Device for mixing and dispensing a multi-component composition, device and method for spoiling banknotes and multi-component composition for use therein

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for mixing and dispensing a composition consisting of multiple components. The device comprises a supply opening for a first component, a mixing chamber for mixing the first component with a second component, and a dispensing opening for dispensing the composition comprising a mixture of the first and second components. The device further comprises means for establishing a fluid communication from the supply opening to the dispensing opening, wherein the connecting means comprise a controllable valve. The invention further relates to a device for spoiling securities, like banknotes, stored in a lockable space. The spoiling device comprises a mixing and dispensing device of the type described above and a distribution system connected to the dispensing opening thereof for distributing the composition consisting of multiple components in the lockable space. The invention also relates to a method for spoiling securities, like banknotes, stored in a lockable space, comprising the steps of supplying a first component, supplying a second component, mixing the first and second components into a composition consisting of multiple components, and distributing the composition consisting of multiple components over the securities. And finally, the invention relates to a composition consisting of multiple components, including a first component which comprises a liquid adhesive, and a second component which comprises a powdery activator.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR MIXING AND DISPENSING A MULTI-COMPONENT COMPOSITION,

[0002] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SPOILING BANKNOTES AND MULTI-COMPONENT

[0003] COMPOSITION FOR USE THEREIN

[0004] The invention relates to a device for spoiling securities like e.g. banknotes in case of theft or an attempt thereat. More in particular, the invention relates to a device for supplying a composition for spoiling securities.

[0005] Cash money is attractive for criminals since it can more easily be used than other types of stolen goods like e.g. jewelry or electronics. As a result, places where large amounts of cash money are kept attract the interest of criminals. When cash is being transported, known as cash-in-transit (CIT), such transport is vulnerable to criminal attacks. This applies e.g. to cash being carried in money boxes, mostly between banks and armored trucks or soft-skinned vehicles, and also to cash in armored trucks or soft-skinned vehicles en route to banks. Moreover, cash in ATMs, which by their very nature are easily accessible, is also regularly targeted by criminals.

[0006] Since criminals often use violence in their attempts to steal cash during transport, and since attacks on ATMs often involve the use of heavy explosives which lead to large scale destruction and high risk for people in the vicinity of ATMs, it is desirable to minimize the risk of attempts at theft of cash money. It has been found that if cash is irreversibly degraded or spoilt in case of theft, it becomes less attractive to criminals and the number of attempts at theft decreases. When criminals know that cash will automatically be rendered worthless once it is stolen, they will refrain from attacking money transports or ATMs.

[0007] In order to effectively degrade or spoil a banknote, its properties like e.g. size, weight and / or color must be irreversibly altered. This ensures that the banknote can no longer be used in cash transactions, either between humans or in a payment terminal. At the same time, some security properties of the banknote must remain intact, so that a national bank can still identify the banknotes and reimburse the rightful owner if they are recovered.

[0008] There are currently three main methods of irreversibly degrading or spoiling banknotes, known as Intelligent Banknote Neutralization Systems (IBNS). In order to be successful, the degradation or spoiling must be quick and unstoppable, so that criminals are unable to save any banknotes from being degraded or spoilt.

[0009] A first method involves exposing the banknotes to a high amount of energy or heat, e.g. by pyrotechnics. This approach, which will cause the banknotes to be partially shredded or burnt, is used in the applicant’s cash box marketed as MactwinBox.

[0010] An alternative method is to deface the banknotes by spraying or dousing them with ink or dye. The ink or dye must adhere to all the banknotes and dry quickly. This approach is relatively less secure since criminals may sometimes remove at least part of the ink or dye by cleaning the banknotes. In that case, the banknotes may still be used in cash transactions, either with less discerning humans or in payment terminals.

[0011] The third method involves spraying or dousing the banknotes with an adhesive or bonding agent. Such an adhesive will permeate between adjacent banknotes and then cure, thus converting a stack of individual banknotes into a solid block which cannot be used in any cash transactions. In order to be effective, the adhesive must spread through the stack of banknotes before it starts to cure and becomes more viscous. On the other hand, the adhesive must fully cure before a criminal may gain access to the stack of banknotes. And obviously, the adhesive must adhere strongly to the material of the banknotes and must be insoluble after curing. Achieving strong adherence is a challenge, since banknotes are made from different materials. Conventionally, banknotes are made of cotton paper, which may or may not be coated with a polymer coating. More recently, polymer banknotes have been introduced.

