CASH DEPOSIT TERMINAL AND ASSOCIATED CASH TRANSPORT

SECURITY SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cash deposit terminal and to an associated cash transport security system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The Inventor has identified a problem present in the transport of cash between different locations in that this action of transporting is generally open to compromise from different sources, such as hijackings and robberies. As large amounts of cash are transported on a daily basis, such heists have become a profitable venture for criminals.

The transport of cash from the source to the final destination is generally subject to a number of distinct stages, each of which is subject to possible compromise. The following invention seeks to propose a possible solution to the above problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a cash deposit terminal which includes a cash slot for receiving cash, in use, from a depositor; cash validation means arranged in communication with the slot, which validation means is configured to automatically validate the authenticity and amount of the received cash; cash securing means arranged in communication with the validation means which securing means is configured to automatically secure the validated cash in a suitable tamper-resistant enclosure for transport purposes; and

a housing for securely housing the cash slot, the cash validation means and the cash securing means so that once cash is placed in the slot, such cash is not readily accessible from outside such housing, which housing is configured to eject the tamper-resistant enclosure upon receipt of authorized instruction to allow for transportation of said cash.

It is to be appreciated that the possibility of human contact with the deposited cash is generally minimized once such cash has been placed in to the terminal's slot. The housing is tamper-resistant and the terminal secures the cash in the enclosure from which the cash is only extractable once the enclosure receives the necessary opening instructions, typically from a remote monitoring means, or the like. Tampering is generally prevented via conventional anti-tamper techniques, e.g. dye bombs for staining the cash, electronic alarms, and the like.

The cash validation means may be configured to validate the cash by including a scanner configured to scan an identity number of a cash note after such note is received by the slot. The scanner may include suitable image recognition technology in order to effectively scan the identity number. The cash validation means may be configured to report the validation results to a remote monitoring means by including a transmitter for transmitting information to the monitoring means. As such, the remote monitoring may include a banking institution, an accounting institution, a security company, and/or the like.

The cash validation means may be configured to validate the authenticity of the cash by validating specific attributes of the cash, such as size, colour, weight, unique identifiers, and/or the like. Similarly, the quantity of the received cash may be determined by verifying such specific attributes, as cash notes of different denominations typically have different attributes, or the like.

It is to be appreciated that the scanner enables the system to keep track of cash notes as they are being deposited into the terminal. The scanner may also be configured to capture an image of the cash note being scanned, e.g. a digital image, or the like. Accordingly, the captured image is then transmissible to the remote location, typically via the monitoring means, or the like.

The cash validation means may further be configured to generate a hard copy validation record by including a suitable printer for printing said validation record which includes information relevant to the authenticity and value of the cash. As such, the validation record may specify any suitable information, including authenticity of the cash, the value of the deposited cash, the identity if the depositor, the time and date of the deposit, a number of cash notes deposited, a serial number of the cash securing means, location of the securing means, and/or the like.

The validation record may include a document manufactured from a suitable material for wrapping the cash, such as paper, plastic, metal, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that the cash is wrapped in the validation record and accordingly the record is typically manufactured from a robust material.

The cash securing means may be configured to automatically wrap the cash with said validation record so that at least a portion of the cash is exposed before securing the cash in the enclosure. The cash securing means may be configured to stack the cash in the enclosure before securing the cash in said enclosure. The cash securing means may be configured to electronically seal the cash inside the enclosure by activating electronic countermeasures once the cash has been placed inside the enclosure.

Accordingly, the enclosure may include a liquid dyeing system for staining the cash once activated. It is to be appreciated that this is the reason that the cash is wrapped so that at least a portion of the cash is exposed, in order to avoid only staining the validation record and not the cash. The enclosure may include an audio alarm. The enclosure may include a visual alarm, such as a smoke alarm, a flashing light, or the like. As such, the enclosure may include any suitable anti-tampering countermeasures.

