Dual Compartment Recycler Cassette with Multi Note Transport Path

Abstract

In an example embodiment, there is described herein a method capable of handling sheets of various sizes for storage into a cassette. When a sheet is detected, the size of the sheet is determined. If the sheet is smaller than the maximum size, a stop element is deployed to align the sheet on the top of a stack. Also described herein is a picking assembly where a priming rubber is added to a thumper wheel to engage a sheet at the top of the stack prior to the thumper wheel’s driver rubber contacting the sheet. The sheet is moved toward a nip point between the thumper wheel and stripper wheel prior to the feed cycle with the feed wheel and thumper wheel commencing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cassettes for holding sheets, such as, for example, cassettes employed by automated banking machines.BACKGROUND

[0002] Automated banking machines, such as for example, an Automated Transaction Machine (“ATM”) provide the ability to perform a variety of self-service transactions. Types of transactions that can be performed on an ATM include financial transactions, such as deposits and withdrawal. ATMs may also perform a variety of other transactions, including the sale and purchase of tickets, issuance of coupons, check or voucher presentation, the printing of script and a variety of other functions.

[0003] Automated Transaction Machines often include one or more cassettes for the storage of documents, either to be dispensed, having been deposited, or both such as with recycling cassettes. An ATM may contain a plurality of cassettes, and this may include a variety of different cassettes, such as for different denominations of currency notes or other notes of value, checks, or other suitable items.OVERVIEW OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0004] The following presents a simplified overview of the example embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the example embodiments. This overview is not an extensive overview of the example embodiments. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the example embodiments nor delineate the scope of the appended claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the example embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0005] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein a method for storing sheets in a cassette that comprises sensing a plurality of sheets passing through a transport path to, or within, a cassette and determining sizes for each of the plurality of sheets, An actuator is operated to move a stop element to an extended position upon determining that a first of the plurality of sheets is a first size, wherein in the extended position the sheet of a first size contacts the stop element to add the sheet of the first size to a stack of sheets. The actuator is operated to maintain the stop element in a retracted position upon determining that a second of the plurality of sheets is a second size, allowing the sheet of a second size to contact a rail to add the sheet of the second size to the stack of sheets.

[0006] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein an apparatus that comprises a transport path, a cassette that comprises a stacking area coupled with the transport path, a rail adjacent to the stacking area, a stop element, and an actuator coupled with the stop element. A sensor is operable to detect the sizes of sheets passing through the transport path to the cassette. Control logic is coupled with the sensor and the actuator. The control logic is operable to determine sizes of sheets passing through a transport path to the cassette based on data obtained from the sensor. The control logic is operable to cause an actuator to move the stop element to an extended second position upon determining a sheet is a first size, wherein when the stop element is in the extended position the sheet of a first size contacts the stop element to add the sheet of the first size to a stack. The control logic is also operable to allow a sheet of a second size to pass to the rail to add the sheet of a second size to the stack.

[0007] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein a picking assembly that comprises a thumper wheel, a feed wheel, and a stripper wheel. The thumper wheel comprises a low friction rubber segment, or priming rubber and a thumper wheel driver rubber. The low friction rubber segment is configured to contact a sheet at the top of a stack for a dispense operation prior to the sheet contacting the thumper wheel drive rubber. The low friction rubber segment moves the sheet towards a picking nip point between the feed wheel and stripper wheel prior to the feed cycle commencing with the feed wheel and thumper wheel. A method of operating the picking assembly is also described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification illustrate the example embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified example of a system upon which an example embodiment is implemented.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view illustrating an example of a cassette with the stop element deployed.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cutaway view illustrating an example of how the cassette stacks sheets,

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cassette with the stop element deployed.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a simplified view of a solenoid with the stop element deployed.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective view of a solenoid with the stop element deployed.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cutaway view illustrating an example of a cassette with the stop element retracted,

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cassette with the stop element retracted.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a simplified view of a solenoid with the stop element retracted.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a simplified perspective view of a solenoid with the stop element retracted.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a simplified, perspective view of a partial picking assembly with a priming rubber segment.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a picking assembly.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a methodology for aligning sheets being stored in a cassette.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a methodology for picking sheets for dispensing from a cassette.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system upon which an example embodiment can be implemented.DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] This description provides examples not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. The figures generally indicate the features of the examples, where it is understood and appreciated that like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements. Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or “an example embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described is included in at least one embodiment described herein and does not imply that the feature, structure, or characteristic is present in all embodiments described herein.

