Media storage and recycling system for automated banking machine

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically, this invention relates to an automated banking machine which includes an apparatus for storing sheets such as currency notes. Alternative forms of the invention also have the capability of selectively dispensing sheets that have been previously stored.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. A common type automated banking machine is an automated teller machine (ATM). Automated banking machines are commonly used to conduct transactions such as dispensing cash, making deposits, paying bills and receiving statements. Other types of automated banking machines are used by service providers such as retail clerks and bank tellers to obtain cash from a storage area. Other types of automated banking machines are used to dispense and receive checks, scrip, tickets, vouchers and coupons. For purposes of this disclosure an automated banking machine shall be considered to be any machine which performs transactions involving transfers of value.

[0003] Automated banking machines such as ATMs commonly dispense cash in the form of currency notes to a user from a supply within the machine. Provisions must be made in such machines to periodically replenish the cash which is dispensed. This often involves having an armored car service or similar personnel open the machine and replace the canisters which hold currency sheets or other sheets representative of value.

[0004] Some automated banking machines also accept deposits from customers. Commonly such deposits are accepted in envelopes. The deposited envelopes are marked with identifying indicia and stored in a secure enclosure within the machine. Periodically personnel open the machine, remove the deposit envelopes and verify that the amounts actually deposited correspond to the amounts indicated by users as being deposited in the machine. Again this process typically involves having the deposit envelopes removed by personnel under secure circumstances so that deposited funds are not lost or stolen.

[0005] Some types of currency recycling automated banking machines have been developed. In such machines currency deposited by one customer is identified and stored. The stored currency may then be retrieved from storage and provided to another customer who requests a withdrawal of cash from the machine. Currency recycling machines are not common in the United States due to difficulties associated with identifying and handling the sheets which comprise the U.S. currency bills. In addition current recycling machines generally have limitations associated with slow speeds, reliability and relatively high cost.

[0006] Thus there exists a need for a media storage system for automated banking machines that is more economical, and which operates at higher speeds with greater reliability, There further exists a need for a media storage system in an automated banking machine that enables both storing currency or other sheets in a storage area and dispensing sheets from the storage area so that sheets deposited into the machine by one user may be dispensed to another user.

[0007] JP 07 187468 describes a paper slip storage device which is designed to be compact and which is installed in a game machine island and which securely stores any paper slip inserted.

[0008] US 5,692,740 describes a disk type inventor-stacker with improved sheet control with automatically repositionable fingers.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the appended claims.

[0010] Embodiments can provide an apparatus which stacks sheet media such as U.S. currency notes.

[0011] Embodiments can provide an apparatus which stacks sheets reliably and at high speed.

[0012] Embodiments can provide an apparatus which stacks sheets in a storage area and selectively dispenses sheets from the storage area.

[0013] Embodiments can provide an apparatus which includes an automated banking machine which receives sheets and stacks the sheets therein.

[0014] Embodiments can provide a currency recycling automated banking machine.

[0015] Embodiments can provide a method for storing stacked sheets.

[0016] Embodiments can provide a method for storing and dispensing stacked sheets.

[0017] Embodiments can provide a method for storing sheets in a storage area and dispensing sheets from the storage area.

[0018] Embodiments can provide a method for operating an automated banking machine.

[0019] Further aspects will be made apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.

[0020] The foregoing provisions can be understood from the example embodiments of an automated banking machine described herein. The machine includes a frame which supports a plurality of devices therein. Among the devices in the machine is a sheet moving mechanism which is operative to move sheets along a sheet path.

[0021] A rotatable flipper member is mounted in the machine and is selectively rotated therein. The flipper member includes a peripherally extending slot which is sized to accept a sheet. In an engaging position of the flipper member the slot is positioned to engage a sheet moving in the sheet path.

[0022] A gripper member is movably mounted in supporting connection with the flipper member. The gripper member is movable relative to the slot between a first position and a second position. In the first position the gripper member is positioned to hold a sheet in the slot in relatively fixed engagement with the flipper member. In the second position the gripper member is positioned so that a sheet is enabled to move in the slot relative to the flipper member.

[0023] A stop surface is positioned adjacent to the flipper member such that a projection of the stop surface in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the flipper member intersects the slot when the flipper member is rotated to a releasing position. A moving mechanism is in operative connection with the flipper member and the gripper member. The moving mechanism is operative responsive to a controller in the machine to move the flipper member between engaging and the releasing positions as the gripper member moves between the first and second positions, respectively.

[0024] In operation a sheet moving in the sheet path engages the slot in the flipper member. The gripper member moves to engage and hold the sheet in relatively fixed engagement with the flipper member as the flipper member rotates towards the releasing position. As the flipper member reaches the releasing position the sheet engages the stop surface and is positioned in abutting relation therewith as the gripper member releases the sheet. As a result the sheet is deposited in a stack positioned against the stop surface. The flipper member continues to rotate until it is again in the engaging position adj acent the sheet path.

[0025] In alternative examples sheets are dispensable from the stack into the sheet path. In one example the gripper member includes a high friction segment which is selectively engageable with the first sheet in the stack. A stripping mechanism is provided to minimize the probability that more than one sheet is removed from the stack at any one time. A sheet removed from the stack is then directed into the sheet path.

[0026] The example apparatus described herein is preferably used in an automated banking machine that accepts and stores sheets such as currency notes, checks or similar items of value, and stores them in at least one stack within the machine. Alternative examples include automated banking machines that provide recycling of sheets by accepting sheets from a user and then storing them in a stack. The sheets in the stack are then removed from the stack and dispensed to customers using the machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] 

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the components of an automated banking machine

Figure 2 is a side schematic view of a sheet stacking mechanism used in the automated banking machine shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an isometric exploded view of a first form of a flipper member and a gripper member of a sheet stacking mechanism.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a sheet stacking mechanism in a first position.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a sheet stacking mechanism in a second position.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a sheet stacking mechanism in a third position.

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a sheet stacking mechanism in a fourth position.

Figure 8 is a side schematic view of a plurality of sheet stacking mechanisms arranged in adjacent relation.

Figure 9 is an isometric side view of a pressure plate mechanism.

Figure 10 is a schematic view of the automated banking machine shown in Figure 1 shown in the position accepting sheets into a recycling mechanism.

Figure 11 is a schematic side view showing the recycling mechanism accepting a sheet

Figure 12 is a side view of an alternative form of a flipper member and a gripper member used in a sheet recycling mechanism.

Figure 13 is a schematic view of the automated banking machine shown in Figure 1 shown dispensing a sheet from a recycling mechanism.

Figure 14 is a side schematic view of the recycling mechanism dispensing a sheet.

Figure 15 is a front plan view of a picker/stripper mechanism used for picking and separating sheets in the recycling mechanism.

Figure 16 is a side view of an alternative form of a recycling mechanism in a condition where sheets pass by the mechanism in a main sheet path.

Figure 17 is a view of the recycling mechanism shown in Figure 16 accepting a sheet from the main sheet path for storage in a stack associated with the recycling mechanism.

Figure 18 is a detailed view of the mechanism shown in Figure 17 showing a sheet engaging a slot in the rotating member.

Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 18 with the rotating member rotating clockwise as shown and moving the engaged sheet towards the stack.

Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 19 with the rotating member shown further rotated in a clockwise direction to a position where the note disengages from the rotating member.

Figure 21 is a view similar to Figure 20 showing a stator member coaxially mounted with the rotating member and the stop surface which engages a sheet.

Figure 22 is a view similar to Figure 21 with the sheet shown moved into the stack and the rotating member rotated further towards its initial position.

Figure 23 is a view similar to Figure 17 showing the rotating member returned to the position to accept another sheet.

Figure 24 is a view of the recycling mechanism shown in Figures 16 through 23 with the rotating member in a rotational position in preparation for dispensing a sheet.

Figure 25 is a view similar to Figure 24 with the rotating member moving in a clockwise direction towards a sheet picking position.

Figure 26 is a view similar to Figure 25 with the rotating member shown with a picker portion engaging a sheet to move it from the stack.

Figure 27 is a view similar to Figure 26 with the sheet picked from the stack, moved through the stripper mechanism and into the main sheet path.

Figure 28 is a view similar to Figure 27 showing the sheet picked from the stack moving in the main sheet path and the rotating member rotating towards its home position for purposes of picking a sheet.

Figure 29 is a view similar to Figure 28 with the rotating member shown rotated to its home position for picking a sheet from the stack.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

[0028] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1 there is shown therein an automated banking machine generally indicated 10. In the embodiment shown the automated banking machine 10 is an automated teller machine (ATM) with currency recycling capability. Other types of automated banking machines may be used in connection with embodiments of the invention.

[0029] Machine 10 includes a frame schematically indicated 12. Frame 12 includes a housing for supporting components in and on the machine. It should be understood that frame 12 in various embodiments of the invention may include numerous supporting members, subframes and other components for supporting devices and mechanisms on and within the machine 10.

[0030] Machine 10 includes a customer interface area generally indicated 14. The customer interface area includes an output device 16. In the embodiment shown the output device 16 includes a screen such as a CRT or LCD screen. It should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention other types of output devices including touch screens, flat panel displays, speakers and other types of image or sound projection devices may be used.

[0031] Machine 10 also includes at least one input device. In the embodiment shown the input devices include a card reader schematically indicated 18. The card reader 18 is operative to receive a card or similar object from a user of the machine. The card generally contains indicia encoded thereon which may be used to identify the user. Card reader 18 may be for example a reader used for reading magnetic stripe cards, smart cards or other types of indicia.

[0032] Another type of input device on the machine includes a keypad 20. Keypad 20 in the embodiment shown may be used for inputting identifying information from the customer as well as instructions to the machine.

[0033] It should be understood that the input devices which include the card reader and the keypad are exemplary and in other embodiments other types of input devices may be used. For example other input devices may include biometric type reading devices for receiving inputs which identify a user. Likewise alternative machines may employ function keys or touch screen inputs for receiving instructions. Alternative forms of the invention may further include devices which recognize a user's voice and/or receive instructions by a voice input from a user. Numerous types of output and input devices may be employed as part of the customer interface area 14 depending on the performance requirements and capabilities of the automated banking machine.

[0034] The automated banking machine 10 further includes a controller schematically indicated 22. Controller 22 preferably includes one or more processors. The processors are in operative connection with a memory, which may comprise one or more data stores and is schematically indicated 24. Memory 24 includes programmed instructions as well as data used in operation of the machine. Controller 22 is in operative connection with the input and output devices through various interfaces (not shown). The controller is also in operative connection with a plurality of devices schematically indicated 26. Devices 26 preferably include numerous devices used in the machine for positioning or controlling various mechanical components. Such devices include drive motors, solenoid actuators, sheet guiding mechanisms, sheet moving mechanisms and other similar devices. Because of the numerous types of devices which generally perform such functions in the machine, such devices are shown schematically for simplicity. It should be understood however that the various mechanisms are distributed throughout the machine and are generally adjacent to the components which perform the associated functions.

[0035] The embodiment of the invention shown further includes an opening schematically indicated 28 in the customer interface area. Access to the opening is controlled by a movable gate member 30. In operation of the exemplary machine customers are enabled to insert and receive sheets from the machine through the opening 28 when the gate member is moved by the machine to an open condition. In the embodiment of the invention shown the sheets are generally received from and provided to users in the form of stacks. However in other embodiments individual sheets or other forms of collections of sheets may be received. When sheets are not being moved through the opening a device operates to close the gate. Other embodiments of the invention may include configurations where sheets are accepted for deposit into the machine on one side of the machine such as behind a wall or counter, and are dispensed to users on an opposite side. Alternative configurations may accept and dispense sheets in multiple locations.

[0036] The exemplary machine further includes an escrow and delivery mechanism schematically indicated 32. The escrow and delivery mechanism includes sheet moving mechanisms schematically shown which operate to receive stacks of sheets from users and move them in the machine. The escrow and delivery mechanism 32 is further operative to collect sheets therein and move them outward to a user through the opening 28. The escrow and delivery area may further operate to hold sheets on a temporary basis, as well as to segregate sheets of one type from sheets of another type during operation of the machine. Numerous functions may be provided by the escrow and delivery mechanism 32 depending on the nature of the machine and the programming thereof.

