WO2012172275A1 - Système de manipulation d'argent - Google Patents

Système de manipulation d'argent Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012172275A1
WO2012172275A1 PCT/GB2012/000072 GB2012000072W WO2012172275A1 WO 2012172275 A1 WO2012172275 A1 WO 2012172275A1 GB 2012000072 W GB2012000072 W GB 2012000072W WO 2012172275 A1 WO2012172275 A1 WO 2012172275A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
carrier
cash
notes
stations
sheaf
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2012/000072
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Graham Siddle
Andrew Hawkes
Original Assignee
Airtube Technologies Limited
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 US13/160,738 external-priority patent/US9033214B2/en
Application filed by Airtube Technologies Limited filed Critical Airtube Technologies Limited
Priority to GB1400633.2A priority Critical patent/GB2505627B/en
Publication of WO2012172275A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012172275A1/fr

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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
    • G07D11/20—Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
    • G07D11/30—Tracking or tracing valuable papers or cassettes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G51/00—Conveying articles through pipes or tubes by fluid flow or pressure; Conveying articles over a flat surface, e.g. the base of a trough, by jets located in the surface
    • B65G51/04—Conveying the articles in carriers having a cross-section approximating that of the pipe or tube; Tube mail systems
    • B65G51/06—Despatch carriers for tube mail
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G51/00—Conveying articles through pipes or tubes by fluid flow or pressure; Conveying articles over a flat surface, e.g. the base of a trough, by jets located in the surface
    • B65G51/04—Conveying the articles in carriers having a cross-section approximating that of the pipe or tube; Tube mail systems
    • B65G51/26—Stations
    • B65G51/30—Stations for delivery
    • 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
    • G07D11/0096—Accepting paper currency or other valuables in containers, e.g. in code-marked envelopes
    • 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
    • G07D11/20—Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
    • G07D11/32—Record keeping
    • G07D11/34—Monitoring the contents of devices, e.g. the number of stored valuable papers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improved system for handling cash, particularly bank notes, for use with cash dispensing or depositing outlets such as Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
  • ATMs Automatic Teller Machines
  • GB-A-2, 305,901 describes a money handling system in which a tube conveyor system is used to convey money between one location and a remote storage location.
  • the money is conveyed in a carrier, which is placed (usually manually) into a sending station, and received at a receiving station situated at or close to the storage location, where the carrier is opened and the money extracted (again usually manually).
  • EP-A-0841644 describes a cash handling system in which parcels of bank notes are delivered to a collection location, such as an ATM machine.
  • the system described is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, and employs a "pick and place” mechanism 15 whereby a parcel of cash 21 is extracted from a storage unit 11 and delivered to the collection point 22.
  • the "pick and place mechanism” 15 includes a carriage 17 that moves along a rail 16 or track, with an arm 18 that carries a jaw assembly 19.
  • the jaws of the jaw assembly 9 can be opened or closed so as to grip or release a parcel.
  • the carriage 17 is moved along the rail 16 until the jaw assembly 19 is aligned with a parcel 21 in the storage unit 11.
  • the jaws are activated to grip the parcel, and the carriage 1 is then moved along the rail 16 to the collection point 22, where the jaws are opened to release the parcel.
  • the system also includes a conveyor arrangement for replenishing parcels in the storage unit 11. This is illustrated in Figure 2.
  • a conventional bank note counting and dispensing mechanism 25 compiles parcels of bank notes of predetermined value, and supplies them to the
  • the mechanism 26 then transports parcels individually from the dispensing mechanism 25 and inserts them into the carrier residing in the sending station 28 of a pneumatic tube conveyor system 27.
  • the conveying tube of the system 27 terminates at its opposite end in a receiving station 29 adjacent the storage unit 11 and accessible to the jaw assembly 19 of the pick and place mechanism 15.
  • the mechanism 26 passes the parcel to the station 28 where it is introduced into a carrier and the carrier is dispatched along the tube system to the receiving station 29.
  • the parcel Within the receiving station 29 the parcel is either removed from the carrier and presented for access by the jaw assembly 9, or alternatively the carrier itself is opened to provide access for the jaw assembly 19 to the parcel.
  • the mechanism 15 retrieves the parcel from the station 29 and introduces it into the storage unit 11.
