Patent Publication Number: US-6659340-B2

Title: Currency receiving device and method

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the general field of currency handling equipment, and more particularly to devices capable of accepting deposits of paper currency. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Paper currency or cash is still extensively used, particularly in high cash environments such as supermarkets and other large retail stores. However, from the retailer&#39;s point of view the use of cash can present problems associated with security and efficient handling. Unlike non-currency financial instruments such as credit cards, debit cards, checks and the like, which are generally integrated from point-of-sale with a computerized banking system, cash must be counted and securely transported to a bank depository before it can be properly credited to its owner&#39;s account. 
     The general procedure is to store cash collected in the course of a business day in a secure local storage device such as a store safe. Safes are well known devices for storing valuables that generally comprise a reinforced container made from a strong steel or concrete, and having a lockable access door with internal or heavily reinforced hinges. The stored cash may then be retrieved from the safe periodically by security personnel, such as armed security guards, and securely transported to the bank depository. 
     This arrangement, while prevalent, presents several problems. First, a sales clerk will generally need to make a series of deposits into the local safe over the course of a day to avoid the security risk of having too much cash on hand. This requires repeated re-opening the lockable access door. When there are several clerks making deposits it becomes convenient to simply leave the door open. However, this undermines the very purpose of the safe, since the stored currency is not protected from theft, fire, and other hazards unless the door is closed and locked. 
     Another issue is that the security guards may not arrive to retrieve the cash until the next day, or even later. Further, the stored cash is usually randomly scattered throughout the interior of the safe, and then has to be stuffed into bags and loaded onto an armoured vehicle. Unless this happens to be the guard&#39;s last pick-up of the day, there are probably other cash pick-ups from other outlets. The cash may therefore not arrive at the bank until a day or two after it is received from the customer. The delay may be even longer if the armoured vehicle picks up loads for deposit at different institutions. This could impose yet a further intervening step of unloading at a central site, sorting according to eventual destination, and re-loading onto another truck. 
     A further matter is that while the cash is in transit there is a loss of float interest by the owner. Since the cash has not been credited, it is also not available to help fund current operations. Further, the funds represented by this cash-in-transit may not be accurately known to the owner, thereby compromising the owner&#39;s ability to maintain tight financial controls. 
     Yet another issue is that, notwithstanding the various security measures, while in transit the anonymous nature of the cash makes it a persistent and tempting target for pilferage, misappropriation, and theft. For example, the cash bag may be opened or cut and its contents removed. If a bag has been opened and re-closed, it may be difficult to subsequently identify whether there has been a theft or a loading error. Alternatively, one or more bags may be taken outright and the misappropriation not evident until some time later. Moreover, in all of these cases it would be difficult to determine at which precise point in the circuit from the safe to the bank depository that the misappropriation or theft occurred. 
     Some of these issues have been partly addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,122, which discloses a currency receiving device comprising a safe with an attached currency counter and having a currency receiving opening with a retractable cover, to selectively provide access to the interior of the safe. Cash placed for deposit is counted and then passed from the currency counter to the safe through the currency receiving opening. The patent further teaches a removable currency receptacle made of heavy gauge steel, placed in the safe, to receive the currency. 
     This patent teaches a device that may enable regular deposits to be made into the safe while the main access door is kept closed and locked. The removable receptacle is a more convenient and secure enclosure to use to transport cash from the safe to the bank depository. 
     However, the retractable cover taught is not an effective means of transferring the currency from the currency counter to the safe, and can result in currency being jammed and the cover not closing properly. This creates an opportunity for unauthorized access to the cash stored in the currency receptacle. Further, if the currency receptacle is not installed the device will still work and undesirably deposit currency loosely into the interior of the safe. Yet another matter is that if the main door of the safe is open, the receptacle may be easily removed and its contents taken. Further, even when the currency receptacle is removed by authorized personnel, it is still vulnerable to access by unauthorized personnel while in transit. This can be a problem since, as noted, the receptacle may pass through several trucks and loading sites before reaching the bank depository. The patent fails to teach any means by which a misappropriation during transit can be identified, or by which the cash may be better integrated into the financial banking system. 
     As a result, regardless of whether a receptacle is used the cash being transported still represents a valuable asset of largely undetermined value that is essentially floating in space until it reaches the bank depository. Therefore, in contrast to modern electronic payment means such as credit or debit cards, cash continues to be a form of payment that is relatively awkward to collect and record, and is not as efficiently integrated into commercial financial systems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     What is required is a currency receiving device and method which overcomes these disadvantages. Most particularly, this device should include a removable currency receptacle with a unique identifier, recognizable by the currency receiving device, so that deposit information can be correlated with the particular receptacle receiving the deposit. This information is preferably kept at a remote location or processor, but may also be kept with the currency receptacle itself. 
     The label or identifier provides a tag through which the physical location and progress of the cash-in-transit can be known, and by which the cash contents itself may be effectively tied into the financial system. In this way the cash may be accurately known to its owner from the time it is first deposited in the safe until it is physically deposited at the owner&#39;s bank. This should assist the owner in maintaining accurate financial controls, and may even enable early crediting of the owner&#39;s bank account, thereby reducing the float expense. 
     The receptacle should also have a lockable lid to deter unauthorized access while it is in transit. Further, it would be advantageous for the currency receiving device to have a lockable mounting device to securely hold the currency receptacle when it is installed in the safe, to prevent unauthorized removal of the receptacle or its contents and to provide for more efficient operation. The currency receiving device should recognize the presence of the receptacle so that currency will not be transferred unless the receptacle is securely in place. Finally, it would be advantageous to have a retractable cover or access gate to ensure that the deposited currency is quickly, securely, and reliably transferred from the currency counter to the receptacle. 
     Accordingly, there is provided a currency receiving device for receiving currency from a user, comprising: 
     a safe having a lockable access opening and a transfer slot; 
     a local processor, operatively connected to said safe, said local processor having a user interface to communicate with the user, and being capable of communicating with a remote processor; 
     a currency counter, operatively connected to said safe, to count the currency deposited by the user; and 
     a removable currency receptacle, contained within said safe and operatively connected to said currency counter, to receive currency from the currency counter and to store said currency, said removable currency receptacle having a unique identifier; 
     wherein, upon said currency receptacle being installed in said safe, said identifier is correlated with said count of currency deposited by said user. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the attached figures. 
     FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the currency receiving device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a rear view of the currency receiving device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away view of FIG. 1, showing an internal mechanism and a currency receptacle of the currency receiving device; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away view of the currency receptacle of FIG. 3, showing an internal mechanism of the currency receptacle; 
     FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the currency receptacle of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an unloading station, showing the currency receptacle of FIG. 3 being unloaded; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mounting device, which forms part of the internal mechanism of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a section of the mounting device of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a further perspective view of the mounting device of FIG. 7, with the currency recepacle of FIG. 3 installed; 
     FIG. 10 is a top view of an access gate, which forms part of the internal mechanism of FIG. 3; and 
     FIG. 11 is a diagram view of the currency receiving device of FIG. 1, showing three currency receptacles installed in three currency receiving devices, in transit on an armoured vehicle, and at a bank depository, while being monitored by a network controller. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an apparatus or device comprising the currency receiving device of the present invention. The device is generally indicated with reference numeral  10 . As will be discussed in greater detail, the device  10  functions to receive and store paper currency or cash deposited by a user. The present invention also includes aspects and methods that enhance security for storing and transporting said received currency, and that improve integration of said stored currency with computerized financial and banking systems. 
     FIG. 1 shows as elements of the currency receiving device a storage area  12 , a local processor  14  having a touch screen  15 , currency counter  16 , card reader  18 , print receipt slot  20 , and cheque slot  22 . The currency counter  16  further comprises an input hopper  24 , reject tray  26 , and an escrow bin  28  having a lockable housing  30 . The local processor  14  is preferably a personal computer (PC) having a touch sensitive screen, or “touch screen”. While a conventional type screen may also be used, it can be appreciated that a touch screen has the benefit of reducing the need for a keyboard and its associated complication and expense. 
     A transfer slot or currency receiving opening  32  is shown bounded by dotted lines on the bottom surface of the escrow bin  28 , thereby providing a passageway from the escrow bin  28  into the storage area  12 . An access gate  34  having a front slider  36  and a rear slider  38  is positioned underneath said currency receiving opening  32 , on a top surface inside storage area  12 . Access gate  34  has an open position in which the front slider  36  and rear slider  38  are substantially apart, thereby exposing currency receiving opening  32 . As shown in FIG. 1, access gate  34  also has a closed position in which the front slider  34  and rear slider  36  are drawn together to form a contiguous connection  39 , thereby covering or blocking the passageway provided by currency receiving opening  32 . 
     It may also be noted that the device  10  of the present invention preferably includes an uninterrupted power service (ups) device. If power to the device  10  is lost during a transaction, the ups device can take over and provide power to complete the transaction. Subsequently the device  10  will not accept further deposits until the power is restored. 
     FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the device  10 , from which it may be seen that storage area  12  comprises a safe  40  for storing currency and a separate cheque safe  42  to store deposited cheques. Safe  40  has a lockable access opening or door  41 . Each safe will have one or more locks  44  for security purposes. In FIG. 2 safe  40  is shown having two locks  44  for added security. It can be appreciated that the locks  44  are most commonly of the combination type, but other types of locks that provide adequate security may also be used. 
     FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away view of FIG. 1 showing certain internal elements of the currency receiving device  10 . Access gate  34  with its component parts, the front slider  34  and rear slider  36 , is now more fully shown in a partially open position. Positioned beneath access gate  34  is a removable currency receptacle or canister  46 . Canister  46  is generally a rectangular container sized and shaped to receive paper currency. Said canister  46  has an access opening or open top end  48 , so that when access gate  34  is open there is an unobstructed path or passageway from the bottom surface of escrow bin  28  (FIG. 1) into the interior of canister  46 . Internal to canister  46  is a movable platform  50  operatively connected to a rotatable shaft  52 , which attaches to a first roller  54  at the base of the shaft. First roller  54  in turn maintains a contiguous connection with a second roller  56 , which is driven by a reversible electric motor  58  (not shown). A stack of paper currency or cash  60  is shown on the platform  50 , and also on the input hopper  24 . 
     Canister  46  is secured in place by a mounting device  62  located on the bottom interior surface of the device  10 , inside safe  40 . The mounting device  62  has among its components a locking lever  64 , a backing rod  65 , and two lock-arms  66 . It can be seen in FIG. 3 that canister  46  is bounded on all four sides by these elements of mounting device  62 . The front of the canister  46  adjoins backing rod  65 , the two sides are bounded by the long sides of the two lock-arms  66 , and the back of canister  46  is held on either side by hook-like projections at the end of the same lock-arms  66 . As will be shown in greater detail below, backing rod  65  is fixed in place, and lock-arms  66  may be locked into the above position upon rotation of locking lever  64  and activation of a separate lock mechanism. Accordingly, in the locked position shown canister  46  is effectively secured. This also has the benefit of positioning canister  46  so that the open end  48  is directly below currency receiving opening  32 , where it can most conveniently receive deposits of currency  60  from the escrow bin  28 . Additionally, securing the canister  46  has the benefit of deterring unauthorized attempts to remove the canister  46 , particularly when lockable access door  41  is open. Yet a further benefit provided by mounting device  62  is that it enables an electrical connection to be made between canister  46  and an electronic control box (not shown), as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     In order to provide adequate security for the currency being stored, the body or outer shell of the currency receiving device  10  is preferably constructed from heavy gauge steel. It can also be appreciated that other materials that provide adequate security and protection may also be used. In particular, the safe  40  and cheque safe  42  are preferably constructed from the type of steel or other materials commonly used to construct safes, and that are generally well known to those skilled in the art. 
     In its preferred embodiment device  10  is approximately 54 inches high, 35 inches wide, and 29 inches deep. The canister  46  is approximately 29½ inches high, 8¾ inches wide and 5¼ inches deep. For this height dimension the canister  46  has a capacity of about 3,500 currency notes. These dimensions of the device  10  have been found to be adequate in that they provide sufficient space in which to install the various component elements such as the currency counter  16  and local processor  14 . As well, in this embodiment the touch screen  15  is positioned at a height of about 48 inches, which is a convenient height for viewing by most users. Further, it may be noted that the height of canister  46 , at 29½ inches, leaves a narrow gap of about two inches with the top of the storage area  12 , or safe  40 . This relatively narrow clearance or gap has the benefit of limiting the ability of a person to reach into the canister&#39;s open end  48  to misappropriate the cash contents. Of course it can also be appreciated that other dimensions of the device  10  and canister  46  may also be used that would provide adequate results. 
     An overview of the operation of an individual currency receiving device  10  to receive a deposit may now be shown. A user of the device will generally be initially issued a magnetically encoded card and a personal identification (PIN) number. The user begins the deposit by swiping the card through the card reader  18  and, when the card is recognized as described further below, be prompted for a PIN number. The user then enters the PIN number by touching the designated characters displayed on the touch screen  15 . Upon the PIN number being checked and accepted the device enters into a deposit dialogue with the user. It can be appreciated that other measures than a magnetic card and pin number may also be used to identify the user, as long as an acceptable level of security is provided. For example, systems based on fingerprint or eye identification may also be used, particularly when those technologies become sufficiently advanced. 