[0025] In an example embodiment described herein, there is described a recycling cassette that comprises an actuator and a stopper at the stacking area of the cassette. The rails in the cassette are adjusted to allow the largest size sheet (e.g., bank note) to enter the cassette. Upon a sheet of the largest size entering the cassette, the actuator is not activated and the rails stop the sheet. If the sheet is smaller than the largest size sheet, the actuator deploys the stop element past the stacking surface and the stop element will contact the incoming sheet and stop it against the top of the stack. This will position an edge of the smaller sheet to allow a subsequent picking of the smaller sheet in a dispense operation. In an example embodiment, the actuator will retract the stop element after the smaller sheet has been added to the stack.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified example of a system 100 upon which an example embodiment is implemented. The system 100 comprises a transport path 101 and a cassette 102. The cassette 102 which comprises a stacking area 104 coupled with the transport path 101 and a rail 106 adjacent to the stacking area 104. A rail 106 is positioned adjacent to the stacking area 104 to allow a sheet of the largest (second) size to be added to a stack as will be described herein.

[0027] In an example embodiment, the system 100 comprises a sensor 110 that is operable to detect sheets in the transport path 101. In an example embodiment, the sensor 110 detects sheets in a transport path 101 that is located within the cassette 102. In another embodiment, the sensor 110 detects sheets in a transport path 101 that is external to the cassette 102.

[0028] A controller 112 is coupled with the sensor 110. The controller 112 comprises logic 114 that is configured to perform the functionality descried herein. “Logic”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software and / or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and / or to cause a function or action from another component. For example, based on a desired application or need, logic may include a software controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable / programmed logic device, memory device containing instructions, or the like, or combinational logic embodied in hardware. Logic may also be fully implemented in software that is embodied on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium that performs the described functionality when executed by one or more processors.

[0029] The controller 112 is coupled with an actuator 116. The actuator is coupled with a stop element 118 via linkage 120.

[0030] In an example embodiment, the logic (control logic) 114 is operable to determine sizes of sheets passing through the transport path 101 based on data obtained from the sensor 110. The control logic 114 is operable to cause an actuator 116 to move the stop element 118 to an extended position upon determining a sheet (e.g., a first sheet) is a first size, wherein the stop element in the extended position contacts the sheet of the first size to add the sheet of the first size to a stack at sheets. The control logic 114 is operable to allow a sheet (e.g., a second sheet) of a second size to pass to the rail 106 to add the sheet of the second size to the stack of sheets.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the stack of sheets comprises sheet S1 that is the first size and sheet S2 that is the second size, where sheets of the second size S2 are larger than sheets of the first size S1. The edge E1 of the sheet of the first size S1 is aligned on the stack by contacting the stop element 118. Sheet S2 is larger than sheet S1, therefore, the controller 112 causes the actuator to retract the stop element 118 to allow the edge E3 of the sheet of the second size S2 to contact the rail 106 to add the sheet of the second size S2 to the stack of sheets S where edge E1 of the first sized sheet is aligned with edge E2 of the second sized sheet.

[0032] In an example embodiment, the control logic 114 is operable to time the activation of the actuator 116 based on the size of sheet detected by sensor 110. Timing the activation of the actuator 116 based on the size of the sheet detected by sensor 110 can be employed to align the edge E1 of sheet S1 with a side 122 of the cassette 102.

[0033] In an example embodiment, the sensor 110 is an optical sensor. However, as those skilled in the art can readily appreciate, any suitable type of sensor can be employed.

