Abstract:
A privacy booth for isolating a user from the surrounding environment so as to provide acoustical and possibly visual privacy to the user. A single privacy booth may be utilized when a user must interact with an electronic device or terminal, for example, an ATM. When interacting with a human, for example, a bank teller, a pair of joined privacy booths provide acoustical and visual privacy to both interacting parties. The solid but possibly transparent barrier between the user and the teller helps prevent “snatch and grab” type crimes and protects the teller from armed robbery attempts. Access to the user&#39;s privacy booth may be controlled using access keypads that open semi-circular doors. A transaction pass-through tube allows for passing documents, etc. back and forth between the user and the teller. The privacy booth may have an elevatable and rotatable floor allowing access to wheel chair confined persons.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/178,743 for MODULAR PRIVACY BOOTH FOR COOPERATIVE USE WITH A TELLER STATION, ATM, OR THE LIKE filed Feb. 12, 2014 and which is included by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention pertains to privacy booths and, more particularly, to privacy booths associated with transaction terminals or customer service windows. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. It is important for consumers to recognize that identity theft is not just a financial crime. This crime varies widely, and can include financial identity theft (checking and/or credit card fraud), criminal identity theft, governmental identity theft, and medical identity theft. The Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC www.identitytheftcenter.org) is a nonprofit, nationally respected organization dedicated exclusively to the understanding of identity theft and related issues. The ITRC provides victim and consumer support as well as public education. The ITRC also advises governmental agencies, legislators, law enforcement, and businesses about the evolving and growing problem of identity theft. 
         [0004]    When personal and/or financial information is publically disclosed, for example at the teller window of a bank, credit union, medical facility, or numerous other similar places, there is generally some risk that all or part of that information may be compromised (i.e., “stolen”) by a person not authorized to have access to that information. When information is entered into a public computer terminal or apparatus, for example, an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), there is still a risk of personal information such as a Personal Identification Number (PIN) being observed by an unauthorized person. Further, a financial transaction at a teller window may be compromised when a teller innocently asks a customer making cash withdrawal a question such as “how would you like the money, in one-hundreds, fifties, twenties, etc.” Such information may alert an observer to the fact that the customer will soon be carrying a possible substantial amount of cash. 
         [0005]    In medical facilities, for example doctor&#39;s offices, hospital emergency room registration desks, pharmacies, or the like, personal information divulged by a client may be overheard. 
         [0006]    In many facilities, a queue of waiting customers or patients are requested to stay an appropriate distance away from a window, counter, etc. where another person is conducting a transaction. Even with this precaution, it is still possible for a person in the queue to overhear some portion of the transaction. 
       DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0007]    The prior art shows several proposed solutions for limiting or eliminating the loss of sensitive information disclosed by a patient or customer at a teller window, a medical intake desk, an ATM, or any other facility where a user is required to divulge sensitive information. 
         [0008]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,151 for SELF SERVICE TERMINAL issued Jun. 5, 2001 to Stephen Swaine et al. teaches a self service terminal (SST) that has a front portion including a user interface located within a fascia. The fascia has a concave inner surface that defines a privacy area and which reduces reflection of sound. The inner surface is bounded by one or more extremities which project out from the terminal. The fascia has a canopy that extends beyond the projecting extremities. In use, the user places his head within or in proximity to the privacy area for increased privacy when using the terminal. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,338 for TRANSACTION SECURITY SYSTEM AND MODULAR TRANSACTION PROCESSING CENTER issued Sep. 27, 1988 discloses a transaction security device consisting of a booth of a material and construction capable of selective voluntary entry and involuntary personnel retention and incorporating a transaction interface; entrance means for said booth; a closure for said entrance means, and control means adapted to secure and unsecure at least said entrance means; and cooperating with said booth, disposed, therein, or indeed independent thereof, at least one secondary enclosure adapted to contain apparatus disposed upon at least one turntable within a housing module composed of an enclosure, portions of which are independently rotatable about said turntable and the devices disposed thereon; and means for access to the interior of said housing and with said transaction interface. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,475 for TEMPERATURE CONTROL MEANS FOR A SELF SERVICE BANKING SYSTEM issued Mar. 21, 1989 to Edward F. Couvrette provides a self service banking system including a walk-in kiosk housing an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). The kiosk includes a pivotable interior access door on one end thereof which is pivotable between open and closed positions and a side wall rotatable quarter panel expansion area for allowing access to the interior of the ATM. The kiosk provides a secure enclosed environment for the automatic teller machine (ATM) and its contents. An air distribution system, a laminated wall insulation, heating and cooling systems and their controls are provided to maintain the interior temperature and humidity of the kiosk within the normal temperature and humidity operational range of the computer of the ATM during exposure of the kiosk to a wide range of ambient temperatures and humidity beyond the acceptable operating temperature and humidity range of the ATM and its computers. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,118 for VIDEO IMAGE SYSTEM FOR PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION issued Apr. 11, 1989 to Roget F. Lafreniere teaches a video image system for rapidly (in a few seconds) recording a person and his identification (ID) card makes video images of the person&#39;s hand palm and face along with the ID card presented by the person that may be a badge, card, drivers license, passport, or other item issued by some authority, and combines those images and presents the combined image on a video monitor for immediate inspection by a guard, store clerk or attendant, and, in addition, stores the combined image along with time and date superimposed thereon so that it can be reviewed later. The system includes at a designated place entered by the person to be recorded, a viewing table in easy reach of the person on which there are viewing areas for the person&#39;s palm and the ID card that he presents and video cameras arranged for scanning his palm, ID card and his face producing video images that are combined electronically producing a combined video image of the palm. An ID card and face may be viewed on a video monitor and recorded on a video cassette recorder (VCR) along with the time and date. The combined image that is recorded can be reviewed later as a review of the identification event. 
         [0012]    None of the patents and published patent applications, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel Modular Privacy Booth for Cooperative Use with a Teller Station, ATM, or the like of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In accordance with the present invention there is provided a privacy booth for isolating a user from the surrounding environment so as to provide acoustical and, visual privacy to the user. A single privacy booth may be utilized when a user must interact with an electronic device or terminal, for example, an ATM. When interaction with a human, for example, a bank teller, a pair of joined privacy booths provide acoustical and visual privacy to both interacting parties. The solid but possibly transparent, reinforced, “bullet-proof”, etc. barrier between the user and the teller helps prevent “snatch and grab” type crimes and protects the teller from armed robbery attempts as well as other types of assault. 
         [0014]    Access to the user&#39;s privacy booth is controlled using an access keypad. The access keypad may incorporate one or several devices such as a keyboard/keypad, a magnetic strip card reader, an OCR bar code reader, a Quick Response (QR) code optical reader, and a biometric scanner, for example, a fingerprint scanner. 
         [0015]    Semi-circular doors open when a user enters an acceptable entry code or presents acceptable media. 
         [0016]    A transaction pass-through box or tube allows the passing of paper documents back and forth between the user and the teller. Security features include a backscatter detector for detection of dangerous objects or materials placed in the pass-through box or tube. Additionally, each end of the pass-through box or tube is closed by a door that is interlocked such that only a door at one end of the pass-through box or tube may be opened at a time. 
         [0017]    When the transaction(s) are complete, the user causes the door to reopen and leaves the privacy booth. 
         [0018]    Optionally, the privacy booth may be equipped with a floor raising mechanism. A disabled user in a wheel chair or similar conveyance may remain seated while being elevated to an equivalent height of a standing user. The floor of the privacy booth may be rotated (typically 180°) to facilitate exiting of a wheel chair bound disabled user. Mechanisms for floor raising and rotating are typically located in an enclosure that hangs below the privacy booth necessitating installation of the privacy booth on an elevated floor that is typically ramp or lift accessible. 
         [0019]    It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a privacy booth to enclose a user to provide acoustical and visual privacy to the user when he or she is divulging sensitive private information. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the invention to provide a privacy that is substantially circular and has semi-circular doors that selectively open and close booth to enclose a user. 
         [0021]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a privacy booth to enclose a user that incorporates an entry keypad to allow only authorized users to open the door and enter the privacy booth. 
