MXPA01005185A - Automated transaction machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An automated transaction machine (10) includes a note receiving and dispensing mechanism (77). The mechanism includes a storage reel (66), a take-up reel (68) and a flexible web (70) extending between the reels. The note receiving and dispensing mechanism is housed within a note storage module (44). Notes are selectively passed into and out of the storage module to a passage area (92). The machine further includes a note inlet opening (30) and a note outlet opening (28). A note outlet transport (96) extends between the passage area and the note outlet opening. A note inlet transport (98) extends between the passage area and the note inlet opening. A note validator (58) extends adjacent to the note inlet transport for purposes of sensing the validity of notes inserted in the machine. The machine is selectively operative responsive to inputs to receive and deliver notes. The machine is further operative to enable replenishment of notes therein without accessing the interior of the housing.

Description

AUTOMATED TRANSACTION MACHINE TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to automated transaction machines. Specifically, this invention relates to an automated transaction machine that tickets to users and which has an internal bill storage area which can be refilled without having access to the interior of the machine.

ANTECEDENTS OF ART "Automated transaction machines known in the prior art." - A common type of automated transaction machines is an ATM machine.

(ATM). ATM machines have been developed which are capable of providing a variety of transactions that include ticket assortment. Other types of transaction machines supply banknotes and other types of sheets to users such as bank letters, ATM providers and other services. Other types of automated transaction machines supply items such as tickets, written travelers checks, game materials or vouchers. Automated transaction machines generally supply such material while evaluating the appropriate charges and credits to the respective accounts of the user, the owner of the machine the supplier of the assorted materials. For purposes of this description, an automated transaction machine is considered as any machine that is capable of carrying out transactions including value transfers.

Automated transaction machines that provide notes or other types of value sheets are generally constructed to prevent access to the supply of sheets within the machine by authorized persons. In most cases, such automated transaction machines include a security chest or other secure enclosure. The interior of the secure enclosure generally includes storage areas for banknotes and other types of sheets which are available. Storage areas are often inside removable boats other types of enclosures that can be easily installed removed from the machine when the safe area is accessed. The sheets are supplied by the machine to the users from the storage area of the sheets. When the storage areas require refilling or refilling, a service person opens the safe box and refills the supplies. some cases this is done by removing the exhausted or partially empty cans and replacing those cans with full cans. In other situations, this may involve inserting "brick" of leaves or banknotes into the cans or other leaf storage areas for restocking sheet supplies.

A disadvantage associated with construction such conventional automated transaction machines is that re-supplying the sheet supplies requires opening the secure area of the machine. This provides the service person with access to all valuable sheets as well as sensitive electronic equipment within the machine. Est presents opportunities for his theft and corruption. When you launch it, several individuals can access the bot during the moments when it is being loaded, transported and installed in the machine. In a similar way, the partially exhausted boats that return from the redlotting machines can pass through several hands. This may present opportunities for pillage in respect of which liability can not be documented. Boats have been developed that are resistant to pillage and that contain leaves that indicate that there has been looting. However, such containers are safe from failure and can still be compromised by skillful thieves. Containers that contain leaves can also be stolen in their entirety when they are in transit to and from the machines. The use of money canisters is also expensive. The use of such canisters is added to the cost of automated transaction machines by requiring the inclusion of mechanisms that can be opened, closed and worked together. with the containers that contain the leaves. The handling and transport of the boats also adds to the cost of the operation in the machine.

Automated transaction machines and lower costs are frequently installed in gas stations, convenience stores and other commercial facilities. Such automated transaction machines frequently carry out only transactions of cash assortment. Even when the reduced capacities of such machines result in a lower machine acquisition cost, there are still management problems. Because security in such commercial facilities is often not as high as that found in banking environments, the use of armed or other types of carriers to carry out transactions of landfill is not common. effective in such machines. This adds to the cost of the operation of the machine.

Operators of automated transaction machines in commercial facilities would like to replenish ticket supplies in such machines with the cash that is available within the establishment. By doing this, you can avoid the cost of having to pay a third person to carry out the refill of cash, which reduces operating costs. However, in many environments of merchandise transaction, the trust of the staff can be verifiable. As a result the machine operator may not wish to give his staff access to large amounts of cash which are available inside an automated transaction machine. The replenishment of cash supplies within such machines may be limited to personnel at the supervisory level. However, despite such precautions, discrepancies and shortcomings may occur. This is particularly true when several individuals have the ability to have inside access to a machine.

Recently, automated transaction machines have been developed that are capable of "recycling the cash dine". Such machines are able to accept bills - Bank of a user or of an operator and determine the authenticity of the particular type of each ticket. Such machines selectively store bills deposited in the places inside the machine. At a later time when the same or another user requires an assortment of tickets, the machine delivers the tickets previously deposited to the user. Even though such machines have the ability to have the billet supplies refilled without access to the interior of the machine, such machines are generally complex and expensive. The installation of such machines will not be justified by the cost in situation where only machines of the type that supply cash and that are relatively low cost are currently used.

There are many other types of self-service and vending machines that users operate which can be improved by adding the capacity to such machines to accept and to supply banknotes. Common examples such machines include fuel pump pumps for motors, vending machines, automated bulletin machines and automated game machines. Frequently, such machines already have a user interface which is capable of reading a credit card of the user. machines also have the ability to evaluate a car for a user's account in exchange of goods or services provided. Increasingly self-service machines are being provided with the ability to accept a user's smart card. Smart cards include a memory on them which has data representative of the value of money. Instead of evaluating or charging for a user's account, such machines also have the ability to reduce the monetary value of the value represented by the data in the memory of the user's smart card.

The capacity of reception and assortment of effections has not generally been provided in most machines. self-service and sales for several reasons. First, the mechanisms of assortment and acceptance of cash have been costly in the past and make such machines prohibitively expensive for their acquisition and operation. Second, such machines generally do not include the security features included in ATM machines or in cash dispensers; because the items generally supplied by such machines are not placed ready for cash value. Another reason that such machines have not been provided with an effective acceptance and / or assortment capacity is that doing so will require the machine operator to incur the additional costs associated with handling cash previously discussed, which is I frequently find myself in the use of the operation of ATM machines and money dispensers. An additional disadvantage has been the acceptance of cash, and an integral part of such machines can limit operation to hours and selected places where greater security can be maintained. Even though users often benefit from having such machines such as motor fuel pumps and vending machines that accept and receive cash, providing such machines with these capabilities has been prohibitively expensive.

There is still a need for an automated transaction machine that is inexpensive to produce and operate but that is also highly reliable. There is also a need for automated transaction machines that can be filled with banknotes or other securities without having access to the ticket storage areas inside the machine. There is still a need for an automated transaction machine, the c includes a bill reception and assortment component adds only a limited cost to the production and operation of the machine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated transaction machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated transaction machine which is capable of supplying valuable sheets, such as bank billet.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated transaction machine with bank notes from a ticket storage area inside the machine and which is capable of having the ticket storage area refilled without having internal access to the bank. machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated transaction machine which includes a supply of bills that can be re-filled without having access to an interior area of the machine and which is configured to be refilled from either the front or back side of the machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated transaction machine that is economical to produce and operate.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated transaction machine which is capable of residing, revalidating and dispensing sheets such as bank billet.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated transaction machine which provides the receipt and assortment of banknotes as a complementary function to a primary vending self-service function carried out by the machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated transaction machine which is capable of supplying banknotes from the area of. storage tickets inside the machine and which is able to have Ticket supply easily removed from the machine by authorized personnel.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated transaction machine that is easy to operate for users and which provides promotional messages on time and other messages to machine users.

The additional objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following better modes for carrying out the invention and from the appended claims.

The above objects are achieved in an example embodiment by an automated transaction machine. The automated transaction machine can be a machine whose primary function is to receive and / or supply the sheets, such as banknotes. Alternatively, the automated transaction machine may be associated with a primary function such as the sale of motor fuel, lottery tickets, transit tokens or other transactions may include the assortment and / or receipt of the sheets which have a value , just like the tickets.

The automated transaction machine is an example incorporation that includes a machine case. L The box includes a user interface area that includes at least one input device through which the machine can receive at least one input from a machine user. A leaf entry opening extends through the box as does a leaf exit opening.

Inside the box of the machine is a receiver mechanism and bill dispenser. The bill dispenser receiving mechanism is operatively connected to a sheet storage area which in the described embodiment used to contain the bills. The spout dispensing mechanism includes a passage area through which the sheets are passed when they are received by the mechanism for storage in the storage area. The leaves also pass through the passage area when they are supplied by the storage area mechanism.

The embodiment described further includes bill entry transport which extends between the ticket entry opening and the conduit. A bill validator is placed next to the incoming tickets transport. The bill validator is operated to collect bills which are inserted through the entry opening for purposes of determining if the tickets are valid. The machine also includes an exit transport tickets. The ticket departure transport extends the outlet opening and the conduit through the box. The machine further includes one or more drive mechanisms that are operatively connected to the inlet and outlet transports and which allow the selective movement of the bills or other sheets therein.

The automated incorporation transaction machine described further includes a controller. The controller is in operative connection with the validator and driver for the input and output transports. The controller also operates in relation to the input devices as well as the validator or certifier. The control is operated to control the machine so that in response to at least one input to the input device, bills or other sheets stored in the storage area are supplied by the mechanism and move through the output conveyance. to the exit opening. The controller is further responsible for the operation for the insertion of a ticket another sheet in the entry opening to have the certifier determine whether the inserted ticket is valid. this is so, the ticket is accepted by the dispensing receiver mechanism and stored in the storage area.

The configurations of the automated transaction machine of the present invention can provide amb reception of tickets from and the assortment of tickets to the customers while loading and crediting appropriate quantities. Alternatively, embodiments of the invention can be configured to only supply tickets to customers who operate the machine. In such incorporation the acceptance of the tickets is limited to the personnel who are authorized to refill the machine on behalf of the owner or operator of the machine. The settings The alternate forms of the machine can provide the entry and exit openings for bills to be placed on one side of the machines generally, while the alternate forms of the invention can provide such openings pa which are generally opposite sides of the machine. Some forms of the invention may provide the acceptance of leaflets within the bill entry opening of one sheet at a time while others may be configured to accept stacks of bills or sheets which are then separately certified and stored within the machine. .

In some example forms of the invention bill receiving and ticketing mechanism may include banknote storage type mechanism. The bill storage mechanism includes a flexible fabric that extends between a storage reel and a tom reel. The storage reel and the take-up reel are moved by a reel drive that allows selective movement of the reels to the reel blades. delivery for and pa receive leaves from the duct area. The storage and take-up reels in some additions are contained within the bill storage module that is easily installed and removed from the box of the machine by authorized personnel. Certain preferred forms of the invention are highly reliable and are relatively inexpensive to produce and operate.

Other preferred forms of the invention include a user interface with an exhibitor. The display used to present promotional or other messages to the users of the machine. These messages can be time sensitive and / or of a limited duration. In the preferred forms of the invention such messages are provided by the interaction of the controller with a replaceable plug-in memory of a smart card or a similar device. Various forms of user interconnections can also be provided to simplify and facilitate the operation of automated transaction machines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of an automated transaction machine of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a rear plane view of the machine shown in Figure 1 with an access door in an open position.

Figure 3 is a schematic view showing a controller of the automated transaction machine and of the transaction function devices and other devices an operational connection thereto.

Figure 4 is a side view of transporting the mechanisms for handling the sheets, such as banknotes in automated transaction machine shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the components included in the sheet paths of the automated transaction machine shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a spool drive mechanism operated to move the storage and take-up carts in an assortment direction of the sheets.

Figure 7 is a schematic view of the first and second drive members of the spool drive, together with the transmission member which interconnects the drive members.

Figure 8 is a schematic view similar to that of Figure 7 with the spool drive operating to move the storage and take-up reels in a sheet receiving direction.

Figure 9 is a simplified side view of the sheet handling components in the machine duct area.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the duct area including the first and second leaf separation members for separating leaves from the sheet support fabric Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a gate member which serves to direct the leaves of the inlet and outlet transports in the duct area.

Figure 12 is a side schematic view of a secondary separation member and its suspension on the bill storage module.

Figure 13 is a schematic view of the directional drag application members used in connection with the storage and take-up reels.

Figure 14 shows an appendage part on the bill storage module hooked with a cylindrical support member.

Figure 15 is an isometric view of the cylindrical support member shown in Figure 14.

Fig. 16 is an isometric view of a flexible bill bearing tissue with readable signs by the machine thereon, the fabric being shown in a support connection with the banknotes.

Figure 17 is a schematic side view that indicates the movement of the parts of the handling mechanisms d leaves when the leaves are supplied.

Figure 18 is a side schematic view showing the movement of the leaf handling mechanisms when the bill validator is operated to determine whether or not the inserted bill is valid.

Figure 19 is a schematic view showing a bill that has passed from the bill validator to the conduit area.

Figure 20 is a schematic view indicating the operation of a moving sheet handling mechanism of a banknote through the conduit area and up to support connection inside the fabric and the sheet storage reel.

Figure 21 is a schematic view of alternate incorporation of an automated transaction machine which includes a common billet entry and exit transport in relation to a bill validator.

Fig. 22 is a schematic view of additional alternating incorporation which has a bill entry aperture on an opposite side of the machine from the bill outlet opening.

Figure 23 is a schematic view of an automated transaction machine which is capable of receiving and separating a stack of notes.

Figure 24 is a schematic view of the mechanism used to separate the individual banknotes in the embodiment shown in Figure 23.

Figures 25-30 are schematic views of a user interface and the operation thereof that may be used in connection with the embodiments of the invention.

BEST MODES TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1 as shown there is an automated transaction machine of a first example embodiment of the present invention generally indicated with the number 10. L machine 10 is an ATM machine whose primary operate they are supplying and receiving bank notes. It should be understood however that other embodiments of the invention may be machines whose primary functions include conducting other types of transactions. These may include, for example, the automotive fuel assortment, assortment of tickets, the assortment of vouchers, the assortment of gaming materials or other functions that a user may carry out using the machine.