[0037] The exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine 10 also includes an unstack mechanism 34. The unstack mechanism is operative to separate sheets from a stack and deliver them one at a time to other devices in the machine. The unstack mechanism 34 receives stacks of sheets from the escrow and delivery mechanism 32. Sheets separated from the stack are delivered to an aligning mechanism 36. In the preferred form of the invention the aligning mechanism is operative to center and angularly align sheets relative to the sheet path.

[0038] Sheets are moved within the exemplary automated banking machine 10 past a sheet identification mechanism schematically indicated 38. The sheet identification mechanism is operative to determine the particular type of sheet or note which is passed adjacent thereto. In one exemplary form of the invention the sheet identification mechanism includes a bank note denominator and validator of the type shown in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/749,260 filed November 15, 1996, now U.S. Patent No. 5,923,413.

[0039] Sheets that have been analyzed by the sheet identification mechanism are selectively directed responsive to the programming of the controller 22 by a diverter mechanism 40. The diverter mechanism 40 is operative to selectively direct each sheet to either areas within the escrow and delivery mechanism 32 or into connection with a first input sheet conveyor 42.

[0040] Input sheet conveyor 42 extends in the machine as schematically shown. Diverter gates 44, 46 and 48 extend adjacent to the input sheet conveyor and enable selectively directing sheets to sheet moving conveyors 50, 52 or 54. The sheet moving conveyors serve as sheet moving mechanisms for moving sheets adjacent to respective devices.

[0041] A recycling mechanism 56 which may be of one of the types later described in detail is positioned adjacent to sheet moving conveyor 50. Another recycling mechanism 58 is positioned adjacent to sheet moving conveyor 52. The recycling mechanisms 56 and 58 are selectively operative to receive sheets from the adjacent sheet moving conveyor and to store them therein, as well as to dispense sheets from storage and deliver them into the adjacent sheet moving conveyor.

[0042] A plurality of stacking mechanisms 60, 62, 64, 66 and 68 are positioned adjacent to sheet moving conveyor 54. As later described in detail each of the stacking mechanisms is selectively operative to receive sheets from the sheet moving conveyor 54 and to store sheets therein.

[0043] The embodiment of the automated banking machine 10 shown in Figure 1 further includes a dump storage area schematically indicated 70. In the embodiment shown the dump storage area is used for storing sheets which are not to be recycled or stacked. The dump storage area 70 for example may be used for holding sheets which are determined to be counterfeit, sheets which are unidentifiable, or sheets which have been determined to be unsuitable for handling by the machine.

[0044] Machine 10 further includes an output sheet conveyor schematically indicated 72. Output sheet conveyor has positioned adjacent thereto diverter gates 74, 76 and 78. The diverter gates 74, 76 and 78 are selectively operative to direct sheets from the sheet moving conveyors 50, 52 and 54 respectively to the output sheet conveyor 72. Output sheet conveyor 72 is positioned adjacent to central conveyor 80 which is operative to move sheets past the sheet identification mechanism 38 and adjacent to the diverter mechanism 40. It should be understood that although in the embodiment shown the input sheet conveyor 42 is described as feeding sheets into various devices and the output sheet conveyor 72 is described as feeding sheets out of devices, the conveyors and diverter gates used for moving sheets in embodiments of the invention may be operative to move sheets in both directions. Sheet moving devices may have various forms and configurations depending on the requirements of the machine. It should further be understood that the devices shown in automated banking machine 10 are exemplary and other embodiments of the invention may include additional or other types of devices. Such devices may include for example bar code or magnetic character readers suitable for identifying checks or coupons. Other types of devices may include imaging devices for generating electronic images of checks or other instruments. Other types of devices may include printing devices for printing bank checks, travelers checks or other instruments within the machine.

[0045] The operation of the automated banking machine will now be described with respect to exemplary transactions. In the case of the transaction schematically represented by the conditions shown in Figure 1, the transaction involves receiving a sheet from a user which will be stored by a stacking mechanism within the machine. Such a transaction may involve a note, coupon, check, voucher or other sheet which is received from a customer or other user and stored within the machine, but is not stored in a manner which enables it to be subsequently provided by the machine to another customer.

[0046] In this example the user of the machine operates the machine in accordance with instructions generated responsive to the controller 22 and which are output through the screen 16. The customer inputs data through the input devices 18 and 20 such as by insertion of a bank card to the card reader 18 and input of a PIN number through the keypad 20. The customer also operates an input device to request a transaction.

[0047] The controller 22 operates one of its operatively connected devices such as a modem or communications device to communicate with a remote host computer to verify the identity of the user as well as that the user is authorized to conduct the requested transaction. The programming of the controller is operative to generate appropriate messages to the host computer. The host computer is operative to return messages to the machine indicative of whether the customer is authorized to conduct the requested transaction.

[0048] Alternatively the programming associated with the controller 22 may be operative to determine independently whether or not the customer is authorized to operate the machine. This may be accomplished by the machine correlating the PIN and card data input by the user, or through alternative methods and processes in accordance with data stored in its memory. Machines of the invention may be operated in various types of ATM, point of sale or other types of transaction processing systems.

[0049] In the operation of the exemplary embodiment being described, it will be assumed that the user is authorized to operate the machine. The user inserts a plurality of sheets into the machine through the opening, which sheets are shown in Figure 1 in the unstack area 34. The sheets are separated, moved through the aligning mechanism 36 and past the sheet identification mechanism 38 where the type of each sheet is identified. The programming of the controller 22 is operative to determine the appropriate routing for each sheet. For purposes of this exemplary transaction it will be presumed that the sheet identification mechanism 38 has identified a particular sheet as one that the controller determines should be directed to stacking mechanism 68. In this case the diverter mechanism 40 directs the sheet to the input sheet conveyor 42. The controller further actuates diverter gate 48 and runs sheet moving conveyor 54. Sheet moving conveyor 54 receives the sheet and serves as a sheet moving mechanism for moving the sheet to the appropriate sheet stacking mechanism.

[0050] Figure 2 shows sheet stacking mechanism 68 in a position for accepting a sheet indicated 82. The sheet is shown moving from right to left in Figure 2. The sheet moves in connection with the sheet moving conveyor 54 between a belt flight 84 and idler rolls 86. A guide member 88 moves responsive to signals from the controller to a directing position shown in Figure 2. In the directing position the guide member directs the leading edge of the sheet 82 to engage a flipper member 90. The flipper member is rotatably mounted in supporting connection with the frame of the machine and is selectively rotated by a drive or other suitable rotating mechanism which is operated under the control of the controller.

[0051] Flipper member 90 includes a peripherally extending slot 92. In an engaging rotational position of the flipper member shown in Figure 2, the sheet is directed by the guide member 88 into the slot 92. A stack of sheets 94 is positioned in a sheet storage area between the flipper member 90 and a biasing mechanism generally indicated 96. The biasing mechanism 96 includes a stop member 98. The stop member 98 in this exemplary orientation is biased downward by a spring later shown in detail.

[0052] The stacking mechanism 68 further includes a first guide 100 and a second guide 102. The stop member 98 is movable in a generally vertical direction between the guides. The sheets in stack 94 are aligned in the stack with an edge of each sheet generally in abutting relation to a guide surface 104 of guide 100. The parallel guide surface 106 of guide 102 which bounds the storage area holding the stack is slightly disposed from the opposed edges of the sheets.

[0053] The biasing mechanism 96 is shown in greater detail in Figure 9. The stop member 98 extends between two walls 108, 110 which are disposed generally perpendicular to guides 100 and 102. Wall 110 includes an elongated opening 112 therethrough. Wall 108 includes a similar elongated opening 114. A gear rack member 116 is disposed adjacent to elongated opening 112 on the outside surface thereof. A similar gear rack member is disposed on the outside of elongated opening 114, although it is not shown.

[0054] Stop member 98 is attached to two journal portions 118 and 120. The shaft 122 is rotatably mounted and extends through the journal portions. Shaft 122 also extends outward through elongated openings 112 and 114. Gears 124 (only one of which is shown) are mounted at the outward ends of the shaft 122. Gears 124 are sized for engaging the adjacent gear rack members in meshing relation. The torsion spring 126 serves as a biasing member for biasing the stop member 98 toward the downward position. Torsion spring 126 is configured so that as the stop member is moved upward away from the flipper member 90, the rotational movement of the gears due to engagement with the gear rack members causes the torsion spring 126 to provide a downward reaction force.

[0055] Each of the journal portions 118 and 120 further include a guide projection 128, only one of which is shown. The guide projection extends outward into the adjacent elongated openings. The guide projections serve to maintain the journal portions in proper alignment and serve to facilitate movement of the stop member along the direction parallel to the guide surfaces bounding the sheet storage area. The configuration of the biasing mechanism 96 is well adapted for enabling movement of the stop member and the sheets in engagement therewith, while minimizing resistance and binding. Of course, it should be understood that this embodiment is exemplary and other embodiments may use other or additional mechanisms for holding or biasing a stack of sheets.

[0056] The operation of the stacking mechanism 68 is shown in greater detail with reference to Figures 3 through 7. Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the flipper member 90 which is a rotatable member. The flipper member 90 includes a first flipper member half 130 and a second flipper member half 132 that is a mirror image of the first flipper member half. Each flipper member half includes a transverse portion of the peripherally extending slot 92. The flipper member halves are held together with fasteners 134 in the described embodiment. Of course in other embodiments other types of fastening and fabricating techniques may be used.

[0057] A radially extending recess 136 extends between the flipper member halves. A gripper member 138 is movably mounted in the recess 136. In the embodiment shown the gripper member 138 is rotationally movable relative to the flipper member about a pivot 140. Rotation about the pivot 140 is accomplished in the described embodiment through use of a pivot pin 142 which extends between the flipper member halves. It should be understood however that in other embodiments the gripper member or other movable member may be movable in other ways relative to the flipper member and may have other configurations. A spring 144 extends operatively between the flipper member and the gripper member and biases the gripper member to the position shown in Figure 3. In this position the gripper member is biased towards a position in which an inner gripper surface 146 which serves as a gripper portion is disposed relative to slot 92 so that a sheet is enabled to move in the slot. An outer gripper activating surface 148 is biased to extend radially outward relative to the outer flipper surface 150 which overlies the slot.

[0058] As can be seen from Figure 3, each of the flipper member halves include a central opening 152. The central opening 152 enables the flipper member to be mounted in relatively fixed relation on a shaft or similar member which may be used to rotate the flipper member in a manner later explained. Further in the exemplary embodiment of the flipper member shown, the slot 92 is configured to extend from an inward portion 154 of the slot 92. From the inward portion the slot extends as an arcuately outward extending spiral portion 156 until the slot meets the outer flipper surface adjacent a claw-like point 158.

[0059] The operation of the flipper member to move a sheet into the stack 94 in stacking mechanism 68 is shown in greater detail in Figures 4 through 7. In Figure 4 the flipper member 90 is shown in an engaging position in which the slot 92 is rotated such that it can engage the sheet 82 while sheet 82 is moved as shown in Figure 2 along a sheet path by a suitable drive or other sheet moving mechanism. When the guide member 88 is positioned as shown in Figure 2 the sheet 82 moves into the slot 92 as shown in Figure 4. Such movement is enabled because the gripper member 138 is biased to open the slot, and in the engaging rotational position of the flipper member the outer gripper activating surface 148 is disposed away from the sheets in the stack 94. In the embodiment of the flipper member 90 shown, a flexible flap 160 is operatively connected to the flipper member adjacent the opening to slot 92. As later explained in detail the purpose of the flexible flap is to urge sheets which are moved by the flipper member into the stack.

[0060] As the sheet 82 moves to enter the slot 92 the sheet is sensed by a sensor operatively connected to the controller. The flipper member 90 begins to rotate about an axis 162 in the clockwise direction as shown. The flipper member is rotated about the axis by a motor or other suitable drive device or moving mechanism which is operated responsive to signals from the controller. The flipper mechanism 90 rotates to the position shown in Figure 5. In this position, which is generally at about the engaging position, the gripper member 138 rotates about the pivot 140 so that the sheet 82 is held generally in fixed engagement with the flipper member in the slot. The gripper member 138 is moved to a position holding the sheet in the slot by the moving mechanism which rotates the flipper member. Specifically in the embodiment shown the outer gripper actuating surface 148 engages a cam moving surface, which in the condition shown is an outer surface of the lowest sheet in stack 94. As the flipper member rotates such engagement overcomes the force of spring 144 and causes the sheet 82 to be held in fixed engagement in the slot 92. It should be understood that in conditions where a stack of sheets is present, a portion of the adjacent surface of the outermost sheet serves as the cam moving surface upon each rotation of the flipper member. When no sheets are present, the lower surface of the stack member 98 includes the cam moving surface which operatively engages the gripper member and enables movement of the first sheet into the stack.

