination breakdown and the identity of the users, may be correlated with the unique identifier to optimize financial management.
  • circuit board 72 could be designed so that the correlated deposit information could be kept on circuit board 72 itself, so that the information would travel with canister 46. However, as will be discussed below it is preferred that the correlated deposit information be kept in a more centralized location, where it can be better integrated with the owner's overall financial system.
  • the unique identifier may be implemented by means other than an electronically readable tag, such as for example, a bar-code system.
  • a bar-code requires the additional hardware of a bar-code reader, which is costly and adds further complication to the device 10.
  • the electronic tag is relatively easily implemented by software and firmware.
  • the electronic tag offers greater security because it is internal to the canister 46 and therefore hidden from observers. Yet another reason is that the canisters 46 are typically subjected to harsh handling in the course of their lifetime. In that environment a bar-code, which is externally displayed, may get smudged and become unreadable.
  • the electronic tag offers possibilities for greater integration because it enables a canister to be "plugged in” to an electronic system through contact board 74.
  • the canister might be plugged in while on board a truck or other vehicle, which would enable it to be tracked while being transported.
  • a bar-code identifier may be readily implemented.
  • the canister 46 is preferably constructed from a hard plastic material. While other materials such as sheet steel could also be used, it was found that such material can be heavy and difficult to manufacture within the desired tolerance. In particular a heavy canister can be a drawback as it makes management of the canisters particularly cumbersome and inconvenient, and accordingly may limit the number of employees available to handle the canisters at a location to those who have a certain minimum level of strength.
  • a canister formed from high impact polycarbonate such as the LexanTM brand from the General Electric Company, produces adequate results.
  • Another material that may be used is glass reinforced plastic. Canisters from this material are more easily manufactured by injection moulding. The canister may be made in two parts for easier insertion of internal components, and then joined by an industrial strength adhesive. Canisters made from these plastic materials are generally adequate in being reasonably lightweight while still strong and durable. They also will generally crack or break if subject to tampering. This is desirable, since if cash has been inappropriately removed from a canister it is advantageous to be aware that this has occurred.
  • FIG. 7 shows mounting device 62 in an initial position prior to insertion of canister 46.
  • second roller 56 on which is mounted electric motor 58, not shown
  • locking lever 64 on which is mounted electric motor 58, not shown
  • backing rod 65 backing rod
  • two lock-arms 66 comprise a straight rod with a short hook at an outer end.
  • lock-arms 66 flare out to the side slightly. This widens the space between the outer edges of the two lock-arms 66 so that canister 46 may be more easily inserted.
  • FIG. 7 Further key elements of the mounting device 62 shown in Fig. 7 include a second electrical connector or contact board connector 104 having contact pins 105, solenoid lock 106, and insertion rod 108.
  • a junction block 112 having a hole 113 adjacent to solenoid lock 106. Hole 113 is sized and shaped to accept a projection rod 114 (hidden from view, shown in outline) thrust by solenoid lock 106.
  • solenoid lock 106 is not activated, and projection rod 114 is not aligned with hole 113.
  • Contact board connector 104 is sized and shaped so that when canister 46 is installed, contact pins 105 establish a secure physical and electrical connection with contact points 75 of contact board 74 attached to the canister 46.
  • contact points 75 are female and contact pins 105 are male, since handling of canister 46 might cause male contacts to break. It can be appreciated however that this setup could be reversed if desired, and that other types of electrical connectors could also be used.
  • Fig. 8 shows the area surrounding insertion rod 108 in greater detail.
  • insertion rod 108 is a straight rod with a short hook at the outer end. Insertion rod 108 is itself fixedly connected to connecting rod 107, which rotates about hinge 109. It can also be seen in Fig. 8 that there is a relatively short projecting pin 110 extending from the other side of connecting rod 107, and a hole 111 in the adjacent lock-arm 66. Hole 111 is sized and shaped to accept insertion of projecting pin 110. Hinge 109 is biased so that connecting rod 107, with attached insertion rod 108, is urged towards the adjacent lock-arm 66.
  • canister 46 is inserted into mounting device 62.
  • connecting rod 107 is urged under bias towards lock-arm 66, and projecting pin 110 is similarly urged and is inserted into hole 111.