[0034] In an example embodiment, the sheets are currency notes. The size of a currency note can be indicative of the denomination of the currency note.

[0035] In an example embodiment, the actuator 116 is a linear actuator. In particular embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-10, the actuator is a solenoid.

[0036] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate an example of a solenoid 202 is employed for implementing the actuator (116; FIG. 1) and a pivotably movable surface 204, also referred to herein as a “stop element” that is coupled with the solenoid 202 for implementing the stop element (118; FIG. 1).

[0037] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view illustrating an example of a cassette with the stop element 204 deployed. Movement of the stop element 204 is provided by solenoid 202.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a cutaway view illustrating an example of how the cassette stacks sheets, In the illustrated example, a stack of sheets STACK are arranged on a push plate 302. Sheets being added to the stack enter the cassette and pass along stack guide 304. If the sheet is the maximum size, the stop element 204 will not deploy and the leading edge of the sheet will eventually contact the first (e.g., right in this example) side (or rail) of the cassette 102. However, if the sheet is smaller than the maximum size, the stop element 204 is deployed to align the edge E1 of the smaller sheet with the edge E2 of the larger sheet along the second (e.g., left in this example) side 308 of the cassette. In an example embodiment, the timing of when the stop element 204 is deployed is based on the size of the sheet to align the edge (E1 in the illustrated example) of the smaller sheet with the edge (E2 in the illustrated example) of the larger sheets along the second side 308 to facilitate a subsequent picking of the smaller sheet in a dispense operation.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cassette with the stop element 204 deployed. FIG. 5 is a simplified view of a solenoid 202 with the stop element 204 deployed. FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective view of a solenoid 202 with the stop element 204 deployed.

[0040] FIGS. 7-10 illustrate an example where the stop element 204 is retracted. FIG. 7 is a cutaway view illustrating an example of a cassette with the stop element 204 retracted, FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cassette with the stop element 204 retracted. FIG. 9 is a simplified view of a solenoid 202 with the stop element 204 retracted. FIG. 10 is a simplified perspective view of a solenoid 202 with the stop element 204 retracted.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a simplified perspective view of a partial picking assembly 1100 with a priming rubber segment 1110. The picking assembly comprises a thumper wheel 1102, a feed wheel 1104, and a stripper wheel 1106. The thumper wheel 1104 comprises a thumper wheel driver rubber 1108 and low friction priming rubber 1110.

[0042] In operation, thumper wheel 1102 and feed wheel 1104 work together, whereas the stripper wheel 1106 is clutched to stop when a sheet is leaving the cassette (e.g., outbound) to prevent duplicate sheets from leaving the cassette. The stripper wheel 1106 moves with the feed wheel 1104 when sheets are being inserted into the cassette.

[0043] In an example embodiment, the low friction priming rubber 1110 contacts the top sheet of a stack of sheets and moves it to the nip point between the feed wheel 1102 and stripper sheet 1106 prior to the thumper wheel driver rubber 1108 contacting the sheet. The low friction priming rubber 1110 can allow sheets, such as bank notes, to feed at the proper time and reduce the number of times that sheets below the top sheet are fed out of sequence.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a picking assembly 1110. The pickinassembly comprises a plurality of thumper wheels 1102, feed wheels 1104, and stripper wheels 1106. As in FIG. 10, the thumper wheel 1104 comprises a thumper wheel driver rubber 1108 and low friction priming rubber 1110.

[0045] In view of the foregoing structural and functional features described above, methodologies in accordance with example embodiments will be better appreciated with reference to FIGS. 13-14. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies of FIGS. 13-14.are shown and described as executing serially, it is to be understood and appreciated that the example embodiments are not limited by the illustrated order, as some aspects could occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other aspects from that shown and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated features may be required.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of methodology 1300 for aligning sheets being stored in a cassette. The methodology 1300 described herein is suitably adapted to be implemented in logic, such as hardware, software stored on a computer readable medium that performs the functionality when executed by a processor, or a combination thereof.