The machine 10 includes a box 12. As used herein, the box 12 refers to the external enclosure of the machine as well as the internal structures which support the machine components therein. A user interconnection generally indicated with the number 14 is held on the box and is accessible by a user. In the incorporation shown the user interconnection includes the input devices and the output devices. One of the input devices is a card reader 16. The card reader 16 shown in the machine is a card reader type of theft which is operative to read magnetic strip cards 18 which are passed through the reader by the customers. L cards 18 can be of various types of cards such as credit or debit cards which include information to identify the user and / or their accounts.

The user interconnection 14 of the described embodiment also includes other input devices. They include a keyboard 20 and function keys 22. Users are enabled to enter data and instructions to the machine by selectively pressing the keys which constitute the keyboard as well as the function keys 22.

The user interface 14 further includes an output device which includes a display 24. Display 24 of the embodiment described may be of a CRT or LCD type display that is operative to display messages to a user including the messages which instructs the user for the operation of the machine.

It should be understood that the input devices and output devices shown are exemplary and that the other embodiments of the invention may employ other types of input and output devices. These include, for example, other types of card readers for reading a magnetic card or other types of cards. These can include eg motorized readers or depth readers. Other types of cards can also be used with a machine. Such cards include the so-called "smart cards" which include a programmable memory with data on it. Such data may include information about the user and their accounts. They may also include information representative of the monetary value. Such value can be deducted from the memory when the card is used to make purchases. Such cards may have the value of the same periodically resupplied. Other types of input devices can be used which read articles such as articles encoded with optical cues which can be used to identify the user or their accounts. Other types of input devices can include biometric type reading devices such as reader. of fingerprints, retinal scanning devices, iris scanning devices, voice knowledge devices or other types of input devices which are capable of providing an input which can identify a particular user and / or their accounts.

The keyboard and function keys which serve as input devices in the example embodiment described may be replaced in other embodiments by other types of devices which are selectively capable of receiving data or instructions from a user. Other types of output devices may also be used. be used These can include other types of visu and non-visual output devices which are able to communicate a message to the user which can instruct the user in the operation of the machine. Of course, when the automated transaction machines of the invention are incorporated with other devices which perform other functions, other types of input devices associated with carrying out these other functions may also be included. These may include, for example, switching and other control devices for controlling the fuel assortment for automobiles when the machine of the invention is incorporated with a motor fuel dispensing device. The particular additional devices will depend on the environment in which the invention is used.

Referring to the description of the machine 1 shown in Figure 1, the box includes through it a receipt opening 26. The receipt opening is used to provide the user with printed receipts of the transactions carried out on the machine. . The box also includes a bill exit aperture 28. The bill departure aperture 28 is used to deliver the assorted tickets from machine to a user. It should be understood that the bill opening can also be referred to herein as a sheet exit aperture, and that in the embodiments of the invention, sheets other than bills can be received from the machine.

The machine 10 further includes a bill entry aperture 30. The ticket entry 30 is used to insert bills or other types of sheets into the storage machine. As indicated in phantom, in some embodiments the bill entry opening 30 can be made inaccessible by a movable cover 32. The cover is selectively secured by a suitable fixing mechanism 34. The cover can be used in circumstances where machine operator you only want to select the authorized person so that he is able to insert tickets for storage in the machines. This may be the case when machine operator wants users to use the machine only as a cash dispenser. In some embodiments, a cover may provide a billet support surface or include a bill retention structure such as a bag to facilitate the retention of assorted bills for users of the machine when the cover is in position.

As shown in Figure 1, the machine box further includes a connector 36. The connector 36 operative for releasably receiving an adapter in the memory element 38. The adapter in the displayed memory element is used to contain messages that are stored in the memory. provided to the users of the machine through display 24. As discussed above, the memory adapter 38 may contain promotional messages which are displayed to the users on the machine on a time basis. Such promotional messages may include, for example, discounts. in certain merchandise or special offers which expire on a certain date. In the preferred embodiment, adapter in memory 38 can be supported on an intelligent card. The memory may include one or more promotional items which are promoted only for several times of the day, on certain days of the week or during particular periods of time. The use of this feature is discussed in detail later.

Figure 2 shows the rear of machine 10. The box 12 of the machine includes an access door 40 which is shown in the open position in the figure. The access door 40 includes a locking mechanism 42. closing mechanism 42 it is normally used to secure access door 40 in the closed position. The mechanism Lock 42 can be opened by authorized personnel to allow access to an interior area of the machine.

The interior area of the machine includes several components which are shown schematically. Such components may include for example a bill storage module 44. As discussed below detail the bill storage module 44 includes bill storage area for retaining billets inside the machine. The bill storage module is easily removable and installed in the machine once access door 40 is in the open position. Other components within the machine case may include a journal device 46. The journal device 46 may for example be a journal printer which makes a permanent copying record of the transactions which are carried out by the machine. Other devices within the interior of the machine may include a communications device 48. A communications device may be, for example, a modem, wireless transmitter, a line intercom rental connection or another suitable device to communicate with other computers to carry out transactions with The machine These other computers may include for example computer in credit and / or debit card networks which are able to handle transaction messages and clear account between users, sources of monetary value and the operator of the credit card. machine. Another device shown schematically inside the machine of Figure 2 is a receipt printer 50. The receipt printer 50 operates to produce receipt forms that are supplied to the customers through the receipt opening 26.

Figure 3 schematically shows the electrically controlled devices which are included in the described embodiment of the machine 10. A controller serves as a control device for controlling the electrical devices within the machine. The controller 5 includes an internal clock device indicated schematically 54. The controller is in operational communication with a memory 56 which is also referred to herein as a date store. The controller 52 may several incorporations include one or more processors or computers operatively connected to each other. they serve as a source of electrical signal for the devices which are in operative connection with the controller.

As shown in Figure 3 the controller operates to communicate with the transaction function devices previously described. These include the card reader 16, the keyboard and the function keys 20 and 22, and the display 24. The controller also operates to communicate and control the operation of the receipt printer 30 and the journal device 46 e which in this case is a stick printer. The controlled it is also in operational communication with the memory adapter 38 and the communication device 48 which is used to communicate with other devices. In the described embodiment the controller 52 also operates to communicate with other devices. These include for example a ticket certifier 58 which will be discussed in detail later. The bill validator operates to collect bills to determine their validity and distinguish between valid and invalid tickets inserted in the machine. The controller 52 is also operatively connected to a module driver 60 and a transport driver 62 which are control circuits for controlling the motors which operate to move the banks within the machine. These are discussed in detail later. It should be understood that these transaction function devices are exemplary and that other embodiments of the invention may include transaction function devices of additional and / or different types.

Figure 4 is a view of the sheet handling mechanism that is used to store and supply the s inside the machine. The sheet handling mechanism generally indicated with the number 64 includes the previously discussed bill storage module 44 which is removably mounted on the machine case. The bill storage module includes a storage reel 66 which is rotatably mounted in a support connection. with the box of the machine in the storage module. Take-up reel 68 which in the preferred embodiment identical to the storage reel is also bly mounted on the machine. A flexible fabric 70 extends between the storage reel and the take-up reel.

The bill storage module of the described embodiment includes thereon a spool drive mechanism 72. The spool drive operates in a manner as discussed below to selectively drive the storage spool 66 or take-up spool 68.

The bill storage module 44 also includes here an actuator 74. The actuator is in operative connection with the movable closure member. The closing member 76 is movable by the actuator 74 between a position in which the rotational movement of the storage spool is enabled in a position in which the closure member holds the rotating storage spool at a relatively fixed position with respect to the module ticket storage 44 This is achieved in the closing position of the locking mechanism by engaging the cooperating projections and recesses schematically indicated 78 on the closure member and the storage reel.

The actuator 74 is electrically connected to the controller 52 through a releasable connector 80. The controller 52 serves as an electrical signal source which operates the actuator generally to allow the storage reel 66 to move when it is properly positioned inside the machine. . When the bill storage module is placed in the machine and releasable connector 80 connects the actuator 74 to the electrical signal source, the projections and recesses of the closure member and of the spool are uncoupled enabling the spool to move. This feature helps secure the storage reel which serves as a ticket storage area in the fixed position relative to the module when the bill storage module is removed from the machine. This makes it more difficult for unauthorized persons to extract bank from the module. of bill storage after it is removed from the machine.

The bill storage module 44 is supported on the machine by the appendage portions 82. The appendages 82 include the semicircular openings or slots (see Figure 14). The axially elongated cylindrical support members 86 are accepted in the openings 84 when the bill storage module 44 is in the operative position within the machine.

The openings 84 in the appendage portions 82 s extend in generally planar members and are joined by a surface 88 which serves as a generally U-shaped projection and arcuately shaped. The U-shaped projection surface 88 is positioned to extend into generally annular grooves or recesses 90 which extend around the cylindrical support members 86. The understraining engagement of the u-shaped projections and the annular recesses allows the positioning of the module. d storing bills 44 in the proper position inside the machine box. This also allows the engagement and disengagement of the appendage parts and the cylindrical support members of the hooked and unhooked parts by moving the bill storage module along the direction of the arrow I shown in Figure 14.

In the described form of the invention the cylindrical support members 86 also serve as support members for the construction of the structure surrounding the bill storage module within the machine. The members 8 include the threaded openings at each end to facilitate engagement with other components. The placement of the annular recesses 90 in the support members is also symmetrical to facilitate the proper placement of the bill storage module. During the assembly of the machine, the proper positioning of the members of the cylindrical supports was assured. by having the threaded openings at each end of the support members of a different size and / or of a different thread configuration. This construction together with the matching fasteners which are used to retain the machine components together ensure that the cylindrical support members are properly installed during assembly. Of course, the construction of the support structure and the removable bill storage module is exemplary and in other embodiments other suitable assembly methods and structures may be used. This includes using a configuration to position the storage module e which is generally the inverse of that shown in Figure 1 as well as other arrangements of projections and inter-engaging slots.

The wire management mechanism shown in FIG. 4 further includes a conduit area 92. The conduit area 92 extends through an opening 94 in the front panel of the bill storage module (see FIG. 10). The notes passing between the bill dispensing receiver mechanism of the bill storage module pass through the conduit area 92.

As shown in FIG. 4, a bill departure transport 96 extends between the conduit area and the ticket exit aperture 28. The outgoing transport d 96 notes operates to move the bills in connection with same. A bill entry transport 98 operates to move the bills between the bill entry opening 30 and the conduit area 92. The bill entry transport includes a portion which extends through the bill validation 58. As discussed previously the ticket certifier operates to collect the tickets which pass through the ticket entry transport. The ticket certifier is operated to receive the tickets which move in the ticket entry transport. The banknote certificate is operated to determine if the tickets are valid for acceptance purposes in the machine to discriminate between valid and invalid tickets.

A transport impeller 100 is operatively connected to the inlet and outlet transports 96 and respectively. The incoming and outgoing banknotes are shown in a further detail in the figure. The banknote transport 96 includes a band 102, a plurality of loose bill-accepting rollers. 10 The loose rollers and the band engage the bills therebetween. so that said notes move with the movement of the band between the conduit area and the exit opening bills 28. It should be understood that even when a ban and a roller transport for the transport of exit tickets are used in the described embodiment , in other incorporation other configurations of cooperating bands rollers or other movable members suitable for engaging to move the bills can be used.

The bill entry transport described in the described embodiment includes the bill validator 58. The described embodiment of the bill validator 58 is a commercially available standard bill acceptor which operates to perceive and determine the validity of certain banknote types. In the case of a machine which is configured to receive and supply $ 20 bills, the certifier will be a device to receive if a ticket inserted is a valid $ 20 billet. The certifier 58 includes therein or a leg thereof a generally non-slipping portion 106 of bill entry transport 98. The part 106 operates to engage and move the inserted banknotes through the bill entry aperture 30 beyond the certifier . This generally non-slip part 106 operates to move the bills beyond the mechanisms of perception within the certificate 58 as required to collect the bill and determine its validity for purposes of receiving within the machine. If it is determined that a banknote inserted is not valid or is otherwise not suitable for acceptance within the machine, the part of not slipping 106 after moving the bill into the certifier is operated to move it out back through of the ticket entry opening 30. Est it is done by the certifier that operates based on internal programming or in alternate incorporations operating a cooperative relationship with the controller 52.

If a bill inserted through the bill entry opening 30 is perceived as valid and acceptable by the certifier 58, the non-slip part 106 of the bill entry transport 98 is operated to release the bill a limited slip part 108 of the bill. bill transport 98. Limited slip part 108 includes a band 110, red rollers 112. Band 110 and slack rollers 11 serve as limited slip-engaging members which hook bills passing in from certifier 58. However, the limited slip part 10 is not operative to apply sufficient force to a bill to remove it from its engagement with the non-slip part 106, until the non-slip part disengages the bill. This allows the certifier 58 of the embodiment described to move the bill sufficiently far back so that it engages the limited slip engaging members 110 and 112 and yet the non-slip part is capable of reversing the bill direction so that it can be delivered back through the ticket entry opening in the event that the ticket is determined to be invalid. This feature allows the compact size banknote certifiers commercially available and standard are used in shown embodiment.

Although the bill entry transport shown in the embodiment described has a generally slipping part and a limited slip part, other embodiments of the invention may include such portion depending on the type of certifier used. An example of t incorporation is later described in detail. In addition to when the generally non-slip part is shown with a plurality of cooperating rollers and the limited slip part 108 is shown as a conveyor belt and roller, other embodiments of the invention may include other types of cooperating movement members that are operative. to move the sheets in the desired way.

A gate 114 is positioned to one side of the duct area 92. The gate 114 operates to selectively direct the leaves and allow the passage of the leaves in relation to the ticket entry transport and the bill departure transport. As shown in greater detail in Figures 9 and 11 the gate 114 includes a rotatably mounted compuert member 116. The gate member 116 includes an arcuate front surface 118 which is positioned adjacent to the duct area. When the front surface 98 e placed downward relative to the position shown in FIG.

Figure 9 The mechanism is operated to move the sheets outwardly through the conduit area 92, the bills that move outwardly are engaged with the front surface and are directed to engage the band 102 and the loose rollers 104 of the output conveyor. banknotes 96. In this position the banknotes are carried in an outward direction by the banknote transport to the banknote exit opening 28. Similarly when the banknotes are moved by the banknote transport to the port area 92, the front surface 118 is moved upward to an acceptance position in relation to Figure 9. In this position the bills carried by the inbound transport 9 are enabled to pass inside the duct area 92.