  • Established carrier designs usually include a canister that can be closed and opened by unscrewing or releasing a closure device.
  • EP-A-2, 068,285 describes an improved carrier arrangement in which a sheaf of notes is gripped between a pair of opposing plate surfaces inside the carrier, and is suitable for automated filling and extracting of the sheaf of notes.
  • This prior art document also describes a typical layout and associated control system.
  • the system utilises a carrier comprising a gripper for gripping a sheaf of notes; a conveyor apparatus for conveying the carrier; and a processing station for receiving the carrier.
  • the processing station comprises an extractor for extracting the sheaf of notes from the carrier and inserting the notes into a note processor.
  • the note processor comprises one or more of: a note counter, a note validator and a note recycler.
  • a controller for example a computer or a microprocessor programmed with software controls operation of the system.
  • EP 2068285 a problem with the system described in EP 2068285 is that it still requires someone to determine when and where the carriers are to be sent for
  • the present invention seeks to provide a cash handling system that delivers significant improvements for the automation, control and security of the system.
  • a cash handling system comprising a plurality of cash stations from which bank notes are sent to one or more other cash stations, and/or at which bank notes are received from one or more other cash stations.
  • a pneumatic tube conveyor system comprising a plurality of cash stations from which bank notes are sent to one or more other cash stations, and/or at which bank notes are received from one or more other cash stations.
  • each of the carriers is adapted to grip a sheaf of bank notes and has an identification device that includes machine-readable information related to the carrier and/or the contents thereof.
  • a software system controls operation of the pneumatic tube conveyor system and determines when and between which of said cash stations a carrier is to be conveyed.
  • At least one of the cash stations includes a mechanism, controlled by the software system, for removing a sheaf of notes from a carrier and/or placing a sheaf of notes into a carrier, and a reader for reading the machine-readable information from the identification device on a carrier.
  • a method of handling cash in a system that comprises a plurality of cash stations and a pneumatic tube conveyor system interconnecting the cash stations.
  • the pneumatic tube conveyor system comprises one or more carriers adapted to grip a sheaf of bank notes and having an identification device that includes machine- readable information related to the carrier and/or the contents thereof.
  • the method comprises:
  • At least one of steps (i) to (v) is performed by an automated mechanism that is controlled by a software system.
  • a carrier for transporting a sheaf of notes through a conveyor.
  • the carrier comprises a gripper having a pair of gripper surfaces for gripping the sheaf, and has a biasing arrangement configured to bias the gripper surfaces towards one another.
  • the carrier is of a cylindrical form, the sheaf of notes being gripped between a surface of a moveable gripper plate and an inner wall surface of the carrier, such that the sheaf adopts a curved profile.
  • Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a prior art cash storage unit and a pick and place mechanism.
  • Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a system for replenishing a cash storage unit of the type shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a partially cut-away illustration of a prior art carrier adapted for conveying a sheaf of notes through a pneumatic tube system.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a prior art bank note processing system.
  • FIG 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functionality and control of components of a cash handling system in accordance with aspects of the invention that includes a bank note processing system of a type shown in Figure 4.
  • FIG. 6 is an illustration of a carrier adapted for use a cash handling system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is an illustration of part of a gripper of the carrier of Figure 6.
  • Figure 8 is an illustration of an end-piece forming part of the carrier of Figure 6.
  • Figure 9 is a cross-section through the carrier of Figure 6 with a sheaf of notes inside.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic layout of a cash handling system according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 11 is a schematic layout of a cash handling system according to another embodiment.
  • a known carrier 30, of the type suitable for use in a pneumatic tube conveying system includes a disc-shaped end-piece 32 having an inner circular face 33 and an outer circular face 34.
  • the end-piece 32 is disposed at one end of the carrier, while another similar end piece is disposed at the opposite end, but is not shown in Figure 3 for clarity.
  • a gripper arrangement 35 is held in place between the end pieces and includes an upper gripper plate 36 and a lower gripper plate 37.
  • the gripper plates 36, 37 are disposed one above the other to form a pair of gripping surfaces between which a sheaf of bank notes can be gripped.
  • Each of the gripper plates 36, 37 is bent to turn away from the other plate towards a longitudinal edge 38a, 38b of the respective plate 36, 37 so as to present a mouth that leads into a gap 39 between the plates.
