Whitehead, James (Harpenden, EN)
Jenkins, Stuart Mcewen (Rowlands Castle, EN)

05/147741

09/18/1973

05/28/1971

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De La Rue Instruments Limited (London, EN)

221/9

902/16, 235/379

G07D11/00; G06K15/06; G06K15/00; G07F11/00

194/.5 209/DIG.2 221/9,13,211 340/149,149A 235/61.6,61.7B,61.7R,61.9R

Cook, Daryl W.

What we claim is

1. A machine for dispensing banknotes of a plurality of different denominations comprising means for storing a corresponding plurality of stacks of banknotes, each such stack containing banknotes of a single denomination, means for selectively removing individual banknotes from each such stack, means for transporting the banknotes so removed to a dispensation station, means for sensing the passage of each banknote through the transportation means, means for selecting the value of money to be dispensed in each denomination, value indicative information storage means adapted to store the value of each denomination of the monies so selected, feedback means adapted to cause said sensing means to decrement the monetary value contained in each information storage means in accordance with the value of the notes transported to the dispensation station, and means for causing the dispensation of notes from each stack until the corresponding information storage means decrements to zero.

2. A machine as claimed in claim 1 in which the information store means comprise electronic register counters.

3. A machine as claimed in claim 2 including electronic means for summing the values represented by all the register counters, and means for visually displaying the total obtained by such summation.

4. A machine as claimed in claim 2 including means for sensing the passage of each banknote comprising photoelectric means adapted to emit a pulse in respect of each banknote dispensed.

5. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including electronic means for summing the values represented by all the register counters, and means for visually displaying the total obtained by such summation, said latter means being adapted to be decremented by pulse feed-back from the means for sensing the passage of each banknote in respect of each banknote reaching the dispensation station.

6. A machine as claimed in claim 1 in which the means for selecting the value of money to be dispensed in each denomination comprises a manually operable device.

7. A machine as claimed in claim 6 in which the manually operable device comprises both value-indicative and denomination-indicative switch means.

8. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including switch means for causing the dispensation of predetermined numbers of at least one denomination of banknote in dependence upon the total value required.

9. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including means for introducing into the machine coded value and denomination information programmes and in which the means for selecting the value of money to be dispensed in each denomination comprises switch means adapted to be influenced by the said programmes.

10. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including separate banknote removing means for each stack.

11. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including independently operable transportation means for banknotes of each denomination.

12. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including a single transportation means.

13. A machine as claimed in claim 12 in which the said single transportation means is adapted to transport banknotes of different denominations in side-by-side relationship.

14. A machine as claimed in claim 13 including control means adapted to cause the transportation means to transport sequentially the banknotes to be dispensed in the respective denominations.

15. A machine as claimed in claim 14 in which the control means is effective to render operative sequentially the banknote removing means for each of the stacks.

16. A machine as claimed in claim 13 including means for sensing the passage of banknotes of a denomination not intended to be dispensed at any given time.

17. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including banknote deflector means under the control of the means for sensing the passage of each banknote and adapted to remove from the transportation means banknotes not sensed as single such banknotes.

18. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including warning means adapted to emit a signal upon the passage to the dispensation station of banknotes not sensed as single banknotes by the means for sensing the passage of each banknote.

19. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including coin storage means, means for releasing coins therefrom to a coin dispensation station and means for selecting the value of money to be dispensed in coinage, said selection means being adapted to control said release means.

20. A machine as claimed in claim 19 in which the means for selecting the value of money to be dispensed in coinage comprises a manually operable device.

21. A machine as claimed in claim 20 in which the manually operable device comprises value-indicative switch means.

22. A machine as claimed in claim 20 in which the manually operable device forms part of the means for selecting the value of money to be dispensed in each denomination of banknote, additional coin-indicative switch means being provided.

23. A machine as claimed in claim 19 including coin information store means adapted to be established by the operation of the means for selecting the value of money to be dispensed in coinage.

24. A machine as claimed in claim 23 in which the coin information store means comprises an electronic register counter.

25. A machine as claimed in claim 24 in which the means for releasing coins is adapted to decrement the register counter.

26. A machine as claimed in claim 24 including visual display means adapted to display the value of coinage to be dispensed.

27. A machine as claimed in claim 26 in which the means for releasing coins is adapted to decrement the visual display means.

28. A machine as claimed in claim 26 in which the coin visual display device forms part of the banknote visual display device the said combined display device including a decimal point displayed between the value of the banknotes and the value of the coinage.

29. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including means for making permanent records of the sums of money dispensed thereby.

30. A machine as claimed in claim 29 including a printing mechanism and printing media associated therewith.

31. A machine as claimed in claim 30 in which the printing media comprises a tally roll.

32. A machine as claimed in claim 29 including means for receiving a cheque or like document means for introducing the same into the machine, and means for printing thereupon.

33. A machine as claimed in claim 1 including a key-in-store adapted to be established by the value-selecting means and denomination-selecting means and adapted to route the contents of the key-in-store to a register counter for the denomination selected and then to clear the said key-in-store.