A guide 120 extends to one side of the compuert 114 generally between the incoming and outgoing transfers of tickets. The guide includes the rotating guide rollers 122 the support connection therewith. The guide roller 122 is generally engaged with the band 110 and rotates therewith. The guide 120 and the guide rollers 122 further assist in guiding the sheets through the conduit area in a manner that will be discussed later. The duct area is also attached to an opposite side of the guide by a spacing member 124. The spacing member also described below in detail, engages the surface of the band 110 which served as a movement member arcuately shaped in a re which lies on the band support roller 126. The separated member 124 also engages an opposite side, the fabric 70 in area covering a support roller 128 which is supported on the bill storage module 44. The fabric serves as an arcuate shaped movement member when it moves on the roller 28 in contact with separation member 124.

As shown in Figure 11, gate 1 is moved between the acceptance position which is the position in which the notes are accepted in the conduit area of the bill entry transport, and the address position in the bank. which banknotes pass out through the conduit and are directed to the outbound transport, by a limited slip transmission mechanism generally indicated with number 130. The limited slip transmission mechanism the embodiment described includes a slider member 13 Sliding 132 is a relatively slippery and small band or a similar force transmission member, the cu can be used to translate the gate member 116 to a desired position and then a slide in response to driving movement without causing damage to itself or to other connected components. In the described embodiment, the slider member 132 is connected to a pulley part 134 the cu is operatively connected to the gate member 116. Sliding member 132 is also connected to a part pulley 136 which is connected to a roller 138 the cua holds the band 102 of the output transport. The stops indicated schematically 140 limit the rotation of the gate member 116.

When the bill departure transported and urged to move the bills outwardly from the conduit area 92, the band 102 is driven in the direction indicated by the arrow O. This causes the front surface 118 of the gate member 116 to move. down until the gate member is engaged with stop 140 which limits its rotation from right to left. Because in this position the band 110 is moved in the direction of the arrow N the bills moving through the duct area 92 are engaged by the front surface 118 in the direction d position and move in relation thereto. to hook the movement band out 102. The outward movement band continues to run for as long as it is controlled to do this in response to the controller. However, once the gate member 116 is in contact with the stop, the slide member 132 slides relative to at least one of the pulley parts 134 and 136. This causes the gate member to remain in the position. of direction so that it does not result in additional movement or damage to any of the components.

As can be seen from Figure 11, when bill entry transport 98 moves the web 110 in an opposite direction to that indicated by the arrow N to deliver the bills to the duct area 92, the web 1 moves in an opposite direction to the arrow O. This movement causes the roller 138 to rotate the pulley parts 136 and 13 to rotate the gate member 116. The gate member 116 rotates in a position from left to right in the orientation shown to accept the position wherein the rotation from left to right of the gate member is stopped by contact with one of the stops 140. Once the gate member is moved to the acceptance position the slide member 132 slips in relation to the I am using one of the pulley parts without causing damage to any of the components. In this position the bills are enabled to pass the gate member which moves inwardly in support relationship with a band 110 to reach the d duct area.

Although in this described embodiment of the invention the gate 114 includes a gate member that is moved by the same drive as the web, in other embodiments other gate movement mechanisms including separate actuators may be used. The alternative embodiments of the invention may employ passive gate members which allow the passage of the banknotes inwards by the deflection or translation of a movement from the gate member in relation to the banknotes. Such passive gate members can through their configuration hook outward by moving the notes by directing them to engage the appropriate mechanisms to move the bills outwardly. Various arrangements of the gate members and blade movement members may be used in the embodiments of the invention. It should further be understood that even when the singular bands have been described herein as moving leaves in the inlet and outbound transports, the preferred embodiments of the invention may include a priority of parallel motion bands, roller or other bill movement mechanisms. which are operated to move the bills in the directions described.

Figure 12 shows in more detail the operation of the separating member 124 which joins a first side of the d duct area where the bills move to and from the bill storage module 44. The bills moving through the duct area they generally move in a schematically indicated bank plane 142 in Figure 12. The banknote plan generally extends along an inner surface 144 of spacer member 124. The internal surface 144 of the example embodiment includes a plurality of projections. as it was shown. The projections are used for minimize the surface tension so that the notes will move more easily on the inner surface 144.

The bill storage module 44 includes an interior wall 146. The opening 94 extends through the interior wall. The opening is joined on each transverse beam by an ear portion 148. Each ear portion 14 includes a groove that extends generally vertically 150. A cut portion 152 extends through the ear portion to the slot. The spacing member 124 includes a pair of outwardly extending projections 154 which are sized to move in the slot 150. The projections 15 also allow the spacer member 124 to be rotationally movable relative to the bill storage module 44. The spacing member also includes an eye 156. The eye 156 is contacted by a pressure member 158. The presser member operates to push the spacer member 12 generally in a downward direction as shown.

When the bill storage module 4 is installed in the machine box, the spacer member 12 is moved in a position in which a first end of spacer member engages the bands 110 covering the roller 126. Also in the operative position , the opposite end of spacer member 124 engages the fabric 70 covering the knee 128. In this form the spacer member 124 engages in its opposite ends arcuately shaped movthe members which move the leaves in a support connection with them. The exemplary embodiment separation member is configured to run over the movement members to engage the sheets which are supported thereon. The engagement of the spacer member with the leaves on the movement members serves to separate the sheets and generally direct along the plane of the bill 142 through the banknote conduit. The spacer member 124 minimizes the risks that the bills are carried by the support band or the fabric below the spacer member where they can jam or otherwise interrupt the mechanism operation. The floatnature of the separatmember facilitates its ability to be properly positioned both vertically and rotationally in the mechanism when the bill storage module is in its operative position. Thus, the separatmember is enabled to correct for small misalignments and still carry out its function by engagthe member that moves in an arched manner on either side. In addition, the configuration of the slot 150 and the cuttarea 152 facilitate easy replacement of the separator member. This is achieved because the projections 15 can be moved through the cuttarea. The pressmember 158 can also be easily disconnected from the eye 156 Therefore the removal of an existspacer member and the installation of a new one is easily accomplished.

It should be understood that while in the disclosed embodiment the projections are associated with the spacer member and the slots are associated with the support box structure, other embodiments may have this characteristics inverted so that the projections are associated with the support box and the slots are associated with the separatmember. They can also be used in other additions or intermediate or additional structures.

As best shown in Fig. 10, the bill storage module of the example embodiment further includes a spacer member 160. The spacer member 16 engages an opposite side of the fabric from that engagement by the spacer member 124. The spacer member 160 it minimizes the risk that the bills supported by the fabric 70 on the storage reel remain in the fabric as the fabric moves in a sheet assortment direction. The baffle 160 helps separate the sheets from the fabric and directs it towards the duct area when the storage spool rotates in the direction indicated in Figure 10.

The spacer member includes an edge portion 162. The edge portion 162 engages the tissue at a designated location 164. A baffle 166 extends from the location 164 toward the conduit. The baffle surface is positioned to extend generally parallel to the fabric 70 e the area between the location where the tissue joins the storage reel and the duct area.

A movable member 168 engages the tissue 70 with a generally superjacent relationship of the roller 128. movable member 168 engages the movement notes inward so that they can be guided by a deflectsurface within a pressure point 1 generally in the area where the tissue the woven material stored on the storage reel 66. In similar fashion the movable member 168 serves to engage the sheets q are separated from the tissue by the spacer member 160 and to move the sheets outwardly through the conduit area.

The spacer member 160 is rotatable relative to the housaround an axis generally indicated by No. 172. The spacer member 160 is pressed to rotate in a left to right direction as shown around axis 172 by a pressure member 174. The spool 66 rotates relative to the box and the billet storage module around an axis of rotation indicated by the number 176. In the described form of the invention the axis 172 around which the spacer member rotates is angularly positioned in relation axis 176 around which the storage spool rotates from the point of pressure to a substantial angle of generally around at least 90 °. This configuration allows Relatively controlled angular movement of the edge part in place by changing the amount of fabric material stored on the storage reel during the operation of the machine. This relatively limited movement ensures a more reliable separation and guidance of the bills from a support connection and above this with the storage reel. The configuration further minimizes the wear of fabric material by maintaining desirable relative positions of the edge portion 162 and the fabric.

As shown in Fig. 10 the baffle surface 166 is generally located so that it is s extended on opposite sides of the movable member 168. E certain preferred embodiments of the invention the movable member 168 may include a plurality of movable members positioned transversely to each other. through the tissue. The baffle surface may be configured to extend into the intervening spaces between the movable members. In addition, the guide surface 120 also extends into the intermediate areas of the deflector surfaces. The placement of the baffle surfaces transversely in the middle of the movable member 168 as well as the guide surfaces 120 provides a relatively mobile interfitting relationship of the surfaces which facilitates the guiding of the sheets through the duct area. It should be noted that the use of separator members 172 and 124 which engage on the opposite sides of the fabric usually help to avoid uneven fabric wear and tension accumulation unevenly along the surfaces thereof. This together with the orientation orientation of the separated members helps to prolong the vi of the tissue.

As discussed below in detail bill storage module 44 of the embodiments described includes a billet receiving and dispensing mechanism generally mentioned with numeral 77 in Figure 4. This receiving and dispensing mechanism includes the storage and take-up reels 66 and 68 respectively. The fabric 70 e which extends between the reels, the roller 128 and the movable member 168 which engages the tissue in the duct area the separating member 160 serves to ensure that the bills are separated from and moved to and from the duct area. In the operation of this described embodiment, the spool drive 72 operates to move the reels so that the bills can be delivered to and assembled from the conduit area. It should be noted that in the alternate embodiments a number of different types of bill handling mechanisms can be placed on the side of the conduit area to achieve the assortment of the bills or the receipt of the customers' bills.

The transport mechanisms described here when they are useful are only one example of one of many types of mechanisms that can be used. The bill storage module 44 of the embodiment described is useful because the module construction can be used with many types of transport mechanisms including the low cost mechanisms that are suitable for installations in machines carried out by other types. of primary functions. This includes the ability to retrofit the capacity of the cash assortment of such machines by providing the appropriate mechanisms to connect the conduit area and one or more exits which can be accessed by a customer. In addition, the bill storage module 44 can be easily removed by authorized personnel from an interior area of the machine. For example, in a motor fuel assortment application, a system operator can easily remove the module 44 from the fuel dispensing pumps during the rest hours and store such items in a safe place. Removal and reinstallation of such items can be accomplished quickly to minimize the actions that are required to be carried out by personnel at the facility.

The operation of the receiver mechanism and assortment of banknotes within the bill storage module 44 is controlled through the operation of the spool drive 72. The spool drive is operated by selectively control the rotation of the bill storage reel 66 and the take-up reel 68. By controlling the rotation of the reels the bills can be placed in a support connection with the fabric 70 and stored on the storage reel. In a similar manner by controlling the rotation of the reels the bills stored on the storage reel can be delivered to the duct area.

The spool drive mechanism 72 of the example embodiments includes a motor or other pulse indicated with the number 178. The operation of the impeller and of the rotation direction is controllable in response to the signals of the controller 52 when the storage module of ticket 44 is installed in the machine. The impeller 178 is operated as shown in FIG. 6 to rotate a first drive member 160 about an axis of rotation 179. The first drive member 180 in the embodiment described is a gear. However, in other embodiments the band rollers or other force transmission members may be used. The driving member is operated to rotate the second driving member 182. In the described embodiment the second driving member is rotatably connected to the transmission member 184, and the transmission member is rotated about the axis of rotation 79 of the first driving member 180. second impeller member rotates around an axis of rotation 185 when it is movable with the transmission member. From then on other incorporations other drive arrangements can be used.

As indicated schematically in Figure 7, first drive member 186 is in operative connection with the second drive member 182. The first drive member 18 is operated to apply a force resistance movement of the second drive member thereon. The first gripping member preferably applies a resistance to movement in any rotational direction of the second driving member. The first driving member may include a thrust washer, a friction disk, a bushing or other suitable member to provide a limited degree of resistance and control the movement of the second driving member. The first drag member 186 is operated so that when the first drive member 180 rotates in a left-to-right direction as indicated in Fig. 7, the drag force applied by the first drive member 186 will also tend to cause The transmission member 184 rotates with the second drive member in a left-to-right position. However, when the left-to-right rotation of the transmission member is stopped as due to the engagement of the second driving member with an additional driving surface, the second driving member will rotate in a right-to-left direction in response to the first rotation. driving member In form similarly, rotation from right to left of the first drive member will move the drive member and the second drive member from right to left until the second drive member engages a drive surface, in which case the second drive member will rotate from left to right. It should be kept in mind that these structures are exemplary and that the intermediate driving members and other mechanisms can be included while still achieving similar results.

As shown in Figure 7 the spool drive mechanism 72 further includes a transmission drive member 188. The transmission drive member 188e is operative to apply a limited resistance to the rotation of transmission member 184. This resistance limited to The rotation operates to provide a controlled limited resistance to the movement of the transmission member 184. It also operates to generally retain the transmission member 184 in its current position until it deliberately moves and responds to the rotation of the first drive member 180. Transmission drive may include a pulley, friction disk, bushing or other suitable device for applying resistance to the movement of the transmission member.

As shown in Figure 6 the rotation of first drive member 180 in a left-right direction is operative to move the transmission member and second driving member 182 from right to left at a position where the second driving member 182 engages in a drive surface 190 of the take-up spool. The driving surface 190 of the take-up spool is preferably a surface that includes the gear teeth adapted to engage with the gear teeth of the second driving member 182. However, it should be understood that other suitable driving surfaces may be used in other driving surfaces. to receive the force transmitted by the spool drive. As shown in Figure 6, the second driving member operates to rotate the take-up reel 168 in a right-to-left direction. This causes the fabric 70 to move in a sheet assortment direction as indicated by the arrows shown superimposed on the fabric 70. By operating the spool drive to move the pickup truck said sheet storage spool 66 is moved to move the a right-to-left direction as shown by the pair unwinding the fabric 70 therefrom and delivering the bills in a support connection thereto to the d-duct area.