  • Each of the gripper plates also includes a rectangular cutout 40a, 40b, which is open to the respective longitudinal edge 38a, 38b.
  • a biasing arrangement 44 comprises a frame 45 only the rear half of which is shown complete in the figure. Extending inwardly of the frame 45 are pairs of posts 51 a,b (not shown) and 51c,d. Each pair of posts 51 a, b and 5 c,d is positioned to align with a corresponding pair of holes 41a,b and 4 c,d in the
  • each of the posts 51a-d is an associated helical spring 52a-d.
  • the gripper arrangement 35 is assembled such that the gripper plates 36, 37 are supported between two parallel biasing arrangements 44a, b (although, for clarity, only part of the front biasing arrangement 44b is shown).
  • the helical springs 41a-d exert a biasing force on the gripper plates 36, 37 tending to push them towards each other.
  • the end piece 32 which forms an end of the carrier 30 of Figure 3 has a cut-out 56a formed in the outer circular face 34a at a position on the circumference.
  • the cut-out 56a can be use as an orientation marker so that when a rotation mechanism rotates the carrier 30 on its axis that the cut-out 56a indicates that the gripper mechanism is correctly aligned to receive or dispense a sheaf of notes.
  • the carrier 30 has an outer wall (not shown) formed of a sheet material, such as a metal or plastics sheet in the shape of a part-cylindrical curve.
  • the outer wall extends only around a rear portion of the circumference of the cylindrical carrier 30.
  • the front of the carrier 30, through which a sheaf of notes is inserted and extracted, remains open to the side.
  • an empty carrier 30 is delivered by the pneumatic conveyor system to a loading station, which is located in the position of the sending station 28 of Figure 2.
  • a sheaf of notes is deposited into the carrier 30 by a depositing device once the carrier has been aligned (as described above using the cut-out 56) so that the sheaf will enter into the mouth that is formed between the front edges 38a,b of the upper and lower gripper plates 36, 37.
  • the gripper plates 36, 37 are opened by a mechanical opening device. When the depositing device is withdrawn, removal of the mechanical
  • the carrier with a sheaf of notes securely gripped between the gripper plates 36, 37, is then conveyed to a receiving location, for example adjacent a storage unit such as the storage unit 11 of Figure 1.
  • the sheaf of notes is now extracted from the carrier using an extractor mechanism. In principle this is similar to the "pick and place" device of Figure 1. However, in this system the extractor has jaws that grip the sheaf and is positioned so that the jaws come together to contact the top and bottom of the sheaf at the rectangular cut-outs 40a, b in the upper and lower gripper plates 36, 37.
  • the jaws of the extractor are brought together with a mechanism that applies a force that is greater than the biasing force of the helical springs 52a-d of the gripper 35.
  • FIG. 6 an alternative embodiment of a cylindrical carrier 160 of a type suitable for use in a pneumatic tube conveyor system, is shown in Figures 6 to 9.
  • the carrier 160 has a diameter which may be less than the width of the banknotes to be carried.
  • the carrier 160 is essentially cylindrical in form having two circular end-pieces 161 a, 161b with a carrier body 168 extending between the end-pieces 161a, 161b.
  • the skilled person will appreciate that alternative constructions to an essentially cylindrical carrier are also possible without departing from the principles of the invention.
  • the body 168 has an opening 163 for the insertion and extraction of notes, and through which is visible a part 162 of a moveable gripper.
  • the gripper part 162 comprises a longitudinal gripper bar or plate 165 extending between opposing arm arrangements 166a, 166b.
  • Each arm arrangement 166a, 166b has a pivot mounting 167a, 67b aligned such that the gripper bar 165 is radially
  • the arm arrangements 166a, 166b also each have a forward-reaching arm 169a, 169b extending from the gripper bar 165. Also, extending in an axial direction at each end of the gripper part 162, are respective lugs 171a, 171b.
  • Figure 8 shows an end-piece 161a in isolation.
  • the end-piece 161a is typically formed of a molded plastics material and is shaped to include a groove 172 extending around a substantial portion of the circumference of the end-piece 161a, for receiving one end of the carrier body 168, as well as a pivot opening 174 for receiving the pivot mounting 167a of the gripper part 162.
  • the end-piece 161a also has a shaped detent 176 for receiving a flat spring (not shown).
