Sheet feeding or delivering – Feeding – Pack holders
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-29
2001-09-25
Ellis, Christopher P. (Department: 3651)
Sheet feeding or delivering
Feeding
Pack holders
C271S164000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293540
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing a sheet dispenser apparatus from a secure chest of a banking machine and returning the dispenser to the chest after service or other handling.
BACKGROUND ART
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 or dispensing currency or other sheet items. As used herein, the phrase automated banking 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.
Other types of automated banking machines may be used to dispense currency to a customer, bank teller, cashier or other service provider. Automated banking machines may dispense various types of sheet items to customers of service providers. For example, automated banking machines used in connection with embodiments of the invention may dispense sheet items such as tickets, scrip, vouchers, coupons, or phone cards. Automated banking machines generally store a multitude of such sheet items in a fashion enabling the machine to quickly deliver one or more items without error.
The devices enabling storage and delivery of the sheet items may at times require maintenance or repair. In automated banking machines such as those made by Diebold, Incorporated, the assignee of the present invention, sheet items that are dispensed are generally held in cassettes. The cassettes are enabled to be replaced quickly by authorized personnel who have gained access to a secure chest portion of the machine which houses the cassettes. This enables authorized personnel to quickly replenish items to be dispensed. This can be done by replacing the cassettes or by removing the cassettes, adding sheets thereto and reinstalling the cassettes.
While replenishing sheet items may readily be accomplished, it is sometimes necessary to conduct more extensive maintenance or repair activities. In the event repair or replacement of certain components of the machine are necessary, the sheet dispenser assembly may need to be removed from the housing. The weight and delicate nature of some components of the sheet dispenser assembly often makes removal and reinstallation of the dispenser mechanism difficult. In many circumstances more than one service person may be required to remove and reinstall the dispenser mechanism. Delicate components of the mechanism may be damaged through improper handling. Very accurate positioning of the mechanism is required for proper operation of the machine which necessitates care during reinstallation. All of these requirements add to the difficulty in servicing the sheet dispenser mechanism.
Thus there exists a need for an apparatus and method for more easily removing, transporting and reinstalling a sheet dispenser assembly of an automated banking machine to facilitate servicing of components of the assembly.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for servicing automated banking machines.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which enables a sheet dispenser of an automated banking machine to be more readily serviced.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fixture or carrier apparatus for disengaging a sheet dispenser from an automated banking machine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a carrier apparatus for transporting a disengaged sheet dispenser of an automated banking machine away from the housing of the machine to facilitate servicing of the sheet dispenser.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of servicing an automated banking machine.
It is a further object 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 the sheet dispenser.
Further objects of the present invention will be made apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.
The foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment of the invention which involves servicing an automated banking machine. The machine includes a secure chest which houses critical components and valuable documents or sheets. The valuable documents or sheets may include for example, currency, coupons, tickets, scrip, vouchers, phone cards and/or other items.
A dispenser mechanism for handling the valuable documents is releasably mounted on a movable slide device supported on the chest. To access the dispenser mechanism for servicing a secure chest door is opened by authorized personnel. The chest door is moved to dispose the door from an opening to the interior of the chest. The dispenser mechanism is extendable through the opening in the chest to provide access for service of the mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment the dispenser mechanism includes a document delivery device for delivering documents to a user during operation of the machine. The dispenser mechanism also includes a number of dispenser modules for storing and selectively dispensing documents stored in cassettes. Each dispenser module is capable of selectively picking documents from the cassettes, which documents are delivered by a transport to the document delivery device.
In an exemplary service method of the invention the dispenser mechanism is extended through the access opening of the chest while supported on a slide device. Moving the dispenser outward from the chest on the slide device provides greater access to components of the dispenser mechanism. Having easier access to the dispenser mechanism facilitates repairs and/or replacement of components by service personnel. Sometimes it is desirable or necessary to remove the dispenser mechanism entirely from the machine for service or replacement. The present invention provides a method of separating and removing the dispenser assembly from the balance of the banking machine to facilitate repair or replacement. The exemplary method of the invention also facilitates reinstallation of the dispenser mechanism in the machine.
In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, with the dispenser assembly extending through the opening of the chest and supported on the slide device, a portable carrier is connected to the dispenser assembly. A lifting mechanism on the carrier is operated to raise the dispenser mechanism upward so it is no longer supported on the slide device. As the dispenser mechanism is raised it is disengaged from the slide device. The dispenser is then movable in supporting connection with the carrier. The separated dispenser mechanism may be moved away from the chest to provide greater access for servicing or repair of components of the mechanism or components in the interior of the chest. After the repairs or other service activities are complete the carrier is used to again place the dispenser mechanism in supporting connection with the slide device. The dispenser mechanism is then retracted into the chest while supported on the slide device. The chest door may then be closed and the automated banking machine placed back in operation.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4348018 (1982-09-01), Bijttebier et al.
patent: 4660820 (1987-04-01), Shino et al.
patent: 5150390 (1992-09-01), Kunikawa et al.
patent: 5152512 (1992-10-01), Yoshida et al.
patent: 5441246 (1995-08-01), Miyata et al.
patent: 5732941 (1998-03-01), Moll
patent: 5785308 (1998-07-01), Flores et al.
patent: 5993132 (1999-11-01), Harres et al.
patent: 6014649 (2000-01-01), Kobayashi et al.
patent: 6123329 (2000-09-01), Sato et al.
patent: 63-230426 (1983-09-01), None
patent: 59-223635 (1984-12-01), None
patent: 60-71429 (1985-04-
Bower Kenneth W
Diebold Incorporated
Ellis Christopher P.
Jocke Ralph E.
Walker & Jocke
LandOfFree
Currency dispenser service method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Currency dispenser service method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Currency dispenser service method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2503335