  • the opposite side locking- arm 66 is similarly immobilized. Therefore, the two lock-arms 66 are held in the flared out position, providing a wider opening to accept a canister. It may also be noted that as there is no canister in Fig. 7, there is no electrical connection with pins 105.
  • the device 10 can be informed that there is no canister 46 installed, and device 10 can accordingly decline any user attempts to deposit currency. In this way the present invention avoids a problem with the prior art in which it was possible for the device to receive deposits even without the currency receptacle installed.
  • insertion of canister 46 is represented by a dotted line indicating the leading edge of said canister. It can be seen that when canister 46 contacts insertion rod 108, said rod and connecting rod 107 rotate to overcome the bias on hinge 109, so that projecting pin 110 is removed from hole 111. This releases lock-arms 66 so that they can be moved.
  • Fig. 9 shows the mounting device 62 upon installation of the canister 46, shown in dotted outline.
  • canister 46 is inserted so that insertion rod 108 rotates, releasing projecting pin 110 from hole 111. Now that it is free, locking lever 64 can be rotated upward.
  • lock-arms 66 are moved forward and drawn parallel to each other, forming a snug fit around the edges of canister 46. Lock-arms 66 closely fit the two sides of the canister 46, and also grip the back of canister 46 on either side with their hook-shaped outer edges. Further, as canister 46 is gripped it is pushed forward so that contact board
  • canister 46 makes a secure physical and electrical connection with contact board connector 104.
  • canister 46 In this installed position, canister 46 is positioned so that its top, or open end 48, is directly below currency receiving opening 32 and access gate 34. Additionally, upon installation the first roller 54 located in canister 46 is impressed into contiguous contact with second roller 56 located as part of the mounting device 62. To facilitate this contact, electric motor 58 and its attached second roller 56 are preferably spring mounted. The spring mounting provides some margin or room for the second roller 56 to accommodate the first roller 54, and also provides a measured pressure or bias between the rollers to help ensure that rotation of second roller 56 will effectively rotate first roller 54.
  • mounting device 62 offers a number of advantages over the prior art. It enables device 10 to know when the canister is installed, so that currency does not fall loosely in the safe. It locks the canister 46 so that it cannot be removed without authorization or unless lid 84 is on and locked. It further holds the canister 46 more firmly and in the proper position, so that the transfer of currency from the currency counter 16 and escrow bin 28 proceeds more smoothly. Through its connection with circuit board 72, it makes possible the canister electronic lock and unique identifier function.
  • Fig. 10 is a plan view of access gate 34, when viewed from underneath, within safe 40. Accordingly, currency note or stack 60 is shown largely in outline, as it is largely hidden from view while resting in escrow bin 28, above access gate 34 in this view. As in Fig. 3, access gate 34 is shown partially open, in that front slider 36 and rear slider 38 are apart but not to their fullest possible separation. It can also be seen from Fig. 10 that front slider 36 and rear slider 38 slide along grooves provided by side plates 134 and 136. Said side plates are constructed to provide a low friction surface for the movement of said front and rear sliders.
  • Fig. 10 shows that access gate 34 has additionally an actuator 116.
  • the actuator 116 of the preferred embodiment is a 24 volt linear actuator, having opposing arms 118 and 120, which respond mechanically to an electrical input. Accordingly, upon receipt of a 24 volt electrical input, arms 118 and 120 project forcefully outwards in opposing directions along a linear path. Electrical power can then be removed and said arms will remain in an extended position. Upon receipt of a subsequent 24 volt electrical signal, said arms 118 and 120 retract forcefully towards the body of the actuator 116 along the same linear path. Again, power can be removed and the arms will stay retracted until the next signal is received.
  • Access gate 34 further includes a link-arm mechanism which connects arms 118 and 120 to front slider 36 and rear slider 38 such that, when arms 118 and 120 are thrust outwards, the front and rear sliders separate thereby opening or increasing exposure of currency receiving opening 32. Similarly, when arms 118 and 120 are retracted inwards the sliders are drawn together, thereby eliminating their separation and closing currency receiving opening 32.