         [0022]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a privacy booth connected to a second privacy booth, the first privacy booth enclosing a user thereby allowing the user to divulge sensitive personal information to a teller in the second privacy booth. 
         [0023]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a privacy booth to enclose a user having a transaction pass-through tube or box for bi-directionally transferring paper documents, cash, or other physical items between the user and the teller. 
         [0024]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a transaction pass-through tube or box having interlocked doors at each end thereof. 
         [0025]    It is another object of the invention to provide a transaction pass-through tube or box having a backscatter detection system to help prevent contraband from reaching a teller. 
         [0026]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a privacy booth to enclose a user wherein a teller in the second privacy booth may activate an alarm when the need arises. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1A  is a simplified front perspective, schematic view of a view of a first embodiment of a privacy booth in accordance with the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 1B  is a simplified front perspective, schematic view of a view of the privacy booth of  FIG. 1  but having a raiseable floor; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2A  is a simplified front elevational, schematic view of the privacy booth of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2B  is a simplified front elevational, schematic view f the privacy booth of  FIG. 1B  showing an underfloor equipment compartment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2C  is a simplified, cross-sectional, schematic view of floor raising/rotation mechanism of the privacy booth of  FIG. 2B  with the floor in a lowered position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 2D  is a simplified, cross-sectional, schematic view of floor raising/rotation mechanism of the privacy booth of  FIG. 2B  with the floor in a raised position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2E  is a simplified schematic functional block diagram of a control system associated with the mechanisms of  FIGS. 2C and 2D ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is a top plan schematic view of the privacy booth of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is a top plan, schematic view of a single privacy booth with a user interacting with an ATM or the like; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5A  is a top plan, schematic view of a pair of privacy booths connected one to another in accordance with the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 5B  is a detailed top plan, schematic view of a transaction pass-through tube or box; 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  is an architectural rendering, front perspective view of four privacy booths in a typical operating environment; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a typical teller station utilizing a privacy booth. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0041]    The present invention provides modular privacy booths for cooperative use with a teller station, ATM, or the like. The novel privacy booth may be used in applications where a customer, client or other person may securely reveal sensitive personal data or information while minimizing the risk of inadvertently sharing such data or information with a person unauthorized to receive such information. As used hereinafter, the term user is intended to represent any client, patient, or other such person in need of privacy to conduct a transaction. 
         [0042]    The novel privacy booth may be used individually, for example, to protect the privacy at an ATM or other similar electronic work station. When two of the privacy booths are interconnected back-to-back for applications such as teller stations, etc., the privacy of both the user and the teller are protected. 
         [0043]    Referring first to  FIG. 1A , there is shown a simplified front perspective, schematic view of a first embodiment of a privacy booth in accordance with the invention, generally at reference number  100 . 
         [0044]    Privacy booth  100  is structure having arcuate upstanding walls, typically forming a substantially cylindrical structure. It will be recognized that privacy booths in accordance with the invention may be constructed with arcuate upstanding walls to form structures other than circular structures. In still other embodiment, privacy booths may be constructed with a mix or arcuate and non-arcuate upstanding walls. In additional embodiments, privacy structure may be constructed with nothing but non-arcuate upstanding walls. Consequently, privacy booths having a wide variety of cross sectional shapes may be constructed. Therefore, the invention is not considered limited to a particular cross sectional shape. Rather the invention includes privacy booths having any cross-sectional shape. 
         [0045]    An opening “O”  102  extends across a front facing region of privacy booth  100 . Opening  102  is sized to accommodate a wheelchair, power chair, or other conveyance suitable for use by a handicapped person  254   c , best seen in  FIG. 6 , to enter privacy booth  100  to transact private business. 
         [0046]    Opening  102  may selectively be closed by a sliding door, typically implemented as a pair of sliding doors  104   a ,  104   b  that selectively open and close in directions shown by respective arrows  106   a ,  106   b . In a closed position, outer edges  108   a ,  108   b  of respective sliding doors  104   a ,  104   b  meet at a central point  110 , their outer edges abutting one to the other. When necessary, seals  112   a ,  112   b  may be applied to respective door outer edges  108   a ,  108   b  to improve acoustical privacy by limiting the amount of sound emanating from within privacy booth  100  to an external space, not specifically identified. 
