Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a bill discriminating and counting apparatus in which a plurality of bills with different sizes are filled between side hopper members and fed into a transport path by a feeding mechanism. The feeding mechanism comprises a plurality of rollers disposed in a bilaterally symmetrical state. The plurality of rollers are arranged so that, when a distance between the side hopper members is adjusted according to the longitudinal dimension of a bill with the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction and a bill with the minimum dimension in the longitudinal direction is disposed at a position where the bill is brought into contact with one of the side hopper members, at least a part of the rollers installed on the opposite side of the side hopper member where the bill is brought into contact therewith is brought into contact with the bill. Also, the feeding mechanism comprises a guide member guiding the bill to the inlet of the transport path. The guide member comprises guide surfaces formed so that the opening area thereof is gradually increased toward the both ends thereof, and the guide surfaces are formed so that the opening area thereof is converged to zero from the insert port toward the inlet of the transport path. In <CIT>, Fig. <NUM> is a front view showing a hopper section included in the bill discriminating and counting apparatus, and Fig. <NUM> is a side view showing main sections of the internal structure thereof. As shown in Fig. <NUM>, the hopper section <NUM> has the mounting platform <NUM> on which a plurality of the accumulated bills P are filled between the side hopper members <NUM> (the right side hopper member 32a and the left side hopper member 32b). The mounting platform <NUM> is provided with the kicker rollers <NUM> for feeding the bills P in a direction toward the insert port <NUM>. Below the insert port <NUM> is provided with the feed rollers <NUM>, and above of the insert port <NUM> is provided with the reversing rollers <NUM>, the auxiliary rollers <NUM>, and the pinch rollers <NUM> at positions opposing to the feed rollers <NUM>. The feeding mechanism <NUM> including these rollers causes the bills P filled in the hopper section <NUM> to be fed one by one through the insert port <NUM> into the transport path <NUM>.

<CIT> discloses a media processing device comprising a roller conveying section having an upper conveying guide that is electrically non-conductive, and forms one side surface of a bank note conveying path, and has an internal space; a frame that is electrically conductive and holds the upper conveying guide; a pushing spring that applies pushing force that urges pushing rollers toward driving rollers; and a supporting point shaft that is electrically conductive, and whose position in a front-rear direction is positioned by the upper conveying guide in vicinities of both end portions in a length direction of the supporting point shaft, and that supports the pushing spring in a vicinity of a central portion in the length direction, and that abuts laterally long upper end surfaces of the frame by receiving reaction force that arises in a direction of separating from the bank note conveying path in accordance with the pushing force.

This disclosure provides an open banknote path system according to claim <NUM>.

This disclosure provides a currency handling apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG>, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of this disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure may be implemented in any suitably open banknote path system.

As used throughout this specification, the terms currency denomination, denomination of currency, valuable document, currency bill, bill, banknote, note, bank check, paper money, paper currency, and cash may be used interchangeably herein to refer to a type of a negotiable instrument or any other writing that evidences a right to the payment of a monetary obligation, typically issued by a central banking authority.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate examples of a currency handling apparatus <NUM> and note validator <NUM> according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Currency handling apparatuses and note validators come in a wide variety of configurations, and <FIG> and <FIG> do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a currency handling apparatus.

The currency handling apparatus <NUM> includes the note validator <NUM>, a removable storage unit <NUM>, and a chassis <NUM>. In some implementations, note validator <NUM> is removably coupled to chassis <NUM>. Note validator <NUM> can be configured to receive a note <NUM> and transport the currency item past a sensing component to determine the type and validity of note <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a banknote recycler <NUM> may also be included. In some implementations, removable storage unit <NUM> includes a transportation device for transporting note <NUM> to and/or from the removable storage unit <NUM>.