  • the link-arm mechanism is structured as follows. Actuator arm 118 connects to rod 122 at hinge 121 , which in turn is fixedly connected with rod 124 at its mid-point, hinge 123. Rod 124 also contains two additional hinges at either end. There is hinge 125 which connects with rear slider 38, and hinge 127 which connects with long-rod 126. In turn, long-rod 126 connects with front slider 36. Similarly, actuator arm 120 connects to rod 128 at hinge 129, which in turn is fixedly connected with rod 130 at its mid-point, hinge 131. Rod 130 also contains two additional hinges at either end. There is hinge 133 which connects with rear slider 38, and hinge 135 which connects with long-rod 132. In turn, long-rod 132 connects with front slider 36.
  • the link-arm mechanism acts to connect actuator arms 118 and 120 with the front and rear sliders.
  • actuator arms 118 and 120 thrust outwards, fixedly-connected rods 122 and 124 on one side, and 128 and 130 on the other side, rotate so that hinges 125 and 133 move rearward, and hinges 127 and 135, with attached long-rods 126 and 132, move forward.
  • This causes rear slider 38 to withdraw and front slider 36 to slide forward, thereby opening exposure to currency receiving slot 32. Since rods 124 and 130 each are attached to both front slider 36 and rear slider 38, the two sliders will move at approximately the same speed both when opening and when closing.
  • the structure of the preferred embodiment of access gate 34 further includes a knob 138 supported by a support rod 140 which is fixedly connected to rod 130.
  • a spring 142 attached to knob 138 at one end and to the side of rod 128 at the other end.
  • a limit rod 144 fixedly attached to rod 130.
  • limit rod 144 acts to limit the extent of movement of rod 128 so that the sliders do not move farther than necessary.
  • the degree to which the sliders do move is preferably set in any event to be wider than the width of the currency 60, to ensure that there is ample room for the currency to fall without obstruction.
  • the actuator 116 is set so that on contraction it over-closes, that is, acts to move sliders 36 and 38 beyond a fully closed position. Since it is not possible for the sliders to move beyond a fully closed position, the excess load or slack is taken up by the spring 142. In this way the sliders 36 and 38 are able to repeatedly move to a fully closed position, leaving no gap, and at the same time present no excess strain on the actuator 116.
  • access gate 34 there is a sensor (not shown) to detect when access gate 34 is open. This sensor is useful to alert device 10 if someone is attempting to pry open the front slider 36 and rear slider 38, since the sensor should only detect opening when actuator 116 has been activated by the device 10.
  • the access gate 34 of the present invention provides a number of advantages over the prior art.
  • the access gate 34 involves a mechanism that is symmetrical, like a scissors, so that the sliders
  • the access gate 34 accordingly provides smoother travel and is quicker when both opening and closing. This is particularly useful when opening, as it reduces the risk that currency 60 will get jammed or caught between the sliders.
  • the design is relatively simple, requiring less adjustment and maintenance, and there is accordingly less wear on the actuator and other moving parts. Further, the access gate 34 as a whole is smaller, so less space is needed within the device 10.
  • the broader functionality of the control box 102 and local processor or PC 14 can now be appreciated.
  • the PC 14 acts as a primary controller or processor of the device 10.
  • a software program running on the PC 14 provides a user interface that controls interaction with the user.
  • the program prompts the user to place the deposit in the input hopper 24, informs the user of the count, and requests instructions whether to proceed with the deposit. It can be appreciated that a person skilled in the art would be familiar with the various prompts, instructions, and procedures involved in designing software for accepting user cash deposits.
  • the PC 14 is a primary or central controller of the various elements or peripherals of the device 10. For example, upon completion of a deposit the PC 14 directs the printer to print a receipt, which is emitted through the print receipt slot 20 and torn off by the user. Other elements directly controlled by the PC 14 include the currency counter 16, and card reader 18. The PC 14 also handles communication with the control box 102 and with outside devices, as discussed in more detail below.
  • the control box 102 functions as a secondary controller to provide a convenient electrical interface to some of the elements of the device 10, and also to offload, from the PC 14, some of the processing burden required to control those elements. Communication between the PC 14 and control box 102 in the preferred embodiment is through a standard RS-232 interface protocol.
  • the control box 102 is generally a dedicated electronic unit that may be constructed using electronic design principles well known to, persons skilled in the art.
