MXPA96002896A - Mechanism of transportation of bank notebook for automatic cash machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for transporting a bank book to move a bank book between a customer and a printer in an ATM machine, said bank book has a first generally planar surface and a generally opposite second surface, and a pair of first and second lateral edge surfaces generally parallel and opposite, the apparatus comprises: a plurality of first movable band sections, said band sections extending in a longitudinal direction, said first sections engageable with said first planar surface of said bank booklet, at least a second mobile section, said second band section is extended in the longitudinal direction, said second band section is engageable with the second planar surface of the bank book when said first section is engaged with the first planar surface, a first edge guide extending at a right length Accordingly, said first edge guide is engageable with a first lateral edge surface of the bank book, a second edge guide extending in a longitudinal direction, said second edge guide being engageable with said second side edge surface of said edge guide. the bank booklet when said first edge guide is engageable with said first edge surface, a spring pressing the second edge guide toward the first edge guide, whereby when said bank book is between the edge guides said surfaces The first and second side edge boards are matched in alignment with the edge guides, and a driver for moving said first and second web sections, whereby said bank book is carried between the first and second web sections; mobile gate to selectively block access to the first and second band sections, said mobile gate member comprises in cross section a part cam follower generally U-shaped and an edge portion bent at an opposite end of said follower cam part, whereby said bent edge serves as a guide, a closing cam and a means for moving said closing cam, whereby said cam allows the movement of the gate member with a first position in which said compiler member blocks access to said bands by said bank book and a second position in which the gate member allows the book of bank entering between said band

Description

DB MECHANISM TRANSFER OF BANK BANK POUCH FOR AUTOMATED ATM MACHINE TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to automated bench machines. Specifically, this invention relates to a mechanism for handling and transporting a bank book between a customer operating an automated banking machine and a printer located inside the machine to print the information in the bank book.

ANTECEDENTS OF ART Automated teller machines (ATM) are well known in the prior art. Customers use automated teller machines to carry out a variety of banking transactions. These transactions can include making deposits and withdrawing accounts, paying notes and checking the status of various accounts.

Some banking transactions have not been carried out by automated teller machines. For example, many people prefer having the balance amount of their savings recorded in a bank book. Registering the amount information in a bank book has generally required a human cashier to enter the transaction data and to align the bank book in a special printer so that the balance information can be printed in the right place.

The automated handling of bank books has proven difficult. This is because the bank records are usually quite thick and folded. The bank records tend to be biased when transported between conventional rollers or bands because a bank book usually has different thicknesses on each side of the fold. This has made it difficult to handle a bank book with automated equipment. Bank books also come in many different sizes. This has made it difficult to produce a single mechanism that is adequate to handle the wide range of bank books that can be found. It is also difficult to automatically align a bankbook with a bankbook printer using automated equipment. This is because the pages of the bank book may tend to bend and catch. The automated handling of the bank records also presents unique problems due to the different speeds between the printing mechanism which must firmly grip the bank book during printing and a transport apparatus which can be used to move the bank book. This can result in a bias or misalignment. Such problems result in an incorrect placement of the information which can make the bank book unusable.

Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism to * handle and transport a bank booklet that can be used in an automated teller machine to move a bank book from a customer, place it exactly for printing and then return it to the customer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus for a bank book.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus that can move a bank book between a customer and a printer within an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus for handling and moving a bank book that aligns the bank book as it is moved.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus for a bank book that verifies that the bank booklet that is presented is suitably sized.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus for a bank book that can be easily adapted to banknotes of various sizes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus for a bank book that is resistant to vanda.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus for a bankbook that minimizes the risk of damage to the bankbook.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport for an article that carries the article in a properly oriented condition.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus for an article that provides controlled frictional contact and sliding so that the article can be delivered to and from other pieces of equipment moving at different speeds.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for transporting a bank passbook into an automated teller machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for aligning a bank notebook as it is transported.

The additional objects of the present invention will be evident in the following better ways to carry out the invention and in the attached clauses.

The above objects are achieved in the preferred embodiment of the invention by a bank note handling and transport apparatus located within an automated teller machine. The transport apparatus receives a bank pass through an entry slot from a customer who is operating the machine. The interior of the entry slot has a gate member and sensors adjacent thereto mounted internally in the machine. The sensors and the gate activate only banknotes that are properly positioned and which have a desired width to be admitted to the conveyor through the entry slot.

The conveyor includes a plurality of first web sections which extend parallel to each other and in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the bands is the direction in which the bank book is transported into a printing mechanism that is located on an opposite side of the transport from the entry slot. A plurality of second band sections extend generally parallel to the first band sections but are placed between the first band sections. The first and second band sections are supported on the first and second pulleys respectively at the ends of the transport and are otherwise not supported. The first and second band sections generally extend in a single horizontal stretch but may be slightly off-center to provide an interwoven effect for holding the passbook between the adjacent band sections.

A pair of spaced edge guides extend in the longitudinal direction within the transport parallel to the band sections. The edge guides are positioned to make contact with the spaced and parallel edge surfaces of a bank pad. One of the edge guides is mounted in a fixed relation to a frame of the apparatus. The other edge guide is mounted on a spring which operates to press the bank book towards the fixed edge guide in case the bank book desalinates.

A bank pass that enters the transport is admitted in the unfolded and open condition between the band sections. The first web sections make contact with a first flat surface of a bank book and the second web sections make contact with the opposite flatter surface of the bank book. To be carried out the bank book by the band sections, any misalignment is corrected by the pressing force of the spring and the edge guides.

The bank book leaves the transport apparatus and is delivered to the clamping point rollers of the printing mechanism. The clamping point rollers hold the pad in a tightly grasped relationship. Band sections, because they are placed transversally one to another, they provide and train the bands to pass without damaging the bank book. Once the printing is complete, the bank book is pushed out of the printer and again moves to a position between the web sections. The bands begin to move and provide a limited slipping until the bank book is free from the printer and can be carried by the bands. The bank book is moved between the web sections outside the entry slot and back to the customer.

The bank book transport and management apparatus includes sensors to sense the size of the bank book. The conveyor is operated under the control of a processor in such a way that improperly digested bank books that are inserted into the transport apparatus are returned to the customer. A gate member adjacent to the input slot of the transport apparatus also serves to protect the apparatus from acts of vandalism.

