Patents Assigned to Money Controls Limited
  • Patent number: 8844704
    Abstract: The application relates to money item dispensing apparatus having a money item acceptor and a hopper arrangement. The application further relates to money item dispensing apparatus having sorting means operable to selectively direct a money item to one of a first money item store and a second money item store, to money item dispensing apparatus having two hopper arrangements, to a money item acceptor having a self-clearing mechanism, to a money item conveyor, to a method of purging the money items in a money item dispensing apparatus, to money item dispensing apparatus having means for ejecting a money item from a receptacle through an outlet via a first path to a return tray and via a second path into a cashbox, to a method of filling a money item dispensing apparatus and filling apparatus for filling a money item dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell
  • Patent number: 8840450
    Abstract: A coin sensing unit having a rotary sweeping arm is used to determine characteristics of the coins so that the coins can be deposited in a correct one of the hoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: Mark J. Watson, Kevin Mulvey, Graham R. Jones
  • Patent number: 8718282
    Abstract: Secure data transfer apparatus comprising a first device to be mounted in a housing in a predetermined normal configuration for normal operation wherein secure data transfer takes place between the first device and a second device in the housing, the first device including a detector configured to detect when the first device is placed in a predetermined initialization configuration different from the normal configuration and to enable an initialization data transfer between the devices for permitting normal operation to occur thereafter in said normal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventor: Andrew W Barson
  • Publication number: 20140008176
    Abstract: A coin sensing unit having a rotary sweeping arm is used to determine characteristics of the coins so that the coins can be deposited in a correct one of the hoppers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: Mark J. Watson, Kevin Mulvey, Graham R. Jones, Wayne Farrar
  • Patent number: 8417016
    Abstract: An acceptor device for sheet objects such as banknotes, comprises a sensor to derive data corresponding to a spatial array of data samples from a face of a sheet object, said data being configured in a sampling frame that lies within a range of positional relationships to a reference frame. The acceptor device also comprises a processor operable to process the data to determine the relationship between the reference frame and the sampling frame for the sensed data, and being operable to transform pre-selected regions of the sensed data from the sampling frame so as to correspond to data in the reference frame, and to make a comparison of the transformed data with reference data corresponding to the pre-selected regions in the reference frame and to the sheet object depending on the outcome of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell, Kevin Charles Mulvey, Andrew William Barson, John Ashