Patent Publication Number: US-8113426-B2

Title: Check processing module for a self-service check depositing terminal

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to self-service check depositing terminals, and is particularly directed to a check processing module for a self-service check depositing terminal, such as a check depositing automated teller machine (ATM). 
     In a typical check depositing ATM, an ATM customer is allowed to deposit a check (without having to place the check in any deposit envelope) in a publicly accessible, unattended environment. To deposit a check, the ATM customer inserts a user identification card through a user card slot at the ATM, enters the amount of the check being deposited, and inserts the check to be deposited through a check slot of a check acceptor. A check transport mechanism receives the inserted check and transports the check in a forward direction along a check transport path to a number of locations within the ATM to process the check. 
     If the check is not accepted for deposit, the check transport mechanism transports the check in a reverse direction along the check transport path to return the check to the ATM customer via the check slot. If the check is accepted for deposit, the amount of the check is deposited into the ATM customer&#39;s account and the check is transported to a storage bin within the ATM. An endorser printer prints an endorsement onto the check as the check is being transported to and stored in the storage bin. Checks in the storage bin within the ATM are periodically picked up and physically transported via courier to a back office facility of a financial institution for further processing. 
     In some known check depositing ATMs, certain components are housed in modular units which, in turn, are housed in a larger module. The larger module is sometimes referred to as a “check processing module” (CPM). Such modules are included in ATMs provided by NCR Corporation, located in Dayton, Ohio. One example is Model No. CPM2 in which a modular unit called a “pocket module” is located in approximately the central portion of the CPM. Another example is Model No. CPM3 in which the pocket module is located in approximately the bottom portion of the CPM. Still another example is Model No. CPM4 in which the pocket module is located in approximately the top portion of the CPM. 
     Known CPMs are typically constructed with a pair of sheet metal side plates which provide mounting surfaces for flanged steel ball bearings which, in turn, support steel drive shafts with rubber drive rollers. A drawback in these known CPMs is that steel ball bearings and steel drive shafts are relatively expensive. Moreover, assembly of a CPM is relatively time consuming as C-clips and wavy washers are typically used to maintain the steel ball bearings against the sheet metal side plates. Also, disassembly of a CPM is relatively time consuming when a component that is trapped between the sheet metal side plates needs to be replaced. It would be desirable to provide a CPM which is relatively low cost, relatively easy to assemble, and relatively easy to disassemble whenever disassembly is required. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a check processing module (CPM) is provided for a self-service check depositing terminal. The CPM comprises a substantially U-shaped plastic guide including (i) first and second leg portions forming the substantially U-shape, (ii) a surface which forms an opening in the first leg portion, and (ii) a releasing member which is disposed on the second leg portion. The CPM further comprises a shaft assembly including (i) a plastic shaft having opposite end portions and a central portion between the opposite end portions, (ii) a number of drive rollers disposed on the central portion, (iii) a first plastic race bearing attached to one end portion of the plastic shaft and disposed in the opening of the plastic guide, and (iv) a second plastic race bearing attached to the other end portion of the plastic shaft and secured by the releasing member to the plastic guide. The releasing member is operable to secure the shaft assembly to the plastic guide during operation of the CPM, and is operable to release the shaft assembly from the plastic guide during disassembly of parts of the CPM. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a left-front perspective view of one type of check depositing automated teller machine (ATM) embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified schematic diagram, looking approximately in the direction of arrow X in  FIG. 1 , and illustrating a check processing module (CPM) configured to operate in the ATM of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is diagram similar to the diagram of  FIG. 2 , and illustrating the CPM configured to operate in another type of ATM; 
         FIG. 4  is diagram similar to the diagrams of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and illustrating the CPM configured to operate in yet another type of ATM; 
         FIG. 5  is a pictorial view of a transport module of the CPM of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view, looking approximately in the direction of arrow Y shown in  FIG. 5  with some parts removed; 
         FIG. 7  is an perspective view, looking approximately in the direction of arrow Z shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a shaft assembly shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another shaft assembly shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a shaft assembly shown in  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of  FIG. 8  being assembled. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention is directed to a check processing module for a self-service terminal, such as a check depositing automated teller machine (ATM). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a self-service check depositing terminal in the form of an image-based check depositing automated teller machine (ATM)  10  is illustrated. The check depositing ATM  10  comprises a fascia  12  coupled to a chassis (not shown). The fascia  12  defines an aperture  16  through which a camera (not shown) images a customer of the ATM  10 . The fascia  12  also defines a number of slots for receiving and dispensing media items, and a tray  40  into which coins can be dispensed. The slots include a statement output slot  42 , a receipt slot  44 , a card reader slot  46 , a cash slot  48 , another cash slot  50 , and a check input/output slot  52 . The slots  42  to  52  and tray  40  are arranged such that the slots and tray align with corresponding ATM modules mounted within the chassis of the ATM  10 . 
