WO2019118776A1

WO2019118776A1 - Rigid chain stacker

Info

Publication number: WO2019118776A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/065540
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dmytro Yermolenko
Original assignee: Crane Payment Innovations, Inc.
Priority date: 2017-12-13
Filing date: 2018-12-13
Publication date: 2019-06-20

Abstract

A banknote handling apparatus (200) includes a driving mechanism (313) configured to transport the banknote through an interior of the banknote handling apparatus (200) and on to a stacking tray (210), and a rigid chain stacker (400) having a first and second chain (403a, 403b), and a pusher plate (417) disposed at an end (409a, 409b) of each of the first chain and the second chain (403a, 403b) and coupled to the end (409a, 409b) of the first chain and the second chain (403a, 403b), the pusher plate (417) pushes banknotes through an aperture (316) of the stacking tray (210) into a note storage area (203) when the first and second chain (403a, 403b) move down the interior of the banknote handling apparatus (200).

Description

RIGID CHAIN STACKER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure is generally directed to automated payment systems. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to a rigid chain stacker.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Current currency handling apparatuses have traditional drum bundlers and traditional stackers that have a limited banknote capacity. Traditional drum bundlers align notes by a front edge and have a drum that is driven by outer belts through the banknote themselves. With different lengths of banknotes and clearances between them, a constant adjustment of speed of transport and bundling is required to reach a“rendezvous” point, which leads to increased motor torque requirements and additional banknote validation issues for subsequently received banknotes. Traditional stackers include long edge folding and multi width bundles that require precise centering of the banknotes in the bundle and a minimal distance to the stack in cash box. These stackers return the bundle to customers by a driven transport system on the top and the bottom of the bundle, which increases a distance between the bundle and the stack in the cash box, leading to bundle skewing and jamming issues.

SUMMARY

[0003] This disclosure provides a banknote handling apparatus having a rigid chain stacker.

[0004] In a first embodiment, a banknote handling apparatus is provided. The banknote handling apparatus includes a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is configured to transport a banknote along a banknote path through an interior of the banknote handling apparatus and on to a stacking tray. The banknote handling apparatus also includes a rigid chain stacker. The rigid chain stacker includes a first chain and a second chain. The rigid chain stacker also includes a pusher plate coupled to an end of the first chain and an end of the second chain. The pusher plate moves in a vertical direction through the interior of the banknote handling apparatus when the first chain and the second chain move through the banknote handling apparatus to push the banknote through an aperture of the stacking tray.

[0005] In a second embodiment, a banknote handling apparatus is provided. The banknote handling apparatus includes a stacking tray. The stacking tray is configured to receive a banknote. The stacking tray includes a bottom surface having an aperture to communicate the banknote therethrough. The banknote handling apparatus also includes a rigid chain stacker. The rigid chain stacker includes a first chain and a second chain. The rigid chain stacker also includes a pusher plate coupled to an end of the first chain and an end of the second chain. The pushing plate moves in a vertical direction through the interior of the banknote handling apparatus when the first chain and the second chain move through the banknote handling apparatus to push the banknote through the aperture of the bottom surface of the stacking tray.

[0006] In a third embodiment, a banknote handling apparatus is provided. The banknote handling apparatus includes a banknote storage area. The banknote storage area is configured to receive a banknote for storage. The banknote handling apparatus also includes a rigid chain stacker. The rigid chain stacker includes a first chain and a second chain. The rigid chain stacker also includes a pusher plate coupled to an end of the first chain and an end of the second chain. The pushing plate moves in a vertical direction through the interior of the banknote handling apparatus when the first chain and the second chain move through the banknote handling apparatus to push the banknote through an aperture and into the banknote storage area.

[0007] Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. [0008] Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a currency handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 1B an example of a note validator in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of a stacking tray housing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3B illustrates a top perspective view of a stacking tray housing with a note deposited onto drums and the drums in rotation in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3C illustrates a front perspective view of the stacking tray housing with a note deposited onto drums and the drums in rotation in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3D illustrates a front view of the stacking tray housing with drums near a 180 degree rotation in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3E illustrates a front view of a stacking tray including a note clamp in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3F illustrates a top perspective view of a stacking tray including a note clamp in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 4 A illustrates a side cross sectional view the rigid chain stacker oriented over a stack of banknotes in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 4B illustrates a side cross sectional view of a rigid chain stacker during a pushing operation in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 5 A illustrates a side cross sectional view of a centering apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 5B illustrates a top perspective view of a centering apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 5C illustrates an enhanced view of an installation of belts used for transporting banknotes in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; [0024] FIG. 6A illustrates a piston assembly in a retracted position in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 6B illustrates a piston assembly in an extended position in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 6C illustrates an example motor in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 7A illustrates an extension assembly for pushing banknotes in a retracted position in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 7B illustrates an extension assembly for pushing banknotes in an extended position in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 8A illustrates a top perspective view of a banknote handling apparatus in an open orientation in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 8B illustrates a top perspective view of the banknote storage assembly in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 8C illustrates a side cross sectional view of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 8D illustrates a front cross sectional view of the banknote storage assembly in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 8E illustrates a side cross sectional view of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 8F illustrates another side cross sectional view of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 8G illustrates another side cross sectional view of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 9 A illustrates a top perspective view of a banknote validator in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 9B illustrates a top perspective view of a banknote validator in an open configuration in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 9C illustrates a side cross sectional view of a banknote validator in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 9D illustrates a back perspective view of a banknote validator in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; [0040] FIG. 10A illustrates a front perspective view of a banknote validator in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 10B illustrates a side cross sectional view of a banknote validator in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 11A illustrates a front perspective view of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 11B illustrates a side cross sectional view of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 11C illustrates a front perspective view of a rigid chain stacker and a banknote storage area of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 11D illustrates a side cross sectional view of a rigid chain stacker and a banknote storage area of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 12A illustrates a front perspective view of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0047] FIG. 12B illustrates a side cross sectional view of a banknote handling apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] FIGS. 1 through 12B, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged device or system.

[0049] This disclosure provides a rigid chain stacker. This disclosure provides an escrow system that uses“banknote stack” rather than traditional drum bundlers. Currently existing drum bundlers and stackers may have a maximum capacity of 200 notes. Traditional drum bundlers align notes by a front edge and the drum is driven by outer belts through the note themselves. With different lengths of notes and clearances between them a constant adjustment of speed of transport and bundler is required to reach a“rendezvous” point, which leads to increased motor torque requirements and additional banknote validation issues for subsequently received banknotes.

[0050] Traditional stackers with long edge folding and multi width bundles require at least precise centering of the banknotes in the bundle and the shortest distance to the stack in cash box. Traditional stackers return the bundle to customers by a driven transport system on the top and the bottom of the bundle, which increases distance between the bundle and the stack in the cash box, leading to a higher probability of bundle skewing and jamming.

[0051] Traditional dispensers move the bundle out of a stacking area by driven belts on the top and bottom of the bundle. Such dispensers may not work reliably with the bundle of 1-50 banknotes of different sizes. Existing centering mechanisms do not work with a constant flow of banknotes from a banknote feeder. To center the banknote, the transport has to be stopped, pressure rollers lifted or driving rollers turned to a certain angle in case they are square or triangular, and centering members moved to the center.

[0052] Increased capacity may increase weight, inertia and probability of bundle shifting and skewing. This design requires various extractors, diverters, and gates which do not work well with channels that received banknotes having different widths.

[0053] By reliably moving banknotes of all conditions on and off a stack, this disclosure provides an escrow module that is much more space efficient than traditional banknote escrow devices and therefore provides increased size and capacity efficiencies. This disclosure provides a system that is an alternative to drum based devices with the full range of banknote sizes, materials, and conditions. This disclosure provides increased capacity for banknotes, for example 50 notes, low power consumption, a constant speed or cycle time, no delay before undergoing operations due to note stacking, an indifference to note sizes, such as allowing 62-83 x 120-170 mm notes, a gateless one-directional note channel, and a minimum quantity of moving parts, drives, and sensors.

[0054] This disclosure provides an apparatus having low stacking force requirements. The apparatus also provides note alignment and centering during operation without stopping transport and despite arbitrarily placed or multi-sized notes, and an indifference to bundle sizes, such as, for example, an ability to reliably stack 1 to 50 notes. The apparatus also provides for a high speed, flexible, configuration allowing chain channels to be routed to empty spaces of the apparatus, and a minimized distance to the cashbox from the stacker. The apparatus also does not need an additional drive for releasing pressure between pressure and driving rollers/belts.

[0055] As used throughout this specification, the terms currency, denomination of currency, valuable document, bill, banknote, note, bank check, paper money, paper currency, and cash may be used interchangeably herein to refer to a type of a negotiable instrument or any other writing that evidences a right to the payment of a monetary obligation, typically issued by a central banking authority.

[0056] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate examples of a currency handling apparatus and a banknote validator according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Currency handling apparatuses and banknote validators come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIGS. 1A and 1B do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a currency handling apparatus or a banknote validator. Currency handling apparatus 100 may include a static element banknote separator.

[0057] The currency handling apparatus 100 includes the banknote validator 102, a removable storage unit 103, and a chassis 104. In some implementations, the banknote validator 102 is removably coupled to the chassis 104. The banknote validator 102 may be configured to receive a banknote 101 and transport the banknote 101 past a sensing component to determine the type and validity of the banknote 101. In certain embodiments, the removable storage unit 103 may be a banknote stack recycler. In some implementations, the removable storage unit 103 includes a transportation device for transporting the banknote

101 to and/or from the removable storage unit 103.

[0058] Although FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one example of a currency handling apparatus 100 and a banknote validator 102, various changes may be made to FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the currency handling apparatus 100 could be used in automatic ticket seller machines, automatic teller machines, vending machines, and other kiosks. Also, there could be more than one removable storage unit 103 as well as a temporary storage unit, such as a banknote recycler.

[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a banknote handling apparatus 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The banknote handling apparatus 200 may come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 2 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a banknote handling apparatus.

[0060] The banknote handling apparatus 200 includes a housing 201 disposed over a banknote storage area 203 for storing banknotes or bills in a flat configuration. In certain embodiments, the banknote storage area 203 may include a cashbox. The banknote handling apparatus 200 receives a banknote or bill at a top opening 205. The banknote is then fed through a series of belts and driving gears for transferring the banknote through the banknote handling apparatus 200 in a flat orientation. The banknote may be squeezed between two belts on each side of the banknote in order to transfer the banknote in a flat and straight orientation through the banknote handling apparatus 200. A small gap between the belts allows for lateral movement of the banknotes. The housing 201 may include a centering apparatus 202 having centering members 204 or an opening positioned on either side of the note, the belts squeezing the banknote being within the centering members 204, so that the centering members 204 contact the banknote on either side of the banknote to keep the banknote centered as it enters, and travels through, the banknote handling apparatus 200. The centering members 204 may move side to side as the banknote passes in order to keep the banknote centered. In certain embodiments, the banknote handling apparatus 200 may include a banknote validator 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. If the banknote validator 102 detects a counterfeit or otherwise invalid banknote, the banknote may be rejected and fed out of a front opening of the banknote handling apparatus 200 along an ejection path 206.

[0061] After traveling through the centering apparatus 202, a banknote may be transferred past the front of the banknote handling apparatus 200 along a banknote storage path 208 and may be deposited onto two drums 207 coupled to the stacking tray 210. The drums 207 are disposed near a center of the banknote handling apparatus 200 and are disposed over a bottom surface of the stacking tray 210. The drums 207 may be connected via a shaft to a gear and driver to rotate the drums 207. The drums 207 perform a partial or a full rotation to drop the banknote through an aperture on to the stacking tray 210 so that the bank note rests on a bottom surface of the stacking tray 210. The stacking tray 210 may be ejected or extended from the banknote handling apparatus 200 in order to return a banknote or a stack of banknotes to a user. The banknotes are held in escrow within the stacking tray 210 and may be returned during the transaction. The stacking tray 210 may be ejected for various reasons, such as if the user cancels the transaction before the transaction is complete, causing the tray to be ejected so that the banknotes may be returned to the user. If the banknotes are to be kept by the banknote handling apparatus 200, a rigid chain pushing device 209 pushes the banknotes down into the banknote storage area 203 in a flat configuration. A preliminary bundle of banknotes may be pushed into the banknote storage area 203 through a transverse slot of a channel. The banknote storage area 203 may have a platform 211 disposed above a spring that is pushed down as more banknotes are added to the banknote storage area 203.

