Picker shaft arrangement for ATM currency dispenser

Abstract

An ATM includes a currency note dispenser having a currency cassette, a note picker, a note transporter, and a note presenter. A cassette tambour door automatically opens during insertion of the cassette into the dispenser. The picker can pick notes through the opening. A spring loaded housing wall tab retains the picker shaft in mating connection with a drive pin. The transporter can move notes vertically and horizontally. The transporter includes belts between an idle shaft and a drive shaft. The idle shaft is vertically movable relative to a drive shaft to maintain belt tension. The transporter also includes convexly tapered rollers that automatically recenter a loose belt. A presenter gate is at a note dispensing outlet of the ATM. The gate is opened by actuating a lever linked with an arm connected to the gate. The gate opens by moving a pin upward in an angled slot.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 453,609 filed Mar. 10, 2003, and the disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference.[0002] This invention relates to automated banking machines.[0003] Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. One type of automated banking machine, known as an automated teller machine (ATM), allows a bank customer to conduct banking transactions without the necessity of a banking employee directly taking part. Such transactions might include making deposits to accounts, checking balances, transferring funds, obtaining a cash withdrawal, or obtaining other items. As used herein, the phrase automated banking machine (or automated transaction machine) is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but may include any type of device that enables automating transactions involving transfers representative of value.[0004] Other types of automated banking machines may be used to dispense currency to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] Thus there exists a need for an apparatus and method for more easily and / or efficiently operating, removing, disassembling, and reinstalling a sheet dispenser assembly of an automated banking machine to facilitate operation and servicing of components of the machine.

[0014] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to provide an apparatus which enables a sheet dispenser of an automated banking machine to be more readily serviced.

[0018] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to provide a method of servicing a sheet dispenser of an automated banking machine that reduces the time and cost of removing and reinstalling dispenser modules.

[0022] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to provide a spring loaded wall tab that is able to retain a picker shaft in connection with a drive pin.

[0032] Adjacent modules can be locked to each other due to latches preventing the movement of pins from slots. That is, the projection plates are prevented from movement in a first direction, because the pins would engage the side walls, and from movement in a second opposite direction, because the projection plates would engage the latches. The tabs can also be used to retain the pins in the slots.

[0034] Having easier ability to securely align and stack dispenser modules can facilitate repairs and / or replacement of dispenser mechanism components and / or automated banking machine components by service personnel. Sometimes it is desirable or necessary to entirely remove and disassemble the dispenser mechanism from the machine for service or replacement. The present invention provides a method of disassembling and / or assembling stacked dispenser modules to facilitate repair or replacement. The exemplary method of the invention also facilitates installation of new or refilled dispenser modules in the machine. Existing dispenser mechanisms for automated banking machines may also be retrofit with dispenser modules of an exemplary form of the invention.

Problems solved by technology

While replenishing sheet items may readily be accomplished, it is sometimes necessary to conduct more extensive maintenance or repair activities.

The weight and delicate nature of some components of the sheet dispenser assembly can make removal and reinstallation of the dispenser mechanism difficult.

All of these requirements add to the difficulty in servicing the dispenser mechanism.

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