34. A machine as claimed in claim 33 including a value-printing mechanism for each denomination, and means actuable via the operation of the relevant denomination selecting means for adapting the type thereof for the printing of the value contained in the associated key-in-store.

35. A machine as claimed in claim 33 including coin storage means, means for releasing coins therefrom to a coin dispensation station, and coin selecting means adapted to route the contents of the key-in-store to a register counter for coins and then to clear the said key-in-store.

36. A machine as claimed in claim 33 including control logic means adapted to render the banknote removing means operative sequentially in relation to each of the said stacks.

This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing sums of money in mixed denominations each such sum being that required for a particular purpose or by a particular person.

Apparatus according to the invention has a particularly relevant application in banking establishments where sums of money are issued to customers against cheques made out for such sums. It may, however, be applied equally well to the issuance of sums of money of mixed denominations in other establishments, for example wage offices, betting offices etc.

In banking practice when a customer presents a cheque for encashment he not unusually tells the cashier which mix of the available denominations he requires and the cashier counts out, or as far as possible produces precounted packets of, the required numbers of banknotes and coins of various values. Additionally in many banking systems, for example those practiced in the United Kingdom, the cashier additionally endorses the cheque with a record of the numbers or total value of the various types of currency actually issued and, commonly also enters the monetary value of each cheque cashed upon a separate transaction sheet.

The above described procedures are necessarily time-consuming and involve inherent risks of error in the issuance of the money and in the writing down of the summaries and totals. Furchermore, banknotes are often not only counted out manually from bundles contained in the compartments of a cash till but also rechecked in the presence of the customer. Thus the established practices above-described are both time-consuming and prone to error.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide apparatus for issuing sums of money in mixed denominations both rapidly and efficiently.

According to this invention a machine for dispensing banknotes of a plurality of different denominations comprises means for storing a corresponding plurality of stacks of banknotes, each such stack containing banknotes of a single denomination, means for selectively removing individual banknotes from each such stack, means for transporting the banknotes so removed to a dispensation station, means for sensing the passage of each banknote through the transportation means, means for selecting the value of money to be dispensed in each denomination and means for causing the dispensation from each stack of the number of notes equivalent to the value selected in the corresponding denomination.

The stacks of banknotes may be arranged in any convenient formation, for example, in side-by-side or tiered relationship. They may be positioned in fixed relationship to the banknote removing means or adapted for movement to and away from such means. The banknotes in each stack may be arranged horizontally or, as we prefer, on edge, thereby to facilitate the rapid removal of individual banknotes therefrom. The number of stacks, in any given machine, most usefully corresponds to the number of different denominations of paper currency issued by the country where the machine is to be used.

The means for removing individual banknotes may be any sheet-removing means capable of rapid and efficient action and adapted for precise control. We prefer to use suction banknote removing means, more particularly oscillatory such devices, rather than mechanical such devices. A banknote removing device may be provided for each stack or a single such means may be adapted to remove notes from the various stacks sequentially. Preferably the removing means are adapted to remove notes from an end or front face of a stack.

The transportation means may be, for example, individual such means for each denomination or single such means adapted for displacement to receive banknotes removed from any stack. In a preferred arrangement, however, the transportation means comprises one multiple-roller system associated with say, two, fixed stacks so positioned that the notes from both stacks may be fed through the transportation means in side-by-side relationship; in such an arrangement the transportation means whilst operational at all times during the transportation of banknotes, of either of the denominations, may transport notes of just one denomination at any time, control means being provided to render operative the banknote removing means of only one stack at any one time.

The banknote sensing means may be any device adapted to sense the passage of pieces of paper but we prefer to employ photosensitive devices and, in order to facilitate accurate dispensation of banknotes, such devices which are adapted not only to sense the passage of banknotes to the dispensation station but also, either or both, to actuate means for deflecting double or overlapped notes from the transportation means or to give a warning signal on the passage of any such notes to the dispensation station.

Preferably the means for selecting the value of money to be dispensed in any denomination comprises a single group of manually operable electrical switch means but individual such switch means may be provided for each denomination. However, it is within the scope of this invention to employ switch means adapted to be actuated in accordance with information introduced into the machine in coded form, for example a magnetic or punched tape encoded with information relevant to a number of transactions to be performed sequentially.

The machine may also be provided with coin storage means and so adapted that the value of money required in coinage may be selected and dispensed; separate coin-value selecting means may be provided or, preferably, the machine may be so adapted that the coin-value is selected by the operation of the abovementioned single group of switch means for selecting the value of money to be dispensed in any denomination of banknote.

In one form the machine may include value-indicative switches, for example of the push-button type, each operative to indicate one of the digits 0 to 9 and separate denomination-indicative switches operable, in conjunction with the operation of selected value switches, to determine whether the value is to be dispensed in coinage or in a particular denomination of banknote.

Any convenient circuitry may be employed to cause machines within the scope of this invention to dispense the banknotes and, optionally, also the coinage, corresponding to the value-indicative and denomination-indicative switches operated for any given transaction.