[0062] FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate a stacking tray housing 300 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of the stacking tray housing 300. As shown in FIG. 3A, the stacking tray housing 300 includes a bottom surface 301 having a rectangular shape. The stacking tray housing 300 is formed by a first side wall 303a, a second side wall 303b, a first end wall 303c, and a second end wall 303d each extending in a same perpendicular direction from end edges of the bottom surface 301. The bottom surface 301, the first side wall 303a, the second side wall 303b, the first end wall 303 c, and the second end wall 303 d form a hollow structure with an open face or aperture that permits a banknote to be transferred from the drums 207 towards the bottom surface 301. The stacking tray housing 300 may be configured to retain a stacking tray 210 as described herein.

[0063] The drums 207, such as a first drum 207a and a second drum 207b, may each extend from the first end wall 303c to the second end wall 303d and reside a distance above the bottom surface 301. The first drum 207a may include a first flat surface 307a and the second drum 207b may include a second flat surface 307b. As described herein, using the first flat surface 307a and the second flat surface 307b, the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b, respectively, may each be configured to receive a banknote. Upon receiving the banknote, the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b may be driven by gears 309 and rotated to release the banknote towards the bottom surface 301. In certain embodiments, the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b may be driven by gears 309 and rotated to deposit the banknote onto the bottom surface 301. The bottom surface 301 may include an aperture 305. As described further herein, the aperture 305 may be an opening to receive and transport a banknote therethrough from the stacking tray housing 300 to a banknote storage area 203.

[0064] FIG. 3B illustrates a top perspective view of the stacking tray housing 300 with a banknote 311 deposited onto the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b in rotation. FIG. 3C illustrates a front perspective view of the stacking tray housing 300 with the banknote 311 deposited onto the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b in rotation. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the first flat surface 307a of the first drum 207a and the second flat surface 307b of the second drum 207b may have received the banknote 311 (or a stack of banknotes 311) from the banknote driving mechanism 313 described herein. The first drum 207a and the second drum 207b have begun to rotate in opposite directions from each other so that as the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b rotate, the first flat surface 307a and the second flat surface 307b begin to face each other. In addition, as the first flat surface 307a and the second flat surface 307b begin to face each other, a first edge 308a of the first drum 207a and a second edge 308b of the second drum 207b engage edges of the banknote 311 to retain the banknote 311 against the first flat surface 307a and the second flat surface 307b. In certain embodiments, the belts illustrated in FIG. 3B forming at least a portion of the banknote driving mechanism 313 may be used to help the drums 207 to bend the banknote 311, for example, when the banknote 311 is a wide banknote.

[0065] FIG. 3D illustrates a front view of the stacking tray housing 300 with the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b near a 180 degree rotation and so that the first flat surface

307a and the second flat surface 307b are facing in a direction that is substantially towards the bottom surface 301 of the stacking tray housing 300 allowing the banknote 311 to fall towards bottom surface 301 of the stacking tray housing 300. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3D, the stacking tray housing 300 also includes a stacking tray 210 resting on the bottom surface 301. When the banknote 311 falls towards the bottom surface 301, a bottom stacking tray surface 314 may receive the banknote 311. A first stacking tray side wall 315a and a second stacking tray side wall 315b may retain the banknote 311 preventing lateral movement as the banknote 311 comes to a rest on the bottom stacking tray surface 314.

[0066] After the first flat surface 307a of the first drum 207a and the second flat surface 307b of the second drum 207b release the banknote 311, the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b may then continue to rotate until a full 360 degree rotation has occurred and the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b are again in the position illustrated in FIG. 3 A, ready to receive another note. Through the operation of the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b, subsequent banknotes may be received by the bottom stacking tray surface 314 and retained by the first stacking tray side wall 315a and a second stacking tray side wall 315b to form a uniform stack of banknotes.

[0067] The stacking tray 210 may also include a stacking tray aperture 316. The stacking tray aperture 316 may have a substantially similar shape as the aperture 305 of the bottom surface 301, may be no smaller than the aperture 305 of the bottom surface 301, and may be aligned with the aperture 305 of the bottom surface 301. In certain embodiments, the stacking tray aperture 316 may be larger than the aperture 305. Thus, when one or more banknotes are resting on the bottom stacking tray surface 314, the stacking tray aperture 316 and the aperture 305 may permit transport of the one or more banknotes from the stacking tray 210 and the stacking tray housing 300 to a banknote storage area 203, for example.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the stacking tray 210 may also include a first banknote clamp 3 l7a and a second banknote clamp 3 l7b. The first banknote clamp 3 l7a and the second banknote clamp 317b may be configured to secure a single banknote or a plurality of banknotes forming a stack that are resting on the bottom stacking tray surface 314. As shown in FIG. 3D, the first banknote clamp 317a and the second banknote clamp 317b may be in an upright or open position when the first drum 207a and the second drum 207b rotate and begin to release the banknote 311 towards the bottom surface 301. This allows the banknote 311 to fall and come to rest on the bottom stacking tray surface 314.