The carrying and handling apparatus of bank book is easily adjustable to accommodate banknotes of different sizes. In addition, the transport apparatus of the present invention can be used to carry other items such as sheets or stacks of sheets between its inlet and outlet ends.

BRIEF INVENTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an isometric view of the right side of the bank passbook transport apparatus with a connected bank passbook printing mechanism shown in phantom.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view through the bank book transport apparatus showing a bank book hooked between the band sections.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the bank booklet transport apparatus and an associated printer.

Figure 4 is a view of the right side of the transport apparatus of the bank book and the associated printer.

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the left side of the transport apparatus of the bank book.

Figure 6 is an isometric view of the right side of the transport apparatus.

Figure 7 is a partial top view showing the transport apparatus with a passbook placed there.

Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view through the transport apparatus showing the edge guides and sensors of the apparatus.

Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the mobile edge guide and the sensors of the apparatus.

Figure 10 is an exploded isometric view of the apparatus.

Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the exit end of the bank book transport apparatus and of the hooking rollers of the bank book of the printing mechanism.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the right side of the transport apparatus of the bank book showing the entry gate member.

Figure 13 is a partial top view of the transport apparatus of the bank book and the gate member.

Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bankbook transport apparatus showing the gate member in the closed position with the open position shown in phantom.

Fig. 15 is a partial and front cross-sectional view of the carrying apparatus of the passbook with the gate member and the actuation mechanism for the gate member shown in the closed position.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional front view showing the gate member in the closed position.

Figures 17 to 21 are flow charts of the program executed by the processor which controls the operation of the transport apparatus.

THE BEST WAYS TO CARRY OUT L? INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, there is shown the preferred embodiment of the bank booklet transport and handling apparatus of the present invention generally indicated with the number 10. The bank booklet transport apparatus is connected to a passbook printer 12 of a type that is known in the prior art. The printer and the bank book transport are preferably placed inside an automated teller machine which a customer can use to carry out his banking transactions.

The conveyor 10 and the printer 12 are mounted on a common base plate 14 which is placed inside the automated teller machine. The bankbook conveyor includes an inlet end 16 which is adapted to receive and deliver the banknotes from a customer operating an automated teller machine through an opening in the face of the machine. The conveyor further includes an output end 18 (see Figure 12) through which the transport mechanism delivers and receives a bank pass to the connected printer.

The transport apparatus 10 includes a pair of spaced first axes 20 (see Figure 3). A plurality of first pulleys 22 are mounted transversely spaced apart on the first axis 20. A plurality of first bands 24 extend between the first pulleys 22. The first bands 24 are elastic and the first pulleys 22 are crowned pulleys so that the elastic action of the bands keeps them in a relationship centered on the pulleys.

The transport apparatus 10 further includes a pair of spaced second axes 26. The second axes 26 are spaced vertically below the first axes 20 (see Figure 4). The second axes 26 have mounted thereon a plurality of spaced second pulleys 28, which are crowned pulleys similar to the first pulleys 22. A plurality of second bands 30 extend between the second pulleys 28. The second bands 30 are elastic similar to the first bands 24 to maintain a centered position on the second pulleys 28.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the first and second bands are SFT type bands which are available from Belting Industries. The bands are preferably 6 millimeters wide. The first and second crowned pulleys are wider than the belts, and are preferably 8 millimeters wide. By having the crowned pulleys wider than the belts, the possibility of the belts coming off the pulleys is reduced. This is because if a belt moves sufficiently from the center of the pulley and makes contact with the vertical side wall of the pulley, the belt will tend to come off. By having the pulley wider than the belt, a greater displacement is required before the disengagement occurs. The rotation of the pulley tends to center the band on the pulley so that a displacement is corrected quickly. As a result of this, the belt remains on the pulley under varied service conditions.

As best shown in Figure 2, the second pulleys 28 are positioned between the first pulleys 22. The axes 20 and 26 are positioned so that the first sections of the strip 32, which are the lower sections of the first bands 24, and the second band sections 34 which are the upper band sections of the second bands 30, extend in a generally coplanar relationship for reasons that will be discussed in greater detail later.

As shown in Figure 10, the apparatus includes a pair of first and second vertical spaced side walls 36 and 38, respectively. The side walls 36 and 38 each have a lower foot portion that is su <. & to the base plate 14 using conventional fasteners. The first and second axes 20 and 26 are screwed into the bearings 40 which are placed in the openings in the side walls. A pair of tie rods 42 extend between the side walls 36 and 38 and support the side walls in a suitably spaced relationship.

A first edge guide 44 is mounted to the first side wall 36 (see Figure 2). A second edge guide 46 is mounted in a transversely disposed relationship from the first edge guide 44 and is positioned between one of the adjacent pairs of the first and second band sections 32 and 34, respectively.

The second edge guide 46 is mounted on a plate spring 48. The plate spring 48 is mounted on its lower side in an angle bracket 50. The angle bracket 50 is mounted on the base plate 14 by fasteners that they each extend through a pair of transversely spaced and spaced slots 52 (see Figure 10). The spaced slots 52 allow the second edge guide 46 to be positioned at a selected distance from the first edge guide 44. Both first and second edge guides 44 and 46 are generally "c" shaped in cross section and have the tapered guide surfaces 54 at each end. The guide surfaces extend outwardly from each edge of the "C" shaped edge guides generally to facilitate the entry of a bank passbook into the interior of the space joined by the walls of the edge guide.

The first and second bands 24 and 30 are impelled by an impeller generally indicated with the number 56. As best shown in Figures 5 and 10, the impeller 56 includes an electric motor D.C. 58 which is mounted on the wall 36. The motor 58 has a drive shaft which is a pulley 60 mounted thereon. The pulley 60 drives a first drive belt 62 which rotates a double pulley 64 which is mounted for rotation on a bolt extending from the wall 36. The double pulley 66 includes an inner pulley surface which is similar in shape. diameter to the outer pulley surface driven by the first drive belt 62. The inner pulley surface drives a second drive belt 66 which in turn drives a pulley mounted on the second shaft 26 at the transport exit end. A pair of meshing gears 68 are mounted on the axes 20 and 26 at the outlet end. The impeller 56 serves as a speed reducer and allows the motor 58 to drive the first and second conveyor belts. The motor 58 is a motor that is inverted so that it can rotate in any direction and therefore move the conveyor belts in any direction and at various speeds.