         [0047]    A door opening apparatus, not shown, is operatively connected to sliding doors  104   a ,  104   b  to perform door opening and door closing function upon command. Such door opening and closing mechanisms are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently, are not further described or discussed herein. 
         [0048]    An optional transaction pass-through tube or box  130  connects the interior of privacy booth  100  to a space directly behind the booth, typically a contiguous connected second privacy booth  250 , best seen in  FIG. 5A . When implemented, the distal end of transaction pass-through tube or box  130  terminates in second privacy booth  250 . A more detailed description of transaction pass-through tube or box is provided hereinbelow. 
         [0049]    In privacy booth  100 , a floor  114  is typically raised as small distance “H”  116  above the level of a surface, not specifically identified, upon which privacy booth  100  is supported. 
         [0050]    A handrail  122  encircles the entire interior surface of privacy booth  100 . 
         [0051]    A top or dome  124  completely seals the interior of privacy booth  100 . A signal assembly  126 , discussed in more detail hereinbelow is affixed atop dome  124 , typically proximate an apex, not specifically identified, of dome  124 . It will be recognized that structures, not shown, other than domes  124  may be used to seal the upper portion of privacy booth  100 . 
         [0052]    Referring now also to  FIG. 1B , there is shown a simplified front perspective, schematic view of a second embodiment of a privacy booth  100 , generally at reference number  100 ″. 
         [0053]    Privacy booth  100 ′ has all the previously described features and structures but in addition has an elevatable floor  114 ′ that raises a person seated in a wheel chair, scooter, or other such conveyance to a height whereat they may utilize privacy booth  100 ′ in an equivalent manner to a standing person. Floor  114 ′ is raised by a floor elevating mechanism, not shown, in  FIG. 1B  but rather shown in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , that may include motor driven scissor jacks, one or more hydraulic cylinders, not shown, or any other suitable similar lift system components. A control system suitable for use with the floor raising and rotating mechanisms of  FIGS. 2C and 2D  is shown in  FIG. 2E . If hydraulic cylinders are used to raise floor  118 ′, support pumps, tanks, valves, etc., none shown, all known to those of skill in the hydraulic arts, are required for cooperative uses with one or more hydraulic cylinders. 
         [0054]    Note that privacy booth  100  and  100 ′ are typically sized to accommodate two adult persons inside, including one adult person in a wheel chair or similar conveyance. 
         [0055]    Referring now also to  FIGS. 2A and 3 , there are shown simplified front elevational, and top plan schematic views, respectively of the privacy booth similar to privacy booth  100  of  FIG. 1A . 
         [0056]    Additional features not shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  include an access “keypad”  132  and an external speaker  134 . The term “access keypad” is used to refer to devices that may include keypads, biometric scanners, magnetic card readers, RFID devices, OCR card readers, and any other access control devices. 
         [0057]    External speaker  134  may be utilized in a number of ways but generally is connected as part of an intercom system, not shown. External speaker may, in some installations, be designated for emergency use only. 
         [0058]    Referring now also to  FIG. 2B , there is shown simplified front elevational, schematic view of the privacy booth  100 ″ of  FIG. 1B . A sub-floor equipment enclosure  136  is shown depending downwardly from the bottom of privacy booth  100 ″. 
         [0059]    Referring now also to  FIGS. 2C and 2D , there are shown partial cross-sectional, schematic views of a floor lift and rotate mechanism with floor  114 ′ in a lowered and raised position, respectively. 