  • the opposing end-piece 161b is essentially a mirror image of the end-piece 161a.
  • the flat springs are disposed in each end-piece 161a, 161b such that when the gripper part 162 is located with the pivot mountings 167a, 167b received in the respective pivot openings 174 in the end-pieces 161a, 16 , then the springs exert a force against the lugs 17 a, 171b so as to push the plate 165 towards an inner wall of the carrier body 168.
  • a force can be applied from outside of the carrier 160 against the forward-reaching arms 169a, 169b against the action of the springs so as to move the plate 165 away from the wall of the carrier body 168.
  • the carrier 160 may thus be opened for manual insertion of the sheaf, for example using a specifically designed insertion clip that presents the notes/sheaf in the correct way.
  • the gripper 162 is then released and the notes are held under force.
  • the design of the carrier body 168, with the opening 163 and gripper 162 enables the notes to be held in place during transfer and also removed from the carrier 160 without having to open it again.
  • the pivotal gripper opening mechanism is designed so that the arms 169a, 169b extend radially outside the carrier body 168 when the gripper 1 2 is opened, meaning that the carrier 160 cannot be entered into the tube system while it is still open.
  • a sheaf of notes 178 is gripped between the gripper plate 165 and a curved surface 164.
  • the curved surface 164 may be an internal surface of a wall forming part of the body 168 of the carrier 160.
  • the curved surface 164 therefore forms a first, stationary "plate”, while the moveable gripper plate 165 acts as a second, moveable "plate”, which runs parallel to the curved surface 164 in the longitudinal (i.e. axial) direction of the cylindrical carrier 160.
  • the sheaf of notes 178 adopts a curved profile against the curved surface 164 and is thus able to fit inside the carrier 160 even though the individual notes have a width greater than the diameter of the carrier 160.
  • the moving gripper 162 is part of a gripping mechanism that biases it towards the curved surface 64 to grip the sheaf of notes 1 8. Also, as with the carrier 30, the moving gripper is biased with a gripping force to grip the sheaf 178, although only a portion of the sheaf 178 is contacted by the gripper plate 165, leaving other parts that are not gripped thereby enabling an external gripping mechanism to extract the sheaf by exerting a greater force than the gripping force.
  • the opening 163 in the carrier body 168 allows access to the interior by the external gripping device to extract the sheaf 78.
  • a moveable lid, or covering may be provided to cover the opening 163 when the carrier 160 is being conveyed.
  • the carriers 30, 160 described above may also include an RFID tag, as shown by reference numeral 170 on the carrier 160 of Figures 6 and 9.
  • the RFID tag 170 is shown attached to an outer surface of the carrier body, although any suitable location on the carrier could be used.
  • a similar RFID tag, although not shown, may be provided on the carrier 30 of Figure 3.
  • the RFID tag 1 0 carries information that includes, for example, a carrier ID, details of the sender/send station and optionally information about the value and denominations of the notes being transported. This information may be written to the RFID tag 170 at the point of sending and
  • 31366350-1 -tsomerve read from it at the receiving station may then be used to compare the read RFID information with records of deposits made, and may perform various control, signalling or messaging functions depending on the result.
  • data read from the RFID tag 170 may be used by the software system in controlling the operation of the pneumatic tube conveyor system, or of the pick and place mechanism, or both.
  • a system for processing notes includes a conveyor apparatus 102.
  • Conveyor apparatus 102 is preferably a pneumatic tube conveyor, of a type described above.
  • the conveyor apparatus 102 conveys a carrier 104, which is of a type as described above and depicted in Figure 3 or Figures 6-9.
  • the carrier 104 has a gripper 106 for gripping a sheaf of notes, for example bank notes (not shown).
  • the carrier 104 is shown positioned at a carrier receiving station 108, which is part of a processing station 110.
  • the gripper 106 is aligned with an extractor 112 for extracting the sheaf of notes from the carrier 104.
  • the gripper 06 in the carrier 04 is resiliently biased for gripping the sheaf with a first gripping force.
  • the extractor 112 also includes a gripper, which grips the sheaf with a second gripping force, greater than the first gripping force, in order to extract the sheaf from the carrier 104.
  • the extractor 1 12 is part of a "pick and place mechanism" (similar to that described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2) and is carried on an arm 114 that is moved along a rail 16 or track.