[0047] At 1302, a sheet., such as for example a currency note, is detected on a transport path coupled with a cassette. In an example embodiment, an optical sensor can be employed to detect the sheet. For example, a light can be aimed at the optical sensor at a certain location and when a sheet passes that location the light is blocked indicating the presence of a sheet. After the sheet has passed, the sensor will again detect the light. For example, if a plurality of sheets are being processed, the light is blocked each time a sheet passes the certain location.

[0048] A 1304, the size of a sheet is determined, For a plurality of sheets, the sizes of the individual sheets are determined. In an example embodiment, the size of a sheet is determined by an optical sensor. In particular embodiments, the same optical sensor can be deployed to both detect and determine the size of a sheet.

[0049] At 1306, a determination is made whether the sheet is the maximum size for the cassette or a size that is less than the maximum size. If the sheet is less than the maximum size (NO), at 1308, a stop element is deployed to align the sheet in a predetermined position to enable the sheet to be picked in a subsequent dispense operation from the cassette. In an example embodiment, an actuator moves the stop element to the appropriate position for the size of the sheet. The actuator can be any suitable actuator for moving the stop element, such as for example a linear actuator such as a solenoid. Although the example embodiments illustrated herein show a two position stop element, those skilled in the art can readily appreciate that this is merely for ease of illustration as actuators capable of moving the stop element to more than two different positions, such as for example a stepper motor, can be employed. Similarly, the stop element can be any suitable shape. Upon deployment of the stop element at 1308, at 1310 the sheet is moved to the top of the stack. In an example embodiment, upon moving the sheet to the top of the stack, the stop element can be retracted. In an example embodiment, the timing of when the stop element is deployed is based on the size of the sheet to facilitate alignment of sheets on the stack.

[0050] If, at 1306, the size of the sheet is determined to be the maximum size (YES), at 1312 the stop element is, or remains, redacted. For maximum sized sheets, the stop element is not needed as the frame (e.g., rails) of the stack area is configured to hold maximum sized sheets. At 1310, the sheet is moved to the top of the stack.

[0051] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a methodology 1400 for picking sheets for dispensing from a cassette. The methodology is implemented by a thumper wheel having a “priming rubber” that is configured to contact a sheet in a dispense operation prior to the thumper wheel driver rubber contacting the sheet. In an example embodiment, the priming rubber is a low friction rubber segment added to the thumper wheel hubs.

[0052] At 1402, contact is made with a top sheet of a stack of sheets by a low friction rubber segment positioned on a thumper wheel to contact the top sheet prior to a priming rubber on the thumper wheel. At1404, the top sheet is moved to a feed wheel and stripper wheel picking nip point prior to a feed cycle commencing with the feed wheel and the thumper wheel. At 1406, the feed cycle with the thumper wheel and feed wheel commences. This method can be useful for feeding sheets at the proper time. Another feature of this method is it can reduce the number of sheets below the top sheet being picked out of sequence.

[0053] FIG. 15 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 1500 upon which an example embodiment may be implemented. Computer system 1500 can be employed for implementing the functionality of logic 114 described in FIG. 1 and / or methodology 1300 described in FIG. 13.

[0054] Computer system 1500 includes a bus 1502 or other communication mechanism for communicating information and a processor 1504 coupled with bus 1502 for processing information. Computer system 1500 also includes a main memory 1506, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device coupled to bus 1502 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 1504. Main memory 1506 also may be used for storing a temporary variable or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 1504. Computer system 1500 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 1508 or other static storage device coupled to bus 1502 for storing static information and instructions for processor 1504. A storage device 1510, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus 1502 for storing information and instructions.