[0061] From the position shown in Figure 5 the flipper member 90 continues rotating about axis 162. The inward edge of the sheet engages a stop surface 166. The stop surface 166 extends adjacent to and intersects a projection of the slot 92 in the transverse direction when the flipper member 90 is in the releasing position shown in Figure 6. The stop surface 66 in the embodiment shown extends generally transversely and parallel to the axis 162 about which the flipper member 90 rotates. As shown in the Figure the stop surface also extends generally perpendicular to the leading edge portion of the sheet at the point of engagement.

[0062] The engagement of the leading edge portion of the sheet 82 at the stop surface 166 urges the sheet 82 out of the slot 92. Further, rotation of the flipper member 90 in the clockwise direction generally to the releasing position causes the gripper member 138 to generally operatively disengage from the cam moving surface on the outermost sheet in the stack. The gripper member is biased outward by the spring 144. As a result the sheet 82 is enabled to move relative to the slot 92 so that the sheet is aligned and integrated into the stack 94. The rotation of the flipper member 90 clockwise beyond the position shown in Figure 7 further serves to bring the flexible flap 160 to engage the outer face of the sheet 82 so as to urge the sheet into engagement with the other sheets in the stack. Further, the rotation of the flipper member such that the sheet passes out of the slot 92 brings the leading edge portion of the sheet into registration against the guide surface 104 of guide 100. As a result the sheet 82 is properly positioned as the end sheet bounding the bottom of the stack.

[0063] The flipper member 90 continues to be moved by the moving mechanism in the clockwise direction until the flipper member returns to the engaging position shown in Figure 4. In this position the flipper member is ready to receive another sheet from the sheet path.

[0064] It should be understood that each of the stacking mechanisms 60, 62, 64, 66 and 68 are each capable of receiving sheets from the sheet path which extends along the sheet moving conveyor 54. As represented in Figure 8 when it is desired to move a sheet such as a sheet 168 past stacking mechanism 66 to another stacking mechanism, guide member 88 may be positioned to enable the sheet to pass along the sheet path. The flipper member 90 may be rotated to facilitate passage of the sheet past the stacking mechanism. Additional idler rolls are also preferably provided to facilitate movement of the sheets along the length of the sheet moving conveyor 54. The associated guide members and flipper members of the other stacking mechanisms are selectively operated responsive to the controller to stack sheets therein.

[0065] It should be understood that while one flipper member has been described in connection with moving sheets into a stacking mechanism, embodiments of the invention will generally use a plurality of transversely disposed flipper members so that the sheet may be held at a number of transverse locations while moving the sheet into the stack. While the moving mechanism rotating the flipper member is also operative in the described embodiment to move the gripper mechanism between the first position in which the note is held in the slot and the second position in which the note is movable therein, other embodiments of the invention may use other types of moving mechanisms for moving the gripper member or other gripper portion which operates to engage a sheet. In addition while cam action is used in the described embodiment, other types of configurations for the gripper mechanism may be used including those later described in detail herein.

[0066] The stacking mechanisms of the exemplary automated banking machine 10 are preferably used for holding sheets which are not to be dispensed again by the machine to users. These may be sheets such as checks or vouchers which are to be voided once presented by the user. Alternatively the sheets stored in the stacking mechanisms may be denominations of bills which the controller determines are not needed for recycling. These may include for example one dollar and five dollar bills which when received by the machine from a user are stored for later removal rather than being , recycled. It should be understood that embodiments of the invention may include a greater number or lesser number of stacking mechanisms than is shown in this exemplary embodiment.

[0067] It will further be appreciated that each of the stacking mechanisms is operated as a module such that each may operate independently. This enables machines of various embodiments to include different numbers and configurations of stacking mechanisms. This modular construction facilitates the construction of machines in which documents may be moved past one module to a next module for purposes of stacking therein. The recycling mechanisms 56 and 58 are also modular and facilitate reconfiguring machines to include different configurations of storing mechanisms and recycling mechanisms. Numerous configurations of automated banking machines employing the principles of the present invention may be achieved due to the use of the modular construction described herein.

[0068] Figure 10 schematically represents an alternative operation of the exemplary automated banking machine 10 in which sheets are stored for later recovery in the recycling mechanism 58. In this embodiment a sheet is moved as in the previous embodiment to the input sheet conveyor 42. The controller 22 operates the divert gate 46 which serves as a diverter to direct the sheet onto a sheet path along the sheet moving conveyor 52.

[0069] As shown in Figure 11 in this exemplary embodiment a sheet 170 is moved from right to left in connection with a belt flight 172 of sheet moving conveyor 52. The sheet is directed by movement of a guide member 174 which serves as a diverter to engage in-feed rolls 176. The incoming sheet is guided along an incoming sheet path by the in-feed rolls to a rotatable flipper member 178. The flipper member 178 includes a slot 180 extending thereon. The flipper member 178 further has a movably mounted gripper member 182 movably mounted thereon.

[0070] The flipper member 178 and its associated gripper member 182 operate when receiving a sheet, in a manner generally similar to the previously described flipper member 90. The flipper member 178 rotates in response to a moving mechanism to move the incoming sheet 170 into a stack 184. The stack is held in sandwiched relation by a biasing mechanism 186 which is similar to biasing mechanism 96 except that it is configured to hold and bias the stack horizontally in this exemplary embodiment.

[0071] In this alternative form of the invention sheets are released from the flipper member 178 by engaging a stop surface 188 which includes an outer surface of a picking feed roll 190. When the stack is receiving a sheet as shown in Figure 11 the feed roll 190 is preferably stationary. Sheets stopped against stop surface 188 of feed roll 90 are eventually biased by the addition of new sheets to the stack 184, against a guide surface 192. The sheets are guided to engage the guide surface 192 by a surface of stripper rolls 194. As later discussed, the stripper rolls are in connection with a clutch mechanism that enables rotation thereof freely in a clockwise direction as shown, but prevents rotation thereof in a counterclockwise direction. As a result stripper rolls 194 are enabled to rotate in a manner which facilitates the engagement of the sheets with the guide surface.

[0072] The flipper member 178 of this alternative embodiment is shown in greater detail in Figure 12. It is generally similar to flipper member 90 except as described. In this embodiment the gripper member 182 is rotationally movable relative to the flipper member about pivot 196. An outer gripper actuating surface 198 extends on the gripper member adjacent to the slot 180 and functions in a manner similar to the outer gripper actuating surface 148 of the previously described embodiment. A spring 200 serves as a biasing member to bias the outer gripper surface in the manner shown.

[0073] Gripper member 182 further includes a high friction picker portion 202 which extends on the movable member on the opposite side of pivot 196 from outer gripper surface 198. Picker portion 202 includes a high friction resilient segment 204 which is comprised of a material suitable for engaging and pulling sheets from the stack 184. As can be appreciated, the angular configuration of the picker portion 202 is such that when the outer gripper surface 198 is acted upon by the cam moving surface on the outermost sheet of the stack (or the stack member if no sheets are present) during a sheet accepting operation, the picking segment projects from the flipper member in an area where its presence does not generally affect the sheet accepting and stacking operation. In a sheet accepting operation the operation of flipper member 178 operates in a manner comparable to flipper member 90.

[0074] Referring now to Figure 13, an operation in which the automated banking machine 10 operates to retrieve the sheet from storage in the recycling mechanism 58 is represented. In this circumstance a sheet is removed from the stack 184 in the recycling mechanism 58 in a manner later described in detail. The sheet moving conveyor 52 moves the delivered sheet along the sheet path until the sheet engages the output sheet conveyor 72. The divert gate 76 is operated to cause the sheet to engage the output conveyor. The sheet is then conveyed upward as shown in Figure 13 to the central conveyor 80 which moves the sheet past the sheet identification mechanism 38. The sheet identification mechanism verifies the identity of or type sheet. If the sheet is an appropriate sheet the controller 22 operates the divert mechanism 40 to direct the sheet into the appropriate location in the escrow and delivery mechanism 32. From the escrow and delivery mechanism the sheet may be delivered to a customer either individually or as part of a stack through the opening 28 in the frame of the machine.

[0075] The operation of the recycling mechanism 58 to dispense a sheet is now further described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. The flipper member 178 may be operated to urge a sheet to move from the stack by extending the picker portion 202 therefrom. This is achieved by engagement of an actuating member 206 with an appropriate portion of the outer surface of the flipper member. Actuating member 206 is operated by a device or moving mechanism such as a motor or other actuator operated under the control of controller 22.

[0076] As shown in Figure 14 engagement of the actuating member 206 with the flipper member 78 causes the picker portion 202 on the gripper member to extend outward relative to the outer flipper surface. In the extended position of the picker portion the high friction segment 204 engages the outermost sheet in the stack 184. The rotation of the flipper member in the clockwise direction by a moving mechanism causes the outermost sheet to be urged downward as shown into an outgoing sheet path which extends between the picking feed rolls 190 and the stripper rolls 194. The picking feed rolls 190 are rotated in the clockwise direction as shown in Figure 14 by a device such as a drive or other mechanism. The picking feed rolls are configured to apply a greater force to the adjacent surface of the first sheet than the force applied by stripper rolls which tends to hold the sheet in the stack. As previously discussed, the stripper rolls are prevented from moving in a counterclockwise direction. As a result all but the outermost sheet of the stack is generally prevented from being moved by the picking feed rolls 190 from the stack.

[0077] As shown in Figure 15 the stripper rolls in this exemplary embodiment include contact stripper rolls which are in opposed and abutting relation with the feed rolls, as well as non-contact stripper rolls 194' which are transversely disposed and not in opposed relation with a feed roll. This configuration imparts a cross sectional wavelike or waffle configuration to the outermost sheet which facilitates separating the outermost sheet from the other sheets in the stack. Other embodiments may include other or additional moving or stationary surfaces for purposes of imparting the wavelike or waffle configuration to the sheet. It should be understood that while surfaces of rolls are used for picking and stripping in the described embodiment, in other embodiments other types of moving or stationary members may be used.

[0078] As shown in Figure 14 a doubles detector schematically indicated 207 is positioned adjacent to and downstream of the feed roll 190 and stripper rolls 194 in the outgoing sheet path. The exemplary doubles detector 207 includes an emitter 208 and a receiver 210. The emitter and receiver in the embodiment shown transmit radiation through and/or sense radiation reflected from a picked sheet to determine if the sheet that has been moved from the stack is a proper single sheet or if it is a double or other multiple sheet. It should be understood that while in this embodiment a radiation type doubles detector is used, in other embodiments other types of doubles detectors such as contact type detectors may be used.

[0079] The signals from the doubles detector 207 are transmitted to the controller 22. If the signals correspond to a single sheet, a takeaway member or device in the outgoing sheet path such as takeaway rolls 212 and 214, is operated by a drive or other moving mechanism. The takeaway rolls operate to pull the sheet further downward so as to disengage the stack. The takeaway rolls further operate to engage the sheet with flight 172 of sheet moving conveyor 52 so as to place the outgoing sheet into the main sheet path. As a result the outgoing sheet is removed from the stack and directed through the machine as previously described for delivery to a user.

[0080] In the event the doubles detector 207 provides signals which suggest that more than one sheet is being pulled downward from the stack, the controller 22 in an exemplary embodiment operates to reverse the direction of the picking feed rolls 190. Because the stripper rolls 194 are free wheeling in the clockwise direction as shown in Figure 14, rotation of the feed rolls in the counterclockwise direction readily pulls the sheets back into the stack. The flipper member is generally positioned with the high friction segment away from the stack. In some embodiments the flipper member 178 may remain stationery as the sheet is returned to the stack by the feed rolls and in others the flipper member may be rotated in an opposed direction from the direction the Ripper member rotates during picking. The flipper member 178 may then be operated to perform an additional rotation in the picking direction as the feed rolls and stripper rolls again attempt to pull a single sheet from the stack. This process may be repeated in response to signals from the controller until a single sheet is separated from the stack.