The securing means may be configured to secure the cash in a carousel-like enclosure which only allows one chamber of such enclosure to be loaded or unloaded at a time. As such, the enclosure may include a carousel-like enclosure having a plurality of chamber in which cash is securable.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a cash transport security system which includes a cash deposit terminal which includes a cash slot for receiving cash, in use, from a depositor; cash validation means arranged in communication with the slot, which validation means is configured to automatically validate the authenticity and amount of the received cash; cash securing means arranged in communication with the validation means which securing means is configured to automatically secure the validated cash in a suitable tamper-resistant enclosure for transport purposes; and a housing for securely housing the cash slot, the cash validation means and the cash securing means so that once cash is placed in the slot, such cash is not readily accessible from outside such housing, which housing is configured to eject the tamper-resistant enclosure upon receipt of authorized instruction to allow for transportation of said cash a transport for transporting the secured cash, which transport is configured to receive the enclosure and to automatically validate the authenticity of said enclosure before allowing the enclosure to be transported; a removal device configured to receive the transport, to validate the authenticity of said transport, and to automatically remove the cash from the transport so that the cash is transportable from the terminal to the removal device without direct human contact; and monitoring means arranged in communication with the terminal, the enclosure, the transport, and the removal device, which monitoring means is configured to monitor a condition of the cash so that an alarm is raisable should the system operate outside predetermined parameters.

The cash validation means may be configured to validate the cash by including a scanner configured to scan an identity number of a cash note after such note is received by the slot. The scanner may include suitable image recognition technology in order to effectively scan the identity number. The cash validation means may be configured to report the validation results to a remote monitoring

means by including a transmitter for transmitting information to the monitoring means. As such, the remote monitoring may include a banking institution, an accounting institution, a security company, and/or the like.

The cash validation means may be configured to validate the authenticity of the cash by validating specific attributes of the cash, such as size, colour, weight, unique identifiers, and/or the like. Similarly, the quantity of the received cash may be determined by verifying such specific attributes, as cash notes of different denominations typically have different attributes, or the like.

It is to be appreciated that the scanner enables the system to keep track of cash notes as they are being deposited into the terminal. The scanner may also be configured to capture an image of the cash note being scanned, e.g. a digital image, or the like. Accordingly, the captured image is then transmissible to the remote location, typically via the monitoring means, or the like.

The cash validation means may further be configured to generate a hard copy validation record by including a suitable printer for printing said validation record which includes information relevant to the authenticity and value of the cash. As such, the validation record may specify any suitable information, including authenticity of the cash, the value of the deposited cash, the identity if the depositor, the time and date of the deposit, a number of cash notes deposited, a serial number of the cash securing means, location of the securing means, and/or the like.

The validation record may include a document manufactured from a suitable material for wrapping the cash, such as paper, plastic, metal, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that the cash is wrapped in the validation record and accordingly the record is typically manufactured from a robust material.

The cash securing means may be configured to automatically wrap the cash with said validation record so that at least a portion of the cash is exposed before securing the cash in the enclosure. The cash securing means may be configured to stack the cash in the enclosure before securing the cash in said enclosure. The cash securing means may be configured to electronically seal the

cash inside the enclosure by activating electronic countermeasures once the cash has been placed inside the enclosure.

Accordingly, the enclosure may include a liquid dyeing system for staining the cash once activated. It is to be appreciated that this is the reason that the cash is wrapped so that at least a portion of the cash is exposed, in order to avoid only staining the validation record and not the cash. The enclosure may include an audio alarm. The enclosure may include a visual alarm, such as a smoke alarm, a flashing light, or the like. As such, the enclosure may include any suitable anti-tampering countermeasures.

The securing means may be configured to secure the cash in a carousel-like enclosure which only allows one chamber of such enclosure to be loaded or unloaded at a time. As such, the enclosure may include a carousel-like enclosure having a plurality of chamber in which cash is securable.