As best shown in FIG. 12, the entry end 16 includes an entry slot 70 through which the passbooks can be moved. As discussed in detail below, a gate member may be moved to selectively lock the entry slot or allow a bank pass to pass through the entry slot and enter an entry area, where a bank passbook You can make contact with the first and second bands. The inlet slot 70 is joined by a lower front panel 74 and an upper front panel 76. The panels are held in a spaced relationship by a pair of spacers 78. The front panels 74 and 76 have transversely elongated slots 80 there which unite each side of the input slot. The transparent lenses 82 are placed in the slot 80. The lenses 82 extend into the slots 80 to prevent the accumulation of dirt or other material therein. The slotted back braces 84 hold the lenses 82 in position. As will be discussed later in detail, the lenses 82 allow the infrared sensors to perceive the position of a bank passbook in the entry slot.

As shown in Figure 10, the passbook conveyor also includes a processor board 86 and an input / output board (I / O) 87. The processor and the I / O-J boards are mounted in a cashier box. two pieces 88 which is mounted on the side wall 38. The processor board 86 includes a processor and a memory and is electrically connected through a board and / or the other components of the passbook conveyor in a manner that is will discuss later in detail.

The gate member 72 moves between the open and closed positions by an actuating assembly generally indicated by the number 90. The gate actuator assembly includes a rotary solenoid 92 (see FIG. 15). The rotary solenoid 92 has an actuator which is connected to a closing cam 94. As shown in FIG. 14, the gate member 72 generally has an "S" shape in cross section and includes a lower cam follower portion. 96 which is engaged with the closing cam 94 in the closed position of the gate member 72.

The gate member 72 includes an upper bent edge 98. The bent edge 98 engages an inner surface of the upper front panel 76 in the closed position of the gate member. In the open position the folded edge 98 provides a guiding surface for guiding a bank pad in and out of the space between the upper and lower front panels. The gate member 72 further includes a flap 100. A flap 100 is designed to be accepted within the groove of a photosensor 102 when the gate member 72 is in an open position, which is shown in phantom in the figure. 14. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, sensor 102 is a HOA7720-M22 Honeywell model.

As shown in Figure 13, the gate member 72 includes a pair of longitudinally extending legs 104. The legs 104 rotate on the bolts 206 which extend from the side walls 36 and 38. The folded edge 98 of the member 72 includes the cuts 108. The edges 108 are configured to allow the member 72 to move downward to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 14 and allow the input slot 70 to be open to the entry area where a notepad of bank can hook the bands. The cuts 108 are positioned transversely along the folded edge 98 so that the second pulleys 28 are accepted in the cuts when the gate member is in the open position.

As best shown in Figure 7, a left edge or a first infra-red sensor is mounted through the input slot 70 adjacent the side wall 36. The first sensor 110 is of conventional construction and includes a transmitter and a infrared receiver. The sensor is in alignment with the slotted openings 80 and is enabled to perceive through the lenses 82 which extend into the slots. The first sensor 110 is adjacent a first edge guide surface 112 of the first edge guide 44 (see Figure 8). In the preferred embodiment, the sensor 110 is spaced inwardly from the first fixed edge guide by about 7 millimeters.

A wide or second sensor 114 is placed in transverse alignment with the first sensor 110. The second sensor 114 is also an infrared sensor of conventional construction having a transmitter and a receiver that perceive by light transmission through the slots 80 and the lenses 82. The second sensor 114 is generally adjacent to a second edge guiding surface 116 of the second edge guide 46, and is spaced about 7 millimeters inward therefrom.

A wide document or third sensor 118 is placed slightly forward in the transverse direction from the second sensor 114. The third sensor 118 also includes a transmitter and a receiver which is perceived through the slots 80 and the lenses 82. The third sensor 118 it is positioned slightly away from the outer edge of the front guide surface 54 of the second edge guide 46 by about 7 millimeters.

The second sensor 114 and the third sensor 118 are mounted in a form of quick clamp fasteners which are held by the fasteners in transversely extending sensor mounting slots 120 and 122 which extend into the upper and lower front panels 76 and 74, respectively.

The bank book transport and handling apparatus further includes a length or fourth sensor 114 that is positioned in a longitudinal direction from the first sensor 110. The fourth sensor 124 includes a transmitter and a receiver, each of which is mounted on a clamp 126. The clamps 126 can move longitudinally in the slots 128 in the first side wall 36. As explained below, the fourth sensor 124 allows the passbook conveyor of the present invention to be adopted for use with passbooks. bank of various sizes.

A present document or fifth sensor 130 is mounted on the passbook conveyor adjacent to the passbook printer 12. The fifth sensor 130 allows the transport of the present invention to sense the passage of a passbook to and from the printer 12 in a way that will be explained later.

All sensors 110, 114, 118, 124 and 130 are preferably infrared sensors. In the preferred embodiment, each sensor includes a Model SFH 409-2 emitter and a Model SFH 309-F-3 detector available from the Siemens Company. The detectors preferably include a filter so that they are not susceptible to false signals from other light sources.

In operation, a bank booklet in which the printing is to be carried out is presented by the customer to the automated teller machine in which the paper pass printing and transport mechanism is mounted. The bank books in relation to which this present invention is designed to be used are of conventional design which are bent in the closed position. The bank books are composed of multiple pages and / or sheets.

Before the insertion of the bank book inside the conveyor of the present invention, the bank book is unfolded to the open position. In this position the bank book has a first flat surface 132 and a second lower flat surface 134 (see Figure 2). In addition, the bank book has a leading edge 136 which is the edge presented first inside the conveyor and a trailing edge 138 (see Figure 7). The bank book further includes a first side edge surface 140 and a second side edge surface positioned transversely and parallel 142. When a customer presents his bank clip to the machine, it extends through the opening in the face of the machine and enters the entry slot 70. If there is no bank passbook on the conveyor, the gate member 72 is kept closed by contacting the closure cam 94 with the follower surface 96 on the member. of gate. The 1/0 board and the processor are connected to the sensors and control the motor and the gate member. The gate member will not open unless the bank book is positioned to lock the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 114 without blocking the third sensor 118. These three sensors are positioned to ensure that only one bank book having the Adequate width will be admitted to the transporter. If the bank book is positioned and sized to lock the sensors 110 and 114 but not the 118, the rotary solenoid 92 is actuated by a signal from the process to rotate the closure cam 94 to disengage the gate member 72. When this occurs, the gate member drops to the position shown in phantom in figure 14. This allows the bank book to move through the entry slot 70 and to an entrance area adjacent to the gate where it can hook the first and second bands 24 and 30, respectively.