Figure 8 shows the operation of the spool drive mechanism 72 when the fabric 70 is moved in a sheet receiving direction. The receiving direction of sheets in the direction in which the fabric moves when the bills are in a support connection with it and are rolled up the bill storage area supported on the storage carriage 66. The rotation of the first driving member 180 in the left-to-right direction shown in FIG. 8 is operative to rotate the second driving member 1 in a left-to-right direction in relation to the first driving member until the second driving member engages a driving surface 192 on a storage reel 66. When the second driving member 182 engages the driving surface 192 the second driving member turns in a direction from right to left which rotates to the spool in a direction from left to right. The left to right rotation of the reel 66 causes the fabric 70 and the bills supported thereon to be wound onto the fabric for storage on the storage reel. When pulling storage reel the fabric on the same said fabric 70 is unwound from the take-up reel 68.

The operation of the drive mechanisms on the drive member as well as on the second drive member helps to ensure that the first drive member remains in positive contact with the desired drive surface of the reels during the movement of the same. Also referring to the Figure 4 should be noted that the driving surface 192 of the storage spool preferably includes the gear teeth which make th to engage the second driving member 182. These teeth Matching gears can also take inter-engaging projections and recesses 68 which allow closure member 76 to retain the storage reel in position when the bill storage module 44 is removed from the box.

In order to facilitate the rotational movement, control of the storage reel 66 and the take-up reel 68 includes a controlled traction application mechanism in the bill storage module 44. An example form this trailing application mechanism is shown schematically in the figure 13. The storage reel 66 has on it an annular brake surface 194. Directional drag application member 196 extends around the annular braking surface through an angle greater than 180 degrees as shown. The directional drag application member 196 includes a first end 198 and a second end 200 which are generally fixed relative to the box through the bill storage module.

The driving drag member 196 includes a band portion 202. The band portion 202 s extends generally in contact with the annular brake surface 194 of the storage spool. The member of the directional drag application 196 also includes a part schematically indicated extendable 204. Extendable part 204 includes an elastic pressing part that can extend in the direction of arrow E as shown in figure 1 During the operation of the drive carriage 62 the storage spool 66 is rotated in a left-to-right direction when the latter wishes to move tissue 70 in a sheet receiving direction so that tissue and the bills supported thereon are wound on the storage reel. When the storage reel 66 is moved in a right-left direction the extending part 204 tends to expand in the direction of the arrow E in response to the force applied to the band part 202 by the relative movement of the annular brake surface 194. This allows the storage reel 6 to rotate in a left-to-right direction in a relatively easy manner in response to the force applied by the extendable part 204. However when the storage reel 66 is rotated in response to movement of the tissue 70 in a Right to left direction which corresponds to movement of the fabric in a sheet assortment direction, the resistance to movement of the storage reel is relatively higher. This is because the tension in the band part 202 is greater than a lack of an extendable part between the band part and the first end 198. With a result the tension in the band part is maintained. relatively higher when the storage spool moves in the direction from right to left. This provides a relatively superior drag force on the storage reel which minimizes the risk of overrunning.

A similar structure but placed in opposite shape is used to apply the gripping force to the take-up reel 68 in this example embodiment. The take-up reel, which was previously discussed in this embodiment is identical to the storage reel, includes a brake surface 206 annuls over it. A directional drag application member 208 includes a band portion 210 that engages the annular brake surface 206 about an angle d generally greater than 180 degrees. The directional drag application member is generally fixed in relation to the drawer at a first end 212 and at a second end 214. The directional grip member 208 includes an extendable part 216 on one side of the second end 214. FIG. extendable part 216 is expandable in an extended direction generally indicated by arrow X.

In the operation of the spool drive mechanism 72 when the take-up reel 68 is rotated in a right-to-left direction which moves the fabric 70 e in a sheet assortment direction, the pull-out portion 216 of the pull application member 208 expands to apply a Relatively lower resistance to the movement of the reel takes 68. However when the take-up reel 68 is moved in a direction from left to right in response to the tissue q moving in a sheet receiving direction, a relatively strong pulling force is applied higher than the take-up reel.

As a result of the directional drive application mechanism of the described embodiment, the drag force on the spool being driven by the second drive member 182 is relatively lower. This reduces the amount of force that the carret drive must produce to move the take-up and storage reels. This is useful in comparison to systems where the drag application members also act on the storage reels regardless of the direction in which they are moved.

Referring again to Figure 5, the fabric 7 extends between the storage reel and the take-up reel along a weaving path. The tissue path extends to one side of the duct area in which the tissue is supported by the roller 128. The tissue path d further includes a pair of guide rollers 218 and 220 which guide the roller 70 along the length of the duct. the trajectory of weaving up the take-up reel 68. A sensor 222 is placed at a distance of the tissue path between the guide rollers. AND sensor 222 is in operative connection with the controller and operable to receive the indicia or readable marks by the machine in support connection with the tissue.

Figure 16 shows a section of tissue 70 an example embodiment of the invention. The fabric includes a centrally transverse sheet engaging area generally applied with the number 224. The sheet engaging area 22 operatively engages the sheets therewith in the duct area and retains the sheets in a support connection with the roller. of storage 66.

Transverse outwardly of the sheet engaging area 224 is a pair of peripheral areas 226 and 228. The peripheral areas extend transversely on either side of the tissue on one side of the transverse edges thereof. The peripheral areas 226 and 228 include the readable indicia. by the machine 230 on them. In the described form of the invention, the readings readable by the machine are indications on the tissue that serve to block the transmission of the radiation through it. This radiation block is perceived by sensor 222. Of course in other embodiments other types of indicia may be used which may be perceived or read by the sensing device.

As previously discussed, the opposite ends of the fabric are connected to the take-up reel and storage reel respectively. In the embodiment described, the readable signals by the machine are configured to correspond to a place on the web in relation to one end. In the described embodiment the leibl indications by the machine are symmetrical about the tissue and are configured so that the spacing between the adjacent indices decreases with the proximity to each end. It is construction in the described incorporations allows installation of the fabric in any of four possible orientations. Therefore a person who replaces the fabric requires to worry that it is improperly installed. This is due to the symmetry of the readable signs by the machine in the peripheral areas as well as to the diminishing space in the readable signs by the machine with proximity to the end.

In the operation of the machine, the sensor 222 is operated to cause the controller to include data in the storage of data representative of the location of the readable signs by the machine which is in proximity of the sensor 222. In the embodiment described these data may include q data correspond to an account of a number of readable indicia by the machine which have moved beyond the sensor from a reference position located on one side of a first end of the weave to a first end area adjacent to the reel taking. By holding these data which correspond to an account, the controller can be operated to determine the relative position of the tissue with respect to the extremes itself. In addition or alternatively, the controller may also retain representative data from an account of the sheets which are currently stored in a support connection with the storage reel. This hoj number can be correlated with the location indications so that the controller coordinates the location information provided by the clues with the corresponding data number of tickets in storage.

Alternatively, the decrease in space The indications with proximity to the ends of the weave allow the controller in the incorporations described to detect the condition which suggests that the tissue is approaching the first end or the second end. This allows the controller to provide a signal through the communications device or through another output device to indicate that the machine is either reaching a condition where it can not additionally retain the bills or is approaching a condition where it is staying without ticket For example, the fabric must move at least by distance somewhat greater than the length of a bill in the surti of a sheet. If in the movement of the fabric by this distance during the assortment of a sheet the sensor 22 perceives the passage more than a set number of indicia on the fabric, controller can determine that the fabric is approaching second end which means that there are few notes left in storage reel. Because of the number of readable machine clues which pass through the sensor in the ticket or sheet assortment, the controller generally knows exactly how close the loom is now to reaching the end area when there are no longer tickets stored on the reel storage .

In a similar manner when operating to receive bill, the spool drive moves the fabric by a length which is generally slightly greater than the length of a bill. If in the process of accepting a ticket the sensor 2 perceives that more than a set number of readable signs for the machine pass through the sensor, the controller can determine that the weave is approaching the first end in which the pun is no longer stored. tissue material on the take-up reel. P the number of readable signs by the machine that pass through the sensor with the receipt of a bill, the controller is operated to determine the relative accuracy of the position of the tissue This allows the controller and his memory to operatively connect the determine and indicate the data of condition quantity which are indicative of a need to re-fill the machine, that the machine is full and / or that some bills need to be removed from the machine inside a given period of time. The machine is still capable of logging this even if the part of the memory which is holding information that corresponds to an exact location of the fabric is lost or corrupted.

An example of how an example embodiment the invention can operate to supply the sheets and to keep an account of the number of remaining sheets is discussed in relation to figure 17. In the embodiment described the sheets supplied in response to the input by the user of input data through one or more of the input devices. E may include, for example, that a customer passes a card through a card reading which includes the account data corresponding to the customer. If the card is a debit card the customer can also enter a personal identification number (PIN) through the keys of the key. The client can then indicate that he wants to withdraw the value of the bills that are going to be withdrawn through l information inputs through the function keys and / or keyboard keys. In response to these inputs, the controller 52 is operated in the embodiment described to operate the communications device 48 to determine through communication with another computer system whether the client is authorized to withdraw the required funds. Assuming that the client is authorized to withdraw the funds the communication device 48 receives return of a host computer or other system connected message indicating that the withdrawal requested by the client allowed. The controller then operates the spool drive to rotate the take-up reel 68 in the indicated direction. This causes the storage spool to rotate in the direction shown. The rotation of the storage spool causes the bills to be separated from the tissue and to move inside the ticket conduit area 92.

As shown in Fig. 17 in the described embodiment, a conduit sensor 232 adjacent conduit area 92 is positioned. The conduit sensor 232 is operatively connected to the controller 52 and is operated to perceive sheets there. The duct sensor 232 is operated to sense the leading edge of the bill entering the control area. In response to the duct sensor the controller 52 is operated to operate the transport driver which operates the output transpo 96. The outlet runs so that the bills in relation thereto move towards the bill outlet aperture 28. This movement of the exit transport also causes the gate 114 to move to the steering position to engage the bills with the exit transport. In the described configuration of the invention, outgoing transport and limited slipping part 108 inbound transport 98 moves in a cooperative relationship. as to move the bills from the conduit area to hook up with the outbound transport.

The spool drive moves the tissue 70 in the bill dispenser direction until the end of the sheet is perceived by roasting by the sensor of the conduit 232. The ho passing through the conduit sensor is carried by the output conveyor 96 to the exit opening 28 where customer is delivered. This is represented by a ticket 234. The bill in the exit opening can be kept in a tray or any other suitable holding devices until it is taken by the customer. Alternatively, a suitable sensor adjacent to the outlet which is connected to the controller may operate to retain the sheet in a connection with the outgoing transport in a stopped relationship until the customer physically pulls the leaf out of the opening. Several approaches for sheet delivery can be used depending on the nature and character of the transaction machine.

Additional sheets plus one can be delivered. The controller 52 operates the carriage drive to deliver additional sheets through the conduit area to deliver them through outbound transport to the customer. When the desired number of sheets has been filled which corresponds to the user's input, the driver operates for Stop both the spool drive and the transport output.

In the course of the assortment of sheets from the storage carriage the duct sensor perceives each sheet. duct sensor can be a radiation type sensor is able to perceive both the front and rear edges of sheet. Of course in other embodiments of the invention ot types of conduit sensors can be used. As tissue 70 moves to deliver one or more sheets to the tissue sensor duct area 222 it provides signals to controller 52. The response to the perception of machine readable cues by sensor 222 generates signals from the controller. These signals include the representative data of the leaves quantities. This may include, for example, in some incorporates a single account which corresponds to the length of the remaining fabric on the storage reel. Because the bills are generally spaced apart by a uniform spacing, these account data are representative of the number of sheets remaining. These data can be stored in the memory 56 as a quantity condition the cu corresponds to the number of remaining sheets.

Alternatively, in the embodiments of the invention, the sensor 222 can be operated to perceive the number of indicia which pass through the sensor when being moved a through the conduit area as sensed by the sensor 2 The number of indicia passing through the sensor 222 as a single note is supplied can be correlated with the distance the location adjacent the sensor to the end of the tissue. controller is operated in response to the sensor sensing a certain number of such indications during the assortment a single ticket can be programmed to store provide an indication of the quantity condition the c indicates that the machine is in need of a ticket resupply.

In addition to using the readable signals by the machine on the fabric to provide the representative data for the amount of bills remaining, the controller 52 can also be operated to make the actual or representative account data of a value stored in the store. memory In this form the controller can be operated to maintain information on how many bills are stored in the machine at any time. This may allow a user to ask the controller to determine the remaining number of bille.

In the event that the described controller form should experience a volatile memo data failure in relation to the number of remaining bills, the controller can operate the machine to execute an operation. of recovery to determine how many of these bills are left. The executable steps necessary to carry out recovery operation can be stored in a non-volatile mem so that the machine can almost always execute the recovery operation no matter what conditions experienced. In the recovery operation the control responds to the loss of available memory data by operating the reel drive to unwind tissue on the storage reel 66. The reel drive mechanism continues to develop the fabric on storage reel until a first extr area adjacent to the end of the tissue attached to the perceived take-up reel. This can be done in a number of ways. example by the sensor 220 that perceives a set of number indications readable by the machine on the fabric within a given period of time which the controller determines through the use of a clock device 54.

Once the controller has determined that the fabric has been wound onto the generally complete storage reel, the controller operates a reel drive to begin moving the fabric from the storage reel to the take-up reel. When the spool drive is operated by the controller, the controller generates signals in response to indications perceived by the tissue sensor 222. These signals they are indicative of how far the tissue has moved at a given moment. The process of winding the fabric on the pick-up carriage stops when the conduit sensor 232 senses the first bill entering the first conduit 92. In this pu the controller 52 operates to generate an additional signal the c corresponds to the location of the tissue where the first sheet is perceived. Because the sheets are generally stored in a relatively uniform spaced relationship, additional signal generated is indicative of a number of sheets remaining in support connection with the fabric on the storage lane. This allows the controller to determine closely how many sheets are left in the storage. In addition, the operation of the sheet receiving and receiving machine can then be continued using the data corresponding to the number of sheets determined through the recovery operation. Of course this is but an example of operation of the machine used in connection with a described embodiment. In other incorporations other approaches may be used to calculate and determine the number of sheets in storage at a given time.

The operation of the machine to receive a bill will now be explained with reference to figures 18-20. To insert the tickets into the machine an appropriate input of information by an authorized user through the input devices may be required. This may include cards Special codes which are used by the service personnel to rescannote banknotes in the machine. Alternatively, as discussed in relation to figure 1, the machine's box may include a physical security device which can be accessed by authorized personnel. it only allows such personnel to put bills inside the entrance opening. Alternatively, the entry opening can be placed in relation to the box in a manner such that this is generally only accessible by the personnel. Finally, in some embodiments of the invention, users can insert both the cash in the entry opening as well as receiving the cash. through the exit aperture. These particular activities that a user can carry out in order to allow the machine to operate and accept tickets through the ticket entry aperture will depend on the particular machine and operator programming of the controller 52.