The transport may include a suitable cash-in-transit vehicle. The transport may include a safe for automatically receiving the cash once the authenticity of the enclosure has been validated. The safe may be configured in a hopper fashion to allow the cash therein to be deposited onto a suitable conveyer system by opening doors in a floor portion of said safe, or the like.

The transport may include any suitable countermeasures for impeding tampering with the cash, e.g. a liquid dyeing system, GPS monitoring systems, alarms systems, and/or the like.

The removal device may include a suitable vehicle ramp for receiving the transport so that the cash is automatically removable via a hopper fashion safe of the transport. The removal device may include a conveyer system for conveying cash removed from the transport to suitable cash processing apparatus, or the like.

The removal device may include a reader for reading the validation record in which the cash is wrapped. The reader may include a suitable optical reader, such as a barcode scanner, or the like.

The removal device may include a cutter for cutting the validation record from the cash where the securing means of the terminal has wrapped the cash in a hard copy validation record.

The monitoring means may include a plurality of sensors arranged in communication with a remote control center which sensors are configured to sense certain attributes, such as motion, tampering, unauthorized access, a position of the transport, a position of the enclosure, operating status of the securing means or removal device, temperature, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that these attributes are generally associated with the predetermined parameters. The monitoring means may include a transmitter for transmitting sensed attributes to the control center. As such, the monitoring means may also be configured to reset any of the sensors upon instruction from the control center to avoid triggering of alarms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein Figure 1 , in diagrammatic view, a cash deposit terminal, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows, in diagrammatic view, a cash transport security system, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 shows, in side diagrammatic view, two different embodiments of how cash is securable in the enclosure; and

Figure 4 shows, in diagrammatic view, one embodiment of a carousel-like enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a cash transport security system, in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

The cash deposit terminal 12, as shown, includes a cash slot 46 for receiving cash, in use, from a depositor. The terminal 12 also includes cash validation means 47 which is arranged in communication with the slot 46. This validation means 47 is configured to automatically validate the authenticity and amount of the received cash.

The terminal also includes cash securing means 48 arranged in communication with the validation means 47, which securing means 48 is configured to automatically secure the validated cash in a suitable tamper-resistant enclosure 14 for transport purposes.

The terminal 12 further features a sturdy housing 50 for securely housing the cash slot and validation means 47, and the cash securing means 48 so that once cash is placed in the slot, such cash is not readily accessible from outside the housing 50. The housing 50 is also configured to eject the tamper-resistant enclosure 14 upon receipt of authorized instruction to allow for transportation of said cash in the enclosure 14.

The system 10, as shown, typically includes cash deposit terminal 12, and enclosure or cash box 14, a transport 18, a removal device 24, and monitoring means 46.

The cash deposit terminal 12 is generally configured to automatically receive cash, in use. This is done by placing the cash deposit terminal 12 at a client's premises 16, such as a business, a shop, venue, or the like, where cash is handled. It is to be appreciated that reference is made to a "client" as this entity will be a client of the system 10. In the embodiment shown, the cash deposit terminal 12 is installed in a secure structure, like a wall or a safe, of which the lower part is accessible from outside of such premises 16. This generally streamlines the process of picking up the secured cash by a suitable cash-in-transit (CIT) company, or the like.

As such, the cash deposit terminal 12 is configured to receive cash by including a suitable user interface (not shown) in the structure through which cash is

depositable into the slot. This user interface (not shown) also generally enables a depositor to provide a unique identifier, which then forms part of the validation record. Similarly, the validation record includes the time and date when the cash is deposited.

Accordingly, the cash deposit terminal 12 is further configured to automatically validate the authenticity and quantity of received cash, and to automatically generate the above validation record which specifies the authenticity and quantity of said cash. For example, the validation record will specify that the cash has been checked according to certain parameters for authenticity and also specifies the amount or value of the cash received.