     Through instructions on the touch screen  15  the user will be prompted to place the cash or currency  60  to be deposited onto the input hopper  24 . The deposit could be a single bill or currency note, but is more typically a stack of such notes. Preferably, a single deposit should be limited to the maximum capacity of the escrow bin, which is generally about 200 notes. After being counted by the currency counter  16 , the counted cash  60  drops into the escrow bin  28 . The currency receiving opening  32  and access gate  34  are sized and shaped so that the cash that falls into the escrow bin  28  rests on the closed access gate  34 , closely centered about the currency receiving opening  32 . At this point the lockable housing  30  is locked so the user is not able to retrieve the cash. Any currency that is rejected for being unreadable will be placed on the reject tray  26 . An instruction will appear on the touch screen  15  instructing the user to place the rejected currency in the input hopper  24  for another try. 
     The touch screen  15  displays the count recorded by the currency counter  16  and prompts the user whether to continue with the deposit. If the count displayed does not match the user&#39;s expectation, the user will likely select that part of the touch screen indicating the option not to proceed, whereupon the lockable housing  30  is unlocked and the user retrieves the cash. If the user selects the touch screen option to proceed with the deposit, access gate  34  will open by means of front slider  36  and rear slider  38  moving apart. The cash  60  will then fall into canister  46  through open end  48  until it comes to a rest on platform  50 , or alternatively on top of a stack of currency  60  that may already be in place on platform  50  from previous deposits. 
     In the above procedure, the user will also be prompted to deposit any cheques into cheque slot  22 , where they are retained for safekeeping in cheque safe  42 . The deposited cheques are preferably bundled or enclosed in an envelope by the user prior to deposit. 
     In FIG. 3 platform  50  is shown at about the middle of canister  46  for illustration purposes. In practice, platform  50  will be positioned higher up at a level such that the top of the platform  50 , or alternatively the top of a stack of currency  60  that may rest on the platform  50 , is just below the open end  48 . At this level there is preferably only a short distance of about one inch for the cash  60  to fall from its initial position at the base of escrow bin  28 . 
     Since the notes being deposited themselves possess a certain thickness, in most cases the platform  50  will need to be further lowered so that the new, larger stack  60  on the platform  50  will fall completely within the canister  46 . The platform may be lowered by activating reversible electric motor  58  (not shown) so that second roller  56  rotates. Rotating second roller  56  engages first roller  54 , which in turn rotates shaft  52  such that platform  50  descends down the canister  46 . As will be shown in greater detail, when the top of stack  60  drops below open end  48  the electric motor  58  is de-activated. It can also be appreciated that platform  50  may move in an upward direction by reversing the direction of electric motor  58 . Upon clearing the open end  48 , access gate  34  closes by bringing front slider  36  and rear slider  38  together. 
     Canister  46  is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a cutaway rear view from which it can be seen that platform  50  occupies a larger section of the interior of canister  46 , and that rotatable shaft  52  and a variety of other elements occupy a narrower section at the back of the canister  46 . In the preferred embodiment of canister  46  the platform  50  is about 3½″ wide, and the narrower section at the back is about 1¼″ wide. 
     The other elements of canister  46  may now be identified. There is a mounting bracket  68  through which platform  50  attaches to rotatable shaft  52 . As may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, mounting bracket  68  has an internal thread so that said bracket rises or descends along shaft  52  as shaft  52  rotates. As bracket  68  moves up and down, platform  50  is moved along as well. The other elements shown in FIG. 4 are electrical in nature. There is a solenoid lid lock  70 , an electronic or circuit board  72 , a first electrical connector or contact board  74  having contact points  75 , a top sensor comprising an upper rest sensor  76  and a lower rest sensor  78 , and a bottom or full capacity sensor  80 . In the preferred embodiment sensors  76  and  78  are electro-optical switches, and full capacity sensor  80  is a mechanical micro switch. There are also various wires  82  shown connecting the electrical elements. The contact board  74  is mounted through a hole cut out of the rear wall of canister  46 . The other elements described are mounted on a backing plate (not shown) that separates these elements from the platform  50 . 
     The various electrical elements connect electrically to circuit board  72 . FIG. 4 shows wires connecting each of the sensors  76 ,  78 , and  80  with circuit board  72 , and there are also connecting wires (not shown) from solenoid  70  to circuit board  72 . Circuit board  72  in turn connects through wires  82  to contact board  74 , and as will be shown contact board  74  connects electrically to local processor  14  when canister  46  is installed in mounting device  62 . In this way the electrical elements of canister  46  connect with local processor  14 , so that canister  46  and local processor  14  can exchange information and instructions. 
     Sensors,  76 ,  78 , and  80 , provide the feedback information governing movement of platform  50 . When a new deposit of currency is made platform  50  is lowered until currency stack  60  triggers lower rest sensor  78 . This ensures that the currency stack  60  is completely within receptacle  46 , and access gate  34  can be safely closed. Then, platform  50  is raised slightly until upper rest sensor  76  is triggered. At this point platform  50  is positioned fairly close, or approximately one inch in the preferred embodiment, below currency receiving opening  32 , and is ready to receive the next deposit. 
     The present invention makes use of dual sensors  76  and  78  to reposition platform  50  to enhance reliability of the deposit. If the top bills in a stack being deposited happen to be dirty or crumpled, it is possible that a single detection sensor, for example sensor  76 , might trigger prematurely. In that case access gate  34  might attempt to close while there are still some bills in the path of the currency receiving opening  32 . This would create a gap between front slider  36  and rear slider  38 , and possibly provide an opportunity for a person to improperly reach into canister  46 . 
     Full capacity sensor  80  is triggered when platform  50  descends towards the bottom of canister  46 , as canister  46  approaches its full capacity. It can be appreciated that sensor  80  should be set at a height somewhat above the bottom of canister  46 . This is because sensor  80  is most likely to be triggered in the course of receiving a new deposit. To fully accommodate the balance of the deposit within canister  46 , platform  50  may well need to continue beyond the trigger point. Otherwise, if sensor  80  is set too close to the bottom, a user who has elected to proceed with a deposit might have to be informed that the deposit cannot be accepted. Accordingly, sensor  80  should be set at a sufficient height so that the maximum expected deposit can be accommodated below the level set. Once sensor  80  is triggered, device  10  can inform subsequent users that the machine is full and cannot receive new deposits until the canister  46  is replaced. 
     Turning to FIG. 5, the lock mechanism of canister  46  may now be reviewed. It can be seen that canister  46  has a removable lid  84  having tabs  86 . Lid  84  slides into the top or open end  48  of the canister through groove  88 . Canister  46  also includes slots  90  that are sized and shaped to accept tabs  86  when lid  84  is pushed to the end of groove  88 . FIGS. 4 and 5 further show that canister  46  is closed on all sides except for the top or open end  48 . It can be seen from FIG. 5 that this top end may be closed by inserting and sliding lid  84  until said lid completely covers said open end  48 . While lid  84  is shown as a removable element, separate from canister  46 , it can be appreciated that other forms of construction are also possible as long as the lid functions to selectively open or close access to the interior of canister  46 . For example, lid  84  could be attached to canister  46  through a pivot point or hinge. 