When the tickets are to be accepted a bill is inserted through the entry opening 30 to the entry transpo 98. In the incoming transport 98 the first bill extends into a non-slip part 106 of the incoming transport which extends to One side of the certifier 58. certifier includes the sensors there to see if the inserted bill is a ticket that is valid for machine acceptance. For example in this incorporation the certifier can be configured to accept only 20 dollar bills to reject all other sheets inserted as invalid for this machine. The controller 52 operates in relation to certifier 58 and a schematically depicted sheet 236 moved there by the non-slip part 106. As shown in FIG. 18, the sheet 236 may be extended from the non-slip side to the limited slip part. 108 the c is driven by the transport driver to move it in the indicated direction. The limited slip part engages leaves but allows them to move back and forth on the pad 106. In the event that the bill is determined to be invalid, the non-slip part can disengage the bill from the limited slip part 108. and moving it back out through the opening 30. If the bill is determined to be valid however the part 106 releases the bill 236 in limited slipping part 108 which moves the bill related thereto to the duct area 92 .

Because in the described embodiment the limited slip leg 108 and output conveyor 96 operated by a common drive mechanism, the movement of slipping part limited in the direction indicated also h the output conveyance moves in a where h the gate 114 is rotated to the banknote acceptance position. As a result the bill 236 is moved to the duct area 92 as shown in figure 19. When the bill reaches the conduit area, this is sensed by conduit sensor 232.

The controller is operated in response to the bill that is being sensed by the conduit sensor to operate the spool drive. The controller is operated to cause tissue 70 to move in the banknote acceptance direction as shown in Figure 20. The reel drive mechanism moves the fabric so that the banknote is placed in support connection therewith and is rolled on the bill storage carriage 66. The controller continues the spool drive until the tail edge of the bill is perceived as passing through the conductive sensor 232. Then the controller can operate the spool drive mechanism to move the bill by a distance sufficient to provide a spacing from the next note which is inserted. Once the controller has moved the inserted note by a sufficient distance on the ticket storage reel the reel drive stops until instructed to move additionally by the controller.

Even when in this first embodiment the non-slip driving part adjacent to the certifying sensors 58 is operated immediately to push the bills outward which are perceived as not valid, alternate forms of the invention can be programmed to operate differently. For example, the controller 55 may be programmed to move a ticket in the transport from beyond the certifier. If the certifier perceives an invalid n, the note may be stopped in the conduit area when the tail end of the note has moved from compue 114. The controller may then operate to reverse direction of transports 96 and 98 which causes the compue directs the bill out through the exit opening. The controller 52 can operate both the inbound and outbound transports as well as the roll storage mechanism to achieve this. This may include, for example, making the invalid n be stored partially or temporarily in support connection with the fabric 70 before the address of the bill is inverted to deliver the bill to the outside. These are examples and other embodiments of the invention may operate. in a different way to reject the tickets.

Alternate forms of the invention may be produced to accommodate other types of certification mechanisms. Figure 21 shows an alternating form of banknote handling mechanism generally indicated with number 238. The mechanism 238 is generally similar to aq previously described except as indicated otherwise. And it includes a receiver mechanism and ticket dispenser 240 simi to the mechanism 77 previously discussed. The mechanism 238 ade includes a combined inlet and outlet transport 242. Inlet and outlet transport 242 is selectively operated to move both the leaves in and out of the conduit 244. The billet sensors 246 are placed on one side of the conveyor 242. The ticket sensors 246 may be operative to perceive that the ticket is valid, such as for example, that a ticket that is passing through transport 242 is a valid ticket of 20 dollars from the United States of America. An example of a bill sensing device suitable for this purpose is described in United States of America patent application number 08 / 749,260 which is owned by the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if it had been here written.

If the bill is perceived to be valid, it can be moved by a transport 242 beyond a gate 24 to a storage location on the storage reel 250. Similarly when the bill goes assortment from the storage reel, a fabric 254 the c holds the bills in the support connection with the storage carriage can move the banknote inside the conduit area 244. The gate 248 is moved by an actuator (shown) to direct the bill to engage the transpor 242. The transport 242 then it operates in a direction pa take the ticket from the conduit area to an exit ticket adjacent to the end of the conveyance 242.

If the controller of the mechanism 238 is operative to perceive the bills that are inside the machine and sensors 246 operate to perceive an invalid bill, transport 242 can be reversed immediately to reject the bill. Alternatively, if it is not desired to reject a ticket through the outside of the machine, the ticket can be moved by the transport 242 to a storage area 244. The bill can also be moved partially on the fabric 2 as necessary in the operation of the machine. After the ticket is moved to the storage area, the position of the gate 248 can be changed and the controller can operate a reject transport 256. The reject transport operated to move the bill inward to a storage area 258 within the box of the machine. As a result, suspect bills are kept inside the machine till they can be removed by authorized personnel.

An advantage of the described embodiment of the invention shown in relation to the mechanism 238 is that a single transport can be used as both the inbound and outbound transport for the tickets. This may have advantage in some incorporations in which the validity of the Banknotes can be determined within a single banknote path which moves selectively in opposite directions.

An alternative banknote handling mechanism generally indicated with the number 260 is shown in Figure 22. The banknote handling mechanism 260 is similar to the first banknote handling mechanism described except as indicated otherwise. The billet handling mechanism 260 includes an outlet conveyance 262 extending between conduit area 264 and a bill exit aperture 26. The mechanism 260 further includes an entry aperture banknote 268. The bill entry aperture extends inwardly. of the wall of the machine box which is generally opposite a box wall in which the outlet opening extends. The entry opening 268 is operatively connected to a bill validator 270 which can be of a previously described type. The billet certifier 270 is connected to a first limited slidable transport section 272 and to a second transport section 27 The transport sections 272 and 274 are operated to carry the tickets that have passed the certifier 270 to the duct area 264.

The operation of mechanism 260 is generally similar to the first described embodiment of the invention. S However, one advantage of the construction shown in the figure is that an operator of the machine is trained to load money into the machine from the back. Preferred forms of the invention are sufficiently small that they can be supported on a top display or a standard indoor building wall. This allows the machine operator to feed the banknotes into the machine from behind the counter or from inside a room inside a building. This can make it easier to load the bills into the machine since the machine operator has access to lock the machine when the bills are loaded, which can discourage customers from using the machine. In addition, this configuration can eliminate the need for covers or other devices on the ticket entry opening to avoid confusing customers trying to insert things into the entry opening. The additional advantages of this alternate structure shown in Figure 22 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. the art Yet another embodiment of the banknote handling mechanism generally assigned with the number 276 is shown in Figure 23. The alternative banknote management mechanism 276 operated to describe the incorporation to work in relation to the bill receiving and dispensing mechanism 77 of the first incorporation. including the billet storage module 244 which has been previously described. The alternate banknote mechanism 276 is operated to avoid the user's need to insert bills generally one at a time for storage within the machine.

The bill handling mechanism includes outgoing transport 278 which extends between a duct area 280 and a bill exit opening 282. Gate 284 is positioned to one side of the duct area 28 operates in the manner previously described. An inlet transport 286 includes a first portion 288 which extends one side of a certifier 290. A second transpose portion 292 extends between the certifier and the conduit area 2.

The general bill separating mechanism indicated with the number 294 is generally placed at one liter of the certifier. The bill separating mechanism is operative to separate the bills individually from a stack 296 to deliver the individual bills to the certifier 290. bill reversal sensor 298 is placed on the side of the unstack mechanism. The bill thickness sensor operates to see if more than one bill has been removed from the stack. In the event that more than one ticket is perceived c passing from the stack to the certifier, the driver operated to cause the bill to separate from the mechanism to reverse the movement of the bill. The ticket is mov back to the stack and another attempt is made until the single ticket is separated as perceived by the thickness sensors and delivered to the certifier.

An exemplary separating mechanism is shown schematically in Figure 24. The arrangement includes a central supply roll 300 which is flanked by two complementary band support supplying rolls 302. The supply rolls 300 and 302 are rotated by an impeller shown schematically 304. The impeller is selectively operated response to signals from a controller.

A contact stripping roller 306 and non-contact stripping rollers 308 are arranged in generally abutting and opposite arrangement with the supply rollers 300 and 302. The rollers 306 and 308 are connected on a common axis to a one-way clutch 310. The clutch a way operates to resist the rotation of the rollers 306 and in a direction which would facilitate the movement of the sheets from the stack towards the certifier. However, the clutch easily enables the rollers 306 and 308 to rotate in the general direction by moving the sheets outwardly certifying towards the stack. When the impeller 304 moves the rollers 300 and 302 to move a sheet at the bottom of the stack 2 towards the certifier, both rollers 306 and 308 resist movement of the sheet. This usually prevents all c Exception of the first sheet at the bottom of the stack moves beyond the sensors 298 to the driving part 288 to one liter of the certifier 290. However if they are perceived as multiple by the sensors 298 as they are passing out of the stack , the controller operates to reverse the direction of the impeller 304. In this situation the rollers 3 308, 300 and 302 cooperate to help easily move the ho inside the stack.

As shown in Figure 23 in the described description of the invention, the stack 296 can be inserted in the unstacked area 312 inside the machine case. The unstacked area access can be controlled by a door shown schematically 314. In the described manner of the mechanism shown in Figure 23, the operator of the machine is enabled to place a stack of bills in the unstacked area 312 after closing and securing the door 314. The machine can then operate to separate the bills in the stack to validate them and to store the bills in the storage reel of a connected bill storage module. If in the course of the perception of the sheets they find invalid sheets, the invalid sheets can be diverted through the operation of the gate 284 to transport 278 which can deposit the sheets in the ad adjacent to the exit opening of the bill 282. The alternative embodiments of the invention may provide other areas storage to retain the invalid leaves. The additional alternative embodiments of the invention may provide for interruption of the validation of notes and of the stacked operation of the machine by a user who wishes to operate the machine for assortment purposes. Of course other alternative arrangements and configurations that use the principles of invention can be designed by those experts in the ar The alternate forms of the user interconnections can be provided for use in connection with embodiments of the invention. Such alternate incorporation is shown in Figures 25-30. The alternate incorporation includes an exhibitor 316 which in several embodiments can be L CRT or another type of visual or non-visual output device. The interconnection also includes an input device in the form of an embedded card reader for reading magnetic strip cards. generally indicated with the number 318. interconnection further includes a cancellation button indicated by the number 320. In this simplified user interface controller operates to display the messages which can be observed by the user on the display 316. These var exhibits which include a preprogrammed text and / or graphics are here mentioned as screens. When the machine is waiting for a customer to start the machine operation an initial screen indicated with the number 320 shown in figure 25 is displayed on the display. initial screen 320 instructs a user to insert the card into the depth reader and to remove the card itself when the quantity they desire is displayed on the screen.

Figure 26 shows a schematic indic card 322 of the magnetic strip variety that is being inserted into the reader 318. In response to the card being inserted and held there a first quantity screen indicated with the number 324 is displayed. The first screen amount which is generated in response to the driver av to the customer of an amount and withdrawal of his card from the lec when the amount shown on the screen corresponds to the desired amount that they wish to receive. In the described embodiment within approximately 5 seconds after the first screen is displayed a second count screen is displayed indicated with the number 326 and shown in figure 27. Second account screen shows a different and new amount instructs the user to remove the reader card depth when the amount they want is displayed Presuming that the user does not remove the card from the reader when the second quantity screen 326 is displayed. A co time later (around 5 seconds in the incorporation this example) a third quantity screen is displayed. Due to the fact that the incorporation described surte 20 dollar bills c display screen in sequence increases the amount per dollars. This sequence is continued until it is reached maximum amount screen or until the customer press 320 cancellation button.

Presuming that the customer removes his reader card 318 when an amount of 60 dollars is displayed, the withdrawal screen usually indicated with the number 328 shown in figure 28 will be displayed. The withdrawal screen 3 alerts the customer of the amount that will be charged to his account. Again presuming that the customer does not promptly press the cancellation button 320 the controller operates to communicate through its associated communication device with an appropriate host computer or other system to determine if the customer is authorized to charge the requested amount. During the period of time a waiting screen 330 is displayed in figure 29. When the machine receives the authorization that indicates that the customer is authorized to receive the requested quantity, the controller operates the components of the machine to make the quantity requested is delivered to the customer through the exit opening in the box. The control also operates to cause a transaction receipt to be printed. After this is done a termination screen is displayed generally indicated with the number 332 and shown in Fig. 30. The completion screen warns the customer to take cash and your receipt Of course if for some reason transaction is not authorized, a screen alternates warning Client of this is displayed to said client. After controller is operated to return to the initial screen 3 An advantage of this example user interconnection is that it can be used with machines that are effective and that respond to credit card entries that do not require additional input devices other than a cancellation button and a depth reader. Components are very common on many types of transaction machines whose primary function is not to fill the cash. This interconnection facilitates the incorporation of the banknote dispensing mechanism of the present invention into other types of transaction machines. In addition, other incorporators can eliminate the cancellation button by allowing the client to cancel the transactions by removing the card at a time when the particular screen is displayed. Many alternate additions that employ these principles can be designed.

A further novel aspect of the described embodiment of the invention is the ability of the machine to display selected promotional messages to the customer on a time basis. Such promotional message is shown on screen 330 and indicates a sale on a beverage item. an example embodiment of the invention this promotional message is generated in response to the stored data the plug in the memory 38 which is connected to the connector in the box. The data stored in the plug in the memory which in the described form of the invention is a smart card, includes a promotional message as well as time parameters associated with the promotional message. For example, if the special offer represented on the screen 330 is extended only until a certain date, the associated controller and clock device are operated to perceive the p of this date and to no longer display the particular provided message once this date has passed. For example if a machine operator fails to remove the plug in the memory and the controller determines that the message is no longer on time, screen 330 may include a white space or a white area below the note "please wait" on the screen while the machine is operating to obtain verification and to supply the cash to the user.