[0012] The - sometimes conflicting - requirements for a suitable bonding agent are hard to meet with a conventional adhesive. Therefore, there is a need for a special adhesive and a system for dispensing such special adhesive.

[0013] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a device for mixing and dispensing a composition consisting of multiple components is provided. The device comprises a supply opening for a first component, a mixing chamber for mixing the first component with a second component, a dispensing opening for dispensing the composition comprising a mixture of the first and second components, and connecting means for establishing a fluid communication from the supply opening to the dispensing opening, wherein the connecting means comprise a controllable valve. This mixing and dispensing device allows two components, which are stored separately, to be mixed swiftly and reliably to form an adhesive, and further allows the mixture to be dispensed immediately upon mixing. Using a controllable valve provides a more accurate control of flow than creating an opening by e.g. piercing or rupturing a wall.

[0014] In an embodiment, the controllable valve is rotatable between a closed position in which the supply opening is separated from the dispensing opening and an open position in which the supply opening is in fluid communication with the dispensing opening. A rotatable valve is compact and does not require additional space for moving between its closed and open positions.

[0015] In an embodiment, the controllable valve is rotatable only from the closed position to the open position. By having the valve rotate in one direction only, mixing and dispensing cannot be interrupted, thus ensuring that the entire amount of the composition is used when the device is activated. In an embodiment, an electric motor is drivingly connected to the controllable valve. An electric motor can be securely and accurately controlled.

[0016] In an embodiment, a sealing coupling member is arranged between the electric motor and the valve. Such a coupling member prevents material from escaping the mixture chamber.

[0017] In an embodiment, the coupling member is configured for switching off the electric motor when the controllable valve reaches the open position. In this way, continued rotation of the valve, which would return the valve to its closed position, is prevented.

[0018] In an embodiment, the controllable valve is arranged between the mixing chamber and the dispensing opening. By arranging the controllable valve downstream of the mixing chamber, it does not impede flow of the first component to the mixing chamber.

[0019] In an embodiment, the controllable valve comprises a tube open at one end, which has at least one opening in its tubular wall, and which is sealingly arranged in a valve housing which is connected with the mixing chamber and open at one end, and which has at least one opening facing the mixing chamber. In this way a very effective seal and a well-defined valve opening is achieved. The at least one opening may be dimensioned and shaped to optimize flow conditions. The valve and valve housing with their respective openings may extend along a wall of the mixing chamber, thus providing a large area through which the mixture may flow from the mixing chamber.

[0020] The valve housing may be integrally formed with the mixing chamber, and this integral structure may include the supply opening and the dispensing opening. The electric motor and coupling member may be arranged in a separate drive housing that may be mounted on the integrated structure forming the mixing chamber and valve housing. In this way a mixing and dispensing module may be formed, which is compact and easy to install or replace after use.

[0021] The mixing chamber, valve housing and drive housing may each be relatively thin, so as to allow the mixing and dispensing device to be arranged in the money box along one of its walls. For example, a ratio between a surface area of a combination of mixing chamber, valve housing and drive housing and a height of each of these parts may be at least 200 mm, preferably at least 300 mm and more preferably approximately 400 mm.

[0022] In an embodiment, a one-way valve is arranged between the supply opening and the mixing chamber. Thus, premature mixing of the two components is prevented.

[0023] In an embodiment, the one-way valve is configured for supplying the first component to the mixing chamber as a jet. In this way mixing is enhanced.

[0024] In an embodiment, the mixing chamber is configured for accommodating the second component. This obviates the need for a separate storage space for one of the components, thus resulting in a more compact device. In an embodiment, the device further comprises a pump for moving the first component from a container to the supply opening. By using a pump there is no need for a cartridge filled with compressed gas as a driver (e.g. a CO2 cartridge pressurized at 60 bar as used in some prior art devices), thus reducing risks for users in case of accidental activation.