Upon opening the gate member 72, the flap 100 on the gate member moves to be accepted within the sensor 102. This provides a signal to the processor board and indicates that the gate is in an open position. In the perception of a bank book that is of the proper width (for example, it blocks the sensors 110 and 114, but not the 118) the processor also operates to generate a signal to turn on the motor 58 which causes the bands 24 and 30 begin to move in a forward direction so that the first bands of band 32 and the second bands of band 34 will tend to pull the passbook into the area between the bands. As best shown in Figure 2, the coplanar positions of the first and second band sections cause the bank book to be "woven" and carried between the band sections in a manner that holds the bank book while It provides a limited slip. This is very significant since the band sections are enabled to exceed the movement of the bank book without causing any damage to it.

As shown in FIG. 2, the coplanar position of the band sections 32 and 34 causes the hook face surface of the bank book of the lower band section to be located above the face surface contacting the bank book of the upper band section. The offset between the face surfaces is equal to the thickness of the bands. This works successfully for many bank books. For transporting thicker or stiffer items, it may be desirable to have the surfaces facing the same level or spaced apart *. Similarly, for thinner or more flexible articles, it may be desirable to have the face surfaces with a greater offset to increase the "tissue" effect. In other embodiments, the lateral distance between the bands and the pulleys can be made variable to ideally match the nature of the article carried. This can be done automatically by incorporating a thickness sensor inside the device and moving the bands so that they separate according to the perceived thickness. This allows the transport to be made to exactly the thickness of the item being transported.

Upon entering the bank book between the web sections, the first and second side edge surfaces 140 and 142 of the bank book make contact with the first and second edge guides 44 and 46 respectively. The tapered guide surfaces 54 at the front and rear ends of the edge guides facilitate the passage of the edge surfaces into the interior of the "C" shaped edge guides. The second edge guide 46 on the plate spring 48 operates so that if the bank book becomes misaligned, the deflection of the spring 48 provides a pressing force tending to move the bank book back to a proper contact with the first edge guide 44. This construction is significant because it allows the alignment of the bank book without the application of excessive force which can cause damage to the same. In addition, the gentle alignment action of the spring force on the second edge guide allows the gradual connection of any misalignments that may occur during the transport of the bank book.

The processor associated with the bank book conveyor drives the first and second bands to move the bank book into the conveyor to the position shown in figure 7 where the leading edge 136 of the bank book is perceived by the fourth sensor 124. In this position, sensors 110, 114 and 124 are all in a perception relationship with the bank book momentarily. The processor on the processor board 86 is programmed so that if the sensor 118 is locked at any time while the bank book moves inside the conveyor to the sensor 124, the motor direction will be reversed and the bank book will be reversed. will return to the client.

The processor is also programmed so that if the sensor 110 is unlocked and the sensor 124 is not blocked, as would be expected for a suitable-sized bank book, the processor that serves as a means to reverse the motor direction, reverses the address the motor. The motor 58 is run in the reverse direction until the bank book is returned out of the entry slot 70 to the customer. It was determined that the bank book is back in the entry slot through the signals of the sensors 110 and 114. This prevents acceptance of a bank book that is of correct width but is "too short".

Alternatively, the processor may be programmed so that if the sensors 110 and 114 must continue to perceive the bank book beyond the perception thereof by the sensor 124, the direction of the motor 58 may be inverted so as to return the address book. Bank out of the 70 entry slot to the customer. This prevents the entry of a bank book that is "too long".

If the bank book is of the proper size, the gate will close once the bank book has unlocked the sensor 110. The bank book will pass through the conveyor to the exit end 18 where it will be sensed by the sensor 130 The sensor 130 drives the passbook printer 12 to prepare the start of the operation. The processor also responds to sensor 130 to decelerate the motor. The motor slows down to move the bank book at a speed that is slightly slower than the speed at which the printer will move the bank book once it is engaged with it. As shown in Figure 11, the printer 12 includes a plurality of adjacent clamping point rollers 144 which firmly hold the pad there for the purpose of accurately moving the pad as to place the impression on the next line available.

As the bank book moves through the first and second strips 24 and 30 within the clamping point rollers 144, the processor controls the motor 58 so that the strips exceed until the bank book is securely engaged by the reel rollers. attachment point. The contact of the bankbook by the printer causes a signal to be generated which is received by the processor. The processor then operates to close the motor. The bank book is then moved by the rollers of the printer's clamping point.

As previously discussed, due to the spaced relationship of the bands, they are enabled to pass over the bank book without causing any damage to it. Similarly, after the printer 12 has printed on the bank book and begins to move through the clamping point rollers 144 back between the webs 30 and 24, the processor receives a signal from the printer and in In response the motor 58 starts in the reverse direction to push the bank book in the reverse direction back to the input slot 70. The processor also opens the gate member 72. If the processor fails to receive a signal from the sensor 102 that the gate is open, the processor stops the bands. As the printer is returning the bank booklet to the conveyor, the webs are operated at a slow speed so as to pass the bank book until the clamping point rollers 144 disengage the bank book. The speed of the bands in this condition is slightly faster than the speed of the bank book that comes out of the clamping point rollers.

With the release of the clamping point rollers 144 from the printer, the bank book is carried between the first and second web sections in the manner shown in Figure 2 back to the input end 16 of the conveyor. In an alternate mode, if the bank book does not reach the first sensor 110 within the time set by the program operating in the processor, the motor increases the speed. This is effective to free a bank book that has jammed on the carrier. Once the bank book reaches the sensor 110 the motor shuts off after a time delay which ensures that the bank book is extended from the face of the machine where a customer can pick it up.

In another alternate embodiment, once the bank book leaves the printer holding rollers, the sensor 130 sends a signal to the processor. In response, the processor causes the motor to increase speed by bringing the latter out of the entry slot to the customer. This helps the transporter shorten the return time.