     In FIG. 5 solenoid lid lock  70  is hidden and shown in outline view. It can be seen from this view that solenoid  70  activates a pin  92  which moves vertically up or down as it is actuated by solenoid  70 . FIG. 5 further also shows a hole  94  in one of the tabs  86 . 
     The mechanism by which canister  46  is locked in the preferred embodiment can now be understood. After closing canister  46  by sliding lid  84  to the end so that tabs  86  engage slots  90 , hole  94  will be positioned immediately above and in line with pin  92 . Solenoid  70  is then activated, causing pin  92  to thrust upward so that it fills hole  94 . In this position lid  84  cannot be removed as it is held in place by pin  92 . It may be noted that the lock mechanism has three sensors, not shown, that feed back to circuit board  72 . There is a lid-on sensor to indicate when lid  84  is fully inserted so that the tabs  86  engage the slots  90 , a pin-inserted sensor to indicate when pin  92  is in hole  94 , and a solenoid-on sensor to indicate when solenoid  70  is activated. The signals sent by these sensors trigger the device  10  to activate or de-activate the solenoid  70  as appropriate. Three sensors are used for the lock mechanism in the preferred embodiment to enhance security and guard against tampering. For example, if a person were to attempt to somehow push in pin  92  to try to remove lid  84 , this would be recognized as tampering because the solenoid-on sensor would not be off as expected. It can be appreciated that other methods of mechanically securing a cover or lid, or for achieving an electronically controlled lock, may also be used to achieve these functions of the present invention. 
     It can be appreciated that locking of the lid  84  could also be achieved through use of a conventional key lock, whereby turning a key would raise or lower pin  92 . However, an electronic lock whereby pin  92  is electrically activated by solenoid  70  is preferred, as it enables removable canister  46  to function as a self contained, sealed unit which cannot be re-opened until solenoid  70  is re-actuated in the reverse direction. This reduces the risk of misappropriation and pilferage of the cash contents of canister  46 . As will be discussed in greater detail, the electronic lock capability of canister  46  is an advantage of the present invention, particularly when canister  46  needs to be removed from device  10  and transported to a bank depository. 
     In order to unlock canister  46 , an unloading station or device that simulates or replicates the functionality of device  10  may be used. FIG. 6 shows one functional embodiment of an unloading station  96 . In this embodiment, canister  46  is mounted on a support frame  98 . There is a contact board connector  104  (not shown) that provides an electrical contact to contact board  74 , a duplicate second roller  56  that engages first roller  54 , and a duplicate electric motor  58 , which is visible in FIG. 6. A computer such as a conventional personal computer (PC) functions as local processor  14 . The PC connects with a control box  102  which connects with the electric motor  58  and an electrical contact to the control board  74 . The control box  102  is an element of device  10 , and has additional functions that will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     To unload the canister  46 , the PC or local processor  14  signals, through control box  102 , for solenoid  70  to remove pin  92  from hole  94 . Lid  84  can then be removed. Then PC  14  activates electric motor  58  to drive platform  50  towards open end  48 . As platform  50  moves, its cash contents  60  spill out of canister  46 , so that the cash can be collected and sorted. It can be appreciated that the software and hardware components of unloading station  96  will only be made available to an authorized user of device  10 , and that unloading station  96  will include appropriate security measures such as password protection. Accordingly, currency  60  deposited inside a locked canister  46  should be reasonably secure from misappropriation except in cases of overt acts such as where the canister  46  is stolen outright and opened or broken apart by force. It can be appreciated that other embodiments of unloading station  96  may also be used. For example, the PC  14  and control box  102  might be integrated in a common housing mounted on the support frame  98 . 
     It can be appreciated from the above discussion that circuit board  72  contains electronic circuits that receive information from sensors  76 ,  78 , and  80 , which govern movement of the platform  50 , and also from the sensors associated with the lock mechanism. Circuit board  72  makes this information available to local processor  14  through the electrical connection provided by contact board  74 . In addition to this functionality, circuit board  72  also contains in its on-board memory a unique identifier or electronic tag, which uniquely identifies the canister  46  in which circuit board  72  is installed. The identifier or electronic tag similarly becomes available to local processor  14  through the connection of contact board  74 . As will be shown in greater detail, the identifier for a particular canister  46  may be known and used not only by local processor  14 , but also by the broader system to which device  10  is attached. 
     It is an advantage of the present invention that the removable currency receptacle or canister  46  possesses this unique identifier. As a result of having a unique identifier, the canister  46  when removed and locked becomes not only a self-contained and sealed unit as described above, but it also becomes an identifiable unit whose location and movement may be readily tracked by automated computer means. Further, information relating to the various deposits made, such as the currency received, the denomination breakdown and the identity of the users, may be correlated with the unique identifier to optimize financial management. It can be appreciated that circuit board  72  could be designed so that the correlated deposit information could be kept on circuit board  72  itself, so that the information would travel with canister  46 . However, as will be discussed below it is preferred that the correlated deposit information be kept in a more centralized location, where it can be better integrated with the owner&#39;s overall financial system. 
     It can also be appreciated that the unique identifier may be implemented by means other than an electronically readable tag, such as for example, a bar-code system. In many applications it is preferred to use an electronic tag rather than a bar-code. Using a bar-code requires the additional hardware of a bar-code reader, which is costly and adds further complication to the device  10 . By contrast, the electronic tag is relatively easily implemented by software and firmware. Further, the electronic tag offers greater security because it is internal to the canister  46  and therefore hidden from observers. Yet another reason is that the canisters  46  are typically subjected to harsh handling in the course of their lifetime. In that environment a bar-code, which is externally displayed, may get smudged and become unreadable. Finally, the electronic tag offers possibilities for greater integration because it enables a canister to be “plugged in” to an electronic system through contact board  74 . For example, the canister might be plugged in while on board a truck or other vehicle, which would enable it to be tracked while being transported. Of course, in applications where it is desired a bar-code identifier may be may be readily implemented. 
     The canister  46  is preferably constructed from a hard plastic material. While other materials such as sheet steel could also be used, it was found that such material can be heavy and difficult to manufacture within the desired tolerance. In particular a heavy canister can be a drawback as it makes management of the canisters particularly cumbersome and inconvenient, and accordingly may limit the number of employees available to handle the canisters at a location to those who have a certain minimum level of strength. 
     It has been found that a canister formed from high impact polycarbonate, such as the Lexan™ brand from the General Electric Company, produces adequate results. Another material that may be used is glass reinforced plastic. Canisters from this material are more easily manufactured by injection moulding. The canister may be made in two parts for easier insertion of internal components, and then joined by an industrial strength adhesive. Canisters made from these plastic materials are generally adequate in being reasonably lightweight while still strong and durable. They also will generally crack or break if subject to tampering. This is desirable, since if cash has been inappropriately removed from a canister it is advantageous to be aware that this has occurred. 