For example, the information fed in by the switches may set up corresponding register counters (or an equivalent thereof), for example, "up-down"type register counters, for each denomination which are adapted to control the operation of the respective dispense means which, in turn may be controlled by the passage of the currency to the dispensation station, thereby to ensure that the exact requirements are dispensed. To this end signals derived by the passage of currency to the dispensation station may be fed back to the appropriate register-counter to decrement the same as the dispense proceeds and to cause the dispensation to cease when the said register is empty; in the case of banknotes, feed-back pulses may be derived directly from the photosensitive devices above referred to. We prefer to set up the register counters as value-indicative, in which case they will decrement according to the value of each banknote dispensed, for example the passage of each 5 note will cause a five-unit decrementation. Alternatively, the register counters may be banknote-number-indicative in which case unit-decrementation will occur in accordance with the passage of each individual note of the correct denomination to the dispensation station.

The register counters may be set up directly by the operation of the switch means or alternatively intermediate key-in-stores may be used. In either case, separate electric circuits adapted to be influenced by the operation of each respective value-indicative digital switch may be provided, each such circuit being adapted to produce a pulse representative of the relevant digit to convert it to a binary-coded-decimal function and to route it, for example via shift register means when more than units are involved, to the appropriate counter register.

When key-in-store are used, a separate such store may be provided for each type and denomination of currency but conveniently a single such store may be used in a sequential manner. In such latter instances, the operation of the appropriate denomination-indicative switch will route the contents of the store to the corresponding register counter and clear the key-in-store ready for the introduction of information relation to the value to be dispensed in another denomination. Key-in-stores may conveniently be used to pre-select the type wheels of printing mechanisms included in the machine when it is desired to make a printed record of each transation. For example, type wheels may be provided for each type and denomination of currency and adapted to be set up via hundreds, tens and units decades from each key-in-store so that, when made operative, the mechanism will print the value in each currency and denomination upon either or both a tally roll or sheet paper document, e.g. a cheque, introduced into the machine via a suitable aperture. The input or output of machines according to this invention may otherwise be used to produce permanent records of the dispensation transactions or any suitable medium; such records may take the form of magnetic or punched tapes additionally or alternatively to printed records.

In addition, or alternatively to the denomination-indicative switches, the machine may include switch means, and circuitry associated therewith, adapted to cause the machine to dispense predetermined mixed quantities of currency of the various possible kinds. For example, the machine may include programmed circuit boards, or a plurality of them adapted from which a selection may be made at will, which upon operation of the switch above referred to will set up the register counters to dispense predetermined minimum quantities of either the highest or lowest denomination of banknote .

Machines to which this invention relates may include electronic control logic means, or the equivalent thereof adapted to determine the order of any operations to be performed sequentially; for example, when banknotes of different denominations are to be transported sequentially to ensure that say, the highest value notes are first dispensed and correspondingly to make effective the associated sheet removing means.

Machines according to the invention may include various value or numerical display units, either mechanical or electronic. In order to give visual indications of the operation of the machine to either or both operator and bank customer, the values to be dispensed in banknotes and coin may be added together and displayed in an electronic counter which is adapted to decrement in step with the degrementation of all of the register counters. The total numbers of banknotes dispensed by the machine over any period or their values may also be displayed.

In addition to the means above referred to for giving a warning upon the passage of any incorrect currency to the dispensation station the machine is preferably provided with such other means as may be deemed appropriate to inhibit its function or to create warnings in instances of actual or potential malfunction.

EXAMPLE

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of apparatus according to the invention installed at a bank counter for the purpose of dispensing mixed sums of money to the value of a cheque;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one assembly of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic vertical cross-section of a part of a second assembly;

FIG. 3a is a fragmentary view of FIG. 3 showing a part of the mechanism in a different operative position;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic vertical crss-section of the assembly shown in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a block-diagram depicting the electronic modules of the apparatus .

In this example, the apparatus is adapted to issue mixed sums of money comprising 1 and 5 treasury notes and decimal coinage of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p and 50p denomination to the value of a cheque indicated by symbol X. It must be emphasised that the apparatus may be readily adapted to suite other types of currency, e.g. dollars and cents, and the fact that the described example relates to British pounds and pence is not to be construed as a limitation.

In FIG. 1, a bank counter comprises a horizontal counter top 1 and a customer pay-out grille 2. The apparatus comprises three distinct assemblies A, B and C which are respectively, an input/control/printer assembly, a two-denomination note dispenser, and a five-denomination coin dispenser. Assemblies A and C are disposed upon the counter top 1 on either side of the grille opening and assembly B is situated in a free-standing wheeled cabinet below the counter top. The three assemblies are connected together electrically by means of multi-core cables 3 terminating at suitable plugs and sockets.

ASSEMBLY A -- KEYBOARD/CONTROL/PRINTER

In FIG. 2, the apparatus is housed in a two-part casing comprising upper and lower mouldings 4 and 5. The internal mechanism is mounted in the lower moulding 5 and the upper moulding, which is provided with various aperatures and windows, is removable.

The manual input comprises a digital keyboard 6, three function keys 7 for note denomination and coin selection, a "CLEAR" key 8 for the purpose of clearing the control module (this operation is defined below), a "DISPENSE" key 9 to actuate money-dispensing mechanisms and a "DECIMAL POINT" key 10.