These parameters may include the cash deposit terminal 12 validating the authenticity of the cash by validating specific attributes of the cash, such as size, colour, weight, unique identifiers, and/or the like. Similarly, the quantity of the received cash may be determined by verifying such specific attributes, as cash notes of different denominations typically have different attributes, or the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cash deposit terminal 12 is configured to generate the validation record by the validation means 47 including a suitable printer (not shown) for printing said validation record which includes the relevant information. As such, the validation record typically specifies any suitable information, including authenticity of the cash, the value of the deposited cash, the identity if the depositor, the time and date of the deposit, a number of cash notes deposited, a serial number of the cash deposit terminal, location of the terminal 12, and/or the like.

The cash deposit terminal 12 includes the validation means 47 with a scanner (not indicated) configured to scan an identity number of every cash note after such note is received by the cash deposit terminal 12. In this manner, the scanner enables the system 10 to keep track of cash notes as they are being deposited into the cash deposit terminal 12.

As such, the scanner is configured to transmit the scanned identity number via the monitoring means 46 to a remote location. The remote location may include a banking institution, an accounting institution, a security company, and/or the like.

In other embodiment of the invention, the scanner may also be configured to capture an image of the note being scanned, e.g. a digital image, or the like. Accordingly, the captured image is then transmissible to the remote location, typically via the monitoring means 46, or the like.

The cash deposit terminal 12 is further also configured to automatically sort and wrap the received cash with the validation record, so that at least a portion of the cash is exposed. The validation record generally includes a document manufactured from a suitable material for wrapping the cash, such as paper, plastic, metal, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that the cash is wrapped in the validation record and accordingly the record is typically manufactured from a robust material to prevent the wrapped cash from becoming unwrapped due to movement, or the like. As such, it is typically necessary to cut the wrapped validation record form the wrapped cash, as will be described later.

The cash deposit terminal 12 is further configured to electronically seal the wrapped cash in a suitable enclosure 14 for transport. The enclosure or cash box 14 is typically a cash box known in the art and includes different electronic countermeasures to prevent robbery or theft. Accordingly, the cash deposit terminal 12 is configured to electronically seal the cash inside the enclosure 14 by activating these electronic countermeasures once the cash has been automatically placed inside the enclosure 14 by the cash deposit terminal 12.

These countermeasures of the cash box 14 typically include a liquid dyeing system for staining the cash once activated. It is to be appreciated that this is the reason that the cash is wrapped so that at least a portion of the cash is exposed, in order to avoid only staining the validation record and not the cash. The enclosure

14 may also include an audio alarm, a visual alarm, such as a smoke alarm, a

flashing light, or the like. As such, the enclosure 14 may include any suitable anti- tampering countermeasures.

In addition, the enclosure generally also includes suitable GPS (Global Positioning System) technologies enabling the monitoring means 46 to monitor the position of the cash box 14.

The transport 18 for transporting the secured cash is configured to receive the enclosure 14 and to automatically validate the authenticity of said enclosure or cash box 14 before allowing the enclosure 14 to be transported.

As shown, the transport 18 generally includes a suitable cash-in-transit vehicle. It is also to be appreciated that the transport 18 may also include a train, an aeroplane, a ship, and/or the like. The transport 18 includes a safe 20 configured to automatically receive the cash once the authenticity of the enclosure 14 has been validated. This is accomplished by a guard typically placing the cash box 14 into a suitable position on the safe 20, whereafter the safe verifies the identity of the enclosure 14 electronically, and/or in concert with the monitoring means 46. Thereafter the enclosure 14 is automatically opened by the safe and the cash transferred to the safe 20.

As shown, the safe 20 of the transport 18 is configured in a hopper fashion to allow the cash therein to be deposited onto a suitable conveyer system 36 by the safe 20 including doors 22 in a floor portion of said safe 20, or the like. It is to be appreciated that the configuration of the safe may change depending on the type of transport 18 used.