[0069] FIG. 3E illustrates a front view of the stacking tray housing 300 including the stacking tray 210 having the first banknote clamp 3 l7a and the second banknote clamp 3 l7b. As shown in FIG. 3E, the first banknote clamp 317a and the second banknote clamp 317b may be in a downward or closed position after one or more banknotes 311 have come to rest on the bottom stacking tray surface 314. For example, after one or more banknotes accumulate on the bottom stacking tray surface 314, the first banknote clamp 3 l7a and the second banknote clamp 317b may fold over onto a long edge of the one or more banknotes 311 or stack of banknotes 311 to securely hold the banknotes in place within the stacking tray 210. This allows a single banknote 311 or a stack of banknotes 311 to be secured to the bottom stacking tray surface 314.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the stacking tray 210 may be at least partially removable from the stacking tray housing 300. For example, the stacking tray 210 may be positioned completely within the stacking tray housing 300. Subsequently, the stacking tray 210 may be at least partially removed or ejected from the stacking tray housing 300 into an extended orientation. FIG. 3F illustrates a front perspective view of the stacking tray 210 in an extended orientation. As shown in FIG. 3F, the stacking tray 210 is at least partially extending out of the stacking tray housing 300 in an extended position through an opening 319 of the stacking tray housing 300. In the extended position, the one or more banknotes 311 may be accessible by a user located next to the opening 319. The first banknote clamp 3 l7a and the second banknote clamp 317b in the downward or closed position secures the one or more banknotes 311 to the bottom stacking tray surface 314 preventing movement of the one or more banknotes 311 when the stacking tray 210 transitions to the extended position and when the stacking tray 210 is in the extend position.

[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is illustrated a rigid chain stacker 400. FIG. 4A illustrates a side cross sectional view of the rigid chain stacker 400 oriented over a stack of banknotes 401. FIG. 4B illustrates a side cross sectional view of the rigid chain stacker 400 during a pushing operation. The rigid chain stacker 400 may be at least similar to the rigid chain pushing device 209 illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4A, the rigid chain stacker 400 includes two chains, a first chain 403a and a second chain 403b. Each of the first chain 403a and the second chain 403b has a series of links 405. Each of the series of links 405 extend from a distal end to a proximal end of each of the first chain 403a and the second chain 403b. For example, the series of links 405 of the first chain 403a extend from a distal end 407a to a proximal end 409a and the series of links 405 of the second chain 403b extend from a distal end 407b to a proximal end 409b. Each of the links 405 has a plurality of teeth 411. The teeth 411 of each link 405 mesh with one of two gears. For example, the first gear 4l3a is disposed on a front interior body portion of the banknote handling apparatus 200 and engages with the teeth 411 of the first chain 403a and the second gear 4l3b is disposed on a rear interior body portion of the banknote handling apparatus 200 and engages with the teeth 411 of the second chain 403b.

[0072] The first chain 403a and the second chain 403b travel up through the interior of the banknote handling apparatus 200 and diverge at a central point 415. The links 405 of the first chain 403a wrap around the interior of the front interior body portion in a counter-clockwise manner while the links 405 of the second chain 403b diverge from the central point 415 and wrap around the interior of the back interior body portion at in a clockwise manner. The plurality of teeth 411 on each link 405 of the first chain 403a are disposed along a same surface of the first chain 403a such that the plurality of teeth 411 on the series of links 405 mesh with the gear 413a while the plurality of teeth 411 on each link 405 of the second chain 403b are disposed along a same surface of the second chain 403b such that the plurality of teeth 411 on the series of links 405 mesh with the gear 4l3b.

[0073] The rigid chain stacker 400 also includes a pusher plate 417. The pusher plate 417 may be coupled to the proximal end 409a of the first chain 403a and the proximal end 409b of the second chain 403b. The pusher plate 417 is configured to engage the stack of banknotes 401 and push the stack of banknotes through at least one of the aperture 305 or the stacking tray aperture 316. For example, as the gears 4l3a and 4l3b rotate in a downward rotation against the first chain 403a and the second chain 403b, the first chain 403a and the second chain 403b are pulled down the interior of the banknote handling apparatus 200 to push the pusher plate 417 down into the stack of banknotes 401 to push the stack of banknotes 401 through the stacking tray aperture 316 and the aperture 305, and into a banknote storage area 203. As the gears 413a and 413b rotate in an upward rotation against the first chain 403a and the second chain 403b, the first chain 403a and the second chain 403b are pulled up and around through the banknote handling apparatus 200, while also pulling the pusher plate 417 up and off the stack of banknotes 401 and away from the stacking tray 210.

[0074] During operation of the banknote handling apparatus 200, whenever a stack of banknotes 401 of an appropriate amount is created, the rigid chain stacker 400 will rotate the gears 4l3a and 4l3b to push the pusher plate 417 down into the stack of banknotes 401 to store the banknotes in the banknote storage area 203. Subsequently the gears 4l3a and 4l3b will rotate in the opposite direction to return the pusher plate 417 to a starting position and out of the way so more banknotes can enter the stacking tray 210. During the pushing operation, the banknote clamps 317 of the stacking tray 210 may not be clamped on the stack of banknotes 401 so that the stack of banknotes 401 can be pushed without interference from the banknote clamps 317. As shown in FIG. 4B, the rigid chain stacker 400 operates to engage the pusher plate 417 with the stack of banknotes 401 and push the stack of banknotes 401 residing in the stacking tray 210 through the stacking tray aperture 316 and the aperture 305 and into a storage position, such as that shown in FIG. 2.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5D, there is illustrated a banknote driving mechanism 501. FIG. 5A illustrates a side cross sectional view of the banknote driving mechanism 501.

The banknote driving mechanism 501 may be at least similar to the banknote driving mechanism 313 illustrated in FIG. 3B-3E. As shown in FIG. 5A, the banknote driving mechanism 501 may include a banknote input 503 and a banknote path 505. The banknote input 503 may be configured to receive a banknote into the banknote handling apparatus 200. The banknote input 503 may be at least similar to the top opening 205 illustrated in FIG. 2. The banknote path 505 may include a plurality of belts (e.g., a plurality of pairs of belts) configured to transport a banknote from the banknote input 503 to the drums 207 illustrated in FIGS 3A-3E. For example, the banknote driving mechanism 501 may receive a banknote via the banknote input 503.