The moulding 4 includes a glazed window behind which are mounted six numeral read-out tubes 11 for indicating monetary totals. A decimal-point indicator 12 is disposed to divide the six numeral tubes into two groups of four and two digits which, respectively, indicate pounds and pence.

A vertically directed slot 13 is provided in the upper surface of the moulding 4 for the receipt of the cheque "X". In operation, a cheque is positioned in the entrance of the slot in the manner shown and is drawn into the apparatus by a transportation mechanism, which is next described by reference to FIG. 4, printed upon and stored.

A pair of power-driven rollers 14 and 15 are disposed parallel to, and below the slot 13 and form the end rollers of two belt systems 16 and 17 which, collectively, provide a travelling nip for conveying the cheque from the position shown. The opposite end of the belt 17 is carried by a roller 18 and the opposite end of the belt 16 is carried by a roller 19, via two guide rollers 20 and 21. A further belt 22 is carried on the roller 19 and an idler roller 23. A driving means, comprising an electrically driven incrementally-operating motor (not shown) drives the roller systems at an identical peripheral speed by means of a gear train (also not shown). It should be noted that the belt systems in fact each comprise a pair of spaced belts which pass each side of the printer unit.

The printer unit comprises a plurality of axially aligned decade printing type wheels (one of which is shown by symbol 24) capable of printing any numeral between `0` and `9` according to their angular position. In this example three spaced groups of decade wheels are provided as follows:

i. three wheels to print the monetary value of 5 notes dispensed;

ii. three wheels to print the monetary value of 1 notes dispensed; and

iii. two wheels to print the monetary value of coinage dispensed.

Each type wheel is provided with a positioning solenoid 25, which is adapted to rotate the wheel by means of a ratchet system (not shown). A rotary switch (also not shown) comprising ten switch positions and a wiper arm capable of contacting any one of the switch positions is fixedly attached to each type wheel. In operation, the solenoid causes the type wheel to rotate until the wiper arm contacts or "homes" to a pre-selected switch position thus to set the type wheel to print a desired numeral. The function of the rotary switch is made apparent in the following description of the operation of the apparatus.

An impression member comprising a hammer bar 26 which is actuated by a solenoid 27 through the medium of a bell crank 28 is provided below the type wheels to effect printing upon the cheque via an ink transfer ribbon 29 disposed transversely with respect to the conveyor belt system. The ends of the ribbon are attached to a pair of "supply" and "take-up" spools one of which is shown by symbol 30. Solenoid-actuated ratchet means are provided to rotate the take-up spool after each printing operation and reversing means is provided to interchange the functions of the spools when the ends of ribbon approach the printing stage.

A paper tally roll having an axis centre parallel to the axis of the print wheels, comprises a web 31, also adapted to be printed on via movement of the hammer bar 26 and driven by a pair of ratchet-driven traction rollers 32 to a storage space 33 within the apparatus. The end of the web passes out of the casing by means of a slit 34 formed in the lower moulding 3.

Angled guide plates 35 terminating at an opening 36 are provided in close proximity to the belts 16 and 22 to ensure that the cheque is propelled by the belts. Cheques passing out of the opening 36 fall into a storage compartment 37, access to which is obtained by means of a lid panel 38 locked by a key system 39.

The operation of the print unit is as follows. The printing wheels are positioned by means of their respective solenoids (the means for doing this are referred to again in the description below relating to the "Sequence of Operation" of the apparatus). The belt systems are driven in the direction of the arrows by means of the aforedescribed incremental driving motor thereby to convey the cheque X from the position shown to a position below the printing wheels. The belt system is arrested momentarily, and energisation of the solenoid 27 impacts the hammer bar 26 (via the tally roll web 31) against the underside (i.e. the rear face) of the cheque which causes the type wheels to print a single line of numerical characters on the rear face of the cheque. Thereafter, the hammer bar 26 descends and the belt system conveys the cheque into the storage compartment 37. When the cheque is clear of the printing unit the solenoid 27 is re-energised which serves to print an identical line of characters transversely across the tally roll web 31. After this printing has been carried out the web is advanced through a line increment by its ratchet mechanism.

A control module, the function of which is described below, stores information generated from the keyboard unit, and is contained within the casing behind the numerical read-out tubes 11. Furthermore, the upper moulding 4 also houses an array of indicator lamps generally shown by symbol 40, and a key-operated switch 41 which serves as a security device for the actuation of the apparatus.

ASSEMBLY B -- TWO-DENOMINATION NOTE DISPENSER

Assembly B comprises a wheeled cabinet having a front vertical panel 50 with a rectangular sub-panel 51 forming a front face of a horizontally slidable drawer assembly indicated generally by symbol 52 in FIG. 3. The assembly 52 is mounted on a pair of linear anti-friction guide members diagrammatically shown at 53.

