GB2395981A

GB2395981A - Method and apparatus for receipt and collection of valuable items

Info

Publication number: GB2395981A
Application number: GB0228067A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kjell Birkeland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-12-02
Filing date: 2002-12-02
Publication date: 2004-06-09
Also published as: GB0228067D0

Abstract

A secure depository (10) has first and second receptacles (11, 15) and a storage space (14), where, in use, items are placed in the first receptacle and are transferred to the storage space, and where items can be removed from the second receptacle after being transferred from the storage zone. Preferably an electronic location system monitors the items as they are deposited, stored and removed. The storage zone may be divided into upper and lower zones by a rotatable drum (17) and the first and second receptacles may comprise lockable drawers, where the second drawer has means to receive a removable item receiving unit which can communicate electronically with the depository.

Description

239598 1

TRANSFER OF CASH OR OTHER VALUABLES

The invention relates to a secure depository for the temporary storage of cash between a cash receipt station (e.g. a cash register) and a secure transit vehicle (e.g. an armoured security 5 van).

The invention also relates to the secure depository as part of a system for the secure insertion of cash into and removal of cash from that secure depository. The invention also relates to a method for the transfer and storage of cash using the secure depository.

The expression 'secure depository' is herein intended to mean a depository into which cash or other valuables newels, securities, medicinal drugs etc) can be deposited with individual electronic identification. The expression 'cash' is herein intended to mean cash or other valuables The invention provides a secure depository having a first receptacle through which a deposit of cash can be inserted into the secure depository with individual electronic identification; a storage zone in which cash can be retained within the secure depository, and a second receptacle through which one or more deposits of cash can be withdrawn from the storage 20 zone simultaneously with an individual electronic identification for each deposit of cash.

It is preferred that the storage zone has upper and lower zones separated by means operable to prevent access between those zones.

25 In this form it is further preferred that the means operable to prevent access between the upper and lower zones is a generally cylindrical drum rotatable about a horizontal axis, and having a detent in the cylindrical surface of the drum in which cash from the upper zone can be moved to the lower zone by rotation of the drum within a fixed cylindrical shield, and in which the fixed cylindrical shield has suitable apertures for the cash to drop into the drum from the upper zone, 30 and to drop out of the drum into the lower zone.

It is also preferred that the secure depository has key means whereby depositors can individually gain access to the first receptacle to deposit cash into the secure depository.

35 It is also preferred that the secure depository has second key means whereby a person authorised to withdraw one or more deposits of cash from the second receptacle can gain access to that second receptacle.

-2 The invention also provides a system comprising a secure depository as described in any of the preceding five paragraphs, in combination with at least one local unit capable of containing small amounts of cash, together with electronic identification of that cash, the local unit being 5 configured to transfer cash to the first receptacle and to transfer individual electronic identification of the contents of the local unit to the secure depository.

It is preferred that the system is used in combination with a receiving unit in the second receptacle, the receiving unit being capable of receiving cash from the storage zone, the 10 receiving unit being configured to be withdrawn from the second receptacle to transfer deposits of cash from the secure depository to a secure transit vehicle and to transfer individual electronic identification of all those deposits of cash with the receiving unit.

It is also preferred that there are at least two local units for acceptance sequentially into the 15 secure depository, and the two local units have individual electronic identification characteristics. It is also preferred that the cash in the or each local unit is confined within a perforated container, and in which the secure depository has means to render the cash within the 20 perforated container useless (e.g. by ink or dye or glue) if an unauthorized attempt is made to remove cash from the secure depository.

It is also preferred that the secure depository has means to accept the or each local unit in a lockable drawer movable into or out of the secure depository, and the drawer has means to 25 communicate electronically with the local unit to register the ownership and contents of the local unit. In a form in which there is a receiving unit in the second receptacle., it is preferred that the secure depository has means to contain the receiving unit within a second lockable drawer 30 movable into and out of the secure depository, whereby the receiving unit can communicate electronically with the secure depository to register the ownership and contents of the or each local unit which has been consolidated within the secure depository at the time of release of the receiving unit.

35 The invention includes a method for the storage and transfer of cash which comprises the steps of inserting a cash deposit into a first receptacle of a secure depository with an individual electronic identification of the cash, retaining one or more deposits of cash in a storage zone

-3 within the secure depository, and then withdrawing the deposit(s) of cash from the secure depository via a second receptacle, in which individual electronic identifications of all those deposits are transferred to that second receptacle for removal.

5 A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The following is a specific description of a SafeCash Secure Cash Handling and Depository

System for Retailers and Banks The proposed system is a fully unified and closed system for short term handling and safekeeping of bank notes from cash register to bank depositing.

The overall system consists of the following three main components: À SafeCash Lightweight Dropsafe (SCLD). Unit(s) located at or near cash register for intermittent depositing of excess bank notes. Excess bank notes are volumes of bank notes more than required for exchange purposes locally.