     The fascia  12  provides a user interface for allowing an ATM customer to execute a transaction. The fascia  12  includes an encrypting keyboard  34  for allowing an ATM customer to enter transaction details. A display  36  is provided for presenting screens to an ATM customer. A fingerprint reader  38  is provided for reading a fingerprint of an ATM customer to identify the ATM customer. The user interface features described above are all provided on an NCR PERSONAS (trademark) 6676 ATM, available from NCR Financial Solutions Group Limited, Discovery Centre, 3 Fulton Road, Dundee, DD2 4SW, Scotland. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a first configuration of a check processing module (CPM)  60  is illustrated. The CPM  60  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 .  FIG. 2  is a simplified schematic diagram (looking approximately in the direction of arrow X in  FIG. 1 ) of part of the fascia  12  and main parts of the CPM  60 .  FIG. 5  is a pictorial view of a part (to be described later) used in the CPM  60  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The CPM  60  of  FIG. 2  comprises four main units which include an infeed module  70 , a pocket module  80 , an escrow re-bunch module (ERBM)  90 , and a transport module  100 . The infeed module  70  receives a check which has been deposited into the check input/output slot  52  ( FIG. 1 ), and transports the check to an inlet of the transport module  100 . The dimensions of the infeed module  70 , such as its run length, may vary depending upon the particular model ATM the CPM  60  is installed. The structure and operation of the infeed module  70  are conventional and well known and, therefore, will not be described. 
     The transport module  100  includes a check input/output transport mechanism which receives a check from the inlet adjacent to the infeed module  70 , and transports the check along a first document track portion  101  which is the main track portion. The transport module  100  includes a first document diverter  120  which is operable to divert a check along a second document track portion  102  to the pocket module  80 , a third document track portion  103  (not used in the configuration shown in  FIG. 2 ), or a fourth document track portion  104  which leads to the ERBM  90 . 
     The structure and operation of the first diverter  120  shown in  FIG. 2  may be any suitable diverter which is capable of diverting a check along one of three different document transport paths. An example of a suitable three-way diverter is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/004,354, filed on Dec. 20, 2007, entitled “Document Diverter Apparatus for Use in a Check Processing Module of a Self-Service Check Depositing Terminal”, and assigned to NCR Corporation located in Dayton, Ohio. The disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/004,354 is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     A second document diverter  92  is operable to divert a check along a fifth document track portion  105  (not used in the configuration shown in  FIG. 2 ), or a sixth document track portion  106  which leads to the ERBM  90  and then back to the infeed module  70 . More specifically, the sixth document track  106  interconnecting the ERBM  90  and the infeed module  70  allows a bunch of checks which has accumulated in the ERBM to be transported back to the infeed module  70 . The structure and operation of the second diverter  92  are conventional and well known and, therefore, will not be described. 
     The transport module  100  further includes a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) head  72  for reading magnetic details on a code line of a check. The transport module  100  also includes an imager  74  including a front imaging camera  75  and a rear imaging camera  76  for capturing an image of each side of a check (front and rear). An endorser printer  78  is provided for printing endorsements onto checks. An image data memory  94  is provided for storing images of checks. A controller  95  is provided for controlling the operation of the elements within the CPM  60 . 