The note dispenser is illustrated in simplified form and the note removal and double-note deflection mechanisms are substantially similar to those disclosed in British Pat. No. 898,715. In the following brief description of the apparatus it should be realised that, although single items are referred to, two identical sets of components are provided in side-by-side relationship (one for each note denomination), and mounted between a single pair of spaced-apart main frames 54. The notes N are stacked on edge upon a stack support surface 55 and are biassed towards an oscillatory suction arm 56 by means of a pressure pad 57. The means (not shown) for biassing the pressure pad 57 comprises a horizontally disposed tension spring, one end of which is attached to a depending extremity of the pad and the other end to a part of the framework of the apparatus. The suction arm is provided with an angled suction port which contacts the lower central face of the frontmost note in the stack and feeds it into the nip of a pair of driven primary feed rollers 58 and 59. The lower feed roller 59 is provided with a cut-away portion to facilitate entry of the leading side edge of the note. When the circumferential surfaces of the feed rollers coact, the note is pulled from the suction port and is passed between a light source `L` and an associated photoelectric detector 60, and thence into three pairs of conveying rollers 61, 62 and 63, and finally to a pair of axially aligned tined stacking wheels 64. The suction arm is reciprocated by means of a cam follower and an associated cam, the latter being gear driven from a main gear train that also drives the conveying roller system which constitutes the flow line. It is so arranged that suction is applied to the suction arm during alternate cycles of movement thereby to provide gaps between adjacent notes along the flow line. The stacking wheels are driven at a lower peripheral speed than the conveying rollers to decelerate the notes into a delivery stage 65. The photoelectric detector 60 serves to detect the presence of notes fed and to discriminate between a note or notes having an opacity in excess of a predetermined value, thus to indicate the presence of adhered or overlapping notes. In the eventuality of the passage of multiple-thickness notes, the reduction of output from the detector instigates an electrical circuit which energises a solenoid 66 thereby to render operative a note deflector device 67. The effect of this is to cause the tip of the deflector 67 to descend into the flow-line of the notes so that multiple notes are diverted around the upper circumference of the upper conveying roller 62 by means of an auxiliary roller 68 and thence into a reject hopper 69. Thus, it will be appreciated that one electrical output pulse will be created and fed back to the control module for each note delivered to the delivery stage 65. the said pulses being applied to decrement the total value remaining to be dispensed.

The above described deflector means is satisfactory when it is desired to divert wholly juxtapositioned notes or in cases where there is a large degree of overlap. However, in certain circumstances it is possible for a small degree of overlap to occur; in such an event, whilst the photoelectric detector 60 is capable of sensing the multiple-thickness in a satisfactory manner, it is possible for the overall length of a pair of such overlapping notes to be such that the leading edge of the same reaches beyond the tip of the deflector 67 before the detector has completed its cycle of operation. Accordingly the machine is provided with a length discriminator which is integrated electronically with the optical detector and arranged to inhibit the operation of the deflector 67 if the overall length of the notes exceeds a predetermined dimension thus to ensure that the deflector cannot descend upon either of the moving notes. In this case, a warning lamp is illuminated in the lamp array 40 to warn the operator to check the delivery. The functioning of this warning system is referred to again below.

The delivery stage comprises a plurality of upstanding arms 70 which pass between and on each side of the tined stacking wheels 64. Thus, as the wheels rotate in a clockwise direction the leading edges of the notes contact the horizontal surface 65 of the delivery stage and are withdrawn from between the tines. The delivery stage is mounted upon the inner face of a flap panel 71 horizontally hinged at its lower extremity to an aperture formed in the rectangular sub-panel 51. A spring-loaded locking catch member 72 attached to the plunger of a solenoid 73 engages with a latch 74 of the panel 71 thereby to retain same in a closed position. Upon completion of the delivery of a batch of notes, the solenoid 73 is energised and the flap panel 71 opens to the position shown in FIG. 3a thereby to permit removal of the notes, An electrical interlocking means (not shown) is provided to prevent operation of the note feeding mechanism when the flap panel is not in the closed position.

It will be appreciated that in the above description the driving means and suction pump means have been omitted for reasons of simplicity. The two feeding mechanisms operate sequentially and for this purpose a solenoid-actuated suction valve is provided for each suction feeding arm.

The storage stacks N are each intended to accommodate 1,000 notes and to replenish the stacks it is necessary to slide the drawer assembly 52 to a fully open position and thereafter to withdraw the pressure pad to permit the insertion of notes upon the stack support surface 55.

As an alternative to the use of conventional stacks as referred to above, the stacks may be housed in detachable cassettes which have been pre-loaded with a supply of notes. By this means the procedure for replenishing the stacks is simplified as the operation merely entails the removal of an empty cassette and the substitution of a full one. The cassette comprises a skeletal cage adapted to support and align the stack of notes on edge; front and rear apertures being provided to permit removal of notes and entry of the pressure pad 57, respectively.

ASSEMBLY C -- FIVE DENOMINATION COIN DISPENSER

The exact construction of this assembly is not critical to the functioning of the apparatus and a number of known devices may alternatively be integrated with the output of the control module of Assembly A.

A particularly convenient coin dispenser, capable of dispensing any desired whole sum of U.K. pence from 1 to 99, comprises 10 vertically disposed coin tubes made up as follows:

1 tube containing 1p coins

2 tubes containing 2p coins

2 tubes containing 5p coins

4 tubes containing 10p coins and

1 tube containing 50p coins

Each tube is provided with a pusher member at its lower end capable of ejecting a coin, and a preselector mechanism which renders operative the requisite combination of pusher members to eject the desired sum of the coinage upon the receipt of a dispense signal. The latter signal and the preselecting requirement are instigated by the logic of the control module the function of which commences upon the manual depression of the DISPENSE key 9 of assembly A.