Similarly to the enclosure 14, the transport 18 generally includes any suitable countermeasures for impeding tampering with the cash held therein, e.g. a liquid dyeing system, GPS monitoring systems, alarms systems, and/or the like. These countermeasures are also monitored by the monitoring means 46.

In this manner, the cash in the safe 20 may be transported to the removal device 24. It is to be appreciated that the cash never comes into contact with any people, including a driver of the transport.

The removal device 24 is configured to receive the transport 18. In the embodiment shown, the removal device 24 includes a containment area 26 which is comprised of a tunnel sealed at the ends by doors 28 and 30. The transport 18 enters the containment tunnel 26 via the first door 28, which then closes sealing the transport 18 inside the tunnel 26. The driver is also sealed inside the truck to prevent any human contact with the cash.

As shown, the removal device 24 includes a suitable vehicle ramp 32 for receiving the transport 18 so that the cash in the safe 20 may be automatically removed via the hopper fashion safe 20 of the transport 18. Once the transport 18 is in place on the ramp 32, the hopper doors 22 of the safe automatically open so that the cash drops into the removal device's conveyer system 36. This conveyer system 36 conveys the cash removed from the transport 18 to a suitable cash processing apparatus 38, or the like. As shown, the ramp 32 includes a V-shaped funnel area to effectively collect the cash.

In addition, the removal device 24 also validates the authenticity of the transport 18, typically via the monitoring means 46. As described, the removal device 24 is configured to automatically remove the cash from the transport 18, and also to automatically remove the cash from the validation record whilst recording the validation record. As such, the removal device 24 includes a reader 40 for reading the validation record in which the cash is wrapped. The reader may include a suitable optical reader, such as a barcode scanner, or the like.

The removal device 24 also includes a cutter 42 for cutting the validation record from the cash. When this has been completed, the cash is moved to a suitable processing area 44, as is generally known in the art.

The monitoring means 46 is arranged in communication with the cash deposit terminal 12, the enclosure 14, the transport 18, and the removal device 24,

as shown. This monitoring means 46 is configured to continuously monitor a condition of the cash so that an alarm is raisable should the system 10 operate outside predetermined parameters.

Accordingly, the monitoring means 46 typically includes a plurality of sensors (not shown) arranged in communication with a remote control center (not shown) which sensors are configured to sense certain attributes, such as motion, tampering, unauthorized access, a position of the transport, a position of the enclosure, operating status of the securing means or removal device, temperature, status of countermeasures, and/or the like. The monitoring means 46 also includes a transmitter for transmitting sensed attributes to the control center. As such, the monitoring means 46 may also be configured to reset any of the sensors upon instruction from the control center to avoid triggering of alarms.

The monitoring means 46 performs the function of correlating and managing the countermeasures of the different components, as well as liaising with the control center.

Providing a more specific description of a further embodiment of the invention, the cash transport security system 10 operates as follows:

The cash terminal 12 is installed in a client's cash office 16. The cash office 16 is normally a secured office in an administrative section of the client's premises, or the like. This terminal 12 may be positioned such that a lower section of the terminal 12 is mounted through an outside wall of the premises 16 or building so that lower section is accessible from the exterior of the client's premises.

This allows the cash to be picked up by the transport 18, such as a cash-in-transit (CIT) truck, or the like. A CIT guard is typically dispatched who has authorized access to the lower section of the terminal 12 or safe. This is typically accomplished by means of a key which identifies the guard to the system 10. Additional security measures may include the guard having to enter a personal identification number (PIN) which has been previously linked to the key, or the like.

The guard opens the terminal 12 or safe and inserts a cash box or enclosure 14 into the terminal 12. Once this cash box or enclosure 14 has been verified by the client, the box locks itself into the terminal, arms itself, and unlocks an opening of the box, e.g. a sliding lid, or the like. The guard may be required to pull the lid to a fully open position, or the like.