[0076] Upon receiving the banknote, the banknote driving mechanism 501 transports the banknote along the banknote path 505 in a flat orientation through the banknote handling apparatus 200 using one or more belts such as a first belt 507 (or a first pair of belts 507), a second belt 509 (or a second pair of belts 509), and a third belt 511 (or a third pair of belts

511) as well as one or more driving gears. The banknote may be squeezed between two belts on each side of the note in order to transfer the note in a flat orientation and a straight orientation through the banknote handling apparatus 200. A small gap between the belts allows for lateral movement of the banknotes. In certain embodiments, the third belt 511 maybe at least a portion of a banknote storage path 208 illustrated in FIG. 2. In certain embodiments, the banknote driving mechanism 501 may include one or more belts that form an ejection path 206 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0077] For example, after a banknote is deposited into the banknote input 503, the banknote is deposited onto the first belt 507. The first belt 507 is wrapped around two wheels 513 that rotate during operation of the banknote handling apparatus 200. A second belt 509 is disposed above the first belt 507, such that the banknote entered into the banknote handling apparatus 200 is squeezed between the first belt 507 and the second belt 509. The second belt 509 may be wrapped around three wheels 513 disposed near a top-center position of the banknote handling apparatus 200, roughly in a triangular orientation. As the wheels 513 rotate, the belts move in the direction of the rotation, causing the banknote to be squeezed between the first belt 507 and the second belt 509 to travel diagonally down from the banknote input 503.

[0078] When the banknote reaches a bottom-most wheel 513 of the wheels 513 around which the second belt 509 is wrapped, the banknote encounters a third belt 511. The banknote is passed from the first belt 507 onto the third belt 511. From there, the banknote travels diagonally up towards the front of the banknote handling apparatus 200 while being squeezed between the second belt 509 and the third belt 511. The banknote continues up and turns down with the third belt 511 near the front of the banknote handling apparatus to travel between a fourth belt (not shown) and the third belt 511 around the third belt 511 to be deposited on to the stacking tray 210 illustrated in FIGS. 3D-3F.

[0079] In certain embodiments, the banknote driving mechanism 501 may also include a centering apparatus 515. The centering apparatus 515 may be configured to align a banknote while being carried by one or more belts so that the banknote remains along the banknote path 505 in a flat orientation and a straight orientation and is received by the drums 207 in a flat orientation and a straight orientation. The centering apparatus 515 may be at least similar to the centering apparatus 202 illustrated in FIG. 2. The centering apparatus 515 may include one or more centering members 517. The centering members 517 may be configured to engage or contact a banknote while the banknote is being carried by one or more belts so that the banknote remains along the banknote path 505 in a flat orientation and a straight orientation and is received by the drums 207 in a flat orientation and a straight orientation. The centering members 517 may be positioned on either side of the banknote along the banknote path 505. In certain embodiments, the centering members 517 may move side-to- side as the banknote passes through the centering apparatus 515 and along the banknote path 505 to keep the banknote centered along the banknote path 505. The centering members 517 serve to center the banknote along the banknote path 505 to ensure that all banknotes traveling through the banknote handling apparatus 200 are centered to alleviate issues with banknotes jamming or being depositing on to the stacking tray 210 unevenly.

[0080] FIG. 5B illustrates a top perspective view of the banknote driving mechanism 501 including a centering apparatus 515. As shown in FIG. 5B, the centering apparatus 515, using the centering members 517, may align a banknote while being carried by one or more belts so that the banknote remains along the banknote path 505 in a flat orientation and a straight orientation and is received by the drums 207 in a flat orientation and a straight orientation. The centering members 517 may be positioned on either side of the banknote path 505. The centering apparatus 515 may allow a banknote to pass between the centering members 517 while the banknote is being carried by one or more belts along the banknote path 505. The centering members 517 may engage or contact the banknote while the banknote is being carried by the one or more belts along the banknote path 505 so that the banknote remains along the banknote path 505 in a flat orientation and a straight orientation and is received by the drums 207 in a flat orientation and a straight orientation. In certain embodiments, the centering members 517 may move side-to-side as the banknote passes through the centering apparatus 515 and along the banknote path 505 to keep the banknote centered along the banknote path 505.

[0081] FIG. 5C illustrates an enhanced view of the installation of the belts used for transporting the banknotes. As shown in FIG. 5C, a banknote may be transported along the banknote path 505 between the belts 507 and the belts 511. Upon reaching the wheels 513, the banknote may transition from being transported between the belts 507 and the belts 511 to being transported between the belts 509 and the belts 511 to remain on the banknote path 505.

[0082] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a banknote stacker 600 including a piston assembly 601 having a pusher plate 603 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A illustrates a banknote stacker 600 including a piston assembly 601 having a pusher plate 603 in a retracted position. The piston assembly 601 with the pusher plate 603 in the retracted position may be used as an alternative to the rigid chain stacker 400 illustrated in FIGS. 4 A and 4B and may be positioned over the drums 207 in a same or similar manner as the rigid chain stacker 400 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. As shown in FIG. 6A, the piston assembly 601 in the retracted position is orientated within the housing 605 including the belts 607 to conserve space. The piston assembly 601 may also include a body 609, a rack 611 having a rack pivot point 613, and a shaft 615. The rack 611 may be configured to limit the movement of the body 609.

[0083] FIG. 6B illustrates the banknote stacker 600 including the piston assembly 601 in an extended position. As shown in FIG. 6B, the body 609 retained by the rack 611 has pivoted at least partially out of the housing 605 and approximately 90 degrees via the rack pivot point 613 so that a bottom surface of the pusher plate 603 is orientated in a same or similar configuration as the pusher plate 417 illustrated in FIGS. 4 A and 4B. In the extended position, the pusher plate 603 is configured to push a stack of banknotes through an aperture and into a banknote storage area. For example, the pusher plate 603 is connected to the shaft 615 that extends through the body 609. As the shaft 615 oscillates from an upward position (e.g., away from a stack of banknotes) towards a downward position (e.g., towards the stack of banknotes), the pusher plate 603 engages the stack of banknotes and pushes the banknotes through an aperture and into a banknote storage area, such the banknote storage area 203 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0084] FIG. 6C illustrates an example motor 617 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The motor 617 may be housed within the body 609 and may be coupled to the shaft 615 of the banknote stacker 600. As shown in FIG. 6C, the body 609 and the shaft 615 may be a non-captive linear actuator with a piston attached at a first end 617 (e.g., a screw end). Referring back to FIG. 6B, the example body 609 and the shaft 615 is at a beginning of a stroke that will push a stack of banknotes into a cash box.