The quantities and values of the coins to be dispensed are preselected by the logic of the control module so that the number of coins delivered in any dispensing operation is the minimum possible. The logic procedure comprises subtracting the largest value coin from the amount, and thereafter repeating the operation until the remainder decrements to zero. For example, the preselection of an amount of 78 pence would involve the following six coin tubes:- 50 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 2 + 1.

MISCELLANEOUS

To prevent operation or mulfunctioning of the apparatus under certain conditions the following safety devices are provided to inhibit the use of a particular function.

Keyboard inhibits -- operation of the manual keyboard input will not impart signals to the control module

i. if the safety key 41 in the upper casing of the ASSEMBLY A is not locked.

ii. if a cheque is not positioned in the slot 13 of the ASSEMBLY A. This inhibit function is effected by the provision of a sensing switch in the threshold of the slot which is adapted to complete an electrical circuit only when the cheque is present.

iii. if the slidable drawer 52 containing the note dispenser of ASSEMBLY B is not closed and locked.

iv. if a three-position switch situated on the 2-NOTE DISPENSER ASSEMBLY B is in the "inhibit" condition. This switch is provided with a Key that must be inserted and turned to an ON position to establish an electrical continuity. The switch is also mechanically connected to a latch mechanism which locks the slidable drawer assembly 52 in its closed position and prevents actuation (by means of an electrical interlock) of the apparatus when it is in the open position.

v. if either of the note supply stacks are empty.

vi. if a cheque has been jammed in the cheque transport mechanism (this is effected by means of a sensing switch).

"DISPENSE COMMAND" INHIBITS -- After satisfactorily keying-in the desired requirements prior to a dispense, depression of the DISPENSE key will not instigate operation of the respective dispensing mechanisms

vii. if the flap panel 71 of the note dispenser is open.

viii. if the lid panel 38 of the cheque storage compartment 37 is not in its closed locked position.

ix. if the note divertor 67 of the note dispenser is in its operative position, viz. it has not returned to its normal position clear of the flow line.

x. if the cheque storage compartment is full. Closure of the lid panel of the compartment zeros a transaction counter which is thereafter incrementally advanced by each transaction. Upon the attainment of a count of 40 an inhibit function is created to prevent further operation of the machine until the compartment has been emptied.

WARNING DEVICES

The indicator lamp array 40 on the upper casing 4 of the ASSEMBLY A gives visual warnings to the operator whn certain functions or aspects of the apparatus are malfunctioning or require attention. In certain cases, th warning lamps are integrated with the above described inhibit functions.

a. a warning lamp for each of the note supply stacks, to indicate that the same requires replenishment, actuated by micro-switches adapted to sense the linear positions of the pressure pad assemblies 57. (see also KEYBOARD INHIBIT (v)).

b. a warning lamp is illuminated if the note deflector 67 of the note dispenser is in its operative position (see DISPENSE COMMAND INHIBIT (ix)) or if more than 13 divert operations have taken place since the reject hopper 69 was emptied.

c. a warning lamp is illuminated when 30 cheques have been deposited in the cheque storage compartment 37. This provides a prior warning to the DISPENSE COMMAND INHIBIT function (x) which (as described above) will come into effect when a count of 40 is recorded, whereupon the lamp will extinquish.

d. a warning lamp for each denomination of notes to indicate the passage to the respective delivery stage of non-deflected multiple notes detected by the detection system. This warning ignores diverted multiple notes and indicates only partially overlapping, or edge-abutting notes which have an overall length greater than a predetermined dimension. When such a warning is created the quantity of notes removed from the respective delivery stage must be checked.

In addition to the above visual devices, an audible warning means is provided in the FIVE-DENOMINATION COIN DISPENSER ASSEMBLY C, which serves to warn the operator if any one of the coin tubes requires replenishment.

SAFETY MEANS TO PREVENT SIMULTANEOUS FEEDING OF 5 AND 1 NOTES.

Whilst the logic of the control module ensures that the solenoid valves of each denomination cannot be energised simultaneously, a situation may arise whereby a note is fed inadvertently into the roller system. For example, if a zone of adhesive is present on the frontmost note of one of the stacks it may adhere to the face of the moving vacuum feeding arm of the non-operative channel despite the fact that no vacuum is present.

To guard against the above eventuality the detection systems relating to the flow lines of both denominations of notes are continuously monitored and thus if a note is fed simultaneously from each channel the resulting signals from the detectors will be integrated and interpreted as a double note; the deflector will thus remove both notes from the flow lines without effecting a count pulse. Alternatively, if the two notes are out of step and the leading edge of either note is such that it would foul the deflector the notes are not diverted but WARNING DEVICE (d) becomes effective in the manner above.

SEQUENCE OF OPERATION

The sequence of operation of the aparatus will now be described with additional reference to the block diagrams in FIGS. 5 and 6.