Similarly, other data may be stored on the plug in the memory module so that particular promotional messages are displayed at particular times of the day or within particular periods of time. The plug in the memory module can also include several promotional messages which are designed to be displayed at various times or sequentially to the users of the machine. Alternatively, the data stored in the plug in the memory module may include vari public service messages such as the promotion of var organizations and charity events. The data stored on the plug in the memory can also be operated for graphic representations as well as other types of video and audio presentation that may be of interest to a user. Ot data stored in the memory module may include example logos or other announcements for establishment in which the automated transaction machine is operated.

Because the exemplary form of the invention allows the display of selective promotional messages by simply plugging in a smart card from an associated connector, promotional messages can easily be changed from outside the machine and cheaply. For example, the establishment of commerce or entities that promote promotional events can provide promotional messages on the smart cards to the operators of the machine. The machine operators can connect the cards in the machine and during the selected time sales for message presentations, messages will be displayed. At times when the memory indicates that such messages should not be displayed, the messages including messages are not provided to the users of the machine. Therefore, promotional message providers will be able to prevent their promotions from being presented beyond the expiration date or at times when not appropriate.

Of course, the automated transaction machine can operate to take out such promotional messages at other times during its operation. This may include, for example, periodically displaying promotional messages instead of the initial screen. This may include for example alternating promotional message with the initial screen 316 for a relatively short period of time such as a period of 5 seconds. In this way a user walking to the machine will be avis in a very short period of time how to operate the machine. machine. However, such a user will also receive at least one and several promotional messages before they proceed to insert their card in the reader 318. In this way the described invention of the invention allows the machine operators to carry out additional marketing. relatively simple and reliably and at a minimal cost.

It should be understood that while in the example embodiment the plug in the memory element includes smart card, other embodiments may include other types of plug in the memory devices. These may include, for example, soft disks, PROMS, CD-ROMs, other devices. It should also be understood that access such replaceable memory items may be limited a cover, such as for example the cover for the bill entry aperture previously discussed. In this way access to the connector or reader for the plug in the memory limited to the persons who are authorized to change the plug in the memory. However, such persons require access to the storage area of the bin inside the machine to change the plug in the memory.

Therefore, the preferred embodiment of the automated transaction machine of the present invention achieves above stated objectives, eliminates the difficulties encountered in the use of the above devices and systems, solves problems and achieves the desired results described herein.

In the above description, certain terms are used for brevity, clarity and understanding, however, unnecessary limitations must be implied since such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be widely considered. In addition, description and the illustrations given here by way of example the invention is not limited to the exact details shown described.

In the following claims, which characteristic is described as a means to carry out The function should be considered as encompassing any means known to those skilled in the art for being able to carry out the function recited, and the structures shown herein or mere equivalents thereof are not limited.

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

Claims (132)

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

1. An apparatus comprising a machine box; a ticket entry opening through a box, a ticket exit opening through a drawer; a bill receiving and dispensing mechanism operative connection with a bill storage area, where the mechanism includes a duct area through which pass the bills that are being received by mechanism for storage in the storage area the bills that are being displayed by the mechanism from the storage room; a bill entry transport extending between the ticket entry opening and the conduit area, where the bills are moved in the incoming transport; a ticket exit transport extending between the conduit area and the ticket exit opening; a ticket certifier where the ticket certifier is operated to perceive if the tickets are valid, where the ticket certifier operates to collect tickets in the incoming transport; at least one impeller in operative connection, the inlet transport and the outlet transport, wherein the impeller is selectively operated to move the bills in inbound transport and outbound transport; Y a controller in operative connection with certifier and the impeller, where the controller is operative to make the notes inserted through the input opening of notes and perceived as valid by the certificate are moved by the input transport to the conduit area, it is operated to make the bills supplied by the mechanism moved through the outgoing transport to the outlet opening.

2. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the box includes a first one and wherein both the ticket exit opening and the opening of ticket entry extend through the first side of the box.

3. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the box includes a first and a second generally opposite side, and wherein the first bill exit opening extends through the first and the bill entry aperture. it extends through the second side.

4. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a compue mounted movably in a support connection with the box extending to one side of the duct area, where the compue is in operative connection with the impeller, and wherein when pusher operates the ticket exit transport to move bills towards the ticket exit opening the gate moved to a steering position, where the bills pass out through the conduit area are directed outwardly by the gate in the director position p hook the ticket departure transport.

5. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a compue movably mounted in a support connection with the box extending to one side of the conduit area, and wherein the impeller operates the ticket entry transport to move the notes into the conduit area the damper is placed in an acceptance position, where the notes from ticket entry transport are directed by the compuer to move inward through the duct area, and where when the bills move outwardly from the duct area the gate is placed in a directional position where the bills passing out through the duct area are directed by the gate to engage exit conveyance. tickets

6. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that the gate is operatively connected to the impeller by a limited slipping transmission mechanism.

7. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that the outgoing transport tickets include a rotating member and wherein the limited slip transmission mechanism includes a slide member in operative engagement with the rotation member wherein slider member it slides relative to the rotating member when the gate is in a steering position.

8. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 7, characterized by the input transport banknotes, banknote transport, gate and impeller are operatively interconnected, wherein when the impeller rotates in a first rotational direction the bill departure transpo moves so that the banknotes related thereto move in one direction from the duct area towards the exit opening and the gate moves to the steering position, and where when the impeller moves a second rotational direction opposite to the first direction the incoming transport of notes moves so that notes in relation to they move in a direction out of the bill entry opening towards the conduit duct and the gate moves to the position of acceptance.

9. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a first shaped mobile member arcuately connected operatively with the bill receiving and dispensing mechanism, and a first separating member engaged with the first arcuately shaped moving member, wherein the first separating member operated to separate the leaves of the first member that was arcuately shaped.

10. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the first arcuately shaped shaping member includes a movable support tissue.

11. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 9, further characterized in that it comprises a movable member formed arcuately adjacent to the conduit area, the second movably formed member arcuately connected operatively with the impeller, and wherein the first separator member is engaged with the second member moved conformed arched.

12. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that in the cross section first spacer member has a first end and an end follow, wherein the first end engages the first mobile member arcuately shaped and the second end engages second mobile member shaped arched.

13. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 12, further characterized in that it comprises a pressing member in operative connection with the first spaced member wherein the pressing member is operated to push the first spacer member to engage both the first shaped member arched and the second mobile member conforms archedly.

14. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that in the cross section first separating member joins the duct on a first the transverse and further comprises a guide, wherein the guide is a support connection with the box and limits the duct on transverse side generally opposite the first transverse side

15. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a storage module, wherein the storage module includes a bill storage area and wherein the storage module is removably mounted in a support connection with the box and in where the storage module includes a module opening and wherein the duct area extends through the module opening.

16. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 15, further characterized in that it comprises a first separating member extending through the opening module and a cross section which limits a first transverse cross-section of the conduit area, and a first shaped member. arched in support connection with the first bill storage module, wherein the first spacer member engages the first mobile member arcuately and operates to separate bills therefrom.

17. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a duct sensor adjacent to the duct area, wherein the sensor The conduit is in operative connection with the controller, and where the control operatively responds to perceive a bill discharged by said receiver mechanism and billet pump with the sensor to operate in the transport of exit of the billet to move the ticket in one direction from the area. of lead to the ticket exit opening.

18. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a se conduit at one side of the conduit area, wherein the conduit se is in operative connection with the controller, and where the controller responds operatively to the se duct that perceives a note in the transport of entr adjacent to the duct area to operate the recep mechanism and bill dispenser to accept the ticket in the storage area.

19. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the ticket entry transport includes a first part and a second part, in which the first part is adjacent to the ticket certifier, and where the second part includes a hook member limited slip, and wherein the first part retains a bill in generally a non-slippery hitch with the same one where when a bill is passed to the lead area from the first part to the second part the bill is sliding catch with the hook member until the bill disengages from the first part.

20. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that the control is operated to move the first part and the second part in a direction to perceive the certifier the bill, where the bills are pushed to move towards the conduit area when it moved in a first direction and in response to the certificate receiving an invalid ticket the first part is operated to move the ticket in an opposite direction towards the ticket entry opening.

21. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that when a bill is moved in the first part in the opposite direction the controller is operative to cause the second part to run in the first direction so that the bill in contact with the The limited slipped hitch member moves in the opposite direction in generally non-slip hitch with the first part.

22. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises or user interconnection wherein the interconnection includes at least one input device in connection operative with controller, wherein the controller is operated to respond an input to the input device to cause a bill to be delivered from the ticket storage area to the ticket exit opening.

23. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it further comprises user interconnection, wherein the user interface comprises at least one input device, wherein the controller is operated in response to an input to the input device for accept a ticket inserted in the ticket entry opening and place the ticket in the ticket storage area.

24. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a bill separation mechanism in operative connection with the control where the bill separation mechanism is placed half of the ticket entry opening and the certifier, where the The controller is operated to cause the bill separation mechanism to deliver individual bills from a stack of bills inserted through a ticket entry opening.

25. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 24, further characterized in that it comprises a banknote thickness se in operative connection with a controller, where the bill thickness se is placed in the bill separation mechanism and the certifier, and where the controller is operated to cause the bill separation mechanism to return a bill to the stack in response to which bill thickness se he receives a multiple ticket that is being delivered by the banknote separation mechanism.

26. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 24, further characterized in that it comprises a compue adjacent to the conduit area and wherein the controller operated in response to receiving an invalid ticket in ticket transportation to move the invalid ticket to the ticket area. duct, and then the controller is operated to cause the invalid bill to be hooked up with the compuert the bill departure transport and to move through the bill departure transpo to the ticket exit opening

27. A method for operating the apparatus, such and co, is claimed in clause 23, which comprises the steps of: (a) enter information to the input device; (b) delivering a ticket from the ticket storage area to the conduit area with the bill receiving and display mechanism; Y (c) moving the bills from the lead-in area to the ticket exit opening with the bill-salt transport.

28. A method for operating the apparatus, such and c is claimed in clause 1, comprising the steps of: (a) inserting a ticket into the opening of the ticket; (b) perceive the ticket as valid with a ticket certifier; (c) moving the ticket to the conduit area with ticket entry transport; Y (d) move the ticket from the storage area conduit area with the ticket receipt and display mechanism.

29. The method, as claimed in clause 28, characterized in that the subsequent step (d) ade comprises the steps of: (e) moving the ticket from the ticket storage area to the conduit area with the receiving mechanism and ticket dispenser; (f) move the ticket from the conduct area to the ticket exit opening with the ticket departure transport; Y (g) Extend the ticket from the ticket exit opening.

30. The method, as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that the ticket entry opening and the ticket exit opening generally extend opposite sides of the box where the passage is carried out on a first side of the box and the step is carried out on an opposite side of the box.

31. The method for operating the apparatus, such and c is claimed in clause 24, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) inserting a stack of bills into a bill entry aperture; (b) deliver bills from the general stack one at a time from the stack with the billet separating mechanism to the ticketing transport; (c) perceive each one of the tickets regarding the validity with the ticket certifier; (d) moving the valid tickets to the conduit area with the transportation of incoming bills; (e) moving the valid tickets from the conduit area to the bill storage area with receiving device and bill dispenser.

32. An apparatus comprising: a box that includes at least one sheet aperture for passing the sheets therethrough; a user interconnection in support connection with the box, the user interconnection includes at least one input device; a sheet storage spool mounted movably in a support connection with the box; a take-up reel mounted in a mobile way in support connection with the box; a flexible fabric extending between the storage reel and the take-up reel, the fabric extends on one side of the sheet conduit area in the middle of the storage reel and the take-up reel; a spool drive in operative connection with the storage spool and the spool of to where the spool drive is selectively operated to move the sheets in a spool connection with the fabric between the spool of sheet storage and the spooling area. conduit; a sheet transport mechanism, wherein the sheet transport mechanism is selectively operated to move the sheets between the sheet duct area and the sheet aperture; a sheet certifier in operative connection c the transport mechanism for sheets, where the sheet certificate is operated to distinguish the acceptable sheets of the unacceptable sheets; a controller in operative connection with input device, the spool drive, sheet transport mechanism and the sheet certifier, where the controller is operated in response to the sheet certifier that perceives a valid sheet inserted into an opening pa sheets to make that the valid sheet is stored in a support connection with the fabric on the storage reel, and the controller is further operated in response to at least one input to the input device so that the valid sheet is moved from the storage reel to the opening of leaves.

33. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the box includes an opening inlet of sheets and a leaf outlet opening positioned from the sheet-inlet opening, and wherein the sheets are accepted in the apparatus through from the inlet opening sheets and sheets are delivered from the apparatus through the sheet outlet opening.

34. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the sheets are accepted within the box and delivered from the box through a single sheet opening.

35. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the input device includes a card reader, and wherein an input information operates to cause the sheets to be delivered from the opening for sheets and includes reading a card with card reader.

36. In a cash dispenser machine includes: a box; a bill outlet opening extending through the box; a duct area inside the box; a ticket exit transport extending in the box between the conduit area and the ticket exit opening, the ticket exit transport including a separating member engaging surface, the apar comprises: a ticket storage module mounted removable form in support connection with the box, the bill storage module includes a storage area tickets there, wherein the billet storage module includes a first module wall including an opening module there, wherein the module opening is adjacent to the conduit duct when the bill storage module is in an operative position, wherein the tickets from the storage area are selectively delivered from the ticket storage module through a module opening a first separator member movably mounted in a support connection with the bill storage module, wherein in the operative position of the bill storage module the spacer member extends through the module opening and operatively engages the separator's engagement surface .

37. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that the bill storage module includes a first mobile member arcuately shaped, wherein the bills moving towards or opening the module are passed in a support connection with the first member of arcuately shaped movement, in the operating position of the billet storage module, the separating member operatively engages the first arcuately shaped mobile member, wherein the bills moving in a support connection with the first member Arcuately shaped movement is made to snap separator member.

38. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 37, characterized in that the bill storage module includes a mobile tissue, wherein the bills moving between the bill storage area and the duct area are moved in a support connection with the tissue wherein the first arcuate shaped movement member includes a tissue surface.

39. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 36, further characterized in that it comprises a pressure member in a support connection with the bill storage module and in an operative connection with spacer member, wherein in the operative position of the storage module of The presser member is operative to press the spacer member toward the latch with engagement surface of the spacer.

40. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 39, characterized in that the bill storage module includes a first mobile member arcuately shaped, wherein the bills moving towards the module opening are moved in a support connection with first member of movement shaped arched, and in gift the operative position of the separator member bill storage module operatively engages the first molded arcuately shaped member, and wherein the pressing member further operated to press the spacer member into engagement with the first arcuately shaped mobile member

41. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that the first separating member is movably mounted in a support connection with first module wall.

42. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that the notes moving through the module opening generally extend in a plane of bills, and wherein the separating member is mounted to move relative to the storage module of the bank. billet in a direction generally transverse to the plane of the bills.

43. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 42, characterized in that the separating member is movably mounted to further rotationally move relative to the plane of bills.

44. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 43, further characterized in that it comprises a projection interengance and a groove as in where the groove extends along the direction generally transverse to the banknote plane, and wherein the projection is rotatably movable relative to the groove, and wherein one of the spacer member where the first module wall is operatively connected to the projection and the other spacer member wherein the first module wall is operatively connected to the slot.

45. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 44, characterized in that the groove is limited by an ear part in support connection with the front wall module, and wherein the billet storage module includes a pair of placed ear parts. on one side of the opposite transverse sides of the module opening, and further comprises a pair of generally opposite projections in u operative connection with the spacer member, wherein the projection is movable in a corresponding slot in an ear pair.

46. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that at least one ear portion includes a cut area extending through the ear portion of the slot wherein the cut-out area is configured so that the projection is enabled to pass through the cutting area.

47. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 36, further characterized in that it comprises an interenganchante project and a slot where when the bill storage module is aligned in the operative position in a support connection with the box, the projection and the ran they are in an engaged relationship, and wherein one of either the projection or the slot is operatively connected to the case and the other of the projection or the slot is operatively connected to the bill storage module.

48. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 47, characterized in that the box includes a generally cylindrical support member having a circumferential reb, and wherein the bill storage module includes an arcuately shaped projection engageable in the recess.

49. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 48, characterized in that the cylindrical support member includes a pair of circumferential recesses placed axially, and wherein the billet storage module includes a pair of projections formed arcuately in each projection is engageable in a corresponding recess.

50. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 48, characterized in that the projection includes a generally u-shaped pa.

51. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 50, characterized in that the bill storage module is in operative connection with an appendix, and in the u-shaped projection holds an opening in the appendix.

52. The device, as claimed in clause 51, characterized in that the box is in operative connection with a pair of cylindrical support members placed and where the bill storage module includes a p of appendices placed, wherein in the operative position d bill storage module a generally u-shaped part of a projection on the support connection with ca appendix engages a recess in the support connection with corresponding cylindrical support member.

53. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that the box includes in support connection therewith a support member, and wherein the bill storage module includes an appendix in a support connection therewithin which the appendix includes or opening, where in the operative position of the module bill storage the opening accepts the support member there.

54. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 53, characterized in that the support member is axially elongated member, and wherein the bill storage module includes at least one appendage portion that engages the support member in a plurality of axially placed locations. .

55. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 54, characterized in that the bill storage module includes a plurality of appendage portions in which the appendages are positioned axially relative to each other in relation to the support member in the operative position of the storage module. tickets

56. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 54, characterized in that the box is in operative connection with an additional support member, wherein additional support member is positioned transversely relative to the support member, and wherein the bill storage module it also includes a further appendage portion, wherein the additional appendage part engages additional support member in the operative position of the bill storage module.

57. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that the bill storage module includes a plurality of appendage portions, wherein each appendage part includes an opening there, and in which openings are generally aligned and are elongated as that of a first direction, and wherein the box includes a pair of supported support members, and wherein the movement of the bill storage module along the direction from an operative position operates to move the openings of the appendage portions to engage to the sopor members where the bill storage module is moved to operative position.

58. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that the bill storage area in the bill storage module includes a rotary member, and wherein the bill storage module further includes a closure member, wherein the member of closing selectively operatively engages the rotating member to hold the rotating member in a rotational position relative to the ticket storage module

59. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 58, characterized in that the closing member and rotating member include a projection and an inter-engaging recess, and wherein when the projection and the recess The rotating member is latched and rotationally fixed in relation to the bill storage module.

60. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 59, further characterized in that it comprises an actuation in support connection with the bill storage module, wherein the actuator is operated to move the closure member to retain the fixed rotating member in unlatching response of the banknote storage module

61. the apparatus, as claimed in clause 60, characterized in that the effective dispensing machine includes an electrical signal source in the box, further comprising an electrical connector that releasably connects the actuator to the electrical signal source, where the connector electrically disconnects the actuator responds to the removal of the module from the support connection with the case, wherein the actuator operates to cause the securing member to hold the rotating member in response to disconnection of the electrical connector.

62. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 47, characterized in that the bill storage area in the bill storage module includes a rotating member and wherein the bill storage module further includes a closure member, wherein The closure member selectively and operatively engages a rotating member to hold the rotating member in a fixed rotational position relative to the bill storage module.

63. An apparatus comprising: a box; a sheet storage reel rotatably mounted in a support connection with the box; a take-up reel mounted rotatably on a support connection with the box; a flexible fabric extending between the storage reel and the take-up reel, the fabric extends to one side of the sheet conduit area in the middle of the storage and take-up reels; a first drive member selectively moved relative to the box in a first direction and in an opposite direction; a transmission member operatively connects to the first drive member, wherein in response the movement of the first drive member in the first direction the drive member is moved to a first position, and wherein in response to the movement of the first driving member the second reaction the driving member is moved to a second position; wherein when the transmission member is in the first position the first driving member is made to operatively engage with the take-up reel, wherein response to the movement of the first driving member in the first direction the take-up spool is operated to move the fabric a sheet assortment direction so that the sheets in support connection with the tissue on the storage reel are moved to one side of the duct area and where in the second position of the transmission member the first drive member is made to be engaged operatively c the take-up reel, wherein in response to the movement d first driving member in the second direction the storage reel is operated to move the weave in a sheet receiving direction so that the sheets in support connection with the fabric One side of the duct area is moved with the fabric towards the storage reel.

64. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 63, further characterized because it comprises: a second driving member operatively connect to the first driving member and the driving member Transmission, wherein the second driving member is operatively in the middle of the first driving and reeling member, wherein the movement of the second driving member responds to the movement of the first driving member and operates to move both the driving member on the reels.

65. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 64, further characterized in that it comprises a first drive member operatively connected to the second drive member wherein the first drive member is operated to resist movement of the second drive member in transmission of movement between the drive member. first drive member and reels, wherein the first drive member is operated to cause the drive member to move to the first and second positions in response to the movement of the first drive member in the first and second directions respectively

66. The apparatus as claimed in clause 63, further characterized in that it comprises a transmission drive member in operative connection with the transmission member, wherein the transmission drive member operated to push the transmission member to remain its first or second then actual position .

67. The apparatus as claimed in clause 63, characterized in that the first driving member a rotating member, and wherein the first driving member g about a first axis of rotation, and wherein the transmission member generally rotates about the first rotation axis when the transmission member moves between first and second positions.

68. The apparatus as claimed in clause 67, further characterized in that it comprises a second driving member operatively connected to the first driving member, wherein the second driving member rotates relative to the transmission member about a second rotation axis, wherein the second axis of rotation rotates about the first axis of rotation as the transmission member moves in the first and second positions.

69. The apparatus as claimed in clause 68, characterized the storage reel including a generally annular storage reel driving surface, and the take-up reel includes a generally annular take-up spool surface, wherein in the first position of the member of transmission, the driving member operatively engages the driving surface of the take-up spool, and in the second position the second driving member operatively engages the driving surface of the storage spool.

70. The apparatus as claimed in clause 69, characterized in that the storage spool and the take-up reel are identical.

71. The apparatus as claimed in clause 69, further characterized by comprising a fastening member in support connection with the housing, and furthermore purchasing an actuator, wherein the actuator is selectively operated to maintain the storage reel in a relatively rotational relationship. fixed.

72. The apparatus as claimed in clause 71, characterized in that the storage spool of the closure member is housed within a storage module, and wherein the storage module is removably mounted in relation to the box, and wherein Fixing member is operated to contain the storage reel in a relative fixed relation to the storage module in response to the removal of the cash module.

73. The apparatus as claimed in clause 72, further characterized in that it comprises an electrical signal source located in the box and external of the module, and where the actuator is housed in the module and comprises an electrically releasable electrical connector. by connecting the actuator and the electrical signal source at the electrical connector is disconnected when the module removed from the case, and wherein the actuator is operated to cause the fixing member to hold the reel in storage in response to the electrical connector by disconnecting the actuator of the electric signal source.

74. The apparatus as claimed in clause 63, further characterized in that it comprises or user interconnection in a support connection with the drawer the user interconnect includes an input device, further comprising an impeller in operative connection with the first impeller member and a controller in operative connection with input device and impeller, and wherein the controller is operated in response to at least one input to the input device for operating the impeller to cause the tissue to move in a sheet assortment direction, wherein the support connection sheets with the storage spool are moved towards the conduit area.

75. The apparatus as claimed in clause 74, characterized in that the box further includes an exit opening and a sheet transport to move the leaves from the conduit area to the exit opening, whereby the sheets of the storage reel are delivered to the output aperture in response to an input to the input device

76. The apparatus as claimed in clause 63, further characterized in that it comprises a directional draw spool application member in operative connection with the hole storage reel where the directional drag reel application member is operated for storage. apply a relatively higher resistance to the movement of the sheet storage reel when the fabric moves in the direction of sheet assortment compared to the movement resistance when the fabric moves in the direction of receiving leaves

77. The apparatus as claimed in clause 76, characterized in that the directional drag application member of the storage reel includes an extendable part, wherein the extendable part is configured to extend generally in only one extendable direction, where during the movement of the fabric in a sheet receiving direction the extensible part is extended in the extendable direction.

78. The apparatus as claimed in clause 76, characterized in that the storage reel draw application member includes a ba portion extending in contact with a generally annular fr surface in operative connection with the storage reel.

79. The apparatus as claimed in clause 78, characterized in that the band part includes first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are operatively connected to the box and wherein the second end is operatively connected to box through an extendable part, wherein the extendable pair is operated to extend the effective length of band part when the weave moves in a sheet receiving direction.

80. The apparatus as claimed in clause 63, further characterized in that it comprises an application member for directional dragging of storage reel in operative connection with the take-up reel, wherein the application member of directional entrainment of take-up reel operated to apply Relatively higher resistance movement of the take-up reel when the weave moves in a direction of sheet reception as compared to the movement resistance when the tissue moves in a direction of blade surti.

81. The apparatus as claimed in clause 80, characterized in that the directional drag reel application member includes an extendable case, wherein the extendable part is configured to be extended in a generally extensible direction, and where during the movement of the fabric in a direction assortment of sheets the extensible part is extended in the extendable direction.

82. The apparatus as claimed in clause 80, characterized in that the take-up spool application member includes a band part extending in contact with a general annular brake surface in operative connection with the take-up spool.

83. The apparatus as claimed in clause 82, characterized the take-up reel drag application member includes a first end and an end follow, wherein the first end and the second end is operatively connected to the box, and where The end follower is operatively connected to the box through the extensible part, wherein the extensible part is operated to extend the effective length of the band when the fabric moves in a sheet assortment direction.

84. The apparatus as claimed in clause 63, further characterized in that it comprises an input opening in the box, a bill validator operatively connected to the bill entry opening, and a pulse in operative connection with the first drive member and ticket certifier, where the driver is operated response to the bill validator by receiving a valid bill past the bill entry opening p to have the pusher move the fabric in the sheet receiving direction, where the valid bill is stored support connection with the storage reel sheet

85. The apparatus as claimed in clause 84, characterized in that it also comprises a sheet entry transpo, wherein the input transport of ho is operated to move the bills from the ticket certifier to the ticket conduit area responding certifier who receives a valid ticket.

86. A method for operating the apparatus as claimed in clause 75, comprising the steps of: a) storing at least one ticket in support connection with the woven on the reel sheet storage; b) receive an input to the device enters c) operate the impeller and transport the leaf response to the controller delivering the ticket to the exit opening.

87. A method for operating the apparatus as claimed in clause 85, comprising the steps of: a) insert a valid ticket into a ticket entry opening; b) receive the ticket with the ticket certifier; Y c) operate the impeller and transport the answer sheet to the bill validator that receives the valid bill, to store the bill in a support connection the woven on the storage reel.

88. An apparatus comprising: a box; a sheet storage spool movably mounted in support connection with the box, - a take-up spool rotatably mounted support connection with the box; a flexible fabric that extends between storage reel and take-up reel, the fabric extends to one side of a sheet conduit area in the middle of storage and take-up reels; a spool drive operatively connects to the storage and take-up spools, where the spool drive is selectively operated to move the tissue where the sheets are moved in support connection with the fabric between the storage reel and the storage area. sheet conduit; Y a drag application member in the direction of storage reel in operative connection at least one of the reels, wherein the directional reel drag application member is operative to apply a relatively greater resistance to the movement of a reel in a first direction than in a second opposite direction of the first direction.

89. The apparatus as claimed in clause 88, characterized in that the fabric moves in the sheet-dispenser direction in which the sheets move in support connection with the fabric from the storage reel to the duct area, and where the Directional advancement member member is in operative connection with the storage reel and is operative to apply relatively higher resistance to the movement of the reel storage where the fabric moves in the direction of blade dispenser.

90. The apparatus as claimed in clause 88, characterized in that when the tissue moves a sheet receiving direction the sheets are moved in support connection with the tissue from the duct area to the storage area, and wherein the member Directional drag application is in an operative connection with the reel of t and is operative to apply the resistance relatively super to the movement of the take-up reel when the tissue moves in the direction of reception of the sheet.

91. The apparatus as claimed in clause 88, further characterized in that it comprises a drag applying member in the direction of the storage reel, operative connection with the storage reel, and the drag application member in the direction of the connecting reel. operative with the take-up reel, and wherein when tissue is moved in a sheet-dispensing direction, the supporting connection sheets with the storage reel are moved in support connection with the tissue to the conduit area, when the tissue is moved in a receiving direction of said sheets in the support connection with the tissue are moved in a support connection with the tissue from the area duct to the storage reel and wherein the storage spool directional drag application member operates to apply a relatively greater drag to the storage carriage as the fabric moves in the surt direction of sheets, and the towing application member in the The direction of the take-up reel operates to apply a relative drag higher than the take-up reel when the weave moves in the direction of sheet reception.