     The mounting device  62  that holds canister  46  in place is shown in more detail in FIGS. 7-9. FIG. 7 shows mounting device  62  in an initial position prior to insertion of canister  46 . Some of the elements described earlier in FIG. 3 may now be seen in more detail, including second roller  56  (on which is mounted electric motor  58 , not shown), locking lever  64 , backing rod  65 , and the two lock-arms  66 . From this view it can be seen more clearly that lock-arms  66  comprise a straight rod with a short hook at an outer end. It can also be seen that in this position lock-arms  66  flare out to the side slightly. This widens the space between the outer edges of the two lock-arms  66  so that canister  46  may be more easily inserted. 
     Further key elements of the mounting device  62  shown in FIG. 7 include a second electrical connector or contact board connector  104  having contact pins  105 , solenoid lock  106 , and insertion rod  108 . There is a junction block  112  having a hole  113  adjacent to solenoid lock  106 . Hole  113  is sized and shaped to accept a projection rod  114  (hidden from view, shown in outline) thrust by solenoid lock  106 . In FIG. 7, solenoid lock  106  is not activated, and projection rod  114  is not aligned with hole  113 . There is also a second junction block  115  that connects backing rod  65  to the other lock-arm  66 . Through the connection provided by backing rod  65  and the two junction boxes, the lock-arms  66  located on opposite sides of mounting device  62  are configured to move in unison. 
     Contact board connector  104  is sized and shaped so that when canister  46  is installed, contact pins  105  establish a secure physical and electrical connection with contact points  75  of contact board  74  attached to the canister  46 . In the preferred embodiment contact points  75  are female and contact pins  105  are male, since handling of canister  46  might cause male contacts to break. It can be appreciated however that this setup could be reversed if desired, and that other types of electrical connectors could also be used. 
     FIG. 8 shows the area surrounding insertion rod  108  in greater detail. It can be seen that insertion rod  108  is a straight rod with a short hook at the outer end. Insertion rod  108  is itself fixedly connected to connecting rod  107 , which rotates about hinge  109 . It can also be seen in FIG. 8 that there is a relatively short projecting pin  110  extending from the other side of connecting rod  107 , and a hole  111  in the adjacent lock-arm  66 . Hole  111  is sized and shaped to accept insertion of projecting pin  110 . Hinge  109  is biased so that connecting rod  107 , with attached insertion rod  108 , is urged towards the adjacent lock-arm  66 . 
     Returning to FIG. 7, it can now be seen how canister  46  is inserted into mounting device  62 . In the initial position without canister  46 , connecting rod  107  is urged under bias towards lock-arm  66 , and projecting pin  110  is similarly urged and is inserted into hole  111 . This prevents any movement of the adjacent lock-arm  66 . Through the mechanical connection provided by backing rod  65  and junction box  115 , the opposite side locking-arm  66  is similarly immobilized. Therefore, the two lock-arms  66  are held in  25 , the flared out position, providing a wider opening to accept a canister. It may also be noted that as there is no canister in FIG. 7, there is no electrical connection with pins  105 . From this the device  10  can be informed that there is no canister  46  installed, and device  10  can accordingly decline any user attempts to deposit currency. In this way the present invention avoids a problem with the prior art in which it was possible for the device to receive deposits even without the currency receptacle installed. 
     Returning to the close-up view of FIG. 8, insertion of canister  46  is represented by a dotted line indicating the leading edge of said canister. It can be seen that when canister  46  contacts insertion rod  108 , said rod and connecting rod  107  rotate to overcome the bias on hinge  109 , so that projecting pin  110  is removed from hole  111 . This releases lock-arms  66  so that they can be moved. 
     FIG. 9 shows the mounting device  62  upon installation of the canister  46 , shown in dotted outline. As noted above, canister  46  is inserted so that insertion rod  108  rotates, releasing projecting pin  110  from hole  111 . Now that it is free, locking lever  64  can be rotated upward. Through the linkage mechanism shown in FIG. 9, lock-arms  66  are moved forward and drawn parallel to each other, forming a snug fit around the edges of canister  46 . Lock-arms  66  closely fit the two sides of the canister  46 , and also grip the back of canister  46  on either side with their hook-shaped outer edges. Further, as canister  46  is gripped it is pushed forward so that contact board  74  makes a secure physical and electrical connection with contact board connector  104 . In this installed position, canister  46  is positioned so that its top, or open end  48 , is directly below currency receiving opening  32  and access gate  34 . Additionally, upon installation the first roller  54  located in canister  46  is impressed into contiguous contact with second roller  56  located as part of the mounting device  62 . To facilitate this contact, electric motor  58  and its attached second roller  56  are preferably spring mounted. The spring mounting provides some margin or room for the second roller  56  to accommodate the first roller  54 , and also provides a measured pressure or bias between the rollers to help ensure that rotation of second roller  56  will effectively rotate first roller  54 . 
     Finally, FIG. 9 also shows that as locking-arms  66  have moved forward junction box  112  has rotated so that hole  113  is now in alignment with projecting rod  114 . Solenoid lock  106  is actuated so that projecting rod  114  thrusts forward into hole  113 . This locks locking-arms  66  so they cannot be moved, and similarly locks canister  46  in place so it cannot be removed from device  10 . It is an advantage of the present invention that solenoid-lock  106  is electronically controlled by device  10 , because in that way canister  46  cannot be removed until device  10  is satisfied that proper canister removal security and procedures are being followed. This would include, for example, not releasing solenoid-lock  106  unless lid  84  is on and locked. 
     It can be appreciated that mounting device  62  offers a number of advantages over the prior art. It enables device  10  to know when the canister is installed, so that currency does not fall loosely in the safe. It locks the canister  46  so that it cannot be removed without authorization or unless lid  84  is on and locked. It further holds the canister  46  more firmly and in the proper position, so that the transfer of currency from the currency counter  16  and escrow bin  28  proceeds more smoothly. Through its connection with circuit board  72 , it makes possible the canister electronic lock and unique identifier function. 
     Turning now to FIG. 10, a more detailed view of the access gate  34  is provided. FIG. 10 is a plan view of access gate  34 , when viewed from underneath, within safe  40 . Accordingly, currency note or stack  60  is shown largely in outline, as it is largely hidden from view while resting in escrow bin  28 , above access gate  34  in this view. As in FIG. 3, access gate  34  is shown partially open, in that front slider  36  and rear slider  38  are apart but not to their fullest possible separation. It can also be seen from FIG. 10 that front slider  36  and rear slider  38  slide along grooves provided by side plates  134  and  136 . Said side plates are constructed to provide a low friction surface for the movement of said front and rear sliders. 
     FIG. 10 shows that access gate  34  has additionally an actuator  116 . The actuator  116  of the preferred embodiment is a 24 volt linear actuator, having opposing arms  118  and  120 , which respond mechanically to an electrical input. Accordingly, upon receipt of a 24 volt electrical input, arms  118  and  120  project forcefully outwards in opposing directions along a linear path. Electrical power can then be removed and said arms will remain in an extended position. Upon receipt of a subsequent 24 volt electrical signal, said arms  118  and  120  retract forcefully towards the body of the actuator  116  along the same linear path. Again, power can be removed and the arms will stay retracted until the next signal is received. 