         [0060]    A bottom plate  140  supports a pair of scissor jacks  142   a ,  142   b  that support an intermediate support plate  152 . Scissor jacks  142   a ,  142   b  each have a helical screw shaft  145   a ,  145   b  that raise and lower the respective jack. Scissor jacks are believed to be well known and may readily be designed and constructed to achieve the required lift of approximately between 2 and 6 inches A mechanism may be required to synchronize the speed of rotation of the helical screws  145   a ,  145   b  of jacks  142   a ,  142   b  to ensure level lifting of privacy booth floor  114 ′. It will be further recognized that a lift implementation using a single scissor jack may be possible as well as implementations using more than two scissor jacks may also be possible. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the two scissor jack implementation chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather the invention is intended to incorporate implementations using any number of scissor jacks as well as implementations using pneumatic and/or hydraulic cylinders, or similar lift generating devices. 
         [0061]    A mechanical coupler  144   a ,  144   b  connects respective helical screws  145   a ,  145   b  of jacks  142   a ,  142   b  to a first end of a flexible shaft  146   a ,  146   b.    
         [0062]    An opposing end of flexible shafts  146   a ,  146   b  is connected to an input of a geared speed reducer  148   a ,  148   b , respectively. 
         [0063]    An output of geared speed reducer  148   a ,  148   b  is connected to a drive shaft of a high torque, low speed DC motor  150   a ,  150   b . A DC motor is chosen for ease of speed control and reversibility. 
         [0064]    Intermediate support plate  152  is functionally attached to scissor jacks  142   a ,  142   b  and is raised and lowered thereby. Intermediate support plate  152  supports a floor  114 ′ rotation mechanism. 
         [0065]    Floor  114 ′ has a central support axle  172  permanently affixed to a lower surface, not specifically identified, thereof. A lower end of central support axle  172  is rotatively received in and retained by a lower thrust bearing  174  that allows central support axle  172  to freely rotate therein. 
         [0066]    Floor  114 ′ has a drive rim  154  depending from the lower floor surface adjacent its outer perimeter, not specifically identified, of floor  114 . A lower edge of drive rim  154  is supported on an upper surface of a “lazy susan” style support bearing  156 . Support bearing typically contains at least one bearing chase containing ball bearings exemplified by ball bearings  158  shown in  FIGS. 2C, 2D . 
         [0067]    A rubber drive tire  168  is positioned to engage an inside vertical surface, not specifically identified, of drive rim  154 . That inner surface, not specifically identified, of drive rim  154  may be roughened or have a non-skid surface treatment, neither shown, to ensure good engagement of rubber driver tire  168  with drive rim  154 . 
         [0068]    Rubber drive tire  168  is rigidly attached to a drive axle  166 . A lower end of drive axle  168 , not specifically identified, is operatively connected to a right-angle geared speed reducer  164 . An input to right-angle geared speed reducer  164  is operatively connected to a drive shaft  162  of an additional high torque, lower speed DC motor  160 . 
         [0069]    Note that in  FIG. 2C , floor  114 ′ is in a lowered position while in  FIG. 2D , floor  114 ′ is in a raised position. 
         [0070]    DC motor  150   a ,  150   b  and  160  are connected to a controller. Referring now also to  FIG. 2E , there is shown a simplified schematic functional block diagram of a control system suitable for controlling a raising, lowering, and rotation of floor  114 ′, generally at reference number  200 . 
         [0071]    A DC power supply/battery charger  202  is typically connected to AC line power using connection devices and/or techniques believed to be well known to those of skill in the art. DC power supply/charger  202  is connected to a backup battery  204 . Battery  204  allows the floor  114 ′ to be raised, lowered, or rotated in event of a power failure. 
         [0072]    The DC power supply charger, in cooperation with battery  204  provides power to operate both the floor raise/lower and floor rotation mechanisms. 
         [0073]    A Forward/Reverse switch  206 , typically located inside privacy booth  100 ″ ( FIG. 2A ) is configured to control the direction of rotation of floor  114 ′ by controlling the polarity of the DC voltage being delivered to floor rotation motor  160 . 
         [0074]    An output from Forward/Reverse switch  206  passes through a pair of limit switches, shown schematically at reference number  208 , that stop the rotation of floor rotation motor  160  when floor  114 ′ reaches one of two predetermined angular orientations. Limit switches, procedures for placing limit switches, and wiring limit switches into motor control circuitry are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently, are not further described or discussed herein. 