The processor is also operative to carry out a computer program in wired microprogramming which works to detect fault conditions and to make sure that only suitably sibank books are admitted to the conveyor. The processor is also operative to extend the life of infrared sensors, by turning off the emitters when the sensors are not in use.

The program executed by the processor of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 17-21. As shown in Figure 17, transportation is made operative through a client indicating that they intend to present a bank passbook to the automated teller machine. This is usually done by the customer by pushing the appropriate key or other input device into the ATM machine. This activates the transport mechanism in a step 146. The processor first operates to turn on the emitters of the infrared sensors.

The processor then "reads" the conditions of the first, second and third sensors 110, 114 and 118 in a step 148. The processor then decides if the bank booklet being presented is e-quoted and is of the proper width by blocking the sensors 110 and 114, but not the 118 in a step 150. If this condition is not satisfied the program returns to step 148. If the bankbook appears correctly si a second reading verification of the sensors is made in step 152. A decision is made again in step 154 if the bank book is suitably si An additional check to see if the bank book is over wide and a check to block the sensor 118 is done in step 156. If the bank book appears to be of the correct width and is properly positioned, the gate member 72 is opened in step 158.

The perception of the opening of the gate member 72 based on the signals of the sensor 102 is verified in step 160. If the gate did not open the sensors are closed in a step 162 and a failure condition is indicated. If the gate opens properly, the processor turns on the motor to begin moving the bands in a step 164. As the bands begin to move, the processor also begins a synchronization routine in step 166. The synchronization routine 166 operates to Verify that the bank book properly enters the conveyor as explained hereinafter.

As the bank book moves inside the conveyor, the processor continues to read sensors lio, 114 and 118 in step 168. Sensor 118 is monitored and if it is blocked in step 170, which suggests a problem with the size or In the form of the bankbook, the processor operates to return the engine to return the bankbook to the customer in step 172 and to close the gate in step 174. The customer is then at liberty to reinsert the bankbook. Bank.

If the sensor 118 is not locked while moving, the bank book inside the conveyor, the processor waits for the sensor 110 to be unlocked in step 176. If the sensor has not been unlocked, the processor will see if the synchronization routine 166 It has been out of time in step 178.

If not, the processor returns to step 168. However, if the synchronizer has expired there is a problem. In this case the processor reverses the address of the engine to return the bankbook to step 180 to return the notebook to the customer.

The gate is then closed in step 182 and the sensors are turned off in step 184.

If the sensor 110 unlocks in step 176 before the time routine 166 expires, the processor checks to see if the sensor 124 is blocked in step 186. If not, the bank booklet ^ is "very short" and the steps 188 and 190 are executed to invert the motor, to return the notebook to the customer and close the gate. If the sensor 124 is locked when the sensor 110 is unlocked then the passbook is of sufficient length and the processor closes the gate member in the passage 192.

The lock of the gate starts a time control routine 194. The processor reads sensor 130 in step 196 and sees it to perceive the bank book in step 198. A check is made in step 200 if the routine time control 194 has been out of time before the bankbook is sensed on a sensor 130. If so, the transport is stopped and turned off at step 202.

If the arrival of the bank book on one side of the sensor 130 is perceived within the allowed time, the clamping point rollers on the printer start moving in step 204. Then the processor slows down the motor to reduce the speed towards forward of the bank book in one step 206 to slightly less than the linear speed of the printer holding rollers.

As the conveyor belts decelerate, the processor institutes another time control routine 208. The printer generates signals once the bank book is on the clamping point rollers. These signals indicate whether the printer has accepted the bank booklet and whether it is being held in its clamping point rollers or if the printer has rejected the bank book and failed to accept it within its clamping point rollers.

In step 210, it is verified whether the printer has sent a signal by rejecting the bankbook. If not, the processor looks for an acceptance signal from the printer in step 212. If the bank book has been accepted, then everything has worked properly and the processor stops the bands in step 214.

If there has not been a rejection of the bank book in step 210, but the printer has not accepted the bank book in step 212, a check is made in step 216 to determine if the time control routine 208 has expired. If not, the processor returns to step 210. If the time has expired, the processor increases the speed of the motor and band in step 218 to quickly present the bank book to the printer. This change in speed may be operative to release a jammed bank book or to overcome a resistance to entry into the clamping point rollers.

If the printer rejects the bankbook in step 210, the processor changes the direction of travel of the bands in step 220 until the sensor 130 is unlocked in step 222. The bands are then stopped in step 224. The The processor then checks to see how many times it has previously been attempted to insert this bank book into the printer and compares this with a preset number in step 226. If the number of previous unsuccessful tests is equal to the pre-set maximum, the conveyor goes off and a failure condition is indicated in step 228.

If the number of trials is less than the maximum set, the processor begins moving the passbook to the printer again in step 230. A time control routine similar to routine 194 is started in step 232. The number of previous unsuccessful trials is increased in step 234 and the program returns to step 196. The steps are repeated until the printer either accepts the bank book or until a failure condition occurs.

The portion of the computer program for returning the bank book from the printer to the customer is shown in Figures 20 and 21. The processor waits for a signal from the printer indicating the return of the bank book to the conveyor in step 236. In response to the signal, the processor turns on the motor to run the bands in a reverse direction in step 238. The bands are run in the reverse direction somewhat faster than the linear speed of the clamping point rollers. The processor opens the gate member in step 240. The opening of the gate member is verified in step 242. If the gate fails to open the conveyor it is turned off and a fault is indicated in step 244.

Even when in the displayed program the bands are run in the reverse direction at a constant speed, in other modes the bands are run at a first speed until the bank book is disengaged from the printer as perceived by the printer or by the printer. sensor 130. The bands are then run at a higher speed until the bank book reaches the sensor 110.

The opening of the gate member causes the start of a time control routine 246. The processor then sees if the sensor 110 senses the bank book at one side of the input slot in step 248. A check is made at step 250 to see if the time control routine 246 has been out of time before the sensor 110 is blocked. If so, there is a problem and the conveyor goes off and indicates a fault in step 252.

Alternatively, if the time control 246 has run out of time before the sensor 110 is blocked by the bank book, the processor increases the speed of the motor. This change in speed often frees a bankbook that has jammed on the carrier.