[0081] In the event that repeated attempts to strip a single sheet are unsuccessful, double sheets which cannot be separated may be transported in the machine responsive the controller 22 operating the divert gates and the input sheet conveyor 42 and/or output sheet conveyor 72 to move the unacceptable sheets downward into the dump storage area 70. The controller may then operate the moving mechanisms in an attempt to pick another sheet. Of course alternative embodiments may sense for double sheets in other ways or at other locations. Some embodiments may operate to deliver double sheets if such sheets are accurately identified and multiple sheets are required. Alternatively embodiments may operate to divert multiple sheets to storage locations or route them for separation through an unstack operation.

[0082] Figures 16 through 29 show an alternative embodiment of a recycling mechanism generally indicated 216. Recycling mechanism 216 is generally similar to recycling mechanism 58 previously described except as specifically discussed. Recycling mechanism 216 may be used within an automated banking machine for purposes of receiving and storing bank notes or other sheets and then later selectively dispensing the stored sheets from storage.

[0083] Recycling mechanism 216 is positioned adjacent to a sheet moving conveyor 218. Conveyor 218 includes a belt flight 220 which defines a main sheet path. Sheets move in the main sheet path from right to left as shown in Figure 16. It should be understood however that in other embodiments of the invention sheets may move in more than one direction in the main sheet path.

[0084] Recycling mechanism 216 includes a rotating member 222. Rotating member 222 is similar to flipper 178 and is selectively rotatable about an axis 224 of a shaft member 226 which supports the rotating member. As discussed in the previous embodiment, the rotating member 222 is selectively rotated by rotation of the shaft responsive to signals from the controller.

[0085] Rotating member 222 similar to the flipper member previously described, includes a moveable member 228 moveably mounted in connection therewith. The moveable member 228 is connected to member 222 through a pivot 230. The rotating member 222 further includes a peripherally extending slot 232. Sheets are enabled to be engaged with a gripper portion of the moveable member when positioned in slot 232 such that an engaged sheet may be moved and deposited into a stack 234. As in the previously described embodiment, the stack 234 is supported and biased to engage the rotating member by a suitable mechanism.

[0086] An incoming sheet path generally indicated 236 is operative to direct sheets from the main sheet path to the rotating member 222. The incoming sheet path 236 is bounded by rolls 238, 240 which support a sheet engaging belt 242 thereon. The incoming sheet path 236 is also bounded by rolls 244 and 246. In the exemplary embodiment of recycling mechanism 216, belt 242 is driven responsive to the controller by a motor or other suitable driving means. The configuration of belt 242 and rolls 238, 240, 244 and 246 is such that sheets directed into the incoming sheet path move in engagement with the moving flight of belt 242 adjacent to rollers 244 and 246 such that the sheet moves adjacent to the rotating member 222.

[0087] The incoming sheet path intersects the main sheet path at a connection area generally indicated 250. A moveable diverter 248 is mounted adjacent to connection area 250. Diverter 248 is selectively moveable responsive to operation of the controller in a manner later discussed to enable passing sheets to be directed into the incoming sheet path or to pass through the connection area 250 without entering the incoming sheet path.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiment of recycling mechanism 216, an actuator 252 is positioned adjacent to rolls 238 and 244 in the incoming sheet path. Actuator 252 in the exemplary embodiment is rotatable and coaxially mounted with roll 238. Actuator 252 is selectively positionable responsive to the controller. Actuator 252 also includes a guide surface 254. Guide surface 254 is positionable in a manner later explained to direct sheets in the incoming sheet path to engage the rotating member 222.

[0089] It should be understood that while only one rotating member and set of rolls bounding the sheet path are shown, embodiments of the invention may include multiple transversely spaced rotating members, belts and rolls to move sheets therein. In addition, in embodiments of the invention several diverter members 248 and actuators 252 may work in cooperating relation to move sheets as later described herein.

[0090] Recycling mechanism 216 further includes a feed roll 256 and a stripper roll 258. In this exemplary embodiment feed roll 256 is similar to feed roll 190 of the previously described embodiment. Stripper roll 258 in the exemplary embodiment includes both contact and non-contact stripper rolls similar to stripper rolls 194 and 194' as previously discussed. It should be understood that while only one feed roll and one stripper roll are shown, embodiments of the invention may include a plurality of each of such rolls which are transversely disposed, similar to the previously described embodiment. In addition while a roll has been used for each of the feed and stripper members in this exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments other sheet engaging devices such as belts, cams, suction cups or other moveable members may also be used as a feed member. Other types of stripper members, other than rolls, such as pads, fingers, brushes, flaps or other devices may be used to perform the stripping function in other embodiments.

[0091] In this exemplary embodiment the feed roll 256 and stripper roll 258 bound and define an outgoing sheet path generally indicated 260. The outgoing sheet path 260 extends generally downward in the orientation of the mechanism shown in Figure 16, from the stack 234 to a connection area 262 at which the outgoing sheet path connects to the main sheet path along belt plate 220.

[0092] Disposed between the feed and stripper rolls and the connection area 262 in the outgoing sheet path are take away rolls 264 and 266. Take away rolls 264 and 266 operate to engage a sheet which is moved beyond the feed and stripper rolls. A sheet that has moved beyond the feed and stripper rolls is moved in engaged relation with the take away rolls into the main sheet path. It should be understood that white rolls are used as the take away members in the exemplary embodiment of recycling mechanism 216, in other embodiments other types of take away members which are operative to engage the sheet and move it in the outgoing sheet path may be used.

[0093] Although not shown, it should also be understood that the outgoing sheet path may include a sensor for sensing that double sheets have passed the feed and stripper members which operate in a manner similar to the sensors in doubles detector 207 previously described. In recycling mechanism 216 the feed rolls 264, stripper rolls 268 and take away rolls 264 and 266 are driven by a drive or similar device responsive to operation of the controller. These members are operated in a manner later described in detail to selectively dispense sheets generally one at a time from the stack 234 and to deliver them into the main sheet path.

[0094] In operation of a machine that includes the recycling mechanism 216, it may be desirable in some circumstances for notes or other sheets to pass the recycling mechanism without being stored therein. To achieve this the controller operates to cause the diverter member 248 to move to the position shown in Figure 16. In this way one or more sheets which are indicated by arrows P are enabled to move past the recycling mechanism 216 in the main sheet path along the belt plate 220. It should be understood that the recycling mechanism 216 may be positioned along a sheet path in an automated banking machine along with other similar recycling mechanisms or other devices. As a result sheets which move past recycling mechanism 216 may be routed to such devices along the sheet path or in other connected sheet paths. Alternatively, embodiments of the invention may move sheets along the sheet path within the machine for purposes of reorienting the sheet such that sheets stored therein may be stored in a particular orientation in a storage or recycling mechanism after the reorientation of the sheet has been accomplished.

[0095] When sheets are to be stored in the recycling mechanism 216 the controller operates appropriate drives or other moving mechanisms to move the diverter 248 upward as shown in the direction of arrow D in Figure 17. As a result of moving the diverter 248 to this position, sheets which are indicated by the arrows S moving in the main sheet path defined by belt flight 220 are directed by the diverter into the incoming sheet path 236. The controller operates such that belt 242 is driven to engage and move the sheets towards the rotating member 222. The controller also operates to rotate the actuator 252 in the direction of arrow A as shown in Figure 17. In this position, the guide surface 254 of the actuator is positioned to guide and direct incoming sheets into the slot 232 of the rotating member. It should be understood that suitable sheet sensors are also positioned in the incoming sheet path. These sensors which are in operative connection with the controller enable the controller to control the rotation of the rotating member 222 and the movement of the belt 242 to move and store the incoming sheets in the manner shown.

[0096] Figure 18 shows a sheet 268 moving to engage the rotating member 222 in the incoming sheet path. In the rotational position of the rotating member 222 shown in Figure 18, a spring schematically indicated 270 operates to bias the moveable member 228 to a position in which the sheet may enter the slot 232. A gripper portion 272 which in the exemplary embodiment is comprised of an inner surface of the moveable member 228, is disposed radially outward relative to the slot so that the sheet 268 may enter therein. In the position of the moveable member shown, a gripper actuating surface 274 is operative to extend radially outward beyond the surface of the rotating member 222.

[0097] Responsive to the sensor or other appropriate device sensing the sheet 268 moving into the slot 232, the computer is operative to cause the rotating member 222 to begin moving in a clockwise direction. As a result, the rotating member moves to the position shown in Figure 19. In this position the gripper actuating surface 274 moves to engage a cam moving surface 276. In the exemplary embodiment the cam moving surface includes a portion of the end sheet bounding the stack 234. Alternatively, if there are no sheets in the stack the cam moving surface may comprise a portion of a surface of a stack supporting member as in the previously described embodiment. The engagement of the gripper actuating surface 274 with the cam moving surface 276 is operative to cause the moveable member 228 to move in the direction indicated by arrow G in Figure 19. Such movement causes the gripper portion 272 to move inward and engage the sheet 268 in the slot 232. As a result of such engagement, the sheet 268 is engaged with and is moved by the rotating member 222. Also as the sheet moves in engagement with the rotating member towards the stack, the actuator 252 is moved responsive to operation of the controller to dispose the actuator from the rotating member. This is done to enable a picker portion 278 positioned on the moveable member to freely pass the actuator 252. The picker portion 278 which is later discussed in detail includes a resilient high friction portion in the exemplary embodiment. As can be appreciated from Figure 19 in the position of the moveable member shown, picker portion 278 is disposed outward as the force of the cam moving surface 276 overcomes the force of spring 270. As a result sheet 268 is further held in engagement with the rotating member by the action of the extended picker portion 278.

[0098] The controller continues to operate to cause the rotating member 222 to rotate in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Figure 19. Such clockwise rotation brings the rotating member to the position shown in Figure 20. In the position shown in Figure 20, the gripper actuating surface 274 has moved so that it is no longer engaged with cam moving surface 276. As a result the moveable member 228 moves responsive to the force of spring 230. This causes gripper portion 272 to again open slot 232. Likewise, picker portion 278 is moved inward relative to the adjacent outer surface 280 of rotating member 222. This enables sheet 268 to move relative to slot 232 and to be disengaged therefrom. As the rotating member continues to rotate in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Figure 20, sheet 268 is moved by the contour of the rotating member in the direction of arrow R. This causes sheet 268 to be integrated in the stack and to become a new end sheet bounding the stack adjacent to the rotating member.

[0099] In the exemplary embodiment of recycling mechanism 216 a plurality of stator members 282 are mounted in supporting connection with shaft 226 and are disposed transversely of the rotating members 222. The Stator members 282 are supported on a common shaft with the rotating members and are stationary relative to the sheets in the stack 234. Stator member 282 includes a stop surface 284. Stop surface 284 is operative to engage sheet 268 in the proper position for the sheet to release from rotating member 222 for purposes of integrating the sheet into the stack.

[0100] The stop surface 284 of the stator member 282 includes an end surface 286. End surface 286 extends generally adjacent to the outgoing sheet path 260 along which sheets which are picked from the stack are enabled to pass. As a result the end surface 286 enables sheets picked from the stack in a manner later described to move into the outgoing sheet path.

[0101] In the exemplary form of the stator member 282 the stop surface 284 extends in a direction that is both radially outward relative to shaft 226 and the axis thereof, and in the outgoing direction of sheets which move in the outgoing sheet path. This configuration facilitates the passage of sheets as they disengage from the rotating member 222 into engagement with the other sheets in the stack 234.

[0102] In the exemplary embodiment as incoming sheet 268 is being disengaged from the rotating member 222, stripper rolls 258 are rotated responsive to operation of the controller in the counterclockwise direction as shown in Figure 21. Such rotation operates to cause sheet 268 as it disengages from the stop surface 284 to be urged upward into the stack 234. In the exemplary form of the recycling mechanism 216, a plurality of non-contact stripper rolls include textured outer surfaces 288. The textured outer surfaces 288 include treadlike structures which engage and facilitate the movement of sheets in response to the rotation thereof. The rotation of the stripper rolls 268 with the textured outer surfaces 288 move the sheet 268 into engagement with the sheets in the stack and into supporting connection with support surface 290 which generally supports the sheets in the stack.

