Patent ID: 6073837
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: G07D,G07F

Abstract:
An automated teller machine (ATM) comprising:means defining a dispense slot through which a stack of currency notes can be presented to a user carrying out a transaction at the ATM;a purge container;a first transport mechanism for transporting a stack of currency notes to the dispense slot to present the stack of currency notes to a user;a second transport mechanism for (i) retracting a stack of currency notes which has been presented through the dispense slot to a user after elapse of a predetermined amount of time since the stack of currency notes has been presented through the dispense slot to the user, and (ii) transporting the retracted stack of currency notes to the purge container;a measuring device for (i) measuring a cross-sectional area of a stack of currency notes when the stack of currency notes is transported by the first transport mechanism to the dispense slot to present the stack of currency notes to a user and providing a first signal indicative thereof, and (ii) measuring a cross-sectional area of a stack of currency notes when the stack of currency notes is transported by the second transport mechanism from the dispense slot to the purge container and providing a second signal indicative thereof; anda comparator for comparing the first and second signals and providing a third signal which is indicative of any difference between the first and second signals to indicate any difference between the cross-sectional area of the stack of currency notes which has been transported by the first transport mechanism to the dispense slot and the cross-sectional area of the stack of currency notes which has been transported by the second transport mechanism from the dispense slot to the purge container.