[0055] An aspect of an example embodiment is related to the use of computer system 1500 for operating a dual compartment recycler cassette with multi note transport path. According to one embodiment, operating a dual compartment recycler cassette with multi note transport path is provided by computer system 1500 in response to processor 1504 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 1506. Such instructions may be read into main memory 1506 from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device 1510. Execution of the sequence of instructions contained in main memory 1506 causes processor 1504 to perform the process steps described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 1506. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement an example embodiment. Thus, embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0056] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 1504 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media. Non-volatile media include for example optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 1510. Common forms of computer-readable media include for example RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASHPROM, CD, DVD, SSD or any other memory chip or cartridge, or other medium from which a computer can read.

[0057] Computer system 1500 also includes a communication interface 1518 coupled to bus 1502. Communication interface 1518 provides a two-way data communication via a communication link 1520. For example, communication interface 1518 may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface 1518 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 1518 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0058] Described above are example embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the example embodiments are possible. Accordingly, this application is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:sensing a plurality of sheets passing through a transport path;determining a size for each of the plurality of sheets;operating an actuator to move a stop element to an extended position upon determining that a first sheet of the plurality of sheets is a first size, wherein in the extended position the first sheet contacts the stop element to align a first edge of the first of the plurality of sheets upon adding the sheet of the first size to a stack of sheets;operating the actuator to maintain the stop element in a retracted position upon determining that a second sheet of the plurality of sheets is a second size, allowing the sheet to contact a rail to add the sheet of the second size to the stack of sheets;and wherein the second sheet is larger than the first sheet and the actuator is operable to align the first edge of the first sheet with a first edge of the second sheet.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising operating the actuator to move the stop element from the extended position to the retracted position after the first of the plurality of sheets upon the first of the plurality of sheets is placed at a top of a stack of sheets.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a solenoid.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sheets are currency notes.

7. An apparatus, comprising:a cassette that comprises:a stacking area coupled with a transport path,a rail adjacent to the stacking area,a stop element, andan actuator coupled with the stop element;a sensor operable to detect sheets in the transport path;control logic coupled with the sensor and the actuator;the control logic is operable to determine sizes of sheets passing through the transport path to the cassette based on data obtained from the sensor;the control logic is operable to cause an actuator to move the stop element to an extended second position upon determining a first sheet is a first size, wherein with the stop element in the extended position the sheet of a first size contacts the stop element to add the sheet of the first size to a stack;the control logic is operable to allow a second sheet of a second size to pass to the rail to add the sheet of a second size to the stack; andwherein the stop element causes a first edge of the first sheet to align with a first edge of the second sheet.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the control logic is further operable to cause the actu itor to move the stop element from the extended position to the retracted position after the sheet of the first size has been placed at the top of the stack of sheets.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the actuator is a solenoid.

10. The apparatus of claim 8. wherein the first size is less than the second size.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sheets are currency notes.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator.

14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the actuator is a solenoid.

15. The apparatus of claim 7. wherein the first size is less than the second size.

16. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor.

17. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the transport path is within the cassette.

18. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a timing of when the actuator is deployed is based on the first size of the first sheet to cause the first edge of the first sheet to be aligned with the first edge of the second sheet.

19. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a timing of when the actuator is deployed is based on the first size of the first sheet to cause the first edge of the first sheet to be aligned with the first edge of the second sheet.

20. Computer readable instructions encoded on a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium of instructions for execution by a process that when executed are operable to:obtain data representative of sheets passing through a transport path to a cassette from an optical sensor;determine sizes of the sheets;operate a solenoid to move a stop element from a first position to a second position upon determining that a first sheet is a first size, wherein the stop element in the second position causes the sheet of the first size to be added to a stack at a first position;operate the solenoid to move the stop element from the second position to the first position upon the sheet of the first size being added to the stack; andoperate the solenoid to maintain the stop element at the first position upon determining that the sheet is a second size, wherein the second size is larger than the first size.

21. A method comprising: contacting a top sheet from a stack of sheets by a low friction rubber segment positioned on a thumper wheel to contact the top sheet prior to a priming rubber on the thumper wheel; andmoving the top sheet to a feed wheel and stripper wheel picking nip point prior to a feed cycle commencing with the feed wheel and the thumper wheel.

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