[0025] In an embodiment, the pump is an electric pump which may be started substantially simultaneously with the electric motor of the valve. This allows the supply of the first component to the mixing chamber to be synchronized with dispensing of the mixture. To this end the electric pump and the electric valve motor may be connected to a controller, which operates the pump and the valve when an attempt at theft is detected.

[0026] The invention further relates to a device for spoiling securities, like banknotes, stored in a lockable space, like e.g. a cash box or an ATM. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, such a spoiling device comprises a mixing and dispensing device of the type described above and a distribution system connected to the dispensing opening thereof for distributing the composition consisting of multiple components in the lockable space. In this way a composition like e.g. a two-component adhesive may be swiftly prepared and distributed over the banknotes when a criminal attempts to gain access to the cash box or ATM.

[0027] In an embodiment, the lockable space forms part of a box with which the mixing and dispensing device is connected or in which this device is arranged. By integrating the mixing and dispensing device in the box storing the banknotes, maximum security is provided.

[0028] In an embodiment, the space is lockable by a movable cover, and the mixing and dispensing device is connected to or arranged in the cover. In this way the mixing and dispensing device does not affect the storage capacity of the lockable space.

[0029] The invention also relates to a method for spoiling securities, like banknotes, stored in a lockable space, like e.g. a cash box or an ATM. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, such a spoiling method comprises the steps of: supplying a first component, supplying a second component, mixing the first and second components into a composition consisting of multiple components, and distributing the composition consisting of multiple components over the securities.

[0030] By this method a spoiling composition may be swiftly prepared and distributed over the banknotes to render them worthless.

[0031] In an embodiment, the composition consisting of multiple components is a multi-component adhesive. By judicious selection of the components such an adhesive may be tailored to the requirements imposed by the specific purpose of spoiling banknotes. In an embodiment, the first component is a liquid adhesive and the second component is a powdery activator which causes the liquid adhesive to polymerize after mixing. By adding the activator only when the composition is to be used, there is no risk of the adhesive curing inadvertently, and it will always be ready for use. The second component may be supplied in a greater amount than strictly necessary. An excess of the second component may ensure that the first component will be quickly and completely polymerized.

[0032] In an embodiment, the multi-component adhesive further comprises a coloring agent. This renders the banknotes worthless, even if a criminal were somehow able to separate them before the adhesive is cured.

[0033] In an embodiment, the securities are stored in the lockable space as a stack, and the composition consisting of multiple components is distributed over the securities such that it permeates between adjacent securities in the stack. This allows the faces of the banknotes, which present the largest surface area, to bond together.

[0034] In an embodiment, the first and second components are stored separately and are only mixed in case of an attempt at theft of the securities. Separate storage increases the shelf life of the components and mixing them upon detection of attempted theft ensures that the composition can reliably and fully be distributed before it cures.

[0035] In an embodiment, the first and second components are mixed in a mixing and dispensing device as described above. Such a device allows the components to be mixed swiftly and reliably.

[0036] The invention also relates to a composition consisting of multiple components which may be formed in a mixing and dispensing device as described above and / or which may be used in a method as described above. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, such a composition comprises a first component which comprises a liquid adhesive, and a second component which comprises a powdery activator. A powdery activator is easy to store for a long time and will still reliably mix with the liquid adhesive.

[0037] In an embodiment, the liquid adhesive comprises acrylate or methacrylate monomers and the powdery activator comprises a peroxide and a stabilizer for peroxide. Acrylate or methacrylate monomers are stable and can be stored for a long time. They can be cured by free radical polymerization in the absence of oxygen, which makes them suitable as an adhesive for tightly stacked banknotes. As such, the acrylate or methacrylate monomers may form an anaerobic adhesive. Once cured, such adhesive is resistant to thermal chemical and mechanical attack. The peroxide serves to produce the free radicals for polymerization of the monomers, while the stabilizer prevents the free radicals produced by the peroxide from reacting with oxygen and becoming inert.