Although <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate one example of a currency handling apparatus <NUM> and note validator <NUM>, various changes may be made to <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the currency handling apparatus <NUM> could be used in automatic ticket seller machines, automatic teller machines, vending machines and other kiosks. Also, there could be more than one removable storage unit <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an open banknote path system <NUM> in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the open banknote path system <NUM> in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a banknote path <NUM> of the open banknote path system <NUM> showing the general shape of the open banknote path <NUM> in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the banknote path <NUM> of the open banknote path system <NUM> in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Open banknote path systems in accordance with the present disclosure can come in a wide variety of configurations, and <FIG> do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of an open banknote path system. The open banknote path system <NUM> can be included in the currency handling apparatus <NUM> and/or note validator <NUM>.

The open banknote path system includes a chassis or central spine <NUM> including a first banknote path plate <NUM> and a second banknote path plate <NUM> arranged in parallel. Space between the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> serves as the banknote path <NUM> for a banknote to pass between the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>. An end of each banknote path plate <NUM>, <NUM> can be angled to allow a banknote to be deposited into the banknote path <NUM> via a banknote validator or other banknote feeding mechanism. The banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> turn or curve to direct the banknote through a machine as needed, such as the currency handling apparatus <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> travel from an end where a banknote can be inserted into the banknote path <NUM> to follow the shape of a frame <NUM> of a machine, turning at the bottom of the frame <NUM> to pull the banknote further into the machine. Rollers <NUM> disposed at intervals along the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> create pinch points, or drive points <NUM>, between pairs of rollers <NUM>. A roller <NUM> can include a shaft running between two wheels, where the wheels are disposed on opposite sides of the banknote path <NUM> and opposite sides of the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be understood that components such as a motor can be included to rotate the plurality of rollers <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> rotate such that a banknote can be pulled in by a pair of rollers <NUM> and squeezed between the wheels of the pair of rollers <NUM> to pull the banknote along the banknote path <NUM>. A short edge of the banknote can be passed from one pair of rollers <NUM> to the next pair, from pinch point to pinch point, to pull the banknote through the banknote path <NUM> and through the machine.

The banknote path <NUM> is defined by the space between each of the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>. A banknote can be wider than the width of the banknotes path plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and therefore the banknote can also be wider than the banknotes path <NUM>. In banknote paths that are not open, edges of a banknote can come into contact with walls or other objects in the banknote path or in the currency handling apparatus. In some embodiments, of the present disclosure, the ends of the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> are angled, flared, or otherwise open to create space for the edges of a banknote to travel through the banknote path <NUM> without the edges of the banknote coming into contact with walls or other objects in the banknote path or in the currency handling apparatus. Each banknote path plate <NUM>, <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes first and second ends <NUM> extending out and angled away from either side of a central portion <NUM> of the banknote path <NUM>, creating widening areas in outer portions <NUM> of the banknote path <NUM> that are wider than the central portion <NUM> of the banknote path <NUM>. The angle of the ends <NUM> can be between greater than <NUM> degrees and less than <NUM> degrees in some embodiments. The outer portions <NUM> are thus open, defining an open banknote path <NUM> having no walls and not being otherwise enclosed on either side of the banknote path <NUM>. The open sides remove side constraints and open up the banknote path <NUM> beyond the pinch points of the rollers <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, end portions of a banknote <NUM> can therefore extend out from the central portion <NUM> of the banknote path <NUM> beyond the pinch points, and between the ends <NUM> of the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be understood that the banknote <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is used for illustrative purposes, and the banknote can be of different dimensions in relation to the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> can also be closer or farther apart than that illustrated, and in turn the relative height of banknote path <NUM>, including the central portion <NUM> and the outer portions <NUM>, can be different than illustrated without deviating from the present disclosure. In some embodiments, there may be a wall or other surface at the end of the ends <NUM>, with the ends <NUM> still providing a wider space for the edges of the banknote to travel.