  • the carrier receiving station 108 is positioned adjacent to (above in the embodiment shown), a note processor 118.
  • the note processor includes a note receiver 120, with a slot 122 into which the notes are inserted by the extractor 112 after they have been extracted from the carrier 104.
  • the note processor may include one or more of a variety of automated note processing operations such as a note counter, a note validator or a note recycler. After processing the
  • 31366350-l-tsomerve notes are stored in the processing station 1 10 until they are either recycled, or collected/emptied.
  • the operation of the processing station is controlled by a controller 124.
  • the controller 124 is implemented in a computer programmed with software for controlling operation of the system.
  • the controller 124 is shown located outside the processing station 110, with a data communications link 126 between them. However, part or all of the controller 124 may be housed inside the processing station 110.
  • the processor 124 computer includes a link and/or data output 128 for communication with a central processor, which, for example, could be a central accounting computer of a bank.
  • a central processor which, for example, could be a central accounting computer of a bank.
  • the system thus has the ability to provide management and audit information based on the notes that have been processed, either locally or to a central processing point (such as a bank's central accounting computer).
  • the processing station 110 is enclosed within a housing 130.
  • the housing 130 is preferably constructed in accordance with ATM and/or safe grading standards, and for example may be constructed of concrete and/or steel.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functionality and control of components of a cash handling system in accordance with aspects of the invention that includes a bank note processing system of a type shown in Figure 4.
  • the system includes: a pneumatic tube conveyor system 102, through which carriers (not shown) are delivered to and dispatched from the tube stations 108, 150, 154.
  • the tube stations include a station 108 associated with a note processor 118, a station 154 associated with an ATM 152, and a checkout sending station 150.
  • the note processor 118 includes a pick and place mechanism 132 (including, for example, extractor 12 carried on l l
  • the ATM 152 includes a pick and place mechanism 156. Notes are transferred between the tube station 108 and the note processor 18 or between the tube station 154 and the ATM 152 by means of the associated pick and place mechanism.
  • the tube system may further include one or more carrier sorting devices (not shown).
  • a carrier sorting device is a unit which is set in line in the tube system to store and manage the carriers sent to/from the tube stations 108, 150, 154. This enables the stations to send carriers at will rather than wait for the system to be ready for them to be received at the destination tube stations.
  • Local tube station micro-controller units 134, 135, 138 control the operation of each of the tube stations 08, 50, 154 under instructions from a master system controller 136, which also controls operation of other parts of the pneumatic tube conveyor system 102 and, if used, the carrier sorting device.
  • the local tube station micro-controllers 134, 135 also control operation of, respectively, the note processor 1 8 and ATM 152, with their associated pick and place mechanisms 132, 156 under instructions from the master controller 136.
  • the sending station 50 may be set up to enable manual filling and emptying of carriers (for example by an operator at a checkout). However, as an additional security feature, the Sending Station may include an enclosure into and out of which the carriers are received and sent. The enclosure may be locked when there is no carrier present, to prevent any unwanted materials from entering the tube system, and have an automated feature that senses when a carrier is present and unlocks the enclosure so that cash may be removed from or inserted into the carrier.
  • the sending station 150 may also include a mechanism for automatically opening a carrier when it arrives at the station. Local microcontroller unit 138 may be configured to control this locking, unlocking of the sending station enclosure and opening of the carrier.
  • a computer 1 0 (such as a p.c.) is used for initial set up and diagnostics as well as collecting and storing data from the system to be used in analysis and reconciliation.
  • Control and data communications are provided by way of suitable cable or wireless means between the various control and hardware components. As shown this may also include data provided from the ATM 152 to/from which bank notes are supplied by way of the pneumatic tube system.
  • the system has differing software components operating through the micro controller units 134, 135, 138 and through the computer 140.
  • the computer 140 is programmed with software that provides a graphical user interface with differing levels of security to allow for access to administrative and system setup and control parameters as well as reporting.
  • the computer 140 has a memory for storing data, which hosts a database of information with records of the details of transactions throughout the system and log files of system operation. Data recorded may include, but is not be limited to: time, sender and date of carriers sent from a point of sale or teller; value sent; value received by denomination; status of send (e.g. complete, or notes rejected, or incomplete); money withdrawn from system; money dispensed to ATM; money not taken from ATM; value at ATM; cumulative value of notes held; error messages.