[0085] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a banknote stacker 700 including an extension assembly

701 having a pusher plate 703 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7A illustrates a banknote stacker 700 including an extension assembly 701 having a pusher plate 703 in a retracted position. The extension assembly 701 with the pusher plate 703 in the retracted position may be used as an alternative to the rigid chain stacker 400 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B and may be positioned over the drums 207 in a same or similar manner as the rigid chain stacker 400 illustrated in FIGS. 4 A and 4B. As shown in FIG. 7 A, the extension assembly 701 in the retracted position is orientated within the housing 705 including the belts 707 to conserve space. The extension assembly 701 may also include arms 709 and a rack 711. The rack 711 may retain a proximal end of the arms 709 in a vertically static position and may include a slot to allow a distal end of the arms 709 to extend and drive the pusher plate 703 as described herein.

[0086] FIG. 7B illustrates the banknote stacker 700 including the extension assembly 701 in an extended position. As shown in FIG. 7B, the arms 709 and the pusher plate 703 retained in the housing 705 have extended out of the housing 705 so that a bottom surface of the pusher plate 703 can push a stack of banknotes through an aperture and into a banknote storage area.

For example, the pusher plate 603 is connected to the arms 709. As the arms 709 extend from a retracted position (e.g., away from a stack of banknotes) towards an extended position (e.g., towards the stack of banknotes), the pusher plate 603 engages the stack of banknotes and pushes the banknotes through an aperture and into a banknote storage area, such the banknote storage area 203 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8G, there is illustrated a banknote storage assembly 800. In certain embodiments, the banknote storage assembly 800 may be a temporary note storage and dispensing apparatus. FIG. 8A illustrates a top perspective view of the banknote storage assembly 800 in an open orientation. FIG. 8B illustrates a top perspective view of the banknote storage assembly 800 in a closed orientation. FIG. 8C illustrates a side cross sectional view of the banknote storage assembly 800. FIG. 8D illustrates a front cross sectional view of the banknote storage assembly 800. As shown in FIGS. 8 A, 8B, 8C, and 8D, the banknote storage assembly 800 may include a banknote driving mechanism 801, a first drum 803a, a second drum 803b, a stacking tray housing 805, and a front gate 807. The banknote driving mechanism 801 includes at least one pair of belts 809 configured to transport a banknote to the first drum 803a and the second drum 803b. Although the banknote driving mechanism 801 illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8D includes only one pair of belts 809, the banknote driving mechanism 801 may include a plurality of pairs of belts to transport a banknote to the first drum 803a and the second drum 803b. The banknote driving mechanism 801 and the one or more belts (or pairs of belts) 809 may transport a banknote in a same or similar way as the banknote driving mechanism 501 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0088] After the banknote driving mechanism 801 transports a banknote to the first drum 803a and the second drum 803b, the first drum 803a and the second drum 803b may rotate and deposit the banknote on a bottom surface of the stacking tray housing 805. The first drum 803a and the second drum 803b may be the same as or similar to the drums 207 illustrated FIGS. 3A-3E and may function in a same or similar manner as the drums 207 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3E. Once the first drum 803a and the second drum 803b deposit the banknote on the bottom surface of the stacking tray housing 805, the stacking tray housing 805 may be configured to provide the banknote to user via the front gate 807.

[0089] FIGS. 8E, 8F, and 8G illustrate other side cross sectional views of the banknote storage assembly 800. As shown in FIGS. 8E, 8F, and 8G, the banknote storage assembly 800 also includes a banknote stack dispensing mechanism 811. The banknote stack dispensing mechanism 811 is configured to dispense a stack of banknotes formed on top of belts 823. The belts 823 may remain motionless during the stack formation process. The banknote stack dispensing mechanism 811 may include one or more driving belts 813 driven by a motor, one or more links 814 (e.g., one or more triangular links) or one or more arms 815 (e.g., one or more linear arms, one or more linear links) that may pivot about one or more pins 816 and that are coupled to the one or more driving belts 813 via wheels 817 and a plate 819, and one or more gears 821 coupled to the one or more links 814 or the one or more arms 815.

[0090] In operation, the driving belts 813 may rotate the wheels 817 advancing the plate 819 via the wheels 817 in a downward direction lowering and pressing the stack of banknotes onto the belts 823. Rotation of the one or more gears 821 may cause a link 814 or an arm 8l5that is coupled to the one or more gears 821 to advance the plate 819 downward and press the stack of banknotes onto the belts 823. After the stack of banknotes forms on top of the belts 823, the plate 819 is lowered by gear 821, thereby squeezing the stack of banknotes between the driving belts 813 and the belts 823, the front gate 807 opens and the driving belts 813 and the belts 823 transport (e.g., at a same belt speed) the stack of banknotes through the open front gate 807 and out of the banknote storage assembly 800. It should be noted that the front gate 807 illustrated in FIGS. 8E and 8F may be in an open position to allow banknotes to pass therethrough. It should also be noted that the front gate 807 illustrated in FIG. 8G may be in a closed position to prevent banknotes from passing therethrough.

[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9D, there is illustrated a banknote validator 900. FIG. 9A illustrates a top perspective view of the banknote validator 900. FIG. 9B illustrates a top perspective view of the banknote validator 900 in an open configuration. FIG. 9C illustrates a side cross sectional view of the banknote validator 900. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the banknote validator 900 may receive a banknote from another component of a banknote handling apparatus 200, such as a bulk feeder. The banknote travels through the banknote validator between belts 902 and around a back of the banknote validator 900. Alignment members 904 align the banknote during travel between the belts 902. The banknote travels into a banknote validator 906 having a sensing component to determine a type and a validity of banknote. If the banknote is invalid, the banknote may be dispensed out of the banknote handling apparatus 200. FIG. 9D illustrates a back perspective view of the alignment members 904.