     Access gate  34  further includes a link-arm mechanism which connects arms  118  and  120  to front slider  36  and rear slider  38  such that, when arms  118  and  120  are thrust outwards, the front and rear sliders separate thereby opening or increasing exposure of currency receiving opening  32 . Similarly, when arms  118  and  120  are retracted inwards the sliders are drawn together, thereby eliminating their separation and closing currency receiving opening  32 . 
     The link-arm mechanism is structured as follows. Actuator arm  118  connects to rod  122  at hinge  121 , which in turn is fixedly connected with rod  124  at its mid-point, hinge  123 . Rod  124  also contains two additional hinges at either end. There is hinge  125  which connects with rear slider  38 , and hinge  127  which connects with long-rod  126 . In turn, long-rod  126  connects with front slider  36 . Similarly, actuator arm  120  connects to rod  128  at hinge  129 , which in turn is fixedly connected with rod  130  at its mid-point, hinge  131 . Rod  130  also contains two additional hinges at either end. There is hinge  133  which connects with rear slider  38 , and hinge  135  which connects with long-rod  132 . In turn, long-rod  132  connects with front slider  36 . 
     It can now be appreciated how the link-arm mechanism acts to connect actuator arms  118  and  120  with the front and rear sliders. When, for example, actuator arms  118  and  120  thrust outwards, fixedly-connected rods  122  and  124  on one side, and  128  and  130  on the other side, rotate so that hinges  125  and  133  move rearward, and hinges  127  and  135 , with attached long-rods  126  and  132 , move forward. This in turn causes rear slider  38  to withdraw and front slider  36  to slide forward, thereby opening exposure to currency receiving slot  32 . Since rods  124  and  130  each are attached to both front slider  36  and rear slider  38 , the two sliders will move at approximately the same speed both when opening and when closing. 
     In FIG. 10 the structure of the preferred embodiment of access gate  34  further includes a knob  138  supported by a support rod  140  which is fixedly connected to rod  130 . There is a spring  142  attached to knob  138  at one end and to the side of rod  128  at the other end. There is also a limit rod  144  fixedly attached to rod  130 . 
     The above elements regulate the extent to which front slider  36  and rear slider  38  move as the actuator is activated. On the open part of the cycle, when actuator arms  118  and  120  push out and sliders  36  and  38  move apart, limit rod  144  acts to limit the extent of movement of rod  128  so that the sliders do not move farther than necessary. The degree to which the sliders do move is preferably set in any event to be wider than the width of the currency  60 , to ensure that there is ample room for the currency to fall without obstruction. 
     On the closing part of the cycle, when the actuator retracts arms  118  and  120 , it is important that said sliders close completely so that there is no gap between them. If the actuator moves insufficiently there will be a gap. A gap would provide an opportunity for someone to reach in or pry open the sliders and extract cash from the canister  46 . On the other hand, if the actuator moves more than is required to close the sliders, there will be a strain on the actuator. This could result in excessive wear and tear on the actuator, and lead to premature breakdown. However, the tolerance of a commonly used actuator may not be sufficiently exact to precisely align the movement of actuator arms  118  and  120  with the movement of the sliders. For this reason, the spring  142  is used to take up any slack. The actuator  116  is set so that on contraction it over-closes, that is, acts to move sliders  36  and  38  beyond a fully closed position. Since it is not possible for the sliders to move beyond a fully closed position, the excess load or slack is taken up by the spring  142 . In this way the sliders  36  and  38  are able to repeatedly move to a fully closed position, leaving no gap, and at the same time present no excess strain on the actuator  116 . 
     Finally, it may be noted that in the preferred embodiment of the access gate  34  there is a sensor (not shown) to detect when access gate  34  is open. This sensor is useful to alert device  10  if someone is attempting to pry open the front slider  36  and rear slider  38 , since the sensor should only detect opening when actuator  116  has been activated by the device  10 . 
     It can be appreciated that the access gate  34  of the present invention provides a number of advantages over the prior art. The access gate  34  involves a mechanism that is symmetrical, like a scissors, so that the sliders  36  and  38  each move a substantially equal distance and in a substantially opposite direction whenever they are opened or closed. The access gate  34  accordingly provides smoother travel and is quicker when both opening and closing. This is particularly useful when opening, as it reduces the risk that currency  60  will get jammed or caught between the sliders. The design is relatively simple, requiring less adjustment and maintenance, and there is accordingly less wear on the actuator and other moving parts. Further, the access gate  34  as a whole is smaller, so less space is needed within the device  10 . 
     The broader functionality of the control box  102  and local processor or PC  14  can now be appreciated. The PC  14  acts as a primary controller or processor of the device  10 . A software program running on the PC  14  provides a user interface that controls interaction with the user. For example, the program prompts the user to place the deposit in the input hopper  24 , informs the user of the count, and requests instructions whether to proceed with the deposit. It can be appreciated that a person skilled in the art would be familiar with the various prompts, instructions, and procedures involved in designing software for accepting user cash deposits. 
     In addition, the PC  14  is a primary or central controller of the various elements or peripherals of the device  10 . For example, upon completion of a deposit the PC  14  directs the printer to print a receipt, which is emitted through the print receipt slot  20  and torn off by the user. Other elements directly controlled by the PC  14  include the currency counter  16 , and card reader  18 . The PC  14  also handles communication with the control box  102  and with outside devices, as discussed in more detail below. 
     The control box  102 , referred to above in the discussion of the unloading station  96 , functions as a secondary controller to provide a convenient electrical interface to some of the elements of the device  10 , and also to offload, from the PC  14 , some of the processing burden required to control those elements. Communication between the PC  14  and control box  102  in the preferred embodiment is through a standard RS-232 interface protocol. The control box  102  is generally a dedicated electronic unit that may be constructed using electronic design principles well known to persons skilled in the art. 
     The control box  102  has the capability to receive electrical signals, most typically from a sensor, to process that information using an on-board microprocessor, to activate various elements by sending an appropriate electrical signal, and to exchange instructions and information with the PC  14 . Beginning with the safe  40 , the control box  102  monitors a sensor that triggers when the lockable access door  41  of the safe  40  is open. With respect to the currency counter  16 , the control box  102  monitors two micro switch sensors located inside and outside respectively of the escrow bin lockable housing  30 . While in the preferred embodiment the control box  102  does not activate the counting function of the currency counter  16 , as this is done by the PC  14 , the control box  102  does provide a clear function which resets the currency counter  16  to zero. 