20 After closing hours, SCLD(s) is/(are) opened back-office by use of a docking station with a time-delay function and content(s) consolidated into a counted amount, a bank deposit slip filled in, bank notes and said deposit slip packed loosely in a "nettingpose"/"string bag"/"perforated bag". The "bag" is placed back into SCLD, the unit is closed and is ready for transport to a local SafeCash Secure Depository. Key deposit data as customer ID, 25 total amount, denominations etc. are entered and lodged in electronic memory (random access memory- RAM) in the SCLD through a keyboard being part of the docking station.

À SafeCash Secure Depository (SCSD). Unit(s) located in a shopping mall, at or in a bank office, a 24-hour gas station or in a similar public accessible place. The SCSD is to serve 30 multiple bank clients as an intermediate depository of SCLD contenVdeposit until collection and transport to either bank office or a common central.

The SCSD is fitted with a panel/pin-code/magnetic card/biometric access system. Upon successful accessing (correct identification) the SCSD, an upper front hatch/access door is 35 automatically opened allowing a SCLD to be inserted into the receiving SCSD. Upon insertion, the SCLD is automatically physically and electronically mated to the SCSD. After insertion, the front hatch/access door on the front of the SCSD automatically closes.

-4 The inserted SCLD now being connected electronically to the SCSD, communicates with the SCSD (e.g. serial, CAN-bus, TCP/IP or other protocol) exchanging data consisting of customer ID, SCLD unit ID and key deposit data as specified above. Upon successful 5 validation, or acceptance, through this handshaking procedure, the correct opening/unlocking code for the SCLD is issued by the SCSD. With the SCLD unlocked, an integrated mechanical opening mechanism pulls open the SCLD allowing the bagged content to drop into a holding bay.

10 From the holding bay, the deposit is further dropped over a revolving drum mechanism into a SafeCash Secure Holding and Transport Box. Upon completion of the sequence, the revolving drum is rotated back into a closed position, the front hatch/access door on the SCSD is automatically opened, the inserted SCLD is retrieved by the person making the deposit and the hatch/access door closes. The SCSD is now ready for the next customer.

À SafeCash Secure Holding and Transport Box (SHTB). Receiving unit residing in the lower part of the SCSD. The unit is similar in design and functionality to that of the portable dropsafe (SCLD) but larger (typically 15 - 40 Itrs volume) and resides inside the SCSD in a 20 receiving and holding mode, i.e. in an "opened" position.

When deposits are to be retrieved from a SCSD for transport to a central location, transport personnel/operator accesses the SCSD in a similar manner as individual depositing clients.

Upon successful accessing (correct identification) the SCSD activates a mechanical 25 mechanism that closes the SHTB while at the same time downloading to the SHTB all relevant depository data over a link based on a similar protocol as that of the communication between individual SCLDs and the SCSD. When the SHTB has been closed, a lower hatch/access door opens automatically, and the SHTB can be retrieved.

Prior to leaving the SCSD for transport of the SHTB another, but empty SHTB,is inserted 30 into the lower hatch/access door securing continuous availability of the SCSD to authorised bank clients.

The different major parts of the system identified as the dropsafe (SCLD), the secure depository (SCSD) and the holding and transport box (SHTB) have essential safety features as 35 follows:

-5 At all times when closed, the dropsafe (SCLD)is armed and protected against forced entry as follows (for details, please consult separate Norwegian patent no. 312373: - Instruments are installed in dropsafe for detection and analysis of sound, 5 mechanical/electrical short circuiting and temperature anomalies.

- Upon detection of attempts of forced entry, the system activates internal pyrotechnically activated ink charges. Ink sprayed forcefully around in the holding chamber of the SCLD will cover bank notes and render said notes useless as legal tender. 10 - All internal electronics are battery powered by rechargeable batteries (typically using NiMH batteries). Attempts to exhaust battery life to bypass security system will be detected by lower voltage. Prior to battery exhaustion, system will preemptively activate charges thereby performing a "system suicide".

15 The SCSD, fitted with a holding and transport box (SHTB), is at all times protected through the following system: An active suite of instrumentation similar to the system used for detection of forced entry into a SCLD.

20 - Additional circuit breakers installed on all hatches/access doors and any removable panels. - Upon detection of attempt of forced entry, a high frequency audible alarm is activated. System will be fitted with a telephone based (fixed line or cell line) alarm messaging system.

25 - System of two containers with an extremely fast reacting twocomponent glue. Upon alarm, the contents of the containers are forced out (mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically) and mixed in a mixing tube prior to deposit into the, and onto the contents (customer deposits) of, the holding and transport box (SHTB). Effective reaction time to render box content useless is less than 20 seconds.

The SHBT, being designed and constructed as a larger dropsafe (SCLD),is fitted with a detection, activation and ink-based protection system similar to that of the SCLD.

In addition, the SHOT may be fitted with a GPS,DGPS or a cell phone based system for 35 localization.

-6 The system has also the following features: - Customer (depositor) receives a receipt electronically by either SMS or e-mail initiated by communication system within the SCSD.