[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, there is illustrated a banknote validator apparatus 1000 and a stacking tray apparatus 1050. FIG. 10A illustrates a front perspective view of the banknote validator apparatus 1000 and the stacking tray apparatus 1050 and FIG. 10B illustrates a side cross sectional view of the banknote validator apparatus 1000 and the stacking tray apparatus 1050. The banknote validator apparatus 1000 may be the same or similar to the banknote validator 900 illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D. The stacking tray apparatus 1050 may be the same or similar to the stacking tray housing 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3F. The stacking tray apparatus 1050 may be the same or similar to the stacking tray 210 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3D-3F.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the banknote validator apparatus 1000 may receive a banknote from another component of a banknote handling apparatus 200. The banknote travels through the banknote validator apparatus 1000 between belts 1002 around a back of the banknote validator apparatus 1000. Alignment members 1004 align the banknote during travel between the belts 1002. The banknote travels into a banknote validator 1006 having a sensing component to determine a type and a validity of the banknote. If the banknote is invalid, the banknote may be dispensed out of the banknote handling apparatus 200. The banknote may then be deposited onto the stacking tray apparatus 1050.

[0094] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D, there is illustrated a banknote handling apparatus 1100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11A illustrates a front perspective view of the banknote handling apparatus 1100. FIG. 11B illustrates a side cross sectional view of the banknote handling apparatus 1100. The banknote handling apparatus 1100 may be the same or similar to the banknote handling apparatus 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2-10B.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the banknote handling apparatus 1100 generally includes a housing 1101 and a banknote storage area 1103. Turning specifically to FIG. 11B, the banknote handling apparatus 1100 includes a banknote validator 1105, a centering apparatus 1107, a rigid chain stacker 1109, a banknote driving mechanism 1111, and a stacking tray housing 1113. The rigid chain stacker 1109 includes a first chain l l lOa and a second chain l l lOb each wrapped around one side of an interior body of the banknote handling apparatus 1100. Gears mesh with a plurality of teeth on the first chain l l lOa and the second chain l l lOb to unwrap the chains and extend the chains down into the stacking tray housing 1113 to push banknotes onto a stacking platform of the banknote storage area 1103. A stacking tray within the stacking tray housing 1113 may extend out a front of the banknote storage area 1103 when banknotes are to be returned. The stacking platform in the banknote storage area 1103 may be spring loaded in a center of the stacking platform and may be incrementally pushed farther down the banknote storage area 1103 as more banknotes are pushed down into the banknote storage area 1103.

[0096] The banknote validator 1105, the centering apparatus 1107, the rigid chain stacker 1109, the banknote driving mechanism 1111, and the stacking tray housing 1113 illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11D may be the same or similar to other embodiments of banknote validators, centering apparatuses, rigid chain stackers, banknote driving mechanisms, and stacking tray housings described herein. The rigid chain stacker 1109 illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11D has a slimmer profile than that of other embodiments of rigid chain stackers described herein, for accommodating different configurations of the banknote handling apparatus.

[0097] FIG. 11C illustrates a front perspective view of a rigid chain stacker 1109 and a banknote storage area 1103 of the banknote handling apparatus 1100. FIG. 11D illustrates a side cross sectional view of the rigid chain stacker 1109 and the banknote storage area 1103 of the banknote handling apparatus 1100. As shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, the rigid chain stacker 1109 rests on top of the banknote storage area 1103. In certain embodiments, the banknote storage area 1103 includes the stacking tray housing 1113. The banknote storage area 1103 may also include a stacking tray 1115 within the stacking tray housing 1113. The stacking tray 1115 may be the same or similar to the stacking tray 210 illustrated in FIGS. 3D-3F. The banknote storage area 1103 may also include a stacking platform 1117.

[0098] When banknotes are received by the stacking tray 1115, the first chain 11 lOa and the second chain l l lOb of the rigid chain stacker 1109 may extend down towards the stacking tray 1115 and engage the banknotes. Upon engaging the banknotes, the first chain 11 lOa and the second chain l l lOb may continue to extend downward through the aperture 1121 driving the banknotes on to the stacking platform 1117. The stacking platform 1117 in the banknote storage area 1103 may be loaded with a biasing member 1119 (e.g., a spring) and may be incrementally pushed down towards the bottom of the banknote storage area 1103 as more banknotes are pushed down into the banknote storage area 1103 and on to the stacking platform 1117. In certain embodiments, the biasing member 1119 may be coupled to the stacking platform 1117 in a center of the stacking platform 1117. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more biasing members 1119 may be positioned at locations that are offset from the center of the stacking platform 1117.

[0099] Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, FIG. 12A illustrates a front perspective view of a banknote handling apparatus 1200 and FIG. 12B illustrates a side cross sectional view of the banknote handling apparatus 1200 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The banknote handling apparatus 1200 includes the housing 201, a stacking tray housing 300, and a banknote storage area 1203. The banknote handling apparatus 1200 may also include, for example within the housing 201, a banknote driving mechanism 1201 (e.g., the banknote driving mechanism 501) and the rigid chain stacker 400. In certain embodiments, the banknote handling apparatus 1200 may include the top opening 205 for receiving a banknote, a centering apparatus (e.g., the centering apparatus 202, the centering apparatus 515), drums (e.g., the drums 207), a banknote validator (e.g., the banknote validator 102, the banknote validator 906, the banknote validator 1006), and any other components described herein. The housing 201 of the banknote driving mechanism 1201 may be disposed over the stacking tray housing 300 and the banknote storage area 1203 for storing banknotes or bills in a flat configuration. In certain embodiments, the banknote storage area 1203 may include a cashbox. [00100] As described herein, the housing 201 may be positioned over the stacking tray housing 300. The stacking tray housing 300 may include the stacking tray 210. When banknotes are received by the stacking tray 210, the pusher plate 417 of the rigid chain stacker 400 may extend down towards the stacking tray 210 and engage the banknotes. Upon engaging the banknotes, the pusher plate 417 may continue to extend downward through the stacking tray aperture 316 and the aperture 305 driving the banknotes on to the stacking platform 1217 of the banknote storage area 1203. The stacking platform 1217 in the banknote storage area 1203 may be loaded with a biasing member 1219 (e.g., a spring) and may be incrementally pushed down towards the bottom of the banknote storage area 1203 as more banknotes are pushed down into the banknote storage area 2103 and on to the stacking platform 1217. In certain embodiments, the banknote storage area 1203 may include teeth 1221 that engage with gears 1223 of the stacking platform 1217. The teeth and gear engagement may provide addition dampening of the downward movement of the stacking platform 1117 as banknotes accumulate on the stacking platform 1217. Additionally, or alternatively, the teeth and gear engagement may keep in the stacking platform from tilting so that banknotes do not slide and remain on the stacking platform 1219 as banknotes accumulate on the stacking platform 1217. In certain embodiments, one or more biasing members 1219 may be coupled to the stacking platform 1217 at positions that are offset from a center of the stacking platform 1217. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more biasing members 1219 may be positioned in a center of the stacking platform 1217. The banknote handling apparatus 1200 of FIGS. 12A and 12B and its components may be similar in configuration to those illustrated in FIGS. 2-5C.