[0038] In an embodiment, the liquid adhesive further comprises at least one of the following additives: at least one crosslinker, a stabilizer, at least one coloring agent, and / or a reductor.

[0039] In an embodiment, the composition consisting of multiple components has at least one of the following characteristics: a viscosity of less than 10 mPa-s, preferably less than 6 mPa-s, and more preferably less than 2 mPa-s, at a temperature of 20°C, a hardness after polymerization of more than 70 Shore D, preferably more than 75 Shore D and more preferably more than 80 Shore D, a polymerization time of less than 5 minutes, and / or a shelf life of the components of at least two years at an ambient temperature between 0 en 30°C.

[0040] A low viscosity allows the composition to permeate between adjacent banknotes in a stack, thus improving effectiveness. And a high hardness after polymerization makes the banknotes which are bonded together more resistant to both chemical and mechanical attacks. A short polymerization time caused by the crosslinker(s) increases the probability that the composition will have cured completely before a criminal can gain access to the banknotes. And finally, a long shelf life due to the presence of a stabilizer leads to less frequent replacement of the components, which reduces the total cost.

[0041] In an embodiment, the composition consisting of multiple components is free of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) substances. This allows the composition to be used without restrictions.

[0042] The invention will now be elucidated by way of exemplary embodiments, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a box defining a lockable space for banknotes, e.g. a money box or a cassette for an ATM, which includes a device for spoiling banknotes in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown in an open state;

[0044] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an interior of a cover of the box of Fig. 1 , showing the general arrangement of the device for spoiling banknotes;

[0045] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a device for mixing and dispensing a spoiling composition in accordance with an embodiment of the invention for use in the spoiling device of Fig. 2;

[0046] Fig. 4 is an exploded view from a different perspective of the mixing and dispensing device of Fig. 3;

[0047] Fig. 5 is a top view of the mixing and dispensing device of Figs. 3 and 4; Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view from a different perspective of the mixing and dispensing device of Figs. 3-5 when a controllable valve of the device is in a closed position;

[0048] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII- VII in Fig. 5 when the controllable valve is in the closed position;

[0049] Fig. 7A is an enlarged scale view of encircled detail A in Fig. 7;

[0050] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line VIII- VIII in Fig. 5 when the controllable valve is in the closed position;

[0051] Fig. 9 is a view corresponding with Fig. 6 but showing the device when the controllable valve is in an open position;

[0052] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X in Fig. 5 when the controllable valve is in the open position;

[0053] Fig. 10A is an enlarged scale view of encircled detail A in Fig. 10;

[0054] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line XI -XI in Fig. 5 when the controllable valve is in the open position;

[0055] Fig. 12 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the mixing and dispensing device;

[0056] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view along the line XIII-XIII in Fig. 12 when the device is assembled, with the valve shown in its open position; and

[0057] Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of the various elements of the device for spoiling banknotes in accordance with the invention.

[0058] A money box or cassette 1 for an ATM includes a base box 2 and a lid or cover 3 which is pivotally connected to the base box 2 by a series of hinges 4 (Fig. 1). In use, a stack of banknotes (not shown) may be accommodated in an interior I of the base box 2 that is bounded by a front wall 5, an end wall 6 and sidewalls 7a, 7b extending therebetween. The stack will be held against the end wall 6 by a movable pusher 8 and will be bounded on the upper side by guide rails 9a, 9b on an inside of the cover 3 when the box or cassette 1 is closed. It should be noted that the shape and dimensions of the money box or cassette 1 , the location and arrangement of the cover 3 and the connection between the base box 2 and the cover 3 are not critical for the present invention. The device for spoiling banknotes in accordance with the invention can be adapted for use with any type of money box or cassette 1.

[0059] The money box 1 further includes a latch 10 on the base box 2 which cooperates with a central protrusion 11 on the cover 3 for keeping the cover 3 in its closed position. The cover 3 carries a pivotable safety arm 12 having hooks 13, 14 which cooperate with inner protrusions on the front wall 5. The safety arm is biased outward to a locked position and may be pushed inwards after releasing the latch 10 and slightly lifting the cover 3. A switch (not shown) is arranged on the base box 2 to detect when the cover 3 is closed. A signal from this switch may be used to arm a device 20 for spoiling the banknotes when an attempt at theft is detected. The money box 1 further includes a wireless communication component which allows communication between the money box 1 and external systems, like e.g. an ATM control or security system.