If the bank book reaches the sensor 110 before the time control routine 246 runs out of time, the processor turns off the motor in step 254 after a short time delay, and starts another time control routine 256. The time delay before the motor shuts down ensures that the bank book extends sufficiently from the conveyor so that it can be taken by the customer. The processor then waits for the sensor 110 to be unlocked, indicating that the customer has taken the bank book in step 258. If the bank book is removed before the time control routine 256 is out of time, the gate is closed in step 260.

In step 262 the processor checks to see if routine 256 has been out of time. If the time control routine has been out of time, a counter is incremented in step 264. A check is made to see if the number stored in the counter has reached a pre-set number (which in the preferred mode is 5) in step 266. If not, the processor moves the bands to pull the passbook back into the transport in step 268. If the sensor 110 is unlocked in step 270, the processor starts moving the bands and the bank book returning to the client in step 272. A routine control time similar to routine 246 is started in step 274 and the program returns to step 248.

After the pre-set number of unsuccessful attempts to deliver the bank book to the customer in step 266, the processor saw the member of gate in step 276. The program is returned 15 seconds in step 278. In step 280 the processor again checks to see if the sensor 110 is unlocked. Otherwise the gate is again opened in step 282 and the processor begins moving the passbook into the conveyor until the sensor 110 is unlocked in step 284. The conveyor is then turned on again to move to the passbook. bank back to the client in step 286. A routine similar to routine 246 starts at step 288 and the program returns to step 248.

The bank book carrier therefore continues to try to deliver the bank book back to the customer until the bank book is taken. The repeated movement of the bank book in and out of the slot entrance operates to draw customer attention and help ensure that customers will take their bank books.

A fundamental advantage of the present invention is its ability to transport a bank book or other article composed of a single sheet or multiple sheets in a precisely aligned manner while providing a limited slip as to avoid damage to them when The bank book is delivered to the printer which moves at a different speed. The conveyor is also capable of moving items such as banknotes which have covers, which gives each surface a different coefficient of friction.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the transport can be easily modified to accept bankbooks of different widths. This is achieved by changing the position of the second edge guide 46 which can be moved by changing the position of the angle clamp 50 and the slots 52 of the base plate 14. In addition, the positions of the second sensors , third and fourth can easily be modified to accommodate the length and width of any bank notebook with which the transport is to be used. Such modification can be easily achieved and allows the bank book carrier of the present invention to be used with a variety of bank books.

A further advantage of the invention is that unlike other transports, there is no compression of the webs while they are loose, which can cause undesirable rubber compression, flat spots and web creping. The restraint of the bands caused by the differences in speed is also avoided. Such problems are common in conveyors which use butt bands.

The "waffle" effect on articles moved on the conveyor of the present invention causes the scrubbing of the transported article. This makes it easier to move the transported article through the joints or separations which can extend between the conveyor and other devices.

Another fundamental advantage of the invention is that skewing is avoided. In previous conveyors which had opposite bands or rollers, articles having a non-uniform thickness in a direction perpendicular to the displacement will have to be biased. This is due to the fact that the greater thickness results in a puncturing action and that more driving force is applied in the thicker area. Because the conveyor of the present invention is affected by articles of varying thickness, transport in an aligned direction is achieved without skewing.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention is used as a passbook conveyor, other types of materials or objects may be transported using the invention. This can be particularly to include stacked items such as sheets.

Therefore, the bank book transport and management apparatus for a banking machine of the present invention achieves the above mentioned objectives, avoids the difficulties encountered in the use of the above devices and systems, solves problems and achieves the desirable results described therein. .

In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. However, limitations not necessary to them should not be implicated because such terms are for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly considered. In addition, the descriptions and illustrations given by way of example and the invention are not limited to the exact details shown and described.

Having described the characteristics, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated and the advantages and useful results achieved; New and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations of systems, equipment, operations and relationships are established in the attached clauses.

Claims (48)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A bank book conveyor apparatus for moving a bank book between a customer and a printer in a banking machine, said bank book has a first generally flat surface and a second generally flat opposed surface, and a pair of side edge surfaces first and second generally parallel and opposite, said apparatus comprises: a plurality of first movable band sections, said band sections extending in a longitudinal direction, said first sections engaging said first planar surface of said bank book; at least a second section of movable band, said second band section extends in the longitudinal direction, said second band section can engage with said second flat surface of said bank book when said first section is engaged with said first flat surface; a first edge guide extending in a longitudinal direction, said first edge guide can be engaged with a first edge surface of said bank book; a second edge guide extending in a longitudinal direction, said second edge guide being engageable with said second side edge surface of said edge book when dicfeJt, first edge guide is * engaged with the first edge surface; a spring pressing the second edge guide towards the first edge guide, whereby when the bank book is between said edge guides, said first and second side edge surfaces are maintained in alignment with said edge guides; Y an impeller for moving said first and second band sections, whereby the bank book is carried between said first and second band sections.

2. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said second band section is positioned transversely between said first band sections.

3. A bank book conveyor apparatus for moving a bank book between a person and a printer in a banking machine, said bank book has a first generally flat surface and a second generally flat opposed surface, and a pair of side edge surfaces first and second generally parallel and opposite, said apparatus comprises: a plurality of first mobile V * band sections, said band sections extending in a longitudinal direction, said first sections can engage with said first flat surface of said bank book; at least a second section of movable band, said second band section extends in the longitudinal direction, said second band section can be engaged with said second flat surface of said bank book when said first section is engaged with said first flat surface; a first edge guide extending in a longitudinal direction, said first edge guide can be engaged with the first side edge surface of said bank book; a second guide extending in a longitudinal direction, said second guide can be engaged with said second lateral edge surface of said bank book when said first edge guide is engaged with said first edge surface; a generally flat plate spring pressing the second edge guide towards the first edge guide and wherein said flat spring extends generally perpendicular to said first and second flat surfaces of said bank passbook, whereby when said bank passbook is between the edge guides said first and second side edge surfaces are held in alignment with the edge guides; Y an impeller that moves said first and second band sections, whereby said bank book is carried between the first and second band sections.

4. The apparatus as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that said second edge guide extends at a free end of said plate spring.

5. The apparatus as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that said second edge guide is generally of "C" shape in cross section.

6. The apparatus as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said second edge guide includes tapered guide surfaces at the front end thereof, whereby said bank book is guided into the edge guide.

7. The apparatus as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that said second edge guide includes tapered guide surfaces at a rear end of ; ~ said rear end placed longitudinally opposite to * 5 said front end.