  • System status is displayed graphically and set up parameters are input via the computer 140 to set up and update the system. Remote updating and monitoring is also possible.
  • Software that operates through the master controller 136 and/or micro-controller units 134, 138 controls running of the pneumatic tube systems, the RFID tag read and write hardware, the carrier sorting device, the receiving stations, the robotics for the mechanical handling (e.g. the pick and place mechanism) and the interfaces with third party hardware.
  • FIG. 10 an arrangement is shown of a cash handling system with a number of stations that include a secure cash storage 202, a sorting station 204, customer interfaces 206 and ATMs 208.
  • the customer interfaces 206 may comprise ATMs, but are distinguished from the ATMs 208 in that they are stations where cash may be deposited by a customer as opposed to just withdrawn.
  • the customer interfaces may be, for example, points of sale where customers can pay for purchases using cash. These points of sale may themselves hold a small stock of cash to dispense change when a customer makes a purchase.
  • the customer interfaces may be fully automated, or may be manned stations (e.g. checkouts).
  • a first pneumatic tube conveyor line 2 0 interconnects the storage location 202 and the sorting station 204.
  • Second pneumatic tube conveyor lines 212 interconnect the customer interfaces 206 and the sorting station 204.
  • Third pneumatic tube conveyor lines 214 interconnect the ATMs 208 and the sorting station 204.
  • the sorting station 204 acts as a central hub through which all carrier movements pass, and also provides a central marshalling station for carriers while they are not being used.
  • a need is identified for cash to be moved from one station to another. For example, this might be for a customer interface 206 or an ATM to be replenished with bank notes. Alternatively, a need might be identified to reduce the amount of cash deposited at a customer interface 206 and to send this to the secure storage 202.
  • the software system might also identify that there is surplus cash at one customer interface 206 while an ATM 208, or another customer interface 206 may require replenishment, such that cash can be transferred directly from the customer interface to the ATM.
  • the system first ensures that there is an empty carrier at the station (secure storage 202 or customer interface 206) from which cash is to be sent. If no empty carrier is present, one is sent from the sorting station 204 via the respective pneumatic conveyor line 210 or 2 2. The empty carrier is then filled with the cash either automatically, as described above if the station is fully automated, or by an
  • control system then sends the filled carrier through the pneumatic tube lines 210, 212, 214 from the sending station, via the sorting station 204, to the identified destination station to which it is to be sent.
  • the carrier arrives at the destination station, it is opened and the cash extracted either using the automated handling as described above, or by an operator if it is a manned station without an automated extraction mechanism.
  • the location and identity of the carrier is monitored by the machine-readable identification device (e.g. RFID tag) on the carrier.
  • the software system maintains an inventory of the cash at each of the stations and this is updated each time cash is transferred in a carrier from one station to another. Also, when the carrier arrives at an automated
  • the bank notes transferred in the carrier can be identified from the identity of the carrier (as determined from machine-readable identification device) and the appropriate control instructions used to activate the mechanism to move the notes from the carrier.
  • Figure 1 1 illustrates an alternative arrangement of a cash handling system, which in this example does not include a central sorting station.
  • a secure storage location 222 is interconnected by a first pneumatic tube conveyor system 228 to customer interfaces 224, similar to the interfaces 206 of Figure 10 described above.
  • a second pneumatic tube conveyor system 230 interconnects ATMs 226 with the secure storage location 222.
  • the first pneumatic tube conveyor system 228 may be directly connected to the second pneumatic tube conveyor system 230 via a line 232 so that carriers may transfer cash directly between the customer interfaces 224 and the ATMs 226, bypassing the secure storage location 222.
  • the empty carrier is returned to ensure that there is always a carrier available to send cash from any station, after a carrier has been sent and transferred cash to a destination station, the empty carrier is returned to
  • each ATM may have a dedicated carrier for transporting cash to and from the ATM.