     The pocket module  80  includes a main storage bin  84  for storing processed checks. The pocket module  80  further includes a reject bin  86  for storing rejected checks. A divert gate  82  is provided for diverting checks to the reject bin  86 . If the checks are not diverted to the reject bin  86 , they will continue on to the main storage bin  84 . The structure and operation of the pocket module  80  are conventional and well known and, therefore, will not be described. 
     It should be apparent that the CPM  60  of  FIG. 2  is shown in a first configuration where a pocket module is located in a top portion of the CPM. Accordingly, components of the CPM  60  of  FIG. 2  are configured in a first mode of operation to provide functionality of the Model CPM4 check processing module sold by NCR Corporation. 
     The CPM  60  may be of a type which processes a bunch of checks or only one check at a time. If a bunch of checks is being processed, each check of the bunch is separated at the infeed module  70  before it is individually processed. Each processed check is then re-assembled at the ERBM  90  to bunch the checks back together. This type of processing is sometimes referred to as “multiple-check processing”. Since individual checks are being bunched back together, an escrow module (such as the ERBM  90  shown in  FIG. 2 ) is needed. The ERBM  90  is manufactured and available from Glory Products, located in Himeji, Japan. The ERBM  90  allows a bunch of checks (i.e., more than one check) to be processed in a single transaction. If a bunch of checks has accumulated in the ERBM  90  and is unable to be processed further within the CPM  60 , then the bunch of checks is transported via the sixth document track portion  106  back to the infeed module  70  to return the bunch of checks to the ATM customer. 
     However, if the CPM  60  is of the type which can process only a single check, then the ERBM  90  is not needed. Once a check is received for processing, the check must be deposited into a bin (i.e., either the storage bin  84  or the reject bin  86 ) before another check can be received for processing. This type of processing is sometimes referred to as “single-check processing”. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a second configuration of the CPM  60  of  FIG. 2  is illustrated. Since the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 3  is generally similar to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2 , similar numerals are utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “a” being associated with the configuration of  FIG. 3  to avoid confusion. 
     The CPM  60   a  shown in  FIG. 3  is in a configuration where the pocket module  80   a  is located in a rear portion of the CPM. Accordingly, components of the CPM  60   a  shown in  FIG. 3  are configured in a second mode of operation to provide functionality of the Model CPM2 check processing module sold by NCR Corporation. 
     The CPM  60   a  shown in  FIG. 3  comprises four main units which include the infeed module  70   a , the pocket module  80   a , the ERBM  90   a , and the transport module  100   a . The infeed module  70   a  receives a check which has been deposited into the check input/output slot  52   a , and transports the check to an inlet of the transport module  100   a . The dimensions of the infeed module  70   a , such as its run length, may vary depending upon the particular model ATM the CPM  60  is installed. The structure and operation of the infeed module  70   a  are conventional and well known and, therefore, will not be described. 
     The transport module  100   a  includes a check input/output transport mechanism which receives a check from the inlet adjacent to the infeed module  70   a , and transports the check along the first document track portion  101   a  which is the main track portion. The transport module  100   a  includes the first document diverter  120   a  which is operable to divert a check along the second document track portion  102   a  (not used in the configuration shown in  FIG. 3 ), the third document track portion  103   a  to the pocket module  80   a , or the fourth document track portion  104   a  which leads to the ERBM  90   a.    
     The second document diverter  92   a  is operable to divert a check along the fifth document track portion  105   a  (not used in the configuration shown in  FIG. 3 ), or the sixth document track portion  106   a  which leads to the ERBM  90   a  and then back to the infeed module  70   a . More specifically, the sixth document track  106   a  interconnecting the ERBM  90   a  and the infeed module  70   a  allows a bunch of checks which has accumulated in the ERBM  90   a  to be transported from the ERBM back to the infeed module  70   a . The structure and operation of the second diverter  92   a  are conventional and well known and, therefore, will not be described. 
     The transport module  100   a  further includes a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) head  72   a  for reading magnetic details on a code line of a check. The transport module  100   a  also includes an imager  74   a  including a front imaging camera  75   a  and a rear imaging camera  76   a  for capturing an image of each side of a check (front and rear). An endorser printer  78   a  is provided for printing endorsements onto checks. An image data memory  94   a  is provided for storing images of checks. A controller  95   a  is provided for controlling the operation of the elements within the CPM  60   a.    