[0060] The device 20 for spoiling banknotes, which in Fig. 2 is shown to be arranged in the cover 3, is configured for distributing a substance in the interior I of the money box 1 that will render banknotes stacked in the money box 1 worthless. To that end the spoiling device 20 is shown to include a central spray tube 15, which is arranged along a center line of the cover 3.

[0061] The present invention provides an improved device 20 for spoiling banknotes by spraying them with a composition which includes multiple components that are pre-mixed before being distributed over the banknotes. The spoiling device 20 comprises a device 21 for mixing and dispensing a composition consisting of multiple components. This mixing and dispensing device

[0062] 21 is in fluid communication with a system 16 for distributing the mixture or composition over the banknotes in the interior I of the money box 1. This distribution system 16 includes the central spray tube 15 discussed above.

[0063] The mixing and dispensing device 21 of the invention comprises a supply opening 22 for a first component, a mixing chamber 23 for mixing the first component with a second component, and a dispensing opening 24 for dispensing the composition comprising a mixture of the first and second components (Fig. 6, 14). The mixing and dispensing device 21 further comprises connecting means 25 for establishing a fluid communication from the supply opening 22 to the dispensing opening 24. The connecting means 25 comprise a controllable valve 26.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment the controllable valve 26 is arranged between the mixing chamber 23 and the dispensing opening 24. As long as the mixing chamber 23 is isolated from the dispensing opening 24, there will be no fluid flow through device 21, and the components will not mix.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment the controllable valve 26 is a rotatable valve. It comprises a tube which is open at one end 27, and which has a series of openings 28 in its tubular wall 29. The number of openings 28, their respective sizes and shapes and their location on the tubular wall 29 is selected such as to optimize flow from the mixing chamber 23 to the dispensing opening 24. Tubular valve 26 is shown to be sealingly arranged in a valve housing 30 which is connected with the mixing chamber 23. Like valve 26, the valve housing 30 is open at one end, where the dispensing opening 24 is. The valve chamber 30 further has an opening 31 facing the mixing chamber 23. The valve 26 and valve housing 30 are shown to extend over the entire length of the mixing chamber 23, thus allowing a mixture to flow to the dispensing opening 24 from every location in the mixing chamber 23. In the illustrated embodiment the valve housing 30 is integrally formed with the mixing chamber 23 and is separated therefrom by two slanted walls 32 forming a funnel and bounding the opening 31. Tubular valve 26 is rotatably guided by the two slanted walls 32 and a standing central wall 33. At its open end 27, tubular valve 26 is supported by a circular bearing 34 mounted in the valve chamber 30 through a frame 35.

[0066] The valve 26 is rotatable between a closed position (Figs. 6-8) in which the supply opening 22 is separated from the dispensing opening 24 and an open position (Figs. 9-11) in which the supply opening 22 is in fluid communication with the dispensing opening 24. In the open position of valve 26 the openings 28 in the tubular wall 29 of the valve are in register with the opening 31 of the valve housing 30. This allows a fluid flow from the mixing chamber 23 through the openings 31 and 28 and through the open end 27 towards the dispensing opening 24. In the closed position of valve 26, the openings 28 in tubular wall 29 are not in register with the opening 31 of the valve housing 30.

[0067] Although in the illustrated embodiment the valve 26 is shown to rotate over 180 degrees between the closed position of Fig. 7A and the open position of Fig. 10A, this is not strictly necessary, and any rotation which will move the openings 28 in the tubular wall 29 past one of the slanted walls 32 would be sufficient. In the closed position of Fig. 7A the openings 28 are blocked by central wall 33, providing an additional degree of sealing.