The open ends <NUM> are more tolerant of folded corners and skewed notes, and can reduce jams or catch points that can sometimes occur due to unfavorable banknote conditions, allowing for higher banknote transport speeds. Even if the edges of the banknote <NUM> are folded, or if the banknote <NUM> is skewed in the banknote path <NUM>, the open ends <NUM> allow room for the banknote to move within the outer portions <NUM> of the banknote path <NUM> without contacting walls or other objects in the banknote path or in the currency handling apparatus. In banknote paths that have closed or non-open edges, the long edges of the banknote can drag or curl up due to contact with the sides of the banknote path. The open banknote path system <NUM> allows for banknotes to travel without contacting the sides of the banknote path <NUM> even when banknotes are in unfavorable conditions. Since the ends <NUM> of the open banknote path <NUM> create a wider path than that of the central portion <NUM> of the banknote path <NUM>, the long edges of the banknotes do not contact the ends <NUM>. The long edges of the banknotes also do not contact a wall or other object or surface in the machine near the ends <NUM> of the banknote path <NUM> since the ends <NUM> are open. This allows for banknotes to travel through the banknote path <NUM> without dragging, curling up, or otherwise being slowed down due to banknotes conditions, such as banknote skew or curled edges. The central portion <NUM> of the banknote path <NUM> can be narrower than the short edge of the banknote <NUM>, such that the two ends of the short edge of the banknote extend beyond the edges of the spine <NUM>, between the ends <NUM>, and such that the ends of the short edge of the banknote contact the rollers <NUM>. The central portion of the spine <NUM> or banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> between the ends <NUM> can also be narrower than that of a banknote receiving path of a banknote validator or other banknote feeding mechanism, such that a banknote fed into the banknote path system <NUM> via a banknote feeding mechanism contacts the rollers <NUM> and is pulled along the banknote path <NUM> of the banknote path system <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an open banknote path system <NUM> in accordance with various non-claimed embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the open banknote path system <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a banknote path of an open banknote path system. <FIG> illustrates a top view of a portion of a banknote path spine <NUM> of the open banknote path system <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a banknote path <NUM> of the open banknote path system <NUM>. Open banknote path systems in accordance with the present disclosure can come in a wide variety of configurations, and <FIG> do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of an open banknote path system. The open banknote path system <NUM> can be included in the currency handling apparatus <NUM> and/or note validator <NUM>.

The open banknote path system <NUM> includes a chassis or central spine <NUM> including a first banknote path plate <NUM> and a second banknote path plate <NUM> arranged in parallel. Space between the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> serves as a banknote path <NUM> for a banknote to pass between the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>. An end of each banknote path plate <NUM>, <NUM> can be angled to allow a banknote to be deposited into the banknote path <NUM>. The banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> turn or curve as to direct the banknote through a machine as needed. For example, in <FIG>, the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> travel from an end where a banknote can be inserted into the banknote path <NUM> to follow the shape of a frame <NUM> of a machine, turning at the bottom of the frame <NUM> to pull the banknote further into the machine. Rollers <NUM> disposed at intervals along the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> create pinch points, or drive points <NUM>, between pairs of rollers <NUM>. A roller <NUM> can include a shaft running between two wheels, where the wheels are disposed on opposite sides of the banknote path <NUM> and opposite sides of the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be understood that components such as a motor can be included to rotate the plurality of rollers <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> rotate such that a banknote can be pulled in by a pair of rollers <NUM> and squeezed between the wheels of the pair of rollers <NUM> to pull the banknote along the banknote path <NUM>. A short edge of the banknote can be passed from one pair of rollers <NUM> to the next pair, from pinch point to pinch point, to pull the banknote through the banknote path <NUM> and through the machine.

The banknote path <NUM> is defined by the space between each of the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>. A banknote can be wider than the width of the banknotes path plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and therefore the banknote can also be wider than the banknotes path <NUM>. In banknote paths that are not open, edges of a banknote can come into contact with walls or other objects in the banknote path or in the currency handling apparatus. The ends of the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> open to create space for the edges of a banknote to travel through the banknote path <NUM>, and allows the edges of the banknote to move within the machine as the banknote is transported, without the edges of the banknote coming into contact with walls or other objects in the banknote path or in the currency handling apparatus. Each banknote path plate <NUM>, <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes first and second open ends <NUM> disposed at a first side and a second side, respectively, of the banknote path <NUM>, opening to a wider area than that of the banknote path <NUM>. The banknote path <NUM> is disposed in-between the drive points <NUM> created by each pair of rollers along the banknote path <NUM>, wherein the width of the banknote path is defined by the space between the drive points <NUM>, and the height of the banknote path <NUM> is defined by the space between the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The wheels of the rollers <NUM> are disposed along an outside edge of the spine <NUM> near the open ends <NUM> of the banknote path <NUM>.