     It should be apparent that the CPM  60   a  of  FIG. 3  is shown in a second configuration where a pocket module (designated with reference numeral “ 80   a ” in  FIG. 3 ) is located in a central portion of the CPM. Accordingly, components of the CPM  60   a  of  FIG. 3  are configured in a second mode of operation to provide functionality of the Model CPM2 check processing module sold by NCR Corporation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a third configuration of the CPM  60  of  FIG. 2  is illustrated. Since the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 4  is generally similar to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2 , similar numerals are utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “b” being associated with the configuration of  FIG. 4  to avoid confusion. 
     The CPM  60   b  shown in  FIG. 4  is in a configuration where the pocket module  80   b  is located in a bottom portion of the CPM. Accordingly, components of the CPM  60   b  shown in  FIG. 4  are configured in a third mode of operation to provide functionality of the Model CPM3 check processing module sold by NCR Corporation 
     The CPM  60   b  shown in  FIG. 4  comprises four main units which include the infeed module  70   b , the pocket module  80   b , the ERBM  90   b , and the transport module  10   b . The infeed module  70   b  receives a check which has been deposited into the check input/output slot  52   b , and transports the check to an inlet of the transport module  10   b . The dimensions of the infeed module  70   b , such as its run length, may vary depending upon the particular model ATM the CPM  60   b  is installed. The structure and operation of the infeed module  70   b  are conventional and well known and, therefore, will not be described. 
     The transport module  100   b  includes a check input/output transport mechanism which receives a check from the inlet adjacent to the infeed module  70   b , and transports the check along the first document track portion  101   b  which is the main track portion. The transport module  100   b  includes the first document diverter  120   b  which is operable to divert a check along the second document track portion  102   b  (not used in the configuration shown in  FIG. 4 ), the third document track portion  103   b  (also not used in the configuration shown in  FIG. 4 ), or the fourth document track portion  104   b  which leads to either the pocket module  80   b  or the ERBM  90   b.    
     More specifically, the second document diverter  92   b  is operable to divert a check along either the fifth document track portion  105   b  which leads to the pocket module  80   b  or the sixth document track portion  106   b  which leads to the ERBM  90   b  and then back to the infeed module  70   b . The sixth document track  106   b  interconnecting the ERBM  90   b  and the infeed module  70   b  allows a bunch of checks which has accumulated in the ERBM  90   b  to be transported from the ERBM back to the infeed module  70   b . The structure and operation of the second diverter  92   b  are conventional and well known and, therefore, will not be described. 
     The transport module  100   b  further includes a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) head  72   b  for reading magnetic details on a code line of a check. The transport module  100   b  also includes an imager  74   b  including a front imaging camera  75   b  and a rear imaging camera  76   b  for capturing an image of each side of a check (front and rear). An endorser printer  78   b  is provided for printing endorsements onto checks. An image data memory  94   b  is provided for storing images of checks. A controller  95   b  is provided for controlling the operation of the elements within the CPM  60   b.    
     It should be apparent that the CPM  60   b  of  FIG. 4  is shown in a third configuration where a pocket module (designated with reference numeral “ 80   b ” in  FIG. 4 ) is located in a lower or bottom portion of the CPM. Accordingly, components of the CPM  60   b  of  FIG. 4  are configured in a third mode of operation to provide functionality of the Model CPM3 check processing module sold by NCR Corporation. 
     The structure and operation of the CPM in the three different modes of operation just described hereinabove are similar. A major difference in the different modes of operation is the specific location of the pocket module within the CPM. For simplicity, the detailed description hereinbelow will be from the vantage point of the first mode of operation of the CPM  60  of  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view, looking approximately in the direction of arrow Y shown in  FIG. 5  with some parts removed, is illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 6 , three shaft assemblies  130 ,  132 ,  134  are secured to a substantially U-shaped plastic guide  136 . The plastic guide  136  has first and second leg portions  138 ,  140  which form the substantially U-shape. The first leg portion  138  has surfaces which form three circular openings  142 ,  144 ,  146  through which the three shaft assemblies  130 ,  132 ,  134  extend. The first leg portion  138  is secured to a metal plate  148 . The metal plate  148  has surfaces which form three openings (not shown) which align with the three circular openings  142 ,  144 ,  146  in the first leg portion  138  of the plastic guide  136 . 