[00101] It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms“transmit,”“receive,” and“communicate,” as well as derivatives thereof, encompasses both direct and indirect communication. The terms“include” and“comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term“or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase“associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The phrase“at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example,“at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[00102] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A banknote handling apparatus, comprising:

a driving mechanism configured to transport a banknote along a banknote path through an interior of the banknote handling apparatus and on to a stacking tray; and

a rigid chain stacker comprising:

a first chain,

a second chain, and

a pusher plate coupled to an end of the first chain and an end of the second chain, wherein the pusher plate moves in a vertical direction through the interior of the banknote handling apparatus when the first chain and the second chain move through the banknote handling apparatus to push the banknote through an aperture of the stacking tray.

2. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 1, wherein each of the first chain and the second chain has a plurality of links configured to allow each of the first chain and the second chain to bend within the banknote handling apparatus.

3. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of links has a plurality of teeth, wherein the plurality of teeth mesh with driving gears configured to move the first chain and the second chain within the interior of the banknote handling apparatus.

4. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 1, further comprising:

an opening configured to receive the banknote into the banknote path.

5. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 1, further comprising:

a centering apparatus disposed along the banknote path, wherein the centering apparatus is configured to center the banknote as the driving mechanism transports the banknote along the banknote path.

6. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 1, further comprising:

a banknote validator disposed along the banknote path, wherein the banknote validator is configured to determine whether the banknote comprises a counterfeit banknote or an invalid banknote.

7. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 6, further comprising: an ejection opening configured to eject the banknote from banknote handling apparatus when the banknote validator determines that the banknote is a counterfeit banknote or an invalid banknote.

8. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 6, further comprising:

an ejection path through the banknote handling apparatus, wherein the ejection path is configured to transport the banknote from the banknote path to an ejection opening when the banknote validator determines that the banknote is a counterfeit banknote or an invalid banknote.

9. A banknote handling apparatus, comprising:

a stacking tray configured to receive a banknote, wherein the stacking tray comprises a bottom surface having an aperture to communicate the banknote therethrough; and

a rigid chain stacker comprising:

a first chain,

a second chain, and

a pusher plate coupled to an end of the first chain and an end of the second chain, wherein the pusher plate moves in a vertical direction through an interior of the banknote handling apparatus when the first chain and the second chain move through the banknote handling apparatus to push the banknote through the aperture of the bottom surface of the stacking tray.

10. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 9, wherein each of the first chain and the second chain has a plurality of links configured to allow each of the first chain and the second chain to bend within the banknote handling apparatus.

11. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of links has a plurality of teeth, wherein the plurality of teeth mesh with driving gears configured to move the first chain and the second chain within the interior of the banknote handling apparatus.

12. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the stacking tray further comprises:

a rectangular body having four walls extending up from the bottom surface at each of four sides of the rectangular body.

13. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 9, further comprising:

two drums longitudinally extending over the bottom surface of the stacking tray, wherein each of the two drums are configured to receive the banknote and rotate to deposit the banknote on the bottom surface.

14. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 13, wherein:

the two drums comprise a first drum and a second drum;

the first drum comprises a first flat surface;

the second drum comprises a second flat surface;

when the first flat surface and the second flat surface are positioned in an upward facing orientation, the two drums are configured to receive the banknote; and

when the first flat surface and the second flat surface rotate from the upward facing orientation, the two drums are configured to deposit a received banknote on the bottom surface of the stacking tray.

15. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the stacking tray is further configured to be ejected from the banknote handling apparatus to return the received banknote to a user.

16. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the stacking tray further comprises one or more clamps configured to hold the banknote against the bottom surface when the stacking tray receives the banknote.

17. A banknote handling apparatus, comprising:

a banknote storage area configured to receive a banknote for storage; and

a rigid chain stacker comprising:

a first chain,

a second chain, and

a pusher plate coupled to an end of the first chain and an end of the second chain, wherein the pusher plate moves in a vertical direction through an interior of the banknote handling apparatus when the first chain and the second chain move through the banknote handling apparatus to push the banknote through an aperture and into the banknote storage area.

18. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 17, wherein each of the first chain and the second chain has a plurality of links configured to allow each of the first chain and the second chain to bend within the banknote handling apparatus.

19. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of links has a plurality of teeth, wherein the plurality of teeth mesh with driving gears configured to move the first chain and the second chain within the interior of the banknote handling apparatus.

20. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 17, wherein the banknote storage area comprises:

a stacking platform configured to:

move in a direction through the banknote storage area that is parallel to a movement of the pusher plate, and

receive the banknote after the pusher plate pushes the banknote through the aperture; and

a biasing member configured to bias the stacking platform towards the aperture.

21. The banknote handling apparatus of Claim 17, wherein the pusher plate moves in a vertically downward direction through the interior of the banknote handling apparatus when the first chain and the second chain move through the banknote handling apparatus to push the banknote through the aperture and into the banknote storage area.