The guard then locks an access door to the lower terminal and can proceed with further tasks. The terminal then communicates the cash box serial number back to a central control center which manages the monitoring means 46 to report that the cash box has been set up and is operational. The cash box may then communicate electronically with the terminal so that the terminal supplies power to the box in order to charge the box's batteries, or the like.

The client's staff responsible is then generally made aware of the operational status of the terminal, typically via a user interface, or the like. As such, the client is then able to proceed with making cash deposits into the terminal 12. This is typically initiated by a user identifying himself/herself via the user interface by means of a code or electronic key. This creates a record of the depositor and the time and date of deposit for the validation record.

Cash is then deposited into the terminal 12 via the cash deposit terminal which checks that the notes are not counterfeit as well as the value of the notes deposited. After a certain predetermined number of notes have been deposited into the terminal, the cash deposit terminal 12 will signal that no more notes will be accepted and proceed to generate the validation record, e.g. print a tracking barcode, client's details, bank of preference, depositors details, exact composition of cash deposited, and/or the like.

This printed material forms the validation record or strapping which is used to bundle the notes and wrap them together. Once the cash notes have been sorted and wrapped, they are dropped into the enclosure 14 or cash box. Once confirmation that the drop or deposit into the cash box has been successful, the terminal will start to accept more cash notes, but at the same time the terminal will communicate with the relevant banking institution that the client has made a deposit.

This is typically done by the monitoring means 46. This allows the client's account to be credited with the deposited amount. This data may also be sent to the central control center, an auditor center, a banking institution 38, and/or the like.

Once a preset number of deposits have been received, the terminal will inform the central control center or CIT company that the client's cash box require pick-up. This generally takes place automatically and the CIT company may route the nearest available transport or vehicle to the client's premises.

When the CIT transport arrives at the client's premises, the guard takes an empty cash box and carries this box to the terminal, ideally situated outside the premises, as described above. The guard then identifies himself/herself and the system 10 checks with the central control center if the guard has authorization. If authorization is present, the lower section of the terminal will unlock on remote instruction from the control center and the guard may open the terminal.

The guard places the empty box on a surface, typically the floor, and releases a trigger on this cash box or enclosure. It is to be appreciated that such a trigger regulates suitable countermeasures included in the cash box or enclosure. The guard then proceeds to remove the full cash box or enclosure, typically by pushing a closed lid into position, whereafter the box automatically locks and release itself from the terminal. It is to be appreciated that the guard is not allowed access to the inside (i.e. the cash) of the cash box.

The guard can then remove the full cash box from the terminal which houses the cash deposit terminal. This full box is then also placed on the floor and a similar trigger thereof is released. The enclosure or cash box generally includes motion sensors which prevents the box from being moved when the trigger is released on threat of triggering an alarm.

Such an alarm typically includes a series of events, the first thereof generally being the activation of an audible alarm. The second event include the activation of an external (to the enclosure) smoke pack, which also impedes carrying of the box due to deterring smoke and heat. A third event includes activating an

internal dye alarm which stains the cash to render such cash unusable. It is to be appreciated that this is the reason that the securing means wraps the cash so that at least a portion of the cash is exposed, in order that the cash is stained (and not merely the validation record with which it is wrapped). At the same time, an alarm signal is transmitted to the central control center.

Assuming that the box is not moved when the trigger is released, the guard may pick up the empty cash box and place it into the terminal, according to the procedure as described above. Once the terminal access door is closed and secured, the guard operates the trigger on the full box and must also reset the box's motion sensors by using his/her electronic key with the box. This typically activates a further timer included in the enclosure or cash box, namely a "maximum walk time" timer.

This "maximum walk time" timer provides the guard with a predetermined time limit wherein the box must be secured in the transport. The guard then proceeds to the vehicle or transport. The guard cannot release the trigger on the box, or the box initiates the alarm sequence as described above.