The open sides remove side constraints and open up the banknote path <NUM> beyond the pinch points of the rollers <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, end portions of a banknote <NUM> can extend out from the banknote path <NUM>. It will be understood that the banknote <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is used for illustrative purposes, and the banknote can be of different dimensions in relation to the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM> can also be closer or farther apart than that illustrated, and in turn the relative height of banknote path <NUM> can be different than illustrated without deviating from the present disclosure. Short edges of a banknote thus extend out from each side of the banknote path <NUM> such that the short edges of the banknote contact the drive points <NUM> between the rollers <NUM> so that the banknote is pulled along the banknote path <NUM> by the rollers <NUM>. As a banknote travels through the banknote path <NUM> while being pulled through by the rollers <NUM>, the edges of the banknote can extend a distance away from the spine <NUM>, extending beyond the width of the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and even beyong the rollers <NUM>. Since the ends <NUM> of the banknote path <NUM> are open, the edges of the banknote extending beyond the banknote path <NUM> and beyond the rollers <NUM> can avoid contact with any surfaces of the open banknote path system <NUM> or of a machine in which the open banknote path system <NUM> is installed. This allows for the banknote to travel through the banknote path <NUM> without the edges of the banknote dragging or curling upon other surfaces, even when a banknote is skewed or in an otherwise unfavorable condition.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the spine <NUM>, and the banknote path plates <NUM>, <NUM>, reside in-between the wheels or drive points <NUM> of the rollers <NUM> and allow for the rollers <NUM> to have short shafts, as the length of the shafts are similar to the width of the spine <NUM>. This provides for better shaft centering, such that the centers of the holes of the wheels do not have to be matched across large spans and multiple parts. The central spine <NUM> in a fully open banknote path type transport system, such as in the banknote path system <NUM>, also allows for higher force pinch points for better banknote control and drive than other systems such as systems that transport banknotes between flat belts. The banknote path <NUM> is controlled along the spine <NUM> and in between the drive points <NUM> of the rollers <NUM>. Portions of the long edges of a banknote can protrude beyond the drive points <NUM>, but since the banknote path <NUM> is open beyond the drive points <NUM>, long edges of the banknote are free to move in relation to the banknote path <NUM> without dragging or otherwise being slowed down by contact with other surfaces. The spine <NUM> can be narrower than the short edge of a banknote, such that the two ends of the short edge of the banknote extend beyond the edges of the spine <NUM>, and such that the ends of the short edge of the banknote contact the rollers <NUM>. The spine <NUM> can also be narrower than that of a banknote receiving path of a banknote validator or other banknote feeding mechanism, such that a banknote fed into the banknote path system <NUM> via a banknote feeding mechanism contacts the rollers <NUM> and is pulled along the banknote path <NUM> of the banknote path system <NUM>.

Some banknote path systems are designed from the outermost left and right sides inwards, or can be one sided systems (one side of the banknote path is closed and the other open) providing a cantilevered spine. The banknote path systems described herein provide for a completely open system designed out from the center of the banknote path. Additionally, closed banknote path systems might include gutters at the left and right sides of the banknote path in an attempt to reduce edge catch points and seams. However, an open banknote path as described herein allows for removal of any surfaces of the banknote path on which the banknote can get caught.

Additionally, other open banknote path type systems may use belts running opposed to one another between which a banknote is squeezed and transported through the banknote path. Systems that use belts may use complicated transitions between belt systems and modules, and belt tension has to be carefully controlled. In the open banknote path systems described herein, beltless banknote paths using rollers including pinch points avoid these problems, as a pair of rollers may be placed along the banknote path where needed instead of having to also provide for a complicated path for belts.