     The second leg portion  140  of the plastic guide  136  has three releasing members  150 ,  152 ,  154  in the form of manually-operable snap-on hook members. The releasing member  150  secures the shaft assembly  130  to the plastic guide  136 . The releasing member  152  secures the shaft assembly  132  to the plastic guide  136 . The releasing member  154  secures the shaft assembly  134  to the plastic guide  136 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of the shaft assembly  130  shown in  FIG. 6  is illustrated. The construction of the shaft assembly  132  shown in  FIG. 6  is identical to the construction of the shaft assembly  130 . The construction of the shaft assembly  134  shown in  FIG. 6  (also shown larger view in  FIG. 9 ) is similar to the construction to the shaft assembly  130 . For simplicity, the structure of only the shaft assembly  130  will be described in detail hereinbelow. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the shaft assembly  130  comprises a plastic shaft  160  having opposite end portions  162 ,  164  and a central portion  166  disposed between the opposite end portions. Four rubber drive rollers  168  are disposed on the central portion  166  of the plastic shaft  160 . The drive rollers  168  are injection molded in place on the plastic shaft  160 . Although four drive rollers are shown in  FIG. 8 , it is conceivable that any number of drive rollers be disposed on the central portion  166  of the plastic shaft  160 . As an example, two drive rollers are used in the shaft assembly  134  shown in  FIG. 6  (also shown in larger view in  FIG. 9 ). 
     A first plastic race bearing  170  is attached to one end portion  162  of the plastic shaft  160  and is disposed in the opening  142  in the first leg portion  138  of the plastic guide  136  ( FIG. 6 ). A second plastic race bearing  172  having an outer circumferential surface  171  is attached to the other end portion  164  of the plastic shaft  160  and is secured by the releasing member  150  to the second leg portion  140  of the plastic guide  136 . More specifically, the second plastic race bearing  172  has an outer circumferential clip groove  173  ( FIG. 8 ) into which a pair of flanges  175  ( FIG. 6 ) of the plastic guide  136  extend. The pair of flanges  175  co-operate with the releasing member  150  to maintain the shaft assembly  130  in place as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The plastic shaft  160  comprises relatively stiff material, such as 60% glass filled nylon, to prevent deflection under load. The drive rollers  168  may be injection molded into place. Each of the first and second plastic race bearings  170 ,  172  may an inner race, an outer race, and two races of stainless steel balls for stability. The assembly of plastic shaft  160 , the drive rollers  168 , and the first and second plastic race bearings  170 ,  172  is available from BNL (UK) Ltd located in Knaresborough, United Kingdom. 