In the present example it is assumed that a customer has tendered a cheque for 150.63 and has stated his requirements as follows:

135 value in 5 notes

15 value in 1 notes and

63 pence in coinage

It is further assumed that the supply stacks are fully loaded with paper currency and coinage.

The cashier places the cheque X (see FIG. 2) within the entrance slot 13 of the assembly A. He then programmes the control module by manipulation of the numeral keyboard as follows:

i. Depression of the numeral key `1` (representing the 100's digit) completes an electrical circuit and via an encoder converts a single pulse into a first 4 BITS binary-coded-decimal function which is then routed into a UNITS KEY-IN-STORE.

ii. Depression of the numeral key `3` (representing the 10's digit) completes a further electrical circuit that converts a single pulse into a second 4 BITS binary-coded-decimal function which is routed into the UNITS KEY-IN-STORE and at the same time shifts the first 4 BITS function to a TENS KEY-IN-STORE.

iii. Depression of the numeral key `5` (representing the UNITS digit) completes a further electrical circuit which, in a like manner, converts and routes a third binary function into the UNITS KEY-IN-STORE and, at the same time, the first and second functions are shifted to the 100's and 10's KEY-IN-SOTRES respectively.

The contents of the three KEY-IN-STORES are decoded by UNITS, TENS AND HUNDREDS decoders the outputs of which server to energise the corresponding switch positions of each of the respective ten-position rotary switches of the printer wheels already referred to. Thus in the present example, the switch positions `5` of the UNITS decades associated with the 5, 1 and coin print wheels will be energised. In a similar manner the switch positions `3` of the TENS decades associated with the 5, 1 and coin print wheels will be energised, and likewise the switch positions `1` of the HUNDREDS decade associated with 5 and 1 print wheels will be energised. It will thus be realised that, so far, the apparatus has not been programmed with respect to the desired currency (viz. 5 or 1) and the fact that all of the decades of all the functions have been so energised is incidental except for the sake of convenience and economy of components.

iv. Depression of the desired function key (viz. ` 5`) will via the PRINT WHEEL HOMING CONTROL now cause the positioning solenoids associated with the three decades of the 5 print wheels to rotate until their respective switch wiper arms "home" with the above mentioned energised switch positions. The effect of this is that the 5 print wheels will be now set up to their effective printing positions `135` and when this is achieved an electrical circuit clears the three subsections of the KEY-IN-STORE.

v. In a like manner the two decades of the 15 value are keyed into the TENS and UNITS KEY-IN-STORES and depression of the ` 1` function key will cause the respective switch wiper arms to home and position the TENS and UNITS 1 print wheels to the effective printing position `15`.

Simultaneously with each of the above described keying-in-procedures the binary pulses thereof are fed to two respective UP-DOWN register counters thereby to record monetary totals of 5 and 1 denominations required. The contents of these counters are summed by means of an ADDER and decoded to drive the read-out display tubes 11 on the left-hand side of the decimal point indicator 12, thus to provide a visual check to the cashier that the keying-in has been carried out correctly. It should be noted that an impossible instruction to the machine will not position the respective type wheels or indicate in the read-out display. For example, an attempt to key-in a monetary pulse of 29 in 5 notes will have no effect and will thus draw attention to the operator that a mistake has been made. Such a mistake could be rectified by depression of the ` 1` function key or by the depression of the CLEAR key 8 which serves to clear the contents of the KEY-IN-STORES.

The programming for the requirements of the desired monetary value of coinage is carried out in a manner similar to that described above, and in this instance the two decades of the COIN print wheels will be positioned and the value will be fed into a third UP-DOWN register counter thereby to drive the two read-out display tubes on the right-hand side of the decimal point indicator 12. The total thus displayed should now equal the sum of money on the cheque and if this is correct the cashier may then depress the DISPENSE key 9 which serves to instigate the following procedure provided that none of the previously mentioned INHIBIT functions has become operative.

vi. Activation of the DISPENSE function key causes the NOTE DISPENSE CONTROL to select the highest denomination note value required, which in this example serves to energise the solenoid vacuum valve associated with the feeding arm of the 5 section of the two-denomination note dispenser. Thereafter, current supply is directed to the driving motor of the note dispenser to dispense the appropriate notes. Each note fed along the flow line passes across the photoelectric detector 60 and corresponding count pulses are generated by the 5 discriminator and fed back to decrement the 5 denomination UP-DOWN register counter which in turn, via the ADDER, decrements the read-out display tubes 11. The notes are collected at the end of the flow line by the tined stacking wheel 64 and deposited into the delivery stage 65. Multiple fed notes passing across the photoelectric detector will be detected and diverted from the flow line provided that their combined overall length does not exceed a predetermined dimension. As has already been explained, this limitation is necessary to ensure that the deflector is moved to its effective position prior to the arrival of the leading edge of the multiple notes. Upon completion of the delivery of the 5 denomination notes the associated UP-DOWN register counter reaches zero and the NOTE DISPENSE CONTROL cuts off the current supply to the solenoid vacuum valve and then energises the similar valve relating to the 1 denomination notes. Notes will thereafter be fed from the 1 section of the note-dispenser to the associated delivery stage and discriminated in a manner similar to that described above. In this instance the so-generated count pulses decrement the 1 denomination UP-DOWN register counter and the read-out display tubes. Feeding continues until the counter and the display numerals reach zero. Simultaneously with the programming of the two-denomination note dispenser the third UP-DOWN register counter preselects the desired number of coin tubes according to the monetary sum of the coinage displayed in the digits to the right of the decimal point of the read-out display tubes 11. The depression of the DISPENSE key 9 will cause one coin to be ejected from each preselected tube in a single operation and after this has been carried out the respective digits of the read-out tubes 11 are decremented until they zero.