[0068] Further sealing is provided by a one-way valve 50 which is arranged between the supply opening 22 and the mixing chamber 23, and which isolates the first component from the second component. In the illustrated embodiment the one-way valve 50 is configured for supplying the first component to the mixing chamber 23 as a jet of fluid 61. To that end the one-way valve 50 constitutes a nozzle when it is opened. In practice this can be achieved by embodying the one-way valve 50 as a duckbill valve. As shown here, the duckbill valve 50 is mounted on an end wall 51 of the integrated mixing chamber 23 and valve housing 30, which supports the supply opening 22 and the dispensing opening 24. Duckbill valve 50 is fixed to end wall 51 by means of a clamping ring 52.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment the controllable valve 26 is driven by an electric motor 36. Motor 36 is drivingly connected to valve 26 by means of a coupling member 37. This coupling member 37 has one end 38 connected to an output shaft 39 of motor 36, while an opposite end 40 is sealingly arranged in an opening 41 of valve housing 30 and is connected to the tubular valve 26. An O-ring 42 ensures proper sealing of coupling member 37 in opening 41.

[0070] Valve 26 is configured to be driven from its closed position to its open position only once, and not to be returned, so that mixing of the components cannot be interrupted. To this end the coupling member 37 is configured for switching off the electric motor 36 when the controllable valve 26 reaches the open position. The end 38 of coupling member 37 has a tear shaped crosssection defining a cam 43. When the valve 26 has reached its open position this cam 43 actuates a switch 44 (Fig. 11), thus powering off the electric motor 36.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment the switch 44 is arranged on a PCB mounted between the motor 36 and the coupling member 37. The PCB has a connector 45 for a power line 46 from the motor 36 and a connector 47 for a power line 48 supplying power to the mixing and dispensing device 21 from an external power supply, e.g. a battery of the spoiling device 20. Such battery (not shown) may be arranged in a first recess 18 in cover 3. As shown here, all components driving the valve 26 are arranged in a single housing 53 which is connected to the integrated mixing chamber 23 and valve housing 30 by hooks 54 engaging in slots 55.

[0072] In another embodiment, which is currently the preferred embodiment, the valve housing 30 is not integrally formed with mixing chamber 23, but instead is formed as a separate component which is fixed in mixing chamber 23 (Fig. 12, 13). In this embodiment the valve housing 23 comprises a C-shaped part 17 accommodating the tubular valve 26 and a T-shaped foot 63. The C- shaped part 17 defines the opening 31. The foot 63 is slid in a groove defined by parallel rails 64 on a wall of the mixing chamber 23 to fix the valve housing 30 in the mixing chamber 23. The valve 26 is shown here in the open position, in which the openings 28 in the tubular wall 29 of the valve are in register with the opening 31 of the valve housing 30. In this embodiment the mixing chamber 23 has a cross-section which is not quite rectangular but includes a dimple or shallow recess 65. Apart from that, this embodiment is construed in the same way and functions in the same way as the previous embodiment.

[0073] Like the mixing chamber 23 and the valve housing 30, the drive housing 53 is shown to be relatively thin. Using the convention illustrated in Fig. 3, a ratio between a surface area LxW of a combination of the mixing chamber 23, valve housing 30 and drive housing 53 and and a height H of each of these parts may be at least 200 mm, preferably at least 300 mm and more preferably approximately 400 mm: (L x W) / H ~ 400 mm. This allows the mixing and dispensing device 21 to be mounted in recess 18 in cover 3 of the moneybox 1 , leaving the interior I of the base box 2 substantially free. In this way the banknote holding capacity of money box 1 is not affected by the addition of the banknote spoiling device 20. Moreover, it allows mixing and dispensing device 21 to be incorporated in designs where this had not originally been envisaged, e.g. in a system which had originally been designed for a single component spoiling agent. Consequently, because of its small size, the mixing and dispensing device 21 can easily be retrofitted to existing money boxes or ATM cassettes.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 2, the supply opening 22 is connected to an external pump 56 by a first supply line 57. Pump 56 in turn is connected to a container 49 (shown in phantom lines) storing the first component by a second supply line 58. The container 49 may be a bag made of a multilayer film material that is chemically resistant. It may be arranged in cover 3 where it may occupy all of the space in the first recess 18 and a second recess 19 that left free by the mixing and dispensing device 21, the distribution system 16 and their ancillaries. Since the container 49 is made of a multilayer film material, it is flexible and will deform to fill the entire usable volume, thus maximizing the amount of the first component that is available for spoiling the banknotes.