  • the control box 102 has the capability to receive electrical signals, most typically from a sensor, to process that information using an on-board microprocessor, to activate various elements by sending an appropriate electrical signal, and to exchange instructions and information with the PC 14. Beginning with the safe 40, the control box 102 monitors a sensor that triggers when the lockable access door 41 of the safe 40 is open. With respect to the currency counter 16, the control box 102 monitors two micro switch sensors located inside and outside respectively of the escrow bin lockable housing 30. While in the preferred embodiment the control box 102 does not activate the counting function of the currency counter 16, as this is done by the PC 14, the control box 102 does provide a clear function which resets the currency counter 16 to zero.
  • the control box 102 provides the signal that activates the actuator 116, causing the actuator 116 to expand outwards or collapse inwards as described earlier.
  • the control box 102 also monitors an optoswitch sensor that keeps track of whether the front and rear sliders 36 and 38 are open.
  • the control box 102 functions include monitoring a lever lock sensor that informs on the position of the locking lever 64, and another sensor that informs on whether the mounting device 62 is locked. Further, the control box 102 provides the electrical signals that drive the reversible electric motor 58.
  • the control box 102 connects with the contact pins 105 of the contact board connector 104 located at the mounting device 62. Through this connection the control box 102 can access the circuit board 72 of the canister 46, and monitor the various sensors of the canister 46, including the lid-lock sensors and the platform control sensors 76, 78, and 80.
  • control box 102 is informed of whether the canister 46 is locked in place in the mounting device 62, whether the lid 84 of the canister 46 is on and locked, and whether the platform 50 is in position to receive a new deposit, or alternatively, unable to accept further deposits.
  • the control box 102 can read the unique electronic tag or identifier from the circuit board 72. Through its control of the electric motor 58, the control box 102 can direct the platform 50 as necessary. It can be further appreciated that all of this information can be communicated to the PC 14 through the RS-232 interface, and utilized by the PC 14 for overall maintenance and control of the device 10.
  • the local processor or PC 14 is preferably a standard personal computer in a convenient touch screen embodiment running an industry standard operating system.
  • the Windows NTTM operating system is used, though it can be appreciated that other operating systems may also be used.
  • the control box 102 has an on-board processor. Since this processor is not likely to be a personal computer, it is most likely to run from an operating system or program appropriate for internal control of such devices. Finally, it can be appreciated that there may be other embodiments of the device 10 in which the functions of the control box 102 are expanded or narrowed from those shown, or even where the control box 102 is not used, so that all control flows directly from the local processor.
  • the present invention further includes a remote processor or network controller 100.
  • the network controller 100 is a computer in active communication with device 10, or more particularly, with local processor 14 of device 10. Physically, the communication may be by any established communication means, such as telephone line, data line, or wireless ethernet. Preferably the network controller 100 runs on the same operating system as PC 14, so that network communication is facilitated.
  • the network controller 100 fulfills functions relating to administration of client or depositor accounts and also relating to monitoring of device status.
  • the administration related software of the network controller 100 maintains or has ready access to a database containing such financial and security material as customer identification, account balances, and authorized PIN numbers and magnetic card codes. Further, as will be discussed in greater detail, the network controller 100 is informed and keeps track of deposit information at each device 10 by correlating said deposit information with the unique identifier or electronic tag associated with each canister 46.
  • the monitoring function software of the network controller 100 receives and processes a stream of information from the device 10 relating to the status of device 10. This includes such information as whether lockable access door 41 of safe 40 is open or closed, whether a canister 46 is installed and ready to accept deposits, whether canister 46 is full and needs to be replaced, and whether any elements are malfunctioning. If there is a service problem, the network controller 100 may alert or dispatch the appropriate service personnel as soon as the problem is identified. Depending on the nature of the problem, the network controller may put device 10 out of service pending repair.
  • the network controller 100 can be a single computer at a particular location running both the administration and the monitoring software.
  • the administration software relates primarily to banking, and the monitoring software relates primarily to machine maintenance
  • the network controller 100 may be conveniently divided into two separate systems running at two distinct locations. In that case, the administration software would typically run on a bank computer, and the monitoring software would run on a service or maintenance company computer. Both systems would be networked to the device 10. Whether it is implemented as one computer or two, the network .
  • controller 100 is integral to the operation of the device 10 of the present invention. In general, it is preferable to keep system-wide and security related information such as PIN numbers separately from the local processor or PC 14.