8. The apparatus as claimed in clause 7, characterized in that said first edge guide is an identical image of said second edge guide.

9. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said apparatus comprises means for selectively placing said second edge guide so that said apparatus is enabled to carry notebooks of 15 bank of different dimensions.

10. The apparatus as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said first and second band sections are generally coplanar.

11. The apparatus as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said apparatus has an entrance end, and wherein said bank booklet is delivered by said client inside the entrance end, and wherein said 25 first and second web sections are screwed onto the first and second pulleys respectively, and wherein said entry end of said apparatus said pulleys are aligned in a transverse direction of said longitudinal direction.

12. The apparatus as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that said first and second pulleys are crowned pulleys and wherein said belts are composed of elastic material, whereby said belts are self-centered on said pulleys.

13. The apparatus as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that the pulleys have a pulley width greater than a bandwidth of said belts.

14. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said apparatus includes a plurality of second band sections, said second band sections being placed transversely between said first band sections.

15. The apparatus as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that said apparatus comprises the first bands each bolted on the first pulleys, said first pulleys are mounted coaxially on a pair of spaced first axes, said first bands include said first sections of band, said apparatus further comprises the second bands each screwed on the second pulleys, said second pulleys are mounted coaxially on a pair of spaced apart second axes, said second bands include said second band sections, and wherein said first and second web sections second they are generally coplanar.

16. The apparatus as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that said first and second axes are adjacent, and wherein said first and second webs are elastic, and wherein said first and second pulleys are crowned pulleys.

17. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized by further comprising a movable gate member for selectively blocking access to said first and second webs.

18. The apparatus as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that said gate member comprises a follower part of cam, said apparatus further comprises a closing cam and means for moving said closing cam wherein said cam allows movement of said gate member between a first position wherein said gate member blocks access to said bands by means of a bank book and a second position wherein said gate member allows the bank book to enter between said bands.

19. The apparatus as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said apparatus includes a frame and wherein said gate member includes a pair of legs, and wherein said legs are mounted in a pivoting manner on said frame.

20. The apparatus as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said cam follower part and said gate member is generally U-shaped in cross section.

21. The apparatus as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that said gate member further comprises in cross section an edge portion bent at an opposite end of said follower cam part, whereby said bent edge serves as a guide.

22. The apparatus as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that said bent edge portion includes at least one cut and wherein at least one of the second band sections are enabled to pass through said cut in the second section. position of said gate member.

23. A bank note transport apparatus for moving the bank book between a person and a printer in a banking machine, said bank book has a first generally flat surface and a second generally flat surface, and a pair of side edge surfaces first and second generally parallel and opposite, said apparatus comprises: a plurality of first movable band sections, said band sections extending in a longitudinal direction, said first sections engaging said first planar surface of said bank book; at least a second movable band section, said second band section extending in the longitudinal direction, said second section can be engaged with said second flat surface of said bank book when said first section is engaged with said first flat surface; an entry area for admitting said bank book between said first and second band sections; a first sensor adjacent said entrance area; a second sensor adjacent said inlet area and transversely spaced from said first sensor; an impeller moving said first and second band sections, whereby said bank book is carried between the first and second band sections; wherein said first and second sensors are in operative connection with said impeller wherein said impeller can be operated to move said band sections in a first longitudinal direction to accept said bank pass between the first and second band sections upon perceiving said passbook. bank by the first and second sensors.

24. The apparatus as claimed in clause 23, characterized in that it comprises another third sensor spaced transversely beyond the first sensor than the second sensor, said third sensor in operative connection with said impeller wherein when said bank book is perceived by said sensor is first, second and third, said impeller is inoperative.

25. The apparatus as claimed in clause 23, further characterized in that it comprises a first edge guide extending in the longitudinal direction, said first edge guide can be engaged with the first side edge surface of said bank book, and a second edge guide extending in said longitudinal direction, said second edge guide can be engaged with said second side edge surface of said bank book when said first edge guide engages said first edge surface, and wherein said first sensor is generally aligned in the longitudinal direction with said first edge guide and said second sensor is generally aligned longitudinally with said second edge guide.

26. The apparatus as claimed in clause 23, further characterized in that it comprises a fourth sensor placed in the longitudinal direction from said first sensor, said fourth sensor is in operative connection with said impeller, and wherein said impeller can be operated to stop the movement of said first and second band sections in the first longitudinal direction unless said bank book is perceived by said fourth sensor when it is no longer perceived by said first or second sensors.

27. The apparatus as claimed in clause 26, characterized in that one of said first sensor or said second sensor is further operatively connected to a time control device wherein said impeller stops the movement of the first and second band sections in the first address if one of said first sensor or said second sensor does not cease to perceive said bank book a time after the fourth sensor senses said bank book.

28. The apparatus as claimed in clause 26, further characterized in that it comprises means for moving said first and second band sections in an opposite longitudinal direction after stopping the movement of said band sections in the first direction.

29. The apparatus as claimed in clause 27, characterized in that it further comprises means for moving said first and second band sections in an opposite longitudinal direction after stopping the movement of said band sections in the first direction.

30. A bank book conveyor apparatus for moving a bank book between a person and a printer in a banking machine, said bank book has a first generally flat surface and a second generally flat surface and a pair of first and second side edge surfaces. second, generally parallel or opposite, said apparatus comprises: a plurality of first movable band sections, said band sections extending in a longitudinal direction, said first sections being engageable with said first flat surface of said bank book; at least a second section of movable band, said second band section extends in the longitudinal direction, said second band section can engage with said second flat surface of said bank book when said first section is engaged with said first flat surface; an entry area for admitting said bank book between the first and second band sections; a mobile gate member selectively blocking said entry area; a first edge guide extending in a longitudinal direction, said first edge guide can be engaged with a first side edge surface of said bank book; a second edge guide extending in a longitudinal direction, said second edge guide can be engaged with said second side edge surface of said bank book when said first edge guide is engaged with the first edge surface; an impeller which moves said first and second band sections, whereby said bank book is carried between said first and second band sections; a first sensor adjacent said entrance area; a second sensor adjacent said entrance area; said second sensor transversely spaced from said first sensor; Y wherein the first and second sensors are operatively connected to said gate member and wherein the gate member opens said entry area upon perceiving the bank book at one side of the first and second sensors.