[0075] The second component, on the other hand, is not stored externally, but is stored in mixing chamber 23. In other words, mixing chamber 23 doubles as storage 66 for one of the two components, thus obviating the need for a separate container for storing this component. The volume 59 of the second component is shown schematically in Fig. 4, although it will be clear that in actual practice this is not a solid block, but rather a volume contained in the mixing chamber 23.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment pump 56 is an electric pump which is powered by the same battery as the valve drive motor 36. Operation of pump 56 is controlled in substantially the same way as operation of valve 26. Pump 56 and valve drive motor 36 may be started substantially simultaneously when an attempt at theft of the banknotes is detected. Such detection can take place either by a security system of the money box 1 or by a security system of an ATM in which the cassette is mounted. A signal indicating attempted theft may be processed by a controller of the money box 1, which may be mounted on a PCB 60 that is connected to both the pump 56 and the valve drive motor 36. The PCB 60, which is arranged in a compartment 69 in second recess 19, may also include the wireless communication component discussed above.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the various parts of device 20 for spoiling banknotes are arranged in a module 67 that is connected to the inside of the cover 3. This module 67 is substantially L-shaped and includes two posts 68a, 68b which protrude into the interior I of the base box 2 when the cover is closed. A space 69 between the feet 68a, 68b accommodates the pusher 8.

[0078] As soon as the pump 56 and the valve drive motor 36 are operated, the first component will start flowing from its container 49 through second supply line 58 to pump 56, and from there through first supply line 57 to supply opening 22. One-way valve 50 will open as a result of the fluid pressure acting on supply opening 22, and the first component will be forced into mixing chamber 23 as a jet of fluid 61 (Fig. 9). Due to the forceful way in which it is introduced into the mixing chamber 23, the first component will instantly mix with the second component 59 and the resulting mixture or composition will be forced through the opening 31 of the valve housing 30 into the openings 28 of the valve 26. From there the mixture or composition will flow through the open end 27 of valve 26 towards the dispensing opening 24. From the dispensing opening 24 the mixture or composition flows through a discharge line 62 towards the central spray tube 15 for distributing the mixture or composition over the stack of banknotes in the interior I of the money box 1.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment the first component may comprise a liquid adhesive, and the second component may comprise a powdery activator. The liquid adhesive of the first component may comprise acrylate or methacrylate monomers and the powdery activator may comprise a peroxide and a stabilizer for peroxide. Acrylate or methacrylate monomers are stable and can be stored for a long time. They may form an anaerobic adhesive, since they can be cured by free radical polymerization in the absence of oxygen. The free radicals for polymerization may be produced by the peroxide.

[0080] After mixing the first and second components, the composition may initially have a viscosity of less than 10 mPa-s, preferably less than 6 mPa-s, and more preferably less than 2 mPa-s, at a temperature of 20°C. This allows the composition to swiftly permeate between the banknotes in the stack in the interior I of the money box 1. After polymerization, which may take less than 5 minutes from the moment of mixing the first and second components, the adhesive is resistant to thermal chemical and mechanical attack. It may have a hardness of more than 70 Shore D, preferably more than 75 Shore D and more preferably more than 80 Shore D.

[0081] In order to improve the effectiveness of the spoiling action, the liquid adhesive may further comprise one or more crosslinkers, accelerators, coloring agents and / or reductors.

[0082] The invention described above provides an effective deterrent against the theft of securities, in particular banknotes either during transport or when stored in an ATM, by irreversibly spoiling them and rendering them worthless. The mixing and dispensing device described above is reliable, compact and fast-acting, and allows a spoiling composition to be prepared and distributed over the securities before a criminal can gain access to them.

[0083] Although the invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be clear that many aspects of the inventive devices and methods may be modified in various ways. For instance, the valve could be shaped differently and arranged in a different location than shown and described. Also, a different closing principle and different way of operating the valve could be selected. The second component could be stored in a second container separately from the mixing chamber. Other types of first and second components than described above could be used for obtaining a spoiling composition.