The box is then secured in the vehicle or transport 18, generally in a vehicle safe 20. The box then communicates with the transport 18 to ensure that the box has been placed in the correct vehicle and/or safe. If the box verifies that it is the correct vehicle or safe, the box locks itself into the vehicle or transport 18. Only now can the guard release the trigger as the box countermeasures are deactivated by the action of locking into the transport safe.

The vehicle typically includes a lower safe section configured as a hopper, or the like. Once the cash box has been secured, the vehicle instructs the box to unlock so that the cash falls into this lower safe of the vehicle. At the same time, the cash box may transfers audit data pertaining to the bundles to the vehicle safe, which in turn can transmit this data to the CIT control center. This informs the control center of the vehicle's contents for insurance purposes, amount of cash therein, client data, and the like.

Once the cash has been secured in the vehicle safe 20, the empty cash box is deactivated and released for further use later on. Any attempt to enter the vehicle without authorization or should the vehicle deviate from a predetermined route (as monitored via suitable GPS means) will automatically activate a similar liquid dye system in the vehicle safe and transmit an alarm signal to the control center.

The vehicle is then able to proceed to a bank or similar cash processing center which includes the removal device 24. In one embodiment, the vehicle first passes through a security check before entering a lock 26 comprised of two doors. The vehicle enters the first door 28 whilst the other is closed. The first door then also closes trapping the vehicle inside a holding space. The driver is also sealed inside the vehicle when the vehicle is so trapped.

The safe of the vehicle is configured as a hopper, as described, and the hopper doors 22 now open to drop the cash onto a conveyer system 36 which transports the cash to the further components of the removal device 24. The removal device 24 now records and verifies the validation record. If there is a discrepancy in this record, the vehicle remains trapped so that it can be checked. If no discrepancy, the vehicle is released via the second door 30.

The removal device 24 now removes the cash with the cutter 42 from the validation record whilst recording the validation record with the reader 40, whereafter the cash can be checked, either automatically or manually according to known techniques for correctness.

Figure 3 shows different examples of how the cash securing means 48 of the terminal 12 can secure the cash in the enclosure 14. In the first embodiment, the cash is sorted and stacked in the enclosure before being so secured. In the second embodiment, the cash is bundled and wrapped in the validation record and secured in the enclosure 14.

It is to be appreciated that more of the surface area of the cash is exposed to dying by dying countermeasures when simply stacked without wrapping in the validation record.

Figure 4 also shows an example of a carousel-like enclosure 56 for housing a plurality of enclosures 14. This enclosure 56 allows the terminal 12 to load a number of enclosures 14 one at a time. The entire carousel is then removed and can be placed into an ATM, for example, where the cash from each separate enclosure 14 is removable via the opening 54.

Once an enclosure 14 is empty, the carousel revolves on the suitable mechanism 52 to feed the next full enclosure 14 into the ATM, for example. As previously discussed, the terminal may be specifically configured to secure the cash in enclosures in the carousel-like enclosure 56.

It is to be appreciated that the terminal 12 is the starting point of the system 10 where the cash if secured for transport through the system 10. As such, the terminal 12 is configured so that the validation means 47 reports the validation of the cash, the enclosure 14 reports the status of the cash, and the transport 18 also monitors and reports the status of the cash.

In this manner, human contact with the cash is reduced to an absolute minimum to prevent any tampering with the cash, i.e. theft, and the like.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence forming part of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified.

It shall further be understood that the examples are provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with

understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention.

The Inventor regards it as an advantage that the system enables cash to the securely transported without requiring direct human intervention between a place of deposit and a suitable cash processing center.

The Inventor regards it as a further advantage that the invention enables cash-in-transit companies to make cash pick-ups at night, which result in less expensive operations due to cash transports having to spend less time in daylight traffic. In addition, the Inventors regard it as a yet further advantage that the invention requires less manpower than known systems, especially to unwrap bundled cash, which also results in less expensive operations.

The Inventor regards it as an additional advantage that the terminal automatically validates the deposited cash and generates the validation record allowing the cash to be monitored as it passes through the system.