     The releasing member  152  is operable to secure the shaft assembly  130  to the plastic guide  136  during operation of the CPM. The releasing member  150  is also operable to allow release of the shaft assembly  130  from the plastic guide  136  during disassembly of parts of the CPM whenever disassembly is needed. Structure and operation of the releasing member  150  will be described in more detail later. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view, looking approximately in the direction of arrow Z shown in  FIG. 6 , is illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 7 , an idler shaft assembly  176  is illustrated (also shown in larger view in  FIG. 10 ). As shown in  FIG. 10 , the idler shaft assembly  176  includes a shaft  178  to which a pair of idler roller assemblies  180 ,  182  are mounted. The idler roller assemblies  180 ,  182  and the mounting of the assemblies onto the shaft  178  are conventional and known. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , one end of the shaft  178  is supported in a U-shaped mounting region  184  in a first leg portion  186  of a substantially U-shaped plastic guide  185 . A releasing member  190  secures the other end of the shaft  178  to a second leg portion  188  of the plastic guide  185 . The releasing member  190  shown in  FIG. 7  has the same general construction and operation as the three releasing members  150 ,  152 ,  154  shown in  FIG. 6 . For simplicity, the construction and operation of only the releasing member  150  associated with the shaft assembly  130  shown in  FIG. 6  will be described hereinbelow. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a perspective view of the shaft assembly  130  of  FIG. 8  being assembled from an initial position ( FIG. 11 ) into the installed position ( FIG. 6 ) is illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 11 , a portion of one of the flanges  175  and a portion of the second leg portion  140  of the plastic guide  136  are shown removed to better illustrate the detailed structure of the releasing member  150 . The releasing member  150  comprises a tab portion  151  in which one end (not shown) is integrated into the plastic guide  136  to form a single piece of material. An angled surface portion  153  extends from the other end of the tab portion  151  to form a tip portion  155 . A transverse surface portion  157  extends between the tip portion  155  and the tab portion  151 . The tab portion  151  is flexible and can be manually lifted in the direction of arrow A shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     When the shaft assembly  130  is being installed from the initial position shown in  FIG. 11  to the installed position shown in  FIG. 6 , the end portion  162  of the plastic shaft  160  is first placed through the opening  142  in the first leg portion  138  of the plastic guide  136 . The clip groove  173  of the second plastic race bearing  172  is then aligned with the pair of flanges  175  and moved from the initial position shown in  FIG. 11  to the installed position shown in  FIG. 6 . When this occurs, one side of the outer circumferential surface  171  engages the angled surface portion  153  of the releasing member  150  and flexes the tab portion  151  in direction of arrow A and upward (as viewed looking at  FIG. 11 ). Eventually the tip portion  155  of the releasing member  150  clears the opposite side of the outer circumferential surface  171  and snaps in a downward direction (as viewed looking at  FIG. 11 ) so that the transverse surface portion  157  engages the outer circumferential surface  171 . 
     After the tip portion  155  snaps in the downward direction, the shaft assembly  130  is secured in place relative to the plastic guide  136 . More specifically, the flanges  175  in the groove  173  act to prevent movement of the shaft assembly  130  along the longitudinal axis of the plastic shaft  160 . The flanges  175  in the groove  173  also act to prevent movement of the shaft assembly  130  in a first direction which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plastic shaft. Moreover, the engagement between the transverse surface portion  157  of the releasing member  150  and the outer circumferential surface  171  of the second plastic race bearing  172  acts to prevent movement of the shaft assembly  130  in a second direction which is transverse to the first direction and also to the longitudinal axis of the plastic shaft  160 . Accordingly, the releasing member  150  functions as a snap-on hook to prevent movement of the shaft assembly  130  relative to the plastic guide  136  after the shaft assembly has been installed in the installed position shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     It should be apparent that assembly of the CPM should be relatively rapid since most parts snap together and no fasteners are used. Also, final assembly should also be relatively rapid since major parts can be pre-assembled as sub-assemblies. Moreover, parts should be relatively easier to replace since the parts are not buried in large final assemblies. 
     It should also be apparent that manufacturing costs should be relatively lower since many components are made from injection molded plastics, and thus eliminating many relatively expensive sheet metal parts and machined parts. Further, since plastic race steel ball technology is greaseless, the CPM can be driven with only a single stepper motor (instead of with dual stepper motors in known CPMs). Accordingly, parts costs as well as manufacturing costs are reduced. 
     Although the above description describes the PERSONAS (trademark) 6676 NCR ATM embodying the present invention, it is conceivable that other models of ATMs, other types of ATMs, or other types of self-service check depositing terminals may embody the present invention. Self-service depositing terminals are generally public-access devices that are designed to allow a user to conduct a check deposit transaction in an unassisted manner and/or in an unattended environment. Self-service check depositing terminals typically include some form of tamper resistance so that they are inherently resilient. 
     Further, although the above description describes the CPM  60 ,  60   a ,  60   b  which has the ERBM  90 ,  90   a ,  90   b , it is conceivable that the present invention may be embodied in a CPM which does not have an ERBM. 
     The particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention. From the above description, those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Numerous substitutions and modifications can be undertaken without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art to which the present invention relates are intended to be covered by the appended claims.