  • the PC 14 is accordingly designed to run the operation of the local currency receiving device 10, and to pass on specific deposit information and the installed canister's unique identifier to the network controller 100, rather than to keep such information stored locally.
  • the PC 14 also receives local device status information, which it in turn communicates to the monitoring software of the network controller 100.
  • the PC 14 will also receive instructions in response from the network controller 100 relating to device status, such as for example an instruction to stop accepting new deposits.
  • FIG. 11 shows the network controller 100 networked to three currency receiving devices of the present invention, each having an installed canister with unique identifiers "#1", “#2" and "#3" respectively.
  • the three devices may represent, for example, three customer retail outlets disparately located in an urban area.
  • the local processors 14 at each device 10 inform the network controller 100 that a canister 46 having a particular electronic tag is installed.
  • the network controller 100 has in its storage or memory each of the unique identifiers, as well as related information such as store location.
  • each canister 46 is removed and transported, generally by armoured vehicle 146 to a bank depository 148
  • the network controller can track the canisters as long as communication channels are available with the vehicle 146 and bank depository 148.
  • the bank depository 148 represents a secure location with financial or currency processing capability that is operated by a bank or financial institution where the owner of the deposited currency maintains an account.
  • a security person or guard approaches a device 10 at a particular location to install an empty canister 46.
  • the guard swipes his or her card through the card reader 18, enters a PIN number, and informs the local processor 14, through touch prompts on a touch screen, that he or she wishes to remove the currently installed canister 46 and install a new, empty canister 46.
  • the local processor communicates the card and
  • the guard Upon prompting by the PC 14, the guard opens the lockable access door 41 of safe 40.
  • the canister 46 currently installed is locked in its place in the mounting device 62, and has its lid 84 removed.
  • the local processor 14, acting through the control box 102, is aware through sensor readings that the lid is off and accordingly will not release the solenoid lock 106.
  • the guard therefore slides the lid 84 onto canister 46 and pushes it to its fully in position.
  • the PC 14 activates solenoid lid lock 70 so that pin 92 engages hole 94.
  • the local processor is aware that the lid is locked, and will then release solenoid lock 106 of mounting device 62. This enables the guard to pull down locking lever 64 and remove the full canister 46 from the device 10.
  • the empty replacement canister 46 can then be slid into the mounting device 62.
  • the locking lever 64 is pushed forward, the canister 46 is secured in position and properly aligned under the access gate 34.
  • contact points 75 of contact board 74 are mechanically and electrically connected with the contact pins 105 of the contact board connector 104 of the mounting device 62.
  • the local processor 14 senses that canister 46 is properly installed by reading the electronic tag of the new canister. It then activates the solenoid lock 106 on the mounting device 62, which locks the newly- installed canister 46 in place. Then, the local processor 14 releases solenoid lid lock 70, and prompts the guard to remove the lid 84.
  • PC 14 Through the locking sensors, PC 14 knows that the lid 84 has been removed, and prompts the guard to close and lock the lockable access door 41. Through the sensor on this door, PC 14 receives confirmation that this door is locked. Finally, PC 14 communicates to the network controller 100 the unique identifier or electronic tag of the installed canister 46, and that the device is now ready to accept deposits. The PC 14 may also communicate device status information for processing by the monitoring software.
  • the touch screen 15 display displays a notice to users that the device 10 is ready to accept deposits.
  • An individual user wishing to make a deposit will swipe his or her assigned card through the card reader 18 and enter their PIN number.
  • the local processor 14 communicates this information to the network controller
  • the user proceeds only after receiving confirmation that the user information is authorized.
  • the user is then prompted to place any cheques for deposit in cheque slot 22, and cash for deposit on the input hopper 24.
  • the local processor 14 activates the currency counter 16, and the counted currency, less any rejected notes, is deposited into the escrow bin 28.
  • the lockable housing 30 is in a locked position, so the user can see the currency but not remove it.
  • the count of currency is communicated to the PC 14 and displayed to the user, and the user is queried whether to proceed with the deposit. If the user declines, the PC 14 unlocks the lockable housing and the user retrieves the cash.
  • actuator 116 of access gate 34 is activated, front slider 36 and rear slider 38 are thrust forcefully apart, and the currency falls onto platform 50, or the top of a stack of currency already present from previous deposits.