Simultaneously with the depression of the DISPENSE key 9 (provided that it has not been inhibited for any of the reasons referred to above) a pulse train is generated in the CHEQUE TRANSPORT CONTROL which serves to cause the incrementally-operating motor of the cheque transportation mechanism to propel the cheque to the effective printing position below the eight printing type wheels 24. Thereafter the solenoid 27 is activated to cause the hammer bar 26 to effect printing upon the cheque and finally the cheque transportation driving motor is re-energised to propel the cheque into the storage compartment 37 by means of the belt system 16 and 22. When the cheque is clear of the printing position the solenoid 27 is again activated to cause the type wheels to print upon the web of the tally roll 31. When the note dispense is completed a pulse is generated to energise the solenoid 73 which serves to unlatch and open flap 71 of the delivery stage to enable the notes to be removed by the operator. When all three UP-DOWN register counters reach zero and the cheque transportation mechanism has completed its cycle of operation and no multiple-note warning has occurred in the note dispenser, a transaction pulse is generated which clears the register counters to zero the printers and the ink transfer ribbon 29 and the tally roll web are incrementally advanced after each cycle of operation by means of their respective ratchet systems as already referred to. If on the other hand a multiple-note warning has been generated during the feeding of either denomination notes it will be necessary for the operator to depress the CLEAR key 8 thereby to create the necessary transaction pulse which produces the effect as described above.

The delivery stage is intended to accommodate a maximum to 100 notes in either section and accordingly means are provided to arrest the feeding mechanism if this number is exceeded during a dispense. Upon the attainment of a count of `100` notes in either denomination an electrical circuit is completed by the 100-NOTE COUNTER to inhibit temporarily the feeding mechanism and to energise the solenoid 73 which opens the flap panel 71 thus to permit the notes to be removed. The sequence of the dispense or counting cycle is not disrupted by this procedure, and upon reclosing the flap panel, operation of the feeding mechanism resumes to complete the dispense in the normal manner.

In addition to the electronic counting units described above, further counters of the electromechanical type are provided which record simultaneously the aggregates of the monies dispensed from each of the denominations thus to provide a running total indicative of the days' transactions.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT OF THE APPARATUS

As an alternative to the manual selection of the denomination and quantity of notes to be dispensed in respect of a specific monetary total, it is possible to modify the apparatus to effect any one of a number of possible programmes to provide an automatically selected delivery. In its simplest form the apparatus may be constructed to provide the desired programme, or in a more elaborate form, a switching arrangement may be provided to permit the control logic to be modified in different desired ways.

The following are three examples of such programmes to provide different facilities.

I. To provide a most economical mix by dispensing the highest possible number of highest denomination notes

e.g. SUM OF 9 = 1 at 5 and 4 at 1 or SUM OF 10 = 2 at 5

II. Where the sum is greater than 4 the mix will include a minimum of 5 1 notes

e.g. SUM OF 9 = 9 at 1 or SUM OF 10 = 1 at 5 and 5 at 1

III. Where the sum is greater than 9 the mix will include a minimum of 10 1 notes

e.g. SUM OF 19 = 1 at 5 and 14 at 1 or SUM OF 20 = 2 at 5 and 10 at 1

By way of example the automatic facility of programme I above is carried out by keying-in the sum of money required on the numerical key-board in the following manner:

i. firstly keying-in the value of the paper currency required.

ii. secondly depressing the DECIMAL POINT key.

iii. thirdly keying-in the value of coin required in pence.

iv. finally depressing the DISPENSE key so that the pieces of currency are dispensed in the manner already described.

It should be noted that if no pence are required it is necessary to depress the `0` key twice to complete the programme.

In operation, the value of the paper currency is entered into the 5 denominations register; any remainder over and above multiples of 5 is routed to the 1 denomination register. The aggregate of the two registers will be shown on the read-out display tubes 11 and the two registers will be decremented as the dispense proceeds in the same manner as for the manual operation of the apparatus.

In the case of an automatic delivery only the sum of the dispense is printed out on the cheque or the tally roll but to indicate that an automatic dispense was carried out a device mark, for example an asterisk or an A symbol may be printed along side the transaction entry for future reference purposes.

Whilst the above described example of the invention specifically relates to apparatus for use in banking establishments for the issuance of sums of money in respect of cheques, it may be readily adapted to perform analogous functions which need not include a printing operation.

For example, when the apparatus is used with or without the automatic dispense facility, to expedite the making-up of wage packets from information derived from a printed summary, an input document will not normally be involved. However, the retention of the tally roll printing facility may provide a useful record of the individual transactions carried out.