Abstract:
A method for cleaning a cash interface device of a cash control safe includes establishing a cash interface device cleaning frequency. The number of operations of the cash interface device is counted. Comparison between the counted number of operations of the device is made to the established cleaning frequency. A notice is provided to an operator when the counted number of operations of the device exceeds the established frequency indicating a need for a cleaning operation for the device.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to cash control safes, and more particularly to a method for cleaning components of a cash control safe. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Cash control safes include various components, such as for example, note acceptors (bill validators), coin hoppers (coin dispensing mechanisms), note dispensers, and coin sorting mechanisms that require periodic cleaning. A note acceptor includes sensors and drive wheels which accumulate dirt from paper dust, ink and dirt which adheres to the notes. This accumulation of dirt effects the proper operation of a note acceptor. Similarly, coin hoppers, note dispensers and coin sorters include sensors and other devices which fail when dirty. 
   A need has thus arisen for a method for cleaning components of a cash control safe to ensure reliable operation thereof. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, a method for cleaning a cash interface device of a cash control safe is provided. A cash interface device cleaning frequency is established. The number of operations of the cash interface device is counted. Comparison between the counted number of operations of the device is made to the established cleaning frequency. A notice is provided to an operator when the counted number of operations of the device exceeds the established frequency indicating a need for a cleaning operation for the device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Description of the Preferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a cash control safe; and 
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram illustrating the present method. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   As used herein, the term “cash interface device” will include, but is not limited to, a note acceptor, bill validator, coin hopper, coin dispense mechanism, note dispenser or coin sorting mechanism. As used herein the term “operation” will refer to operation of a cash interface device, including, but not limited to, the acceptance of a note, dispensing of a coin, validating a bill, or sorting coins. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a typical cash control safe, such as for example, a drop safe is illustrated, and is generally identified by the numeral  10 . Safe  10  may comprise, for example, a secure housing intended for mounting near a location of cash transactions, such as a point-of-sale terminal or conventional cash register. A central processing unit  12  is associated with safe  10  and receives and generates data signals concerning the amount of currency receives and dispensed. Central processing unit  12  interfaces with a note acceptor  14 , cash dispenser  16  and coin dispenser  18 . Note acceptor  14 , cash dispenser  16  and coin dispenser  18  are collectively referred to herein as cash interface devices  20 . 
   The number of operations of cash interface devices  20  is counted and stored in a memory  22 . Operators and users of safe  10  interface with central processing unit  12  utilizing, for example, a user interface  24  which may comprise, for example, a key pad or touch screen. User interface  24  also includes a display for displaying notices generated by central processing unit  12 . 
   Central processing unit  12  in combination with memory  22 , counts and stores the number of operations of a cash interface device associated with cash control safe  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the present method will now be described. At step  30 , the cleaning frequency of a cash interface device  20  is established and input by an operator via interface  24  to central processing unit  12 . The description of the present method with respect to  FIG. 2  will be described in connection with a note or bill acceptor, it being understood that the present method is applicable to any type of cash interface device associated with a cash control safe. 
   At step  32 , a note counter is set to zero within memory  22 . A user or operator logs onto cash control safe  10  at step  34 . A note or bill is inserted into a note acceptor  14  of cash control safe  10  at step  36 . The counter included within memory  22  is then incremented by one at step  38 . A decision is then made at decision step  40  to determine if note insertion has been completed. If the decision is no, additional notes are inserted into note acceptor  14  at step  36  and the counter is incremented by one for each note inserted. At step  40 , if the decision is yes, the flow returns to step  34 . 
   After the note counter is set to zero, at step  32 , the method waits for a manager or executive level log in at step  42 . A decision is made at decision step  44  to determine if the note counter count of inserted notes is greater than the cleaning frequency count established at step  30 . If the decision is not at decision step  44 , the cash control safe  10  proceeds with other tasks at step  46 . 
   If the note counter count exceeds the cleaning frequency, at decision step  44 , a determination is made at decision step  48  to determine if the desired time interval since the last operator notification has been exceeded. If the decision at step  48  is no, the flow returns to step  46 . 
   If the decision at decision step  48  is yes, a notification is generated by central processing unit  12  to notify the manager that the note acceptor  14  requires cleaning at step  50 . This notification is provided to the manager via the display of interface  24 . 
   At decision step  52 , a decision is made by the manager whether to clean the note acceptor  14 . If the decision is no, the flow returns to step  46 . In this manner, the manager can defer cleaning the note acceptor until a later time. If the decision at decision step  52  is yes, the note acceptor  14  is enabled for cleaning at step  54 . At step  54 , instructions may be generated by central processing unit  12  and displayed to the manager via interface  24  as to the type of cleaning and the procedure for cleaning the note acceptor  14 . At decision step  56 , a decision is made as to whether the cleaning is complete. If the decision is no, the flow returns to step  54 . If the decision is yes, the note counter within memory  22  is reset to zero at step  58  and the flow returns to step  46 . 
   Other alterations and modifications of the invention will likewise become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure, and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims to which the inventors are legally entitled.