  • PC 14 communicates the deposit information relating to this transaction to the network controller 100, which correlates the deposit information with the canister's unique identifier.
  • This deposit information typically includes such information as the canister's unique identifier, identity of the user making the deposit, the total deposit value, breakdown of the bill count by denomination, and date and time of the deposit.
  • Other useful information such as the identity of the customer and location of the device 10 may not need to be sent with the deposit information, since it may already be known to the network controller through the canister's unique identifier.
  • the local processor or PC 14 will preferably not keep a local record of the deposit information, since as noted this unnecessarily burdens the PC 14.
  • the PC 14 may also send device status information for processing by the monitoring software.
  • the network controller 100 is informed of the canister's unique identifier or electronic tag.
  • the network controller 100 is kept updated, so that at all times the network controller 100 has current information, often called the audit or audit record, of the contents and deposit records associated with an identifiable canister 46.
  • this audit information or record remains with the network controller 100.
  • Fig. 11 which shows the canisters in transit from their devices 10 to the bank depository 148, as discussed the network controller 100 is able to track the canisters through the electronic tag associated with each canister, using whatever communication channels are available.
  • the various communication channels between the elements are represented by jagged arrows.
  • Communication lines 150 between the devices 10 and the network controller 100 represent the networked communication described above.
  • Communication line 152 between the armoured vehicle 146 and network controller 100 represents what is most likely a wireless communication means.
  • Communication line 154 between the bank depository and network controller 100 may similarly be a networked communication or other communication means well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the electronic tag facilitates tracking of the canisters 46.
  • the electronic tag might be read by a specially designed electronic interface which would communicate this information to the network controller 100, using communication lines 152.
  • the reading might consist of plugging canister 46 into a stationary or handheld unit having a connector similar to contact board connector 104. It can be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a variety of devices or means of communication could be designed to conveniently read and communicate the electronic tag of canister 46.
  • the armoured vehicle 146 might continually re-transmit its position to the network controller 100 as it goes about its pickup and delivery schedule. Further, the process of reading and communicating the electronic tags of canisters 46 in transit could be repeated at subsequent points in the delivery route, such as, for example, at an intermediate site where canisters 46 gathered from many devices 10 are dropped-off, sorted according to eventual destination, and re-loaded onto new armoured vehicles. Similarly, at the destination bank depository 148 the electronic tags could again be read and communicated, using communication lines 154, thereby confirming to the network controller 100 that the canisters 46 have safely reached their destination.
  • the method of the present invention therefore in effect imparts, with respect to the service of transporting cash, the type of efficiency and control typically associated with modern courier services, in which the location of many packages are electronically tracked while in transit.
  • the canister 46 of the present invention is electronically locked while in transit, and can only be unlocked by a secured and specialized unloading station, the risk of pilferage and theft of the canister in transit is reduced. It has been described that the lid 84 of canister 46 cannot be removed until the canister 46 itself is locked in the mounting device 62. Similarly, the canister 46 cannot be removed from device 10 unless the lid 84 is first inserted and locked. Therefore, using the method of the present invention even the security personnel charged with the duty of transporting the canister 46 have minimal if any exposure to the cash contents of the canister 46. Accordingly, the present invention minimizes if not eliminates the opportunity for intervening human contact with the deposited cash.
  • the present invention enables owners of high cash retail or other business outlets, including those with multiple locations, to be continually aware of both the audit record of cash received for deposit and the whereabouts of that cash, from the time of the deposit up to the point where the cash is delivered to the owner's bank.
  • the method of the present invention enables such enterprises to better track cash deposits, and thereby obtain improved financial management.
  • the bank may also be possible to arrange for the bank to recognize and give some credit to the owner for the cash as soon as it is deposited in device 10 and recorded at the network controller 100, thereby reducing or eliminating financial losses due to float.