92. The apparatus as claimed in clause 91, further characterized in that it comprises a storage module, wherein the storage module is removably mounted on the box, and where the storage reel take-up reel, the enforcing application member in The direction of the storage reel and the drag application member in the direction of the take-up reel is in a support connection with the module.

93. The apparatus as claimed in clause 88, characterized in that the directional drive application member includes an extendable portion, wherein an extendable part is extendable in an extendable direction, so that the extendable part extends in the extended direction in response to the reel associated that turns in the following direction.

94. The apparatus as claimed in clause 88, characterized in that a spool in operative connection with the direct drive application member has a generally annular brake surface in operative connection therewith and wherein the directional drive application member includes a band part extending in engagement with the annular brake surface.

95. The apparatus as claimed in clause 88, characterized in that the directional drive application member includes a first end and a second end and wherein the first and second ends are operatively connected to the box, and wherein the second end is connected operatively to the box through an extendable part, wherein the extensible part is operated to extend the effective length of the band part when reel operatively connected to the directional drag application member rotates in the second direction.

96. The apparatus as claimed in clause 94, characterized in that the band part extends in contact with the brake surface generally at least about 180 degrees.

97. The apparatus as claimed in clause 88, characterized in that it comprises an interconnection user including an input device in operative connection with the box and a controller in operative connection c the input device in the carret drive mechanism where the controller is operated in response to an input input device to operate the drive mechanism Reel to move the fabric so that the sheets in support connection with the fabric on the storage reel moved to the duct area.

98. The apparatus as claimed in clause 97, further characterized in that it comprises an outlet opening in the box, and an outlet conveyance extending between the conduit area and the outlet opening and in which outlet transport is in connection operative with controller and the controller is further operated in response to entry to move at least one sheet from the duct area to the exit opening.

99. The apparatus as claimed in clause 88, further characterized in that it comprises an inlet opening in the box and a bill validator in operative connection with the entry opening, wherein the bill certifier is operated to perceive a valid ticket inserted through of said entry opening and wherein the bill certifier is operatively connected to the spool drive, where in response to the ticket certifier You receive a valid ticket inserted through the entrance opening. The ticket certifier is operated to make the reel drive move the valid ticket from the conduit area to the support connection with the fabric.

100. The apparatus as claimed in clause 98, further characterized in that it comprises a bill entry aperture in the box, a bill validator operative with the bill entry aperture in which the bill certifier is operated to perceive whether a bill inserted through the entry opening is a valid bill, an entry ticket transport that extends into the ticket certifier and the conduit area where ticket certifier and inbound transport are operationally connected to the controller in where the controller operated in response to the billet certifier perceiving billet inserted through the entry aperture p transporting the billet in connection with the transport from the certifier to the conduit area and to operate the spool drive to move the valid ticket from the conduit area to the storage area.

101. A method for operating the apparatus such and c is claimed in clause 98, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) storing at least one bill in support connection with the fabric on the storage reel; (b) receive an entry through the input device; Y (c) operate the carret drive mechanism, the ticket exit transport with the response controller at the entrance to deliver the ticket to the exit opening.

102. The apparatus comprising a ca a, - a sheet storage spool movably mounted in support connection with the box, the storage spool is rotated in relation to the c about a first axis; a take-up reel rotatably mounted support connection with the box; a flexible fabric that extends between the storage reel and the take-up reel, the fabric extends to one side of a sheet conduit area in the middle of the storage and take-up reels, and wherein the fabric joins storage area to one side of a holding point; a spool drive in operative connection with the storage and take-up reels, wherein the spool drive is selectively operated by moving the sheets in a support connection with the fabric between the storage spool and the conduit area; a separating member movably mounted in support connection with the box, wherein the member separates includes a part of edge, wherein the edge part engages the tissue and is operated to disengage the sheets thereof, where the part of. edge engages the fabric in a location located in a direction from the point of pressure towards the duct area, and wherein the separating member is movable relative to the box around a second ej where in relation to the first axis the second axis It is positioned angularly from the pressure point generally at minus 90 degrees.

103. The apparatus as claimed in clause 102, characterized in that it further comprises a pressing member, wherein the pressing member is operated to press the edge portion to engage the tissue.

104. The apparatus as claimed in clause 102, characterized in that the separating member includes a deflecting surface wherein the deflecting surface extends from the edge portion in a relationship generally opposite and generally parallel to the fabric.

105. The apparatus as claimed in clause 104, further characterized in that it comprises a movable member, wherein the movable member is operated to move contact with the sheets supported on the fabric, and wherein the baffle surface operates to extend on at least one side. cross section of the movable member.

106. The apparatus as claimed in clause 105, characterized in that the deflecting surface extends over two transverse sides of the movable member.

107. The apparatus as claimed in clause 105, further characterized in that it comprises a guiding surface, wherein the guiding surface is placed in a front relation in relation to the tissue in the conduit area and wherein the baffle surface extends through at least one transverse side of the guide surface.

108. The apparatus as claimed in clause 102, further characterized in that it comprises a member arcuately shaped tissue support that holds the tissue to one side of the duct area, and a secondary separation member engaging a portion of the tissue and covering arcuately shaped tissue support member, where the secondary separation member operates to engage a opposite of the fabric from one side of the fabric engaged by spacer member.

109. The apparatus as claimed in clause 108, further characterized in that it comprises a pressing member wherein the pressing member operates to push secondary spacer member to engage the tissue.

110. The apparatus as claimed in clause 102, further characterized in that it comprises or user interconnection in a support connection with the drawer the user interconnect includes an input device further comprising an exit opening in the housing, and outlet transport extending between the conduit area and the opening. of output, and a controller in operational connection c the input device, the spool drive and bill departure transport, wherein the controller operated in response to an input to the input device pa make the sheets stored in connection with Support with storage reel are moved to the exit opening

111. The apparatus as claimed in clause 110, further characterized in that it comprises bill validator in support connection with the box, where the bill validator is operated to perceive the validity of the bills adjacent thereto, and where bill validator is in operative connection with controller, and where the controller is operated in response that the certifier receives a valid ticket to move ticket to the storage reel.

112. An apparatus comprising: a box including at least one leaf aperture, wherein the sheet aperture is adapted to pass the sheets therethrough; a user interconnection in a support connection with the box, the user interconnect includes at least one input device; a sheet storage spool mounted movably in a support connection with the box, - a take-up spool movably mounted supporting connection with the box; a flexible fabric extending between the storage reel and the take-up reel, the fabric extends to one side of the sheet conduit area in the middle of the storage and take-up reels; a spool drive in operative connection with the storage and take-up reels, wherein the spool drive is selectively operated to move the sheets in support connection with the fabric between the storage reel and the conduit area; a sheet transport mechanism wherein the sheet transport mechanism is selectively operated to move the sheets between the sheet conduit area and the sheet aperture; a controller, wherein the controller is operatively connected to the input device, the spool drive mechanism and the sheet transport mechanism, and where the controller is operated in response to at least one input to the input device for making that the sheets move between the storage reel and the opening of sheets wherein the fabric includes a plurality of readable indicia by the machine thereon, wherein each of the signs corresponds to a location in relation to the end of the tissue; a sensor in operative connection with controller, wherein the controller operates to generate at least one signal in response to sensing the sensor signals.

113. The apparatus as claimed in clause 112, characterized in that the spacer between tracks readable by the adjacent machine varies in response to the distance from the location from the end, and where signal is generated by the controller in response to the signals indicated by the device. the adjacent machines that have a predetermined spaced relationship.

114. The apparatus as claimed in clause 112, characterized in that the fabric includes a first end operatively connected to the take-up reel and an end follow operatively connected to the storage reel where the spacing between the adjacent machine readable signs varies in response to a distance of location from each respective end.

115. The apparatus as claimed in clause 112, characterized in that the spacing between Adjacent signs decreases with the proximity of the endpoint of the tissue.

116. The apparatus as claimed in clause 114, characterized in that the spacing between adjacent indicia decreases with the proximity of the location to each of the first end and the second end of the tissue.

117. The apparatus as claimed in clause 112, characterized in that the fabric includes a transfer sheet engaging area, wherein the sheets in support connection with the fabric are engaged with the foil area and where the fabric furthermore it includes a peripheral area where the peripheral area is positioned transversely of the sheet engaging area, and where the indicia are a support connection with the peripheral area of the tissue.

118. The apparatus as claimed in clause 117, characterized in that the fabric includes a peripheral arc on each transverse side of the sheet support area, wherein each transverse side includes the indicia.

119. The apparatus as claimed in clause 118, characterized in that the fabric includes a first end in operative connection with the take-up spool and an end in operative connection with the storage spool. and where the signs in each peripheral area are indicati of the distance of the location in relation to at least one of the extremes.

120. The apparatus as claimed in clause 118, characterized in that the spacing between the adjacent indicia varies with the proximity to the end.

121. The apparatus as claimed in clause 120, characterized in that the spacing between the adjacent indicia decreases with proximity to the end.

122. The apparatus as claimed in clause 119, characterized in that the spacing between the adjacent indicia decreases with the proximity to each one of the extreme end and of the second end.

123. The apparatus as claimed in clause 112, further characterized in that it comprises a duct sensor, wherein the duct sensor is adjacent to the duct shaft, and wherein the duct sensor is in operative connection with the controller, and wherein The conduct sensor operates to perceive the sheets on one side of the duct area and where the controller operates to further make the sheets stop being stored on the storage reel in response to perceive signs that correspond to an adjacent extreme place of the tissue.

124. The apparatus as claimed in clause 112, further characterized in that it comprises a cond sensor in operative connection with the controller, wherein duct sensor is operated to perceive the sheets at a l of the duct area, and where the tissue includes an end in operative connection with the take-up reel and an end follow in operative connection with the storage reel and wherein the controller operates to operate the reel drive mechanism to transfer the tissue in support connection with the storage reel of man-made notes that the part of the tissue in engagement with the take-up reel reduces to a first area of the tissue on one side of the end pri, and the controller is further operated to operate the reel drive to place the amounts of the tissue in support connection with the reel of t until a leaf is perceived in the duct area by duct sensor, and where the controller is In order to generate an additional signal indicative of a location in a leaf, it is perceived by the pipe sensor.

125. The apparatus as claimed in clause 124, characterized in that the signal also includes data representative of the number of sheets currently stored support connection with the tissue.

126. The apparatus as claimed in clause 112, characterized in that the fabric includes a first end in operative connection with the take-up reel and an end in operative connection with the storage reel where the signal is generated in response to the sensing sensor. indications that correspond to a distance from the second end.

127. The apparatus as claimed in clause 126, characterized in that the signal includes dat representative of a number of sheets that remain support connection with the fabric.

128. A method for operating such and such apparatus is claimed in clause 112, characterized in that they comprise the steps of: (a) storing a plurality of sheets in storage reel in support connection with the fabric (b) operate the spool drive and transport the sheets with the controller in response to the inputs to the input device for moving the sheets from storage reel to the sheet opening; (c) sensing evidence associated with tissue sensor and; (d) generate a signal with the controller response to the perceived indications that correspond to particular location.

129. The apparatus as claimed in clause 124, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) storing a plurality of sheets on storage reel in support connection with the tissue (b) operating the spool drive the controller to remove the tissue parts from the take-up spool until the indications corresponding to the first end area are sensed by the sensor as it is positioned from the take-up spool; (c) operating the spool drive to include increasing portions of the tissue on the spool until a sheet is sensed on the side of the conductive sensor (d) sensing with the sensor an indication corresponds to a location where the leaf is perceived by the conduit sensor; (e) generate with the controller the additional signal indicative of the location.

130. The apparatus as claimed in clause 129, further characterized in that it comprises before step (b) in addition the steps of: (f) storing data corresponding to quantity condition in a memory in operative connection with controller, wherein the condition of quantity corresponds to or number of sheets stored in support connection with woven; (g) adjusting the quantity condition in response to the delivery of sheets towards the sheet opening; (h) perceive the loss of data corresponding to the quantity condition in which the step (takes place in response to perceiving the loss of the quantity condition dat.

131. An apparatus that includes: a box; a sheet storage spool mounted movable shape in a support connection with the box; a take-up reel movably mounted supporting connection with the box; a reel drive in operative connection with the storage reel and the reel where the reel drive is selectively operated to move the storage reel and take the reel; a sensor for sensing traces along the tissue path in the middle of the storage reel and take-up reel, the tissue path includes a conductive area; Y A fabric that extends between the storage and take-up reels along the weaving path of the weaving comprises: a central leaf hitch area and a p of peripheral leaves, each peripheral area is placed on opposite side of the tissue engaging area, wherein the sheets are generally engaged with the tissue in the sheet engaging area and not in the peripheral areas, and where the peripheral area includes readable signs by the machine which are detectable by the machine. the sensor, wherein the tissue includes a first end and a second end and wherein the end pri and the second end are operatively fastened respectively to one of the take-up spool and the storage reel and wherein the readings readable by the machine are spaced from each other and where the spacing between the adjacent machine readable signs decreases with proximity at each end.

132. The apparatus as claimed in clause 131, characterized in that it also comprises: a user interconnection in support connection with the box, the user interconnection includes at least one input device; a sheet transport mechanism wherein the sheet transport mechanism is selectively operated to move the sheets between the sheet conduit area and the sheet aperture; Y a controller in operative connection with spool drive, the sensor, the blade transport mechanism and the input device, and wherein the controller is operated in response to at least one input input device to make the sheets move spool of storage to the opening of sheets, and wherein controller is further operated to generate at least one in response to the sensor perceiving indications that have particular relationship to one end of the fabric. SUMMARY An automated transaction machine includes receiver mechanism and bill dispenser. The mechanism includes a storage reel and a take-up reel and a flexible weave that extends between the reels. The receiver mechanism and bill dispenser is housed inside the bill storage module. The banknotes are selectively passed in and out of the storage module to the conduit area. The machine also includes a ticket entry opening and a ticket exit opening. A ticket exit transport extends in the conduit area and the ticket exit opening. Bill entry transport extends between the conduit area and the bill entry opening. A ticket certificate is extended to the side of the ticket transportation for the purposes of perceiving the validity of the tickets inserted into the machine. The machine is selectively operated in response to the tickets to receive and deliver tickets. The machine also operates to allow the resupply of tickets there without accessing the inside of the box.