[0103] As shown in Figure 22 rotation of the rotating member in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Figure 21 causes sheet 268 to be disengaged from the rotating member and to be integrated into the stack. In the position of the actuator 252 shown in Figure 22, the picker portion 278 is retracted radially inward relative to the outer surface 280 of the rotating member. As a result, the picker portion does not engage sheet 268 and generally freely passes the stack 234.

[0104] Further rotation of the rotating member 222 returns the rotating member to the home position originally shown in connection with Figure 18. In this position, the actuator 252 is shown in position to direct additional sheets into the slot 232. The gripper portion 272 is disposed from the slot to enable sheets to move therein. As a result the controller is ready to accept another sheet through the incoming sheet path 236 and to engage such a sheet and move it into the slot 234. Sheets may be repeatedly delivered through the incoming sheet path and added into the stack through repeated rotations of the rotating member 222.

[0105] As is the case with the previously described embodiment, recycling mechanism 216 is also enabled to selectively dispense sheets stored in the stack 234. The process by which this is accomplished is now explained with reference to Figures 24 through 29. In dispensing sheet a the controller operates to rotate the rotating member 222 to a home position shown in Figure 24. In this position the rotating member is in abutting relation against an end sheet 292 bounding stack 234. The slot 232 of the rotating member is positioned adjacent to the stack. In the initial position, the actuator 252 is positioned by the controller in a position disposed away from the rotating member. The picking portion 278 on the moveable member 228 is positioned radially inward from the adjacent outer surface 280 by the biasing action of spring 270.

[0106] To commence the picking of sheet 292 the rotating member 222 is rotated in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Figure 24. Such rotation brings the picking portion 278 adjacent to the sheet 292 to be picked. Such rotation also brings the gripper actuating surface 274 on the opposed side of pivot 230 adjacent to the actuator 252.

[0107] With the rotating member 222 in the position shown in Figure 25, the actuator 252 is moved in the direction of arrow A in Figure 26. This causes the actuator 252 to engage the gripper actuating surface 274. Engagement of the gripper actuating surface moves the moveable member 228 about the pivot 230. Such movement causes the picking portion 278 to move in the direction of arrow W in Figure 26. Such movement causes the picking portion 278 to extend radially outward beyond the outer surface 280 of the rotating member. As a result the picking portion 278 engages end sheet 292 and moves it downward from the stack 234.

[0108] Movement of the end sheet 292 from the stack causes the sheet to move into the outgoing sheet path between feed rolls 256 and stripper rolls 258. In the exemplary embodiment in the picking of an outgoing sheet, the feed roll moves the sheet generally in an outgoing sheet direction while the stripping roll rotates to urge the sheet in the opposite direction. Because the feed roll applies a greater engaging force the surface of the sheet, the sheet tends to move in the outgoing sheet direction in the sheet path. However, the resistance force applied by the stripper roll causes any other sheets to be separated and moved back towards the stack. This generally assures that only a single sheet moves outward past the feed and stripper rolls in the outgoing sheet path.

[0109] As the outgoing sheet begins to move past the feed and stripper rolls, sensing may be conducted as discussed in connection with the previously described embodiment, to determine if a double sheet has been picked. In circumstances where a double sheet is detected, appropriate steps may be taken to return the sheet to the stack or otherwise route the sheet in an appropriate manner. Assuming that the outgoing sheet is not to be returned to the stack due to the presence of a double or other condition, the sheet is moved in the outgoing sheet path to engage the take away rolls 264 and 266. As shown in Figure 27, the take away rolls 264 and 266 are driven to engage the sheet and to move it into the main sheet path bounded by belt flight 220. In the exemplary embodiment the take away rolls engage the sheet as the rotating member 222 continues rotating in a clockwise direction as shown to urge the sheet away from the stack.

[0110] As shown in Figure 28, sheet 292 is eventually disposed from the stack and is carried into the main sheet path by the operation of take away rolls 264, 266. As this occurs the rotating member 222 continues to rotate in a clockwise direction. As the gripper actuating surface 274 of the moveable member 228 reaches the termination area thereof adjacent to slot 232, the controller operates to move the actuator 252 in the direction of arrow M shown in Figure 28. This disposes the actuating member away from the rotating member 222. This also results in the picker portion 278 being retracted in the direction of arrow N in response to the biasing force applied by spring 270.

[0111] Further rotation of the rotating member 222 in the clockwise direction from the position shown in Figure 28 brings the rotating member to the home position for picking sheets as shown in Figure 29. In this position the rotating member 222 is in the same position as shown in Figure 24. In this position the picker portion 278 is again radially moved inward relative to the outer surface 280 of the rotating member. From this position the rotating member 222 may be rotated by the controller clockwise to dispense another sheet from the stack 234. Alternatively, if the automated banking machine needs to accept additional sheets into the stack the controller may operate to rotate the rotating member 222 clockwise without the actuating member 252 moving the picker portion 278 to engage the stack. In this way the rotating member may be brought to the position shown in Figure 17 so that additional sheets may be accepted into the stack.

[0112] It should be understood that while in this exemplary embodiment separate incoming sheet paths and outgoing sheet paths are used, in alternative embodiments the rotating member may be operated to both receive and dispense sheets into a single sheet path. Further, it should be understood that while in this exemplary configuration each set of rotating members is associated with a single stack, other embodiments may operate such that a single rotating member may both deposit and pick sheets from multiple stacks adjacent thereto. Finally, it should be further understood that while the gripper portion and picker portion of the exemplary embodiment are connected to a common moveable member that moves relative to the rotating member, in other embodiments separate gripper and picker members may be included in operative connection with the rotating member to perform their respective functions.

[0113] As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the exemplary forms of the sheet media storage and dispensing system of the described embodiments of the present invention involves few moving parts and is relatively economical to produce and operate. Further the described embodiments of the invention are highly reliable and enable operating at high speeds. Embodiments of the invention may also be used to store and retrieve large numbers of notes in storage mechanisms and recycling mechanisms.

[0114] It should be understood that while two recycling mechanisms are shown in the exemplary automated banking machine described herein, other embodiments of the invention may include additional recycling mechanisms. In addition recycling mechanisms may be provided for several denominations of notes or other sheets which a machine is likely to receive, and which may be distributed to customers. Recycling mechanisms may be used in machines without separate storage mechanisms. Likewise machines with storage mechanisms may be constructed without recycling mechanisms. Machines may be controlled to transfer sheets between recycling mechanisms or between recycling and storage mechanisms to redistribute sheets within the machine. The particular type and nature of the mechanisms used and how they are operated will depend on the particular type of automated banking machine.

[0115] Thus the new media storage system of the described embodiments of the present invention achieve the above stated objectives, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solve problems and attain the desirable results described herein.

[0116] In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown and described.

[0117] In the following claims any features described as a means for performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means known to those skilled in the art as capable of performing the recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular means shown herein performing such functions, or mere equivalents thereof.

[0118] Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated banking machine apparatus comprising:

a rotating member (222);

a gripper portion (272) in movable supporting connection with the rotating member, wherein the gripper portion moves relative to the rotating member to engage an incoming sheet adjacent to the rotating member in an incoming sheet path (236) in a first rotational position of the rotating member, and to release the incoming sheet into a sheet stack (234) in a second rotational position of the rotating member;
a picker portion (278) in movable supporting connection with the rotating member, wherein the picker portion engages an outgoing sheet in a third rotational position of the rotating member, and wherein movement of the picker portion in a first rotational direction from the third rotational position moves the outgoing sheet from the stack into an outgoing sheet path (260).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a movable member (228) movably mounted in supporting connection with the rotating member, and wherein the gripper portion and the picker portion are operatively connected to the movable member.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 and further comprising a pivot, wherein the rotating member and the movable member are movably operatively connected through the pivot.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein the rotating member includes a peripherally extending slot (232), and wherein in the first rotational position the gripper portion engages the incoming sheet in the slot

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 and further comprising a gripper portion actuating surface (274) in operative connection with the gripper portion , and cam moving surface (276) adjacent the rotating member, wherein in the first rotational position of the rotating member the cam moving surface is operatively engaged with the gripper portion actuating surface, wherein the gripper portion is caused to be positioned to engage the incoming sheet.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the stack is in supporting connection with a stack member, and wherein the cam moving surface is in supporting connection with the stack member.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the stack is bounded by an end sheet, and wherein the cam moving surface includes a surface of the end sheet, and wherein the picker portion is engageable with the end sheet in the third rotational position of the rotating member, and wherein the end sheet is the outgoing sheet.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein in the second rotational position of the rotating member the gripper portion actuating surface is moved relative to the cam moving surface, wherein the incoming sheet disengages from the gripper portion.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8 and further comprising a stop surface (284), and wherein in the second rotational position of the rotating member the incoming sheet is in engagement with the stop surface, wherein engagement of the incoming sheet and the stop surface disposes the incoming sheet from the slot.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the stop surface includes an end surface (286), wherein the end surface bounds the outgoing sheet path.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the rotating member rotates about an axis, and wherein rotation of the rotating member in the first rotational direction with the picker portion engaged with the sheet causes the outgoing sheet to move in generally an outgoing sheet direction, and wherein the stop surface extends in a stop direction generally radially outward relative to the axis and in the outgoing sheet direction.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the rotating member is in supporting connection with a shaft, and further comprising a stator member (282) in supporting connection with the shaft, and wherein the rotating member rotates relative to the stator member and wherein the stop surface is in supporting connection with the stator member.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising at least one stripper member, wherein the stripper member is positioned adjacent the sheet stack, and wherein the incoming sheet released into the sheet stack engages the stripper member.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the stripper member comprises a stripper roll (258), and wherein the stripper roll rotates in a stripping direction to move the incoming sheet into the sheet stack.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the stripper roll includes a textured outer surface, and wherein the incoming sheet engages the textured outer surface.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10 and further comprising at least one stripper roll adjacent the stack, wherein the stripper roll and the end surface bound the outgoing sheet path.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising an actuator (252), wherein the actuator operatively engages the picker portion in the third position, wherein the picker portion is moved to engage the outgoing sheet.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the rotating member includes an outer surface, and wherein operative engagement with the actuator causes the picker portion to extend radially outward beyond the outer surface.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the rotating member includes a peripherally extending slot, and wherein in the first rotational position the incoming sheet is engaged in the slot, and wherein the outer surface is angularly disposed on the rotating member from the slot.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the actuator has a guide surface (254) in operative connection therewith, wherein the guide surface is operative to guide the incoming sheet into the slot.

21. The apparatus according to claim 13 and further comprising a feed member adjacent the stripper member, wherein the feed member and the stripper member bound the outgoing sheet path, and wherein sheets moved from the stack by the picker portion are engaged between the feed member and the stripper member, and wherein generally more than a single outgoing sheet is prevented from passing between the feed member and the stripper member.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the feed member moves relative to the stripper member in an outgoing feed direction, wherein the outgoing sheet moves away from the stack in the outgoing sheet path in the outgoing sheet direction responsive to movement of the rotating member in the first rotational direction.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the stripper member moves relative to the outgoing sheet in a direction opposed of the outgoing sheet direction, wherein sheets other than a single outgoing sheet are generally maintained in connection with the stack.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22 and further comprising a plurality of stripper members, wherein at least one stripper member extends in generally opposed relation with the feed member, and wherein at least one stripper member is transversely disposed in the outgoing sheet path away from the feed member.

25. The apparatus according to claim 22 and further comprising at least one take away member disposed in the outgoing sheet path and in the outgoing sheet direction relative to the stripper member, wherein the take away member engages and moves an outgoing sheet moved past the stripper member in the outgoing sheet direction.

26. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a main sheet path, wherein the main sheet path includes a sheet moving device operative to move sheets therein, and wherein the incoming sheet path and the outgoing sheet path are in connection with the main sheet path.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26 and further comprising a diverter (248) adjacent the main sheet path, wherein the diverter is selectively operative to direct at least one sheet moving in the main sheet path into the incoming sheet path.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27 wherein sheets moving in the main sheet path move in a main sheet path direction, and wherein the incoming sheet path is connected to the main sheet path in a first connection area, and the outgoing sheet path is connected to the main sheet path in a second connection area, and wherein the first connection area is disposed in the main sheet path direction relative to the second connection area.

29. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising an automated banking machine, wherein the rotating member, stack, incoming sheet path and outgoing sheet path extend in the automated banking machine.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29 and further comprising a main sheet path extending in the automated banking machine, and wherein the sheets include a plurality of types of notes, and wherein a plurality of types of notes move in the main sheet path, and wherein the incoming sheet path and the outgoing sheet path are connected to the main sheet path, and wherein the stack includes only a first type of note therein, and further comprising a further rotating member, a further stack, a further incoming sheet path operatively connected to the main sheet path, and a further outgoing sheet path operatively connected to the main sheet path, wherein the further stack includes only a second type of note therein.

31. A method of operating an automated banking machine, comprising the steps of:

(a) engaging an incoming sheet moving in an incoming sheet path with a gripper portion in supporting connection with a rotating member, wherein the incoming sheet is engaged with the rotating member in a first rotational position of the rotating member;

(b) rotating the rotating member with the incoming sheet engaged with the gripper portion to a second rotational position, wherein in the second rotational position the incoming sheet is generally aligned with a stack;

(c) releasing the incoming sheet from engagement with the gripper portion in generally the second rotational position, wherein the incoming sheet is included in the stack;

(d) engaging an outgoing sheet bounding the stack with a picker portion in operative connection with the rotating member; and
rotating the rotating member with the picker portion engaged with the outgoing sheet, whereby the outgoing sheet is picked from the stack.

32. The method according to claim 51 and prior to step (d) further comprising the step of engaging the sheet with a stop surface adjacent the second rotational position, wherein engagement with the stop surface urges the incoming sheet to disengage from the gripper portion.

33. The method according to claim 31 and further comprising the step of returning the rotating member to the first rotational position.

34. The method according to claim 31 wherein step (a) includes moving the gripper portion to engage the sheet by operatively engaging the gripper portion with a cam moving surface.

35. The method according to claim 34 wherein in step (a) the cam moving surface includes a surface of an end sheet bounding the stack.

36. The method according to claim 34 wherein the rotating member includes a slot, and wherein in step (a) the gripper member engages the incoming sheet in the slot.

37. The method according to claim 31 and further comprising the step of moving the incoming sheet into the stack with a moving member.

38. The method according to claim 31 and further comprising the steps of:

(e) engaging the outgoing sheet moved from the stack between a feed member and a stripper member moving relative to one another, wherein sheets other than the outgoing sheet are urged to be separated therefrom:

(f) moving the outgoing sheet in engagement with the feed member in an outgoing sheet direction away from the stack in an outgoing sheet path.

39. The method according to claim 38 and subsequent to step (e) further comprising the steps of sensing with a sensor if more than one sheet is moved together in the outgoing sheet direction past the stripper member and if so, moving the more than one sheet in a direction opposed of the outgoing sheet direction.

40. The method according to claim 31 and prior to step (a) further comprising the steps of:

moving the incoming sheet in a main sheet path;

directing the incoming sheet with a diverter from the main sheet path into the incoming sheet path.

41. The method according to claim 40 and further comprising the step of delivering the sheet picked from the stack into the main sheet path.

42. The method according to claim 31 wherein step (d) includes operatively engaging an actuator with the picker portion, wherein the picker portion is caused to engage the outgoing sheet.

43. The method according to claim 42 wherein the rotating member includes an outer surface, and wherein in step (d) the picker portion extends radially outward beyond the outer surface.

44. The method according to claim 31 wherein the gripper portion and the picker portion are both operatively connected to a movable member movably mounted on the rotating member, and wherein in step (a) the movable member moves to cause the incoming sheet to be operatively engaged with the rotating member, and in step (d) the movable member moves to cause the outgoing sheet to be operatively engaged with the rotating member.

45. The method according to claim 44 wherein the movable member is connected to the rotating member through a pivot, and wherein in step (a) and in step (d) the movable member rotates about the pivot.

46. The method according to claim 44 and further comprising the step of biasing the movable member with a biasing member towards a position wherein the picking portion does not engage the outgoing sheet.

47. The method according to claim 44 wherein the gripper portion includes a first surface bounding the movable member, and the picker portion includes a second surface bounding the movable member, wherein the second surface is disposed from the first surface, and wherein in step (a) the incoming sheet engages the first surface, and in step (d) the outgoing sheet engages the second surface.

48. The method according to claim 47 wherein in step (d) the second surface engages the outgoing sheet in a third rotational position of the rotating member, the third rotational position being angularly disposed from the second rotational position.

49. The method according to claim 42 wherein the actuator includes a guide surface thereon, and wherein step (a) includes directing the incoming sheet to engage the gripper portion with the guide surface.

Ansprüche

1. Bankautomatenvorrichtung mit:

einem drehenden Element (222),

einem Greiferabschnitt (272) in bewegbarer stützender Verbindung mit dem drehenden Element, wobei sich der Gretferabschnitt relativ zu dem drehenden Element bewegt, um mit einem ankommenden Blatt neben dem drehenden Element in einem Blatteingangspfad (236) In einer ersten Drehposition des drehenden Elements in Eingriff zu treten und um das ankommende Blatt In einem Blattstapel (234) In einer zweiten Drehposition des drehenden Elements freizugeben,

einem Aufnahmeabschnitt (278) in bewegbarer stützender Verbindung mit dem drehenden Element, wobei der Aufnahmeabschnitt mit einem ausgehenden Blatt in einer dritten Drehposition des drehenden Elements In Eingriff tritt und wobei eine Bewegung des Aufnahmeabschnitts in einer ersten Drehrichtung aus der dritten Drehposition das ausgehende Blatt von dem Stapel in einen Blattausgangspfad (260) bewegt.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und darüber hinaus mit einem bewegbaren Element (228), das bewegbar in stützender Verbindung zu dem drehenden Element befestigt ist und wobei der Greiferabschnitt und der Aufnahmeabschnitt mit dem bewegbaren Element In betrieblicher Verbindung stehen.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2 und darüber hinaus mit einer Drehachse, wobei das drehende Element und das bewegbare Element betrieblich bewegbar durch die Drehachse verbunden sind.

4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei das drehende Element einen sich peripher erstreckenden Schlitz (232) aufweist und wobei in der ersten Drehposition der Greiferabschnitt mit dem ankommenden Blatt in dem Schlitz in Eingriff tritt.

5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4 und darüber hinaus mit einer Betätigungsoberfläche (274) des Greiferabschnitts in betrieblicher Verbindung mit dem Greiferabschnitt und einer beweglichen Nockenoberfläche (276) neben dem drehenden Element, wobei in der ersten Drehposition des drehenden Elements die sich bewegende Nockenoberfläche betrieblich mit der Betätigungsoberfläche des Greiferabschnitts in Eingriff ist, wodurch bewirkt wird, dass der Greiferabschnitt so angeordnet ist, dass er mit dem ankommenden Blatt In Eingriff tritt.

6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei der Stapel in stützender Verbindung mit einem Stapelelement ist und wobei die sich bewegende Nockenoberfläche in stützender Verbindung mit dem Stapelelement steht.

7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Stapel durch ein Endblatt begrenzt ist, und wobei die sich bewegende Nockenoberfläche eine Oberfläche des Endblattes umfasst und wobei der Aufnahmeabschnitt mit dem Endblatt in der dritten Drehposition des drehenden Elements in Eingriff bringbar ist und wobei das Endblatt das ausgehende Blatt ist.

8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei in der zweiten Drehposition des drehenden Elements die Betätigungsoberfläche des Greiferabschnitts relativ zu der sich bewegenden Nockenoberfläche bewegt wird, wobei das ankommende Blatt mit dem Greiferabschnitt außer Eingriff gebracht wird.

9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8 und darüber hinaus mit einer Anschlagoberfläche (284) und wobei in der zweiten Drehposition des drehenden Elements das ankommende Blatt mit der Anschlagoberfläche in Eingriff ist, wobei der Eingriff des ankommenden Blattes und die Anschlagoberfläche das ankommende Blatt aus dem Schlitz entnehmen.

10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei die Anschlagoberfläche eine Endoberfläche (286) umfasst, wobei die Endoberfläche den Blattausgangspfad begrenzt.

11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei sich das drehende Element um eine Achse dreht und wobei eine Drehung des drehenden Elements in der ersten Drehrichtung, wobei der Aufnahmeabschnitt In Eingriff mit dem Blatt ist, bewirkt, dass sich das ausgehende Blatt im Wesentlichen in einer Blattausgangsrichtung bewegt, und wobei sich die Anschlagsoberfläche in eine Anschlagsrichtung im Allgemeinen radial nach außen relativ zu der Achse und in der Blattausgangsrichtung erstreckt.

12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei das drehende Element in stützender Verbindung zu einem Schaft ist und darüber hinaus mit einem Statorelement (282) In stützender Verbindung zu dem Schaft und wobei sich das drehender Element relativ zu dem Statorelement dreht und wobei die Anschlagoberfläche in stützender Verbindung zu dem Statorelement steht.

13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und darüber hinaus mit mindestens einem Abstreiferelement, wobei das Abstreiferelement neben dem Blattstapel angeordnet ist und wobei das ankommende Blatt, das in den Blattstapel freigegeben wird, mit dem Abstreiferelement in Eingriff tritt.

14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 13, wobei das Abstrefferelement eine Abstreiferrolle (258) aufweist, und wobei sich die Abstreiferrolle in eine Abstreifrichtung dreht, so dass das ankommende Blatt in den Blattstapel bewegt wird.

15. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 14, wobei die Abstreiferrolle eine strukturierte äußere Oberfläche aufweist und wobei das ankommende Blatt mit der strukturierten äußeren Oberfläche in Eingriff tritt.

16. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 10 und darüber hinaus mit mindestens einer Abstreiferrolle neben dem Stapel, wobei die Abstreiferrolle und die Endoberfläche den Blattausgangspfad begrenzen.

17. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und darüber hinaus mit einem Stellglied (252), wobei das Stellglied betrieblich mit dem Aufnahmeabschnitt in der dritten Position in Eingriff ist, wobei der Aufnahmeabschnitt so bewegt wird, dass er mit dem Ausgangsblatt in Eingriff tritt.

18. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 17, wobei das drehende Element eine äußere Oberfläche aufweist, und wobei ein betrieblicher Eingriff mit dem Stellglied bewirkt, dass sich der Aufnahmeabschnitt radial nach außen über die äußere Oberfläche erstreckt.

19. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 18, wobei das drehende Element einen sich peripher erstreckenden Schlitz aufweist und wobei das ankommende Blatt in der ersten Drehposition mit dem Schlitz in Eingriff ist und wobei die äußere Oberfläche um einen Winkel auf dem Drehelement von dem Schlitz beabstandet ist.

20. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 19, wobei das Stellglied eine Führungsoberfläche (254) in betrieblicher Verbindung damit aufweist, wobei die Führungsoberfläche so betreibbar ist, dass sie das ankommende Blatt in den Schlitz führt.

21. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 13 und darüber hinaus mit einem Zuführelement neben dem Abstreiferelement, wobei das Zuführelement und das Abstreiferelement den Blattausgangspfad begrenzen und wobei Blätter, die von dem Aufnahmeabschnitt von dem Stapel bewegt werden zwischen dem Zuführelement und dem Abstreiferelement in Eingriff gebracht werden und wobei im Allgemeinen verhindert wird, dass mehr als ein einzelnes Ausgangsblatt zwischen dem Zuführelement und dem Abstreiferelement passiert.

22. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 21, wobei sich das Zuführelement relativ zu dem Abstreiferelement In einer Ausgangszuführrichtung bewegt, wobei sich das Ausgangsblatt weg von dem Stapel In dem Blattausgangspfad in der Blattausgangsrichtung als Reaktion auf eine Bewegung des drehenden Elements in der ersten Drehrichtung bewegt.

23. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 22, wobei sich das Abstreiferelement relativ zu dem ausgehenden Blatt in einer Richtung entgegengesetzt der Blattausgangsrichtung bewegt, wobei andere als ein einzelnes Ausgangsblatt im Allgemeinen in Verbindung mit dem Stapel gehalten werden.

24. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 22 und darüber hinaus mit einer Mehrzahl von Abstreiferelementen, wobei sich mindestens ein Abstreiferelement in im Wesentlichen entgegengesetzter Beziehung zu dem Zuführelement erstreckt und wobei mindestens ein Abstreiferelement quer in dem Blattausgangspfad weg von dem Zuführelement angeordnet ist.

25. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 22 und darüber hinaus mit mindestens einem Mitnehmerelement, das in dem Blattausgangspfad und in der Blattausgangsrichtung relativ zu dem Abstreifer element angeordnet ist, wobei das Mitnehmerelement mit einem in der Blattausgangsrichtung hinter das Abstreiferelement bewegtes Ausgangsblatt in Eingriff tritt und dieses bewegt.

26. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und darüber hinaus mit einem Hauptblattpfad, wobei der Hauptblattpfad eine Blattbewegungseinrichtung aufweist, die so betreibbar ist, dass sie Blätter darin bewegt, und wobei der Blatteingangspfad und der Blattausgangspfad in Verbindung mit dem Hauptblattpfad stehen.

27. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 26 und darüber hinaus mit einem Verzweiger (248) neben dem Hauptpfad, wobei der Verzweiger auswählbar so betreibbar ist, dass er mindestens ein Blatt, das sich in dem Hauptblattpfad bewegt in den Blatteingangspfad lenkt.

28. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 27, wobei Blätter, die sich in dem Hauptblattpfad bewegen in einer Hauptblattpfadrichtung bewegen und wobei der Blatteingangspfad mit dem Hauptblattpfad in einem ersten Verbindungsbereich verbunden ist und wobei der Blattausgangspfad in einem zweiten Verbindungsbereich mit dem Hauptblattpfad verbunden Ist und wobei der erste Verbindungsbereich in der Hauptblattpfadrichtung relativ zu dem zweiten Verbindungsbereich beabstandet ist.

29. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und darüber hinaus mit einem Bankautomaten, wobei sich das drehende Element, der Stapel, der Blatteingangspfad und der Blattausgangspfad in dem Bankautomaten erstrecken.

30. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 29 und darüber hinaus mit einem Hauptblattpfad, der sich in dem Bankautomaten erstreckt, und wobei die Blätter eine Mehrzahl von Typen von Banknoten umfassen und wobei eine Mehrzahl von Typen von Banknoten sich in dem Hauptblattpfad bewegen und wobei der Blatteingangspfad und der Blattausgangspfad mit dem Hauptblattpfad verbunden sind und wobei der Stapel nur einen ersten Typ von Banknoten darin aufweist und darüber hinaus mit einem weiteren drehenden Element, einem weiteren Stapel, einem weiteren Blatteingangspfad, der betrieblich mit dem Hauptblattpfad verbunden ist und einem weiteren Blattausgangspfad, der betrieblich mit dem Hauptblattpfad verbunden ist, wobei der weitere Stapel nur einen zweiten Typ von Banknoten darin aufweist.

31. Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Bankautomaten mit den Schritten:

(a) Ineingriffbringen eines ankommenden Blattes, das sich in einem Eingangsblattpfad bewegt, mit einem Greiferabschnitt in unterstützender Verbindung mit einem drehenden Element, wobei das ankommende Blatt mit dem drehenden Element in einer ersten Drehposition des drehenden Elementes in Eingriff ist;

(b) Drehen des drehenden Elementes, wobei das ankommende Blatt mit dem Greiferabschnitt in Eingriff ist, in eine zweite Drehposition, wobei das ankommende Blatt in der zweiten Drehposition im Wesentlichen mit einem Stapel ausgerichtet ist,

(c) Freigeben des ankommenden Blattes aus dem Eingriff mit dem Greiferabschnift im Wesentlichen in der zweiten Drehposition, wobei das ankommende Blatt dem Stapel hinzugefügt wird,

(d) Ineingriffbringen eines ausgehenden Blattes, das den Stapel begrenzt, mit einem Aufnahmeabschnitt in betrieblicher Verbindung zu dem drehenden Element, und
Drehen des drehenden Elementes, wobei der Aufnahmeabschnitt in dem Ausgangsblatt in Eingriff ist, wobei das Ausgangsblatt von dem Stapel gegriffen wird.

32. Verfahren nach Anspruch 31 und vor dem Schritt (d) darüber hinaus mit dem Schritt des lneingriffbringens des Blattes mit einer Anschlagoberfläche neben der zweiten Drehposition, wobei ein Eingriff mit der Anschiagsoberfiäche das ankommende Blatt dazu bringt, außer Eingriff mit dem Greiferabschnitt zu treten.

33. Verfahren nach Anspruch 31 und darüber hinaus mit dem Schritt des Zurückdrehens des drehenden Elementes in die erste Drehposition.

34. Verfahren nach Anspruch 31, wobei Schritt (a) ein Bewegen des Greiferabschnittes umfasst, so dass er mit dem Blatt in Eingriff tritt durch wirksames Ineingriffbringen des Grelfabschnittes mit der bewegbaren Nockenoberfläche.

35. Verfahren nach Anspruch 34, wobei in Schritt (a) die bewegbare Nockenoberfläche eine Oberfläche eines Endblattes, das den Stapel begrenzt, umfasst.

36. Verfahren nach Anspruch 34, wobei das drehende Element einen Schlitz aufweist und wobei in Schritt (a) das Greiferelement mit dem ankommenden Blatt in dem Schlitz in Eingriff tritt.

37. Verfahren nach Anspruch 31 und darüber hinaus mit dem Schritt des Bewegens des ankommenden Blatts mit einem Bewegungselement in den Stapel.

38. Verfahren nach Anspruch 31 und darüber hinaus mit den Schritten:

(e) Ineingriffbringen des ausgehenden Blattes, das von dem Stapel bewegt wird, zwischen einem Zuführelement und einem Abstreifelement, welche sich relativ zueinander bewegen, wobei andere Blätter als das ausgehende Blatt dazu gebracht werden, davon getrennt zu werden,

(f) Bewegen des ausgehenden Blattes In Eingriff mit dem Zuführelement in einer Blattausgangsrichtung weg von dem Stapel in einem Blattausgangspfad.

39. Verfahren nach Anspruch 38 und nachfolgend auf Schritt (e) darüber hinaus mit den Schritten Erfassen mit einem Sensor, ob mehr als ein Blatt zusammen in der Ausgangspfadrichtung hinter das Abstreiferelement bewegt wurde und wenn ja, Bewegen des mehr als einen Blattes in einer Richtung entgegengesetzt der Blattausgangsrichtung.

40. Verfahren nach Anspruch 31 und vor dem Schritt (a), darüber hinaus mit den Schritten:

Bewegen des ankommenden Blattes in einem Hauptblattpfad,

Leiten des ankommenden Blattes mit einem Verzweiger von dem Hauptblattpfad in den Blatteingangspfad.

41. Verfahren nach Anspruch 40 und darüber hinaus mit dem Schritt des Bereitstellens des von dem Stapel gegriffenen Blattes in den Hauptblattpfad.

42. Verfahren nach Anspruch 31, wobei Schritt (d) ein wirksames Ineingriffbringen eines Stellgliedes mit dem Aufnahmeabschnitt umfasst, wobei der Aufnahmeabschnitt veranlasst wird, mit dem ausgehenden Blatt in Eingriff zu treten.

43. Verfahren nach Anspruch 42, wobei das drehende Element eine äußere Oberfläche aufweist und wobei in Schritt (d) der Aufnahmeabschnitt sich radial nach außen über die äußere Oberfläche hinaus erstreckt.

44. Verfahren nach Anspruch 31, wobei der Greiferabschnitt und der Aufnahmeabschnitt beide wirkend mit einem bewegbaren Element verbunden sind, das bewegbar an dem drehenden Element befestigt ist und wobei in Schritt (a) das bewegbare Element sich so bewegt, dass es bewirkt, dass das ankommende Blatt wirksam mit dem drehenden Element in Eingriff tritt, und in Schritt (d) dass das bewegbare Element sich so bewegt, dass es bewirkt, dass das ankommende Blatt wirksam mit dem drehenden Element in Eingriff tritt.

45. Verfahren nach Anspruch 44, wobei das bewegbare Element mit dem drehenden Element durch ein Gelenk verbunden ist, und wobei in Schritt (a) und in Schritt (b) sich das bewegbare Element um die Drehachse dreht.

46. Verfahren nach Anspruch 44 und darüber hinaus mit dem Schritt des Vorspannens des bewegbaren Elementes mit einem Vorspannelement hin zu einer Position, in der der Aufnahmeabschnitt nicht mit dem Ausgangsblatt in Eingriff ist.

47. Verfahren nach Anspruch 44, wobei der Greiferabschnitt eine erste Oberfläche aufweist, die das bewegbare Element begrenzt und der Aufnahmeabschnitt eine zweite Oberfläche aufweist, die das bewegbare Element begrenzt, wobei die zweite Oberfläche von der ersten Oberfläche beabstandet ist und wobei in Schritt (a) das ankommende Blatt mit der ersten Oberfläche In Eingriff tritt und in Schritt (d) das ausgehende Blatt mit der zweiten Oberfläche in Eingriff tritt.

48. Verfahren nach Anspruch 47, wobei in Schritt (d) die zweite Oberfläche mit dem ausgehenden Blatt in einer dritten Drehposition des Drehelementes in Eingriff tritt, wobei die dritte Drehposition im Winkel von der zweiten Drehposition beabstandet ist.

49. Verfahren nach Anspruch 42, wobei das Stellglied eine Führungsoberfläche darauf aufweist und wobei der Schritt (a) ein Leiten des ankommenden Blattes umfasst, so dass der Greiferabschnitt mit der Führungsoberfläche In Eingriff tritt.

Revendications

1. Appareil de guichet automatique bancaire comprenant :

un élément rotatif (222) ;

une partie de préhension (272) en liaison de support mobile avec l'élément rotatif, la partie de préhension se déplaçant par rapport à l'élément rotatif pour mettre en prise une feuille entrante adjacente à l'élément rotatif dans une trajectoire de feuille entrante (236) dans une première position de rotation de l'élément rotatif, et pour libérer la feuille entrante dans une pile de feuilles (234) dans une deuxième position de rotation de l'élément rotatif ;

une partie de ramassage (278) en liaison de support mobile avec l'élément rotatif, la partie de ramassage se mettant en prise avec une feuille sortante dans une troisième position de rotation de l'élément rotatif, et le mouvement de la partie de ramassage dans une première direction de rotation à partir de la troisième position de rotation déplaçant la feuille sortante de la pile dans une trajectoire de feuille sortante (260).

2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un élément mobile (228) monté de façon mobile en liaison de support avec l'élément rotatif, et dans lequel la partie de préhension et la partie de ramassage sont reliées de façon opérationnelle à l'élément mobile.

3. Appareil selon la revendication 2, comprenant en outre un pivot, dans lequel l'élément rotatif et l'élément mobile sont connectés opérationnellement de façon mobile par le biais du pivot.

4. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément rotatif comprend une fente s'étendant de façon périphérique (232), et dans lequel dans la première position de rotation, la partie de préhension se met en prise avec la feuille entrante dans la fente.

5. Appareil selon la revendication 4, comprenant en outre une surface d'actionnement de partie de préhension (274) en liaison opérationnelle avec la partie de préhension, et une surface mobile à came (276) adjacente à l'élément rotatif, dans lequel dans la première position de rotation de l'élément rotatif, la surface mobile à came est mise en prise opérationnelle avec la surface d'actionnement de partie de préhension, dans lequel la partie de préhension est amenée dans une position de mise en prise avec la feuille entrante.

6. Appareil selon la revendication 5, dans lequel la pile est en liaison de support avec un élément de pile, et dans lequel la surface mobile à came est en liaison de support avec l'élément de pile.

7. Appareil selon la revendication 6, dans lequel la pile est délimitée par une feuille d'extrémité, et dans lequel la surface mobile à came comprend une surface de la feuille d'extrémité, et dans lequel la partie de ramassage peut se mettre en prise avec la feuille d'extrémité dans la troisième position de rotation de l'élément rotatif, et dans lequel la feuille d'extrémité est la feuille sortante.

8. Appareil selon la revendication 5, dans lequel dans la seconde position de rotation de l'élément rotatif, la surface d'actionnement de partie de préhension est déplacée par rapport à la surface mobile à came, la feuille entrante se dégageant de la partie de préhension.

9. Appareil selon la revendication 8, comprenant en outre une surface de butée (284), dans lequel dans la seconde position de rotation de l'élément rotatif, la feuille entrante est en prise avec la surface de butée, dans lequel la mise en prise de la feuille entrante et de la surface de butée dispose la feuille entrante à partir de la fente.