  • the canisters are actually delivered to the bank depository 148, a confirmation count of their contents could be made and compared to the amount originally credited.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de réception d'espèces destiné à recevoir des espèces de la part d'un utilisateur, ledit dispositif comprenant un coffre-fort doté d'une ouverture à accès verrouillable et d'un fente de transfert, un processeur local relié de manière fonctionnelle audit coffre-fort, ledit processeur local présentant une interface utilisateur permettant la communication avec l'utilisateur, et étant capable de communiquer avec un processeur à distance, un dispositif de comptage d'espèces relié de manière fonctionnelle audit coffre-fort, servant à compter les espèces déposées par l'utilisateur, et un réceptacle d'espèces amovible, disposé à l'intérieur dudit coffre-fort et relié de manière fonctionnelle audit dispositif de comptage d'espèces, afin de recevoir les espèces du dispositif de comptage de monnaie et de stocker lesdites espèces. Selon l'invention, ledit réceptacle d'espèces amovible possède un identificateur unique, de sorte que, lorsque ledit réceptacle d'espèces est installé dans ledit coffre-fort, ledit identificateur est mis en corrélation avec le compte relatif aux espèces qui ont été déposées par ledit utilisateur.
PCT/CA2001/000936 2000-06-23 2001-06-26 Dispositif de reception d'especes et procede correspondant WO2002001514A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU70394/01A AU7039401A (en) 2000-06-23 2001-06-26 Currency receiving device and method
EP01949150A EP1292926A2 (fr) 2000-06-23 2001-06-26 Dispositif de reception d'especes et procede correspondant

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2,312,275 2000-06-23
CA002312275A CA2312275C (fr) 2000-06-23 2000-06-23 Dispositif et methode de perception d'especes
US09/729,283 US6659340B2 (en) 2000-06-23 2000-12-05 Currency receiving device and method
US09/729,283 2000-12-05

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WO2002001514A2 true WO2002001514A2 (fr) 2002-01-03
WO2002001514A3 WO2002001514A3 (fr) 2002-07-25

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Cited By (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2440176A (en) * 2006-07-15 2008-01-23 Stylemark Systems Ltd Secure counting, verification and storage of money
WO2008092754A1 (fr) * 2007-01-30 2008-08-07 Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh Système et procédé de traitement de processus de logistique pour numéraire
EP2221773A1 (fr) * 2009-02-19 2010-08-25 Aldi Einkauf GmbH & Co. oHG Dispositif de réception, d'émission et d'enregistrement de documents de valeur
US8419550B2 (en) 2009-11-09 2013-04-16 Wms Gaming Inc. Cashbox security mechanism and gaming machines with a cashbox security mechanism
ITTO20121022A1 (it) * 2012-11-26 2014-05-27 Cts Electronics Spa Dispositivo di immagazzinamento ordinato per banconote in sacchetto

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US5538122A (en) 1993-05-11 1996-07-23 Namsys Inc. Currency receiving device

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SE455653B (sv) * 1987-08-11 1988-07-25 Inter Innovation Ab Anleggning for seker overforing av atminstone verdet av verdepapper fran ett flertal utspritt fordelade teminaler till en centralt placerad penninginrettning
JP2726552B2 (ja) * 1990-06-13 1998-03-11 株式会社東芝 現金処理システム
US5695038A (en) * 1995-07-24 1997-12-09 Brink's, Incorporated Drop safe

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5538122A (en) 1993-05-11 1996-07-23 Namsys Inc. Currency receiving device

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2440176A (en) * 2006-07-15 2008-01-23 Stylemark Systems Ltd Secure counting, verification and storage of money
WO2008092754A1 (fr) * 2007-01-30 2008-08-07 Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh Système et procédé de traitement de processus de logistique pour numéraire
EP2221773A1 (fr) * 2009-02-19 2010-08-25 Aldi Einkauf GmbH & Co. oHG Dispositif de réception, d'émission et d'enregistrement de documents de valeur
US8419550B2 (en) 2009-11-09 2013-04-16 Wms Gaming Inc. Cashbox security mechanism and gaming machines with a cashbox security mechanism
ITTO20121022A1 (it) * 2012-11-26 2014-05-27 Cts Electronics Spa Dispositivo di immagazzinamento ordinato per banconote in sacchetto
EP2736025A1 (fr) * 2012-11-26 2014-05-28 CTS Electronics S.P.A. Dispositif de stockage ordonné de billets de banque dans un sac

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1292926A2 (fr) 2003-03-19
AU7039401A (en) 2002-01-08
WO2002001514A3 (fr) 2002-07-25

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