  • software controls the system such that the dedicated carrier shuttles between the ATM and other cash stations, such as a secure storage location 202, 222 or customer interface 206, 224.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)
  • Delivering By Means Of Belts And Rollers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de manipulation d'argent qui comprend une pluralité de distributeurs d'argent à partir desquels des billets de banque sont envoyés à un ou plusieurs autres distributeurs d'argent, et/ou au niveau desquels des billets de banque sont reçus à partir d'un ou plusieurs autres distributeurs d'argent. Un système de transport à tube pneumatique relie entre eux les distributeurs d'argent et comprend un ou plusieurs porteurs qui sont transportés par l'intermédiaire du système de tube pneumatique. Chacun des porteurs est conçu pour saisir une liasse de billets de banque et a un dispositif d'identification qui comprend des informations lisibles par machine relatives au porteur et/ou aux contenus de celui-ci. Un système logiciel commande le fonctionnement du système de transport à tube pneumatique et détermine quand et entre lesquels desdits distributeurs d'argent un porteur doit être transporté. Au moins l'un des distributeurs d'argent comprend un mécanisme, commandé par le système logiciel, pour retirer une liasse de billets à partir d'un porteur et/ou placer une liasse de billets dans un porteur, et un lecteur pour lire les informations lisibles par machine en provenance du dispositif d'identification sur un porteur.
PCT/GB2012/000072 2011-06-15 2012-01-25 Système de manipulation d'argent WO2012172275A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1400633.2A GB2505627B (en) 2011-06-15 2012-01-25 Cash handling system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/160,738 US9033214B2 (en) 2007-12-05 2011-06-15 Cash handling system
US13/160738 2011-06-15

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WO2012172275A1 true WO2012172275A1 (fr) 2012-12-20

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GB (1) GB2505627B (fr)
WO (1) WO2012172275A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015189299A1 (fr) * 2014-06-11 2015-12-17 GHORAYEB, Leon Procédure de transaction de contenants de valeur entièrement automatisée
US20220250853A1 (en) * 2021-02-09 2022-08-11 Capital One Services, Llc Instrument conveyance using a shuttle

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1991000578A2 (fr) * 1989-06-30 1991-01-10 Wells, Paul, Thomas Systeme sur de distribution de billets de banque et de documents
GB2305901A (en) 1995-10-06 1997-04-23 Air Tube Conveyors Money handling system
EP0841644A2 (fr) 1996-11-06 1998-05-13 Air Tube Conveyors Limited Dispositif pour le traitement de billets de banque
WO2003101867A1 (fr) * 2002-06-04 2003-12-11 Lamson Concepts Pty Limited Systeme de securite
WO2004088601A1 (fr) * 2003-04-04 2004-10-14 Cashguard Ab Dispositif de manipulation de billets et de pieces dans un magasin
US7328084B1 (en) * 2004-03-27 2008-02-05 Translogic Corporation System and method for carrier identification in a pneumatic tube system
EP2068285A1 (fr) 2007-12-05 2009-06-10 Air Tube Conveyors Limited Système de gestion bancaire

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3262095D1 (en) * 1981-04-21 1985-03-14 Autelca Ag Carrier and station for tube mail
GB8812036D0 (en) * 1988-05-20 1988-06-22 Tripmatic Ltd Pneumatic cash transfer systems & canisters for use therein

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1991000578A2 (fr) * 1989-06-30 1991-01-10 Wells, Paul, Thomas Systeme sur de distribution de billets de banque et de documents
GB2305901A (en) 1995-10-06 1997-04-23 Air Tube Conveyors Money handling system
EP0841644A2 (fr) 1996-11-06 1998-05-13 Air Tube Conveyors Limited Dispositif pour le traitement de billets de banque
WO2003101867A1 (fr) * 2002-06-04 2003-12-11 Lamson Concepts Pty Limited Systeme de securite
WO2004088601A1 (fr) * 2003-04-04 2004-10-14 Cashguard Ab Dispositif de manipulation de billets et de pieces dans un magasin
US7328084B1 (en) * 2004-03-27 2008-02-05 Translogic Corporation System and method for carrier identification in a pneumatic tube system
EP2068285A1 (fr) 2007-12-05 2009-06-10 Air Tube Conveyors Limited Système de gestion bancaire

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015189299A1 (fr) * 2014-06-11 2015-12-17 GHORAYEB, Leon Procédure de transaction de contenants de valeur entièrement automatisée
US20220250853A1 (en) * 2021-02-09 2022-08-11 Capital One Services, Llc Instrument conveyance using a shuttle

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GB2505627A (en) 2014-03-05
GB2505627B (en) 2015-08-19

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