5 - Customer may be appraised electronically when deposits have been retrieved and accounted for by bank.

- Bank and/or service company operating on behalf of bank, receives frequent updates on status on individual SCSDs by network protocol, SMS or e-mail.

- Alarm messages can be routed to the police.

10 - From the time the bank client secures the deposit into the SOLD and until the SHTB is opened in a secure environment at central location, bank notes/deposits are invisible and inaccessible as well as physically protected at all stages of transport and transfer.

- All major system units are lightweight constructions. Protection is through smart 15 electronics, instrumentation, ink and glue rendering monies useless upon forced access. The most important benefits and advantages of the overall system are: 20 - The retailers' money are protected by the SOLD by discouraging robbery and theft.

Money are rendered useless by attempts to gain unauthorized access.

- Retailers' personnel security is improved - both while holding money during retail hours as well as when making bank deposits.

- An overall system may be shared by several different banks using the same service 25 company for operating the system from the SCSD holding deposits, through transport to central location, counting and final accounts debiting. Lower costs for deposit arrangements as system is based on intelligence rather than expensive vault-like heavyweight constructions.

- Loss and theft by dishonest employees are discouraged and prevented.

Reference list: I Safe Cash 2 Dockings Station 3 Display 4 Tunnel 5 Port 6 Data 7 Safe Cash inside the tunnel 8 Port down 9 Drawer 1 0 Depository 11 First Receptacle 12 Local unit 14 Storage unit 15 Second receptacle 16 Receiving writ 17 Rotatable drum 18 Port up 19 Revolving drum 20 Drawer full 21 Drawer in 22 Ready for transport

Claims

- CLAIMS

1/ A secure depository having a first receptacle through which a deposit of cash can be inserted into the secure depository with individual electronic identification, a storage zone in which cash 5 can be retained within the secure depository, and a second receptacle through which one or more deposits of cash can be withdrawn from the storage zone simultaneously with an individual electronic identification for each deposit of cash.

21 A secure depository as claimed in claim 1, in which the storage zone has upper and lower 10 zones separated by means operable to prevent access between those zones.

3/ A secure depository as claimed in claim 2, in which the means operable to prevent access between the upper and lower zones is a generally cylindrical drum rotatable about a horizontal axis, and having a detent in the cylindrical surface of the drum in which cash from the upper 15 zone can be moved to the lower zone by rotation of the drum within a fixed cylindrical shield, and in which the fixed cylindrical shield has suitable apertures for the cash to drop into the drum from the upper zone, and to drop out of the drum into the lower zone.

4/ A secure depository as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, and having key means 20 whereby depositors can individually gain access to the first receptacle to deposit cash into the secure depository.

5/ A secure depository as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, and having second key means whereby a person authorised to withdraw one or more deposits of cash from the second 25 receptacle can gain access to that second receptacle.

6/ A system comprising a secure depository as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with at least one local unit capable of containing small amounts of cash, together with electronic identification of that cash, the local unit being configured to transfer cash to the 30 first receptacle and to transfer individual electronic identification of the contents of the local unit to the secure depository.

7/ A system as claimed in claim 6, in combination with a receiving unit in the second receptacle, the receiving unit being capable of receiving cash from the storage zone, the receiving unit 35 being configured to be withdrawn from the second receptacle to transfer deposits of cash from the secure depository to a secure transit vehicle and to transfer individual electronic identification of all those deposits of cash with the receiving unit.

q 8/ A system as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, in which there are at least two local units for acceptance sequentially into the secure depository, and the two local units have individual electronic identification characteristics.

9/ A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, in which the cash in the or each local unit is confined within a perforated container, and in which the secure depository has means to render the cash within the perforated container useless (e.g. by ink or dye or glue) if an unauthorised attempt is made to remove cash from the secure depository.

10/ A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, in which the secure depository has means to accept the or each local unit in a lockable drawer movable into or out of the secure depository, and the drawer has means to communicate electronically with the local unit to register the ownership and contents of the local unit.

11/ A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, in which the secure depository has means to contain a receiving unit within a second lockable drawer movable into and out of the secure depository, whereby the receiving unit can communicate electronically with the secure depository to register the ownership and contents of the or each local unit which 20 has been consolidated within the secure depository at the time of release of the receiving unit.

12/ A method for the storage and transfer of cash which comprises the steps of inserting a cash deposit into a first receptacle of a secure depository with an individual electronic identification of the cash, retaining one or more deposits of cash in a storage zone within the secure 25 depository, and then withdrawing the deposit(s) of cash from the secure depository via a second receptacle, in which individual electronic identifications of all those deposits are transferred to that second receptacle for removal.

13/ A secure depository substantially as hereinbefore described by way of example with 30 reference to and as shown in Figures 3 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.

14/ A system comprising a secure depository, a local unit and a receiving unit, all substantially as hereinbefore described by way of example with reference to and as shown in Figures 3 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.

15/ A method for the storage and transfer of cash substantially as hereinbefore described by way of example with reference to Figures 3 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.