     With respect to the access gate  34 , the control box  102  provides the signal that activates the actuator  116 , causing the actuator  116  to expand outwards or collapse inwards as described earlier. The control box  102  also monitors an optoswitch sensor that keeps track of whether the front and rear sliders  36  and  38  are open. With respect to the mounting device  62 , the control box  102  functions include monitoring a lever lock sensor that informs on the position of the locking lever  64 , and another sensor that informs on whether the mounting device  62  is locked. Further, the control box  102  provides the electrical signals that drive the reversible electric motor  58 . With respect to the canister  46 , the control box  102  connects with the contact pins  105  of the contact board connector  104  located at the mounting device  62 . Through this connection the control box  102  can access the circuit board  72  of the canister  46 , and monitor the various sensors of the canister  46 , including the lid-lock sensors and the platform control sensors  76 ,  78 , and  80 . 
     Accordingly, it can be appreciated that through the connections described above, the control box  102  is informed of whether the canister  46  is locked in place in the mounting device  62 , whether the lid  84  of the canister  46  is on and locked, and whether the platform  50  is in position to receive a new deposit, or alternatively, unable to accept further deposits. The control box  102  can read the unique electronic tag or identifier from the circuit board  72 . Through its control of the electric motor  58 , the control box  102  can direct the platform  50  as necessary. It can be further appreciated that all of this information can be communicated to the PC  14  through the RS-232 interface, and utilized by the PC  14  for overall maintenance and control of the device  10 . 
     The local processor or PC  14  is preferably a standard personal computer in a convenient touch screen embodiment running an industry standard operating system. In the preferred embodiment the Windows NT™ operating system is used, though it can be appreciated that other operating systems may also be used. As noted, the control box  102  has an on-board processor. Since this processor is not likely to be a personal computer, it is most likely to run from an operating system or program appropriate for internal control of such devices. Finally, it can be appreciated that there may be other embodiments of the device  10  in which the functions of the control box  102  are expanded or narrowed from those shown, or even where the control box  102  is not used, so that all control flows directly from the local processor. 
     In addition to the various internal elements of the device  10  described above, the present invention further includes a remote processor or network controller  100 . The network controller  100  is a computer in active communication with device  10 , or more particularly, with local processor  14  of device  10 . Physically, the communication may be by any established communication means, such as telephone line, data line, or wireless ethernet. Preferably the network controller  100  runs on the same operating system as PC  14 , so that network communication is facilitated. 
     The network controller  100  fulfills functions relating to administration of client or depositor accounts and also relating to monitoring of device status. The administration related software of the network controller  100  maintains or has ready access to a database containing such financial and security material as customer identification, account balances, and authorized PIN numbers and magnetic card codes. Further, as will be discussed in greater detail, the network controller  100  is informed and keeps track of deposit information at each device  10  by correlating said deposit information with the unique identifier or electronic tag associated with each canister  46 . 
     The monitoring function software of the network controller  100  receives and processes a stream of information from the device  10  relating to the status of device  10 . This includes such information as whether lockable access door  41  of safe  40  is open or closed, whether a canister  46  is installed and ready to accept deposits, whether canister  46  is full and needs to be replaced, and whether any elements are malfunctioning. If there is a service problem, the network controller  100  may alert or dispatch the appropriate service personnel as soon as the problem is identified. Depending on the nature of the problem, the network controller may put device  10  out of service pending repair. 
     Physically, the network controller  100  can be a single computer at a particular location running both the administration and the monitoring software. However, since the administration software relates primarily to banking, and the monitoring software relates primarily to machine maintenance, in practice the network controller  100  may be conveniently divided into two separate systems running at two distinct locations. In that case, the administration software would typically run on a bank computer, and the monitoring software would run on a service or maintenance company computer. Both systems would be networked to the device  10 . 
     Whether it is implemented as one computer or two, the network controller  100  is integral to the operation of the device  10  of the present invention. In general, it is preferable to keep system-wide and security related information such as PIN numbers separately from the local processor or PC  14 . The PC  14  is accordingly designed to run the operation of the local currency receiving device  10 , and to pass on specific deposit information and the installed canister&#39;s unique identifier to the network controller  100 , rather than to keep such information stored locally. This simplifies the design of the individual device  10 , and enables the device operator to take a system approach. This is most practical since most users of the device  10  of the present invention will have more than one location accepting deposits, and will have a need to track a multiple number of devices  10 . For example, a supermarket chain will generally have a multiple number of individual stores. Accordingly, the network controller  100  will most often control a multiple number of devices  10 . In the case where there is just one device  10 , a separate PC at the same location as the device  10  may be used to fulfill the functions of the network controller  100 . 
     The PC  14  also receives local device status information, which it in turn communicates to the monitoring software of the network controller  100 . The PC  14  will also receive instructions in response from the network controller  100  relating to device status, such as for example an instruction to stop accepting new deposits. 
     As shown in FIG. 11, centralized control and tracking of deposits is made possible by the use of the unique identifier or electronic tag of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows the network controller  100  networked to three currency receiving devices of the present invention, each having an installed canister with unique identifiers “#1”, “#2” and “#3” respectively. The three devices may represent, for example, three customer retail outlets disparately located in an urban area. When each of the canisters  46  is first installed, the local processors  14  at each device  10  inform the network controller  100  that a canister  46  having a particular electronic tag is installed. Accordingly, as shown the network controller  100  has in its storage or memory each of the unique identifiers, as well as related information such as store location. Subsequently when each canister  46  is removed and transported, generally by armoured vehicle  146  to a bank depository  148 , the network controller can track the canisters as long as communication channels are available with the vehicle  146  and bank depository  148 . The bank depository  148  represents a secure location with financial or currency processing capability that is operated by a bank or financial institution where the owner of the deposited currency maintains an account. 
     The full cycle of operation of the present invention, from customer deposit to bank acceptance, can now be appreciated. In a system consisting of a network controller  100  networked to a multiple number of currency receiving devices  10 , a security person or guard approaches a device  10  at a particular location to install an empty canister  46 . The guard swipes his or her card through the card reader  18 , enters a PIN number, and informs the local processor  14 , through touch prompts on a touch screen, that he or she wishes to remove the currently installed canister  46  and install a new, empty canister  46 . The local processor communicates the card and PIN number information to the network controller  100 , and waits to receive confirmation that the guard&#39;s entries are approved. Upon receiving confirmation, the PC  14  continues with the canister installation procedure. 
     Upon prompting by the PC  14 , the guard opens the lockable access door  41  of safe  40 . The canister  46  currently installed is locked in its place in the mounting device  62 , and has its lid  84  removed. The local processor  14 , acting through the control box  102 , is aware through sensor readings that the lid is off and accordingly will not release the solenoid lock  106 . The guard therefore slides the lid  84  onto canister  46  and pushes it to its fully in position. Upon sensing this, the PC  14  activates solenoid lid lock  70  so that pin  92  engages hole  94 . Again, through feedback of the locking sensors, the local processor is aware that the lid is locked, and will then release solenoid lock  106  of mounting device  62 . This enables the guard to pull down locking lever  64  and remove the full canister  46  from the device  10 . 