[0084] The scope of the invention is defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1. A device for mixing and dispensing a composition consisting of multiple components comprising a supply opening for a first component, a mixing chamber for mixing the first component with a second component, a dispensing opening for dispensing the composition comprising a mixture of the first and second components, and connecting means for establishing a fluid communication from the supply opening to the dispensing opening, wherein the connecting means comprise a controllable valve.

2. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the controllable valve is rotatable between a closed position in which the supply opening is separated from the dispensing opening and an open position in which the supply opening is in fluid communication with the dispensing opening.

3. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controllable valve is rotatable only from the closed position to the open position.

4. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an electric motor is drivingly connected to the controllable valve.

5. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in claim 4, wherein a sealing coupling member is arranged between the electric motor and the valve.

6. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the coupling member is configured for switching off the electric motor when the controllable valve reaches the open position.

7. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controllable valve is arranged between the mixing chamber and the dispensing opening.

8. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controllable valve comprises a tube open at one end, which has at least one opening in its tubular wall, and which is sealingly arranged in a valve housing which is connected with the mixing chamber and open at one end, and which has at least one opening facing the mixing chamber.

9. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a oneway valve is arranged between the supply opening and the mixing chamber.

10. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one-way valve is configured for supplying the first component to the mixing chamber as a jet.

11. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing chamber is configured for accommodating the second component.

12. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pump for moving the first component from a container to the supply opening.

13. The mixing and dispensing device as claimed in claim 12 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the pump is an electric pump which may be started substantially simultaneously with the electric motor of the valve.

14. A device for spoiling securities, like banknotes, stored in a lockable space, comprising a mixing and dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and a distribution system connected to the dispensing opening thereof for distributing the composition consisting of multiple components in the lockable space.

15. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lockable space forms part of a box with which the mixing and dispensing device is connected or in which this device is arranged.

16. The device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the space is lockable by a movable cover, and the mixing and dispensing device is connected to or arranged in the cover.

17. A method for spoiling securities, like banknotes, stored in a lockable space, comprising the steps of:- supplying a first component,- supplying a second component,- mixing the first and second components into a composition consisting of multiple components, and- distributing the composition consisting of multiple components over the securities.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the composition consisting of multiple components is a multi-component adhesive.

19. The method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the first component is a liquid adhesive and the second component is a powdery activator which causes the liquid adhesive to polymerize after mixing.

20. The method as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the multi-component adhesive further comprises a coloring agent.

21. The method as claimed in any one of claims 17-20, wherein the securities are stored in the lockable space as a stack, and the composition consisting of multiple components is distributed over the securities such that it permeates between adjacent securities in the stack.

22. The method as claimed in any one of claims 17-21, wherein the first and second components are stored separately and are only mixed in case of an attempt at theft of the securities.

23. The method as claimed in any one of claims 17-22, wherein the first and second components are mixed in a mixing and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 1-13.

24. A composition consisting of multiple components which may be formed in a mixing and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 1-13 and / or which may be used in a method as claimed in any one of claims 17-23, comprising:- a first component which comprises a liquid adhesive, and- a second component which comprises a powdery activator.

25. The multi-component composition as claimed in claim 24, wherein the liquid adhesive comprises acrylate or methacrylate monomers and the powdery activator comprises a peroxide and a stabilizer for peroxide.

26. The multi-component composition as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the liquid adhesive further comprises at least one of the following additives:- at least one crosslinker,- a stabilizer,- at least one coloring agent, and / or- a reductor.

27. The multi-component composition as claimed in any one of claims 24-26, having at least one of the following characteristics: - a viscosity of less than 10 mPa-s, preferably less than 6 mPa-s, and more preferably less than 2 mPa-s, at a temperature of 20°C,- a hardness after polymerization of more than 70 Shore D, preferably more than 75 Shore D and more preferably more than 80 Shore D,- a polymerization time of less than 5 minutes, and / or - a shelf life of the components of at least two years at an ambient temperature between 0 en 30°C.

28. The multi-component composition as claimed in any one of claims 24-27, which is free of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) substances.

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