10. Appareil selon la revendication 9, dans lequel la surface de butée comprend une surface d'extrémité (286), la surface d'extrémité délimitant la trajectoire de feuille sortante.

11. Appareil selon la revendication 9, dans lequel l'élément rotatif tourne autour d'un axe, et dans lequel la rotation de l'élément rotatif dans la première direction de rotation avec la partie de ramassage en prise avec la feuille entraîne un déplacement de la feuille sortante généralement dans une direction de feuille sortante, et dans lequel la surface de butée s'étend dans une direction de butée généralement radialement vers l'extérieur par rapport à l'axe et dans la direction de feuille sortante.

12. Appareil selon la revendication 9, dans lequel l'élément rotatif est en liaison de support avec un arbre, et comprenant en outre un élément de stator (282) en liaison de support avec l'arbre, et dans lequel l'élément rotatif tourne par rapport à l'élément de stator et dans lequel la surface de butée est en liaison de support avec l'élément de stator.

13. Appareil selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre au moins un élément détacheur, dans lequel l'élément détacheur est positionné de façon adjacente à la pile de feuilles, et dans lequel la feuille entrante libérée dans la pile de feuilles se met en prise avec l'élément détacheur.

14. Appareil selon la revendication 13, dans lequel l'élément détacheur comprend un rouleau détacheur (258), et dans lequel le rouleau détacheur tourne dans une direction de détachement pour déplacer la feuille entrante dans la pile de feuilles.

15. Appareil selon la revendication 14, dans lequel le rouleau détacheur comprend une surface externe texturée, et dans lequel la feuille entrante se met en prise avec la surface externe texturée.

16. Appareil selon la revendication 10, comprenant en outre au moins un rouleau détacheur adjacent à la pile, dans lequel le rouleau détacheur et la surface d'extrémité délimitent la trajectoire de feuille sortante.

17. Appareil selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un actionneur (252), dans lequel l'actionneur se met en prise opérationnellement avec la partie de ramassage dans la troisième position, dans lequel la partie de ramassage est déplacée pour se mettre en prise avec la feuille sortante.

18. Appareil selon la revendication 17, dans lequel l'élément rotatif comprend une surface externe, et dans lequel la mise en prise opérationnelle avec l'actionneur entraîne l'extension radiale de la partie de ramassage vers l'extérieur au-delà de la surface externe.

19. Appareil selon la revendication 18, dans lequel l'élément rotatif comprend une fente s'étendant de façon périphérique, et dans lequel dans la première position de rotation, la feuille entrante est mise en prise dans la fente, et dans lequel la surface de sortie est disposée de façon angulaire sur l'élément rotatif à partir de la fente.

20. Appareil selon la revendication 19, dans lequel l'actionneur a une surface de guidage (254) en liaison opérationnelle avec lui, la surface de guidage servant à guider la feuille entrante dans la fente.

21. Appareil selon la revendication 13, comprenant en outre un élément d'alimentation adjacent à l'élément détacheur, dans lequel l'élément d'alimentation et l'élément détacheur délimitent la trajectoire de feuille sortante, et dans lequel les feuilles déplacées de la pile par la partie de ramassage sont mises en prise entre l'élément d'alimentation et l'élément détacheur, et dans lequel, généralement plus d'une seule feuille sortante est empêchée de passer entre l'élément d'alimentation et l'élément détacheur.

22. Appareil selon la revendication 21, dans lequel l'élément d'alimentation se déplace par rapport à l'élément détacheur dans une direction d'alimentation sortante, dans lequel la feuille sortante s'écarte de la pile dans la trajectoire de feuille sortante dans la direction de feuille sortante en réponse au mouvement de l'élément rotatif dans la première direction de rotation.

23. Appareil selon la revendication 22, dans lequel l'élément détacheur se déplace par rapport à la feuille sortante dans une direction opposée à la direction de feuille sortante, dans lequel les feuilles autres qu'une simple feuille sortante sont généralement maintenues en liaison avec la pile.

24. Appareil selon la revendication 22, comprenant en outre une pluralité d'éléments détacheurs, au moins un élément détacheur s'étendant dans une relation généralement opposée à l'élément d'alimentation, et au moins un élément détacheur étant disposé transversalement dans la trajectoire de feuille sortante partant de l'élément d'alimentation.

25. Appareil selon la revendication 22, comprenant en outre au moins un élément d'enlèvement disposé dans la trajectoire de feuille sortante et dans la direction de feuille entrante par rapport à l'élément détacheur, l'élément d'enlèvement se mettant en prise avec une feuille sortante et déplaçant la feuille sortante déplacée au-delà de l'élément détacheur dans la direction de feuille sortante.

26. Appareil selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre une trajectoire de feuille principale, dans laquelle la trajectoire de feuille principale comprend un dispositif de déplacement de feuille servant à déplacer les feuilles à l'intérieur de celui-ci, et dans laquelle la trajectoire de feuille entrante et la trajectoire de feuille sortante sont en liaison avec la trajectoire de feuille principale.

27. Appareil selon la revendication 26, comprenant en outre un déflecteur (248) adjacent à la trajectoire de feuille principale, le déflecteur servant sélectivement à diriger au moins une feuille se déplaçant dans la trajectoire de feuille principale dans la trajectoire de feuille entrante.

28. Appareil selon la revendication 27, dans lequel les feuilles se déplaçant dans la trajectoire de feuille principale se déplacent dans une direction de trajectoire de feuille principale, et dans lequel la trajectoire de feuille entrante est reliée à la trajectoire de feuille principale dans une première zone de liaison, et la trajectoire de feuille sortante est reliée à la trajectoire de feuille principale dans une seconde zone de liaison, et dans laquelle la première zone de liaison est disposée dans la direction de trajectoire de feuille principale par rapport à la seconde zone de liaison.

29. Appareil selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un guichet automatique bancaire, dans lequel l'élément rotatif, la pile, la trajectoire de feuille entrante, la trajectoire de feuille sortante s'étendent dans le guichet bancaire automatique.

30. Appareil selon la revendication 29, comprenant en outre une trajectoire de feuille principale s'étendant dans le guichet automatique bancaire, et dans lequel les feuilles incluent une pluralité de type de billets, et dans lequel une pluralité de types de billets se déplacent dans la trajectoire de feuille principale, et dans lequel la trajectoire de feuille entrante et la trajectoire de feuille sortante sont reliées à la trajectoire de feuille principale, et dans lequel la pile inclut un seul type de billet, et comprenant en outre un autre élément rotatif, une autre pile, une autre trajectoire de feuille entrante reliée opérationnellement à la trajectoire de feuille principale, et une autre trajectoire de feuille sortante reliée opérationnellement à la trajectoire de feuille principale, dans lequel l'autre pile inclut un seul second type de billet.

31. Procédé d'utilisation d'un distributeur bancaire automatique, comprenant les étapes consistant à :

(a) mettre en prise une feuille entrante se déplaçant dans une trajectoire de feuille entrante avec une partie de préhension, en liaison de support avec un élément rotatif, la feuille entrante étant mise en prise avec l'élément rotatif dans une première position de rotation de l'élément rotatif ;

(b) faire tourner l'élément rotatif avec la feuille entrante en prise avec la partie de préhension vers une seconde position de rotation, dans laquelle position de rotation la feuille entrante est généralement alignée avec une pile ;

(c) libérer la feuille entrante de la prise avec la partie de préhension dans généralement la deuxième position de rotation, la feuille entrante étant incluse dans la pile ;

(d) mettre en prise une feuille sortante délimitant la pile avec une partie de ramassage en liaison opérationnelle avec l'élément rotatif ; et

faire tourner l'élément rotatif avec la partie de ramassage en prise avec la feuille sortante, moyennant quoi la feuille sortante est retirée de la pile.

32. Procédé selon la revendication 31 et comprenant en outre, avant l'étape (d), l'étape de mise en prise de la feuille avec une surface de butée adjacente à la deuxième position de rotation, la mise en prise avec la surface de butée amenant la feuille entrante à se dégager de la partie de préhension.

33. Procédé selon la revendication 31, comprenant en outre l'étape de retour de l'élément rotatif vers la première position de rotation.

34. Procédé selon la revendication 31, dans lequel l'étape (a) inclut le déplacement de la partie de préhension de sorte à mettre en prise la feuille en mettant en prise opérationnelle la partie de préhension avec une surface mobile à came.

35. Procédé selon la revendication 34, dans lequel dans l'étape (a), la surface mobile à came inclut une surface d'une feuille d'extrémité délimitant la pile.

36. Procédé selon la revendication 34, dans lequel l'élément rotatif inclut une fente, et dans lequel dans l'étape (a), l'élément de préhension se met en prise avec la feuille entrante dans la fente.

37. Procédé selon la revendication 31, comprenant en outre l'étape de déplacement de la feuille entrante dans la pile avec un élément mobile.

38. Procédé selon la revendication 31, comprenant en outre les étapes consistant à :

(e) mettre en prise la feuille sortante déplacée de la pile entre un élément d'alimentation et un élément détacheur se déplaçant l'un par rapport à l'autre, les feuilles autres que la feuille sortante étant amenées à se séparer de celle-ci ;

(f) déplacer la feuille sortante en prise avec l'élément d'alimentation dans une direction de feuille sortante à l'écart de la pile dans une trajectoire de feuille sortante.

39. Procédé selon la revendication 38 et comprenant en outre, suite à l'étape (e), les étapes consistant à détecter avec un capteur si plusieurs feuilles sont déplacées ensemble dans la direction de feuille sortante au-delà de l'élément détacheur et le cas échéant, à déplacer les plusieurs feuilles dans une direction opposée à la direction de feuille sortante.

40. Procédé selon la revendication 31, comprenant en outre, avant l'étape (a), les étapes consistant à :

déplacer la feuille entrante dans une trajectoire de feuille principale ;

diriger la feuille entrante avec un déflecteur de la trajectoire de feuille principale dans la trajectoire de feuille entrante.

41. Procédé selon la revendication 40, comprenant en outre l'étape de fourniture de la feuille retirée de la pile dans la trajectoire de feuille principale.

42. Procédé selon la revendication 31, dans lequel l'étape (d) comprend la mise en prise opérationnelle d'un actionneur avec la partie de ramassage, la partie de ramassage étant amenée en prise avec la feuille sortante.

43. Procédé selon la revendication 42, dans lequel l'élément rotatif comprend une surface externe et dans lequel dans l'étape (d), la partie de ramassage s'étend radialement vers l'extérieur au-delà de la surface externe.

44. Procédé selon la revendication la revendication 31, dans lequel la partie de préhension et la partie de ramassage sont toutes deux reliées de façon opérationnelle à un élément mobile monté de façon mobile sur l'élément rotatif, et dans lequel dans l'étape (a), l'élément mobile se déplace pour amener la feuille entrante en prise opérationnelle avec l'élément rotatif, et dans l'étape (d), l'élément mobile se déplace pour amener la feuille sortante en prise opérationnelle avec l'élément rotatif.

45. Procédé selon la revendication 44, dans lequel l'élément mobile est relié à l'élément rotatif par le biais d'un pivot, et dans lequel dans l'étape (a) et dans l'étape (d), l'élément mobile tourne autour du pivot.

46. Procédé selon la revendication 44, comprenant en outre l'étape d'entraînement de l'élément mobile avec un élément d'entraînement vers une position dans laquelle la partie de ramassage ne se met pas en prise avec la feuille sortante.

47. Procédé selon la revendication 44, dans lequel la partie de préhension comprend une première surface délimitant l'élément mobile, et la partie de ramassage comprend une deuxième surface délimitant l'élément mobile, dans lequel la deuxième surface est disposée à partir de la première surface, et dans lequel dans l'étape (a), la feuille entrante se met en prise avec la première surface, et dans l'étape (d), la feuille sortante se met en prise avec la seconde surface.

48. Procédé selon la revendication 47, dans lequel dans l'étape (d), la seconde surface se met en prise avec la feuille sortante dans une troisième position de rotation de l'élément rotatif, la troisième position de rotation étant disposée de façon angulaire par rapport à la deuxième position de rotation.

49. Procédé selon la revendication 42, dans lequel l'actionneur comprend une surface de guidage, et dans lequel l'étape (a) comprend l'orientation de la feuille entrante pour mise en prise de la partie de préhension avec la surface de guidage.

Drawing