One example can include an open banknote path system, the system comprising a first banknote path plate and a second banknote path plate coupled to a frame, wherein the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate are disposed a distance apart, a banknote path disposed in a space between the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate, wherein each of a first side and a second side of the banknote path open to an area wider than a central portion of the banknote path, and a plurality of rollers each coupled to one of the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate, wherein each one of the plurality of rollers forms a banknote pinch point with another one of the plurality of rollers.

In one or more of the above examples, the first banknote path plate is disposed parallel to the second banknote path plate.

In one or more of the above examples, the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate each include a first angled end and a second angled end, wherein the first and second angled ends extend obliquely from the center portion of the banknote path.

In one or more of the above examples, the banknote path includes outer portions adjacent to each side of the central portion, wherein each outer portion is defined by a space disposed between the first angled ends of the first and second banknote path plates or the second angled ends of the first and second banknote path plates, and wherein each of the outer portions includes an area wider than the central portion of the banknote path.

In one or more of the above examples, the pinch points are operable to allow left and right side edges of a banknote to protrude from the pinch points and into the outer portions of the banknote path.

In one or more of the above examples, each one of the plurality of rollers includes a shaft disposed between a first wheel and a second wheel.

In one or more of the above examples, the first wheel and the second wheel of each of the plurality of rollers are disposed external to a width of the first and second banknote path plates.

In one or more of the above examples, each pinch point is arranged in a series along the first and second banknote path plates.

In one or more of the above examples, the plurality of rollers are operable to receive a banknote and to pass the banknote from one pinch point to the next pinch point in the series.

In one or more of the above examples, the pinch points are operable to allow left and right side edges of a banknote to protrude from the pinch points and into an open area of the open banknote path system.

Another example can include a currency handling apparatus, comprising a chassis, a banknote validator coupled to the chassis, a first banknote path plate and a second banknote path plate coupled to the chassis, wherein the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate are disposed a distance apart, a banknote path disposed in a space between the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate, wherein each of a first side and a second side of the banknote path open to an area wider than a central portion of the banknote path, and a plurality of rollers each coupled to one of the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate, wherein each one of the plurality of rollers forms a banknote pinch point with another one of the plurality of rollers.

In one or more of the above examples, the pinch points are operable to allow left and right side edges of a banknote to protrude from the pinch points and into an open area of the currency handling apparatus.

In one or more of the above examples, the currency handling apparatus further comprises a banknote recycler and a removable storage unit.

One example can include a currency handling apparatus, comprising a banknote path configured to transport banknotes, the banknote path including an inlet, at least one set of rollers, a center area in which at least a portion of a banknote is transported, at least one side area disposed adjacent the center area, and wherein the at least one side area of the banknote path includes a larger area than the center area of the banknote path. This example can include or incorporate any of the above examples.

Claim 1:
An open banknote path system (<NUM>), the system comprising:
a first banknote path plate (<NUM>) and a second banknote path plate (<NUM>) coupled to a frame (<NUM>), wherein the first banknote path plate (<NUM>) and the second banknote path plate (<NUM>) are disposed a distance apart;
a banknote path (<NUM>) disposed in a space between the first banknote path plate (<NUM>) and the second banknote path plate (<NUM>); and
a plurality of rollers (<NUM>) each coupled to one of the first banknote path plate (<NUM>) and the second banknote path plate (<NUM>), wherein each one of the plurality of rollers (<NUM>) forms a banknote pinch point with another one of the plurality of rollers (<NUM>);
characterized in that
each of the first and second banknote path plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes first and second angled ends (<NUM>) along first and second open sides of the banknote path (<NUM>) in the travel direction of a banknote (<NUM>) extending out obliquely from either side of a central portion (<NUM>) of the banknote path (<NUM>) to create widening areas of the banknote path (<NUM>) that are wider than the central portion (<NUM>) of the banknote path (<NUM>).