31. The apparatus as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that said first sensor is generally aligned in the longitudinal direction with said first edge guide and said second sensor is generally aligned in the longitudinal direction with said second edge guide.

32. The apparatus as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that said apparatus further comprises a sensor adjacent to said input area, said third sensor is transversely spaced further forward of said first sensor than said second sensor, and wherein said third sensor is operatively connected to said gate member and wherein when said bank book is sensed by said first, second and third sensors, said gate member is in a blocking relationship of said input.

33. The apparatus as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that it further comprises a fourth sensor spaced in the longitudinal direction of said first sensor, said fourth sensor in operative connection with said gate member and said impeller, and further comprises means for closing said gate member when the bank book is perceived to one side of said fourth sensor and is placed from said first sensor when said sections move in a first longitudinal direction.

34. The apparatus as claimed in clause 33, further characterized in that it comprises means for sensing said gate member in the open position and means for stopping the movement of said bank pad in an opposite longitudinal direction if said gate member is not perceived in the open condition.

35. The apparatus as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that said sensing means comprises a fin extending from said gate member.

36. A conveyor apparatus for moving an article from an entrance end to an exit end of said conveyor comprising: a plurality of first movable band sections extending parallel and in a longitudinal direction, each of said first band sections supported on said first support members at longitudinally spaced intervals; at least a second section of movable band extending in the longitudinal direction, said second section of band placed transversely between said first band sections and generally coplanar with them, said second sections of band held on the second support members longitudinally spaced intervals; Y an impeller moving said webs in a first longitudinal direction where an article is carried between said first and second webs; a first edge guide extending in the longitudinal direction and wherein said first edge guide can be engaged with the first side surface of said article as the article moves through said conveyor; a second edge guide extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned from said first edge guide at a distance in a transverse direction, and wherein said second edge guide can be engaged with a second side surface of said article upon movement thereof; items through said conveyor; Y an adjusting mechanism that selectively modifies the distance in said transverse direction between the first and second edge guides, whereby said conveyor is enabled to transport articles having different transverse dimensions.

37. The apparatus as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said apparatus comprises a plurality of second band sections.

38. The apparatus as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said article comprises surfaces of parallel side edges spaced apart.

39. The apparatus as claimed in clause 38, further characterized in that it comprises a spring pressing at least one of said edge guide towards said other edge guide.

A0.1 The apparatus as claimed in clause 39, characterized in that at least one of said first and second edge guides is generally "C" shaped in cross section.

41. The apparatus as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said first and second web sections are composed of elastic material, and wherein said first and second support members include crowned rollers, and wherein said web sections can be moved in contact with said rollers, whereby said band sections are self-centered thereon.

42. The apparatus as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said first band sections have a first article engaging the front face surface in a first front direction, and wherein said second band sections have a second article in the first side. front face surface contact in an opposite face direction, and wherein said first article contact surface is positioned in the first face direction from said second article contact surface.

43. The apparatus as claimed in clause 42, characterized in that said article is a bank book.

44. A method for transporting an article having generally parallel side edge surfaces in an automated banking machine comprising the steps of: holding said article between a plurality of first band segments extending parallel and in a longitudinal direction, said first band sections held on said first support members at longitudinally spaced intervals and a plurality of second band sections extending therein longitudinally and transverse direction between said first band sections, said second band sections held on the second support members at longitudinally spaced intervals, said first and second band sections being generally coplanar; providing a gate member to selectively block an article and prevent it from entering between the band sections; sensing with the first sensors when the width of said article between said edge surfaces generally corresponds to a distance between said first and second longitudinally extending edge guides; Y opening said gate member in response to said sensor means sensing said distance between said edge surfaces; moving said first and second band sections in a first longitudinal direction; Y engaging said article between said first and second web sections wherein said article is carried between said web sections with a first lateral edge surface in contact with said first edge guide and said opposite lateral edge surface in contact with said second guide of edge.

45. The method as claimed in clause 44, further characterized in that it comprises the step of pressing with a spring at least one of the edge guides towards the other of the edge guides.

46. The method as claimed in clause 44, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: moving said web sections in a first direction to accept said article among them; perceiving with a second sensor positioned longitudinally of said first sensor a section of said article; Y moving said webs in an opposite direction when said length is below a value.

47. The method as claimed in clause 44, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: moving said webs in a first direction to accept an article among them; perceiving with a second sensor positioned longitudinally from the first sensor a length of said article; Y moving said webs in an opposite direction when said length is in excess of a value.

48. A bank book conveyor apparatus for moving a bank book between a person and a printer in a banking machine, said bank book being deformable and having a first generally flat surface, and a second surface generally, and a pair of storage surfaces. first and second lateral edges generally parallel, said apparatus comprises: a plurality of first pulleys placed one on the other in a transverse direction; a plurality of first band sections supported on said first pulleys, said first band sections extend in a longitudinal direction, said first band sections extend in a longitudinal direction, said first sections extend generally coplanar and can engage with said first flat surface of said bank book; at least one second pulley placed transversely between an adjacent pair of said first pulleys and positioned outward from each of said first pulleys in said transverse direction; a second band section supported on said second pulley and extending in said longitudinal direction, said second band section generally coplanar with said first band sections, said second band section being engageable with said second flat surface of said bank book when said first band section is engaged with said first flat surface; an impeller moving said first and second web trays in the longitudinal direction and wherein said bank pad can move over said web sections between said pulleys with said lateral edge surfaces generally extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein said The bench is deformed when it is on one side of said pulleys to allow passage therethrough. SUMMARY An apparatus for handling and transporting a bank book to transport a bank book between a customer using an automated banking machine and a printer located within the banking machine including the first webs that can move on the first pulleys. The conveyor further includes the second band sections that can move on the second pulleys. The second band sections are positioned transversely between the first band sections so that a bank book carried there is firmly attached but with a limited slip. The bank book is guided through the transport by a first fixed edge guide. A second edge guide is mounted on a spring so as to push the bank book into alignment as it passes through the transport. A gate member may move between the blocking or admission positions of a bank or carrier book. The movement of the gate member as well as that of the band sections is under the control of a processor. The sensors are operatively connected to and controlled by the processor and prevent the admission and passage of bankbooks improperly sized by the conveyor.