         [0075]    A floor Raise/Lower switch  210 , typically located within privacy booth  100 ″ ( FIG. 2A ) operates in a similar manner to Floor Forward/Reverse switch  206  and functions to reverse the polarity of the DC power depending on the direction of rotation desired from motors  150   a ,  150   b.    
         [0076]    An electrical output from Floor Raise/Lower switch  210  passes through a second pair of limit switches, shown schematically at reference number  212  that stop the rotation of floor raise/lower motors  150   a ,  150   b  when floor  114 ′ reaches a predetermined height and when floor  114 ′ and when floor  114 ′ is returned to is lowered, home position. Limit switches, procedures for locating limit switches, and wiring limit switches into motor control circuitry are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently, are not further described or discussed herein. 
         [0077]    In a floor raising implementation using two or more scissor jacks  142   a ,  142   b , etc., it is necessary to synchronize the rise of the jacks. Uneven rising of scissor jacks  142   a ,  142   b  could result in floor  114 ′ becoming non-level. A large number of ways exist to provide such control. For example, encoder wheels, not shown, could be affixed to the helical screws  145   a ,  145   b , of scissor jacks  142   a ,  142   b . Signal outputs, not shown, from an encoder operatively connected to the encoder wheels could provide input to two or more motor speed controllers connected to floor lift motors  150   a ,  150   b . Such a system is represented schematically as speed controller  214 . As many other control devices, methods, and/or systems could readily be utilized, the invention is not considered limited to the optical wheel encoder system utilized for purposes of disclosure. Rather, any suitable speed controller that synchronizes the speed of floor raise motors  150   a ,  150   b  may be substituted therefor. 
         [0078]    Further, as the floor raise/lower and floor rotation systems described in the context of privacy booth  100 ″ may also be adapted to any other of the privacy booth embodiments described and claimed herein. 
         [0079]    Referring now also to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a top plan, schematic view of a single privacy booth  100   x  selected from privacy booths  100 ,  100 ′, or  100 ″. A single privacy booth  100   x  is useful in applications wherein a user interacts with an ATM or other electronic device or system and wherein the user needs to maintain privacy while disclosing sensitive personal information. 
         [0080]    A user  178  is shown interacting with an ATM or the like  176 . A work surface or shelf  122  is provided for the convenience of user  178 . All of the other features previously discussed may readily be incorporated into privacy booth  100   x.    
         [0081]    Referring now also to  FIG. 5A , there is shown a top plan, schematic view of a first privacy booth  100   x  selected from privacy booths  100 ,  100 ′, or  100 ″ connected to a second privacy booth  250 . Privacy booth  100   x  is configured for occupancy and use by a user. Privacy booth  250  is adapted for occupancy and use by a teller or the like. The internal details of privacy booth  250  are discussed in more detail hereinbelow. 
         [0082]    A barrier  180  separates the internal regions of privacy booths  100   x  and  250 . Barrier  180  may optionally be completely or partially transparent to facilitate visual communication between privacy booth  100   x  and  250 . It is assumed that barrier  180  may be made from a bullet proof material to provide security primarily to teller  252 . 
         [0083]    Privacy booths  100   x  and  250  are typically joined by transaction pass-through tube or box  130  sized and configured to allow two-way movement of paper documents, bills, and coins. Transaction pass-through tube or box  130  is equipped with interlocked doors best seen in  FIG. 5B . 
         [0084]    Referring now also to  FIG. 5B , there is shown a top elevational, schematic view of a representative transaction pass-through tube or box  130 . 
         [0085]    Transaction pass-through tube or box  130  has interlocked doors or other sealing devices  182   a ,  182   b  at the customer end and the teller end, respectively. For clarity, doors or other sealing devices  182   a ,  182   b  are represented as sliding devices alternately movable between a sealed position  184  and an open position  186 . Because of an interlocking system, only one of doors or other sealing devices  182   a ,  182   b  may be in open position  186  at one time. In other words, if doors or other sealing devices  182   a  is in open position  186 , doors or other sealing devices  182   b  must be in sealed position  184 . This arrangement prevents direct, potentially harmful communication between customer  152  and teller  254 . 