     The empty replacement canister  46 , with its lid on and locked, can then be slid into the mounting device  62 . As the locking lever  64  is pushed forward, the canister  46  is secured in position and properly aligned under the access gate  34 . In particular, contact points  75  of contact board  74  are mechanically and electrically connected with the contact pins  105  of the contact board connector  104  of the mounting device  62 . Acting through the control box  102 , the local processor  14  senses that canister  46  is properly installed by reading the electronic tag of the new canister. It then activates the solenoid lock  106  on the mounting device  62 , which locks the newly installed canister  46  in place. Then, the local processor  14  releases solenoid lid lock  70 , and prompts the guard to remove the lid  84 . Through the locking sensors, PC  14  knows that the lid  84  has been removed, and prompts the guard to close and lock the lockable access door  41 . Through the sensor on this door, PC  14  receives confirmation that this door is locked. Finally, PC  14  communicates to the network controller  100  the unique identifier or electronic tag of the installed canister  46 , and that the device is now ready to accept deposits. The PC  14  may also communicate device status information for processing by the monitoring software. The touch screen  15  display displays a notice to users that the device  10  is ready to accept deposits. 
     An individual user wishing to make a deposit will swipe his or her assigned card through the card reader  18  and enter their PIN number. The local processor  14  communicates this information to the network controller  100  and proceeds only after receiving confirmation that the user information is authorized. The user is then prompted to place any cheques for deposit in cheque slot  22 , and cash for deposit on the input hopper  24 . Then the local processor  14  activates the currency counter  16 , and the counted currency, less any rejected notes, is deposited into the escrow bin  28 . The lockable housing  30  is in a locked position, so the user can see the currency but not remove it. The count of currency is communicated to the PC  14  and displayed to the user, and the user is queried whether to proceed with the deposit. If the user declines, the PC  14  unlocks the lockable housing and the user retrieves the cash. Otherwise, actuator  116  of access gate  34  is activated, front slider  36  and rear slider  38  are thrust forcefully apart, and the currency falls onto platform  50 , or the top of a stack of currency already present from previous deposits. The local processor  14 , acting through the control box  102 , activates the electric motor  58  to lower platform  50  until lower rest sensor  78  is activated. Then, actuator  116  is again activated so that sliders  36  and  38  retract forcefully, and access gate  34  is closed. The direction of electric motor  58  is reversed and platform  50  rises until the top of the stack of currency triggers upper rest sensor  76 . 
     Next, PC  14  communicates the deposit information relating to this transaction to the network controller  100 , which correlates the deposit information with the canister&#39;s unique identifier. This deposit information typically includes such information as the canister&#39;s unique identifier, identity of the user making the deposit, the total deposit value, breakdown of the bill count by denomination, and date and time of the deposit. Other useful information such as the identity of the customer and location of the device  10  may not need to be sent with the deposit information, since it may already be known to the network controller through the canister&#39;s unique identifier. The local processor or PC  14  will preferably not keep a local record of the deposit information, since as noted this unnecessarily burdens the PC  14 . The PC  14  may also send device status information for processing by the monitoring software. 
     As noted above, from the time the canister  46  is installed the network controller  100  is informed of the canister&#39;s unique identifier or electronic tag. During the time that the canister  46  is installed in the device  10  and receives deposits, the network controller  100  is kept updated, so that at all times the network controller  100  has current information, often called the audit or audit record, of the contents and deposit records associated with an identifiable canister  46 . When the canister  46  is removed from the device  10 , as described above, this audit information or record remains with the network controller  100 . 
     Returning to FIG. 11, which shows the canisters in transit from their devices  10  to the bank depository  148 , as discussed the network controller  100  is able to track the canisters through the electronic tag associated with each canister, using whatever communication channels are available. In FIG. 11, the various communication channels between the elements are represented by jagged arrows. Communication lines  150  between the devices  10  and the network controller  100  represent the networked communication described above. Communication line  152  between the armoured vehicle  146  and network controller  100  represents what is most likely a wireless communication means. Communication line  154  between the bank depository and network controller  100  may similarly be a networked communication or other communication means well known to those skilled in the art. 
     It can now be appreciated how the electronic tag facilitates tracking of the canisters  46 . As each canister  46  is loaded onto an armoured vehicle, the electronic tag might be read by a specially designed electronic interface which would communicate this information to the network controller  100 , using communication lines  152 . The reading might consist of plugging canister  46  into a stationary or handheld unit having a connector similar to contact board connector  104 . It can be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a variety of devices or means of communication could be designed to conveniently read and communicate the electronic tag of canister  46 . 
     The armoured vehicle  146  might continually re-transmit its position to the network controller  100  as it goes about its pickup and delivery schedule. Further, the process of reading and communicating the electronic tags of canisters  46  in transit could be repeated at subsequent points in the delivery route, such as, for example, at an intermediate site where canisters  46  gathered from many devices  10  are dropped-off, sorted according to eventual destination, and re-loaded onto new armoured vehicles. Similarly, at the destination bank depository  148  the electronic tags could again be read and communicated, using communication lines  154 , thereby confirming to the network controller  100  that the canisters  46  have safely reached their destination. The method of the present invention therefore in effect imparts, with respect to the service of transporting cash, the type of efficiency and control typically associated with modern courier services, in which the location of many packages are electronically tracked while in transit. 
     Further, since the canister  46  of the present invention is electronically locked while in transit, and can only be unlocked by a secured and specialized unloading station, the risk of pilferage and theft of the canister in transit is reduced. It has been described that the lid  84  of canister  46  cannot be removed until the canister  46  itself is locked in the mounting device  62 . Similarly, the canister  46  cannot be removed from device  10  unless the lid  84  is first inserted and locked. Therefore, using the method of the present invention even the security personnel charged with the duty of transporting the canister  46  have minimal if any exposure to the cash contents of the canister  46 . Accordingly, the present invention minimizes if not eliminates the opportunity for intervening human contact with the deposited cash. 
     It can now be appreciated how the present invention enables owners of high cash retail or other business outlets, including those with multiple locations, to be continually aware of both the audit record of cash received for deposit and the whereabouts of that cash, from the time of the deposit up to the point where the cash is delivered to the owner&#39;s bank. In this way the method of the present invention enables such enterprises to better track cash deposits, and thereby obtain improved financial management. It may also be possible to arrange for the bank to recognize and give some credit to the owner for the cash as soon as it is deposited in device  10  and recorded at the network controller  100 , thereby reducing or eliminating financial losses due to float. When the canisters are actually delivered to the bank depository  148 , a confirmation count of their contents could be made and compared to the amount originally credited. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the foregoing description was in respect of preferred embodiments and that various alterations and modifications are possible within the broad scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the audit information could also be stored on the canister electronic board, so that this information could be conveniently available to reading devices while the canister is in transit. Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art but are not described in any further detail herein.