         [0086]    Typically, transaction pass-through tube or box  130  is formed from an explosion resistant (i.e., reinforced) material and is equipped with a backscatter detection system to alert teller  252  of the presence of any harmful material in transaction pass-through tube or box  130 . Such materials may include small quantities of liquid explosive, plastic explosives, guns, knives, etc. Backscatter detection systems are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently, are not further described or discussed herein. It will be recognized that any appropriate backscatter detection system may be used as part of the novel privacy booth system. 
         [0087]    Referring again also to  FIG. 5A , a schematic representation of a user (e.g., customer)  178  is shown within privacy booth  100   x . A schematic representation of a teller or other similar person  252  is shown within privacy booth  250 . It will be recognized that neither user  178  nor teller  252  form any part of the invention but are shown to illustrate the intended function of the privacy booths of the invention. 
         [0088]    Referring now also to  FIG. 6 , there is shown an architectural rendering of four privacy booths  100   a  . . .  100   d  in a typical operating environment. Privacy booths  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c ,  100   d  are disposed adjacent one another in a customer lobby, not specifically identified, of a bank or similar institution that forms no part of the invention. A single handicap access booth  100   a  is a privacy booth  100 ″ as seen in  FIGS. 1B and 2B  is shown in  FIG. 6 . Note that the equipment compartment  136  is shown recessed into the floor, not specifically identified. Three “conventional” privacy booths  100  as seen in  FIG. 1A  and designated  100   b ,  100   c ,  100   d  are disposed adjacent thereto. It will be recognized that all privacy booths  100   a  . . .  100   d  may be made handicapped accessible (i.e., accommodate a wheelchair constrained user). 
         [0089]    Customers (i.e., users)  254 ,  254   a ,  254   b ,  254   c  . . .  254   n  are shown in various stages of use of privacy booths  100   a  . . .  100   d . Customers  254  are waiting in a queue for a chance to conduct business in one of privacy booths  100   a  . . .  100   d.    
         [0090]    Customer  254   a  is exiting privacy booth  100   d , presumably having completed his or her business therewithin. 
         [0091]    Customer  254   b  is utilizing access keypad  132   c  to allow entry into privacy booth  100   c.    
         [0092]    Customer  254   c , seated in a wheelchair or similar conveyance, not specifically identified, within privacy booth  100   a , is presumably in the process of conducting his or her business therein. 
         [0093]    Attached to each of privacy booth  100   a  . . .  100   d  is an attached corresponding teller booth  250   a  . . .  250   d , respectively. As best seen in teller booth  250   a , a teller  252  is transacting business with a customer  254   c.    
         [0094]    Referring now also to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a rear perspective, schematic view of a teller station  256  disposed in a teller booth  250 . 
         [0095]    A wall  258  of teller station  250  may be constructed to conform and seal to an existing teller station  256 . Sliding doors  260   a ,  260   b  and shown in a closed position. A teller  252 , not seen in  FIG. 7  for sake of clarity, working within privacy booth  250  may be acoustically isolated from the space surrounding privacy booth  250 . 
         [0096]    The teller end of transaction pass-through tube or box  130  is shown. For clarity of illustration, doors  182   a ,  182   b  are not shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0097]    Teller station “components”, none of which form any part of the present invention are shown. A work surface  262  typically supports a computer monitor  264  and computer pointing device (mouse)  266 . Personal objects  268 , exemplified by a coffee cup and a pen) are also disposed on work surface  262 . Note that personnel objects  268  form no part of the present invention. As series of “pigeon hole” compartments  270  are provided for storing paper forms, none shown, used for transacting business, 
         [0098]    A computer keyboard  272  is suspended beneath work surface  262 . A file cabinet  274  a chair  276 , and computer  278  are disposed on the floor, not specifically identified, beneath work surface  262  within teller workstation  258 . 
         [0099]    A “silent alarm” foot switch  280  may be provided. Foot switch  280  may be utilized in a number of ways believed to be well known to those of skill in the security arts. Consequently, foot switch  280  is not further described or discussed herein. 
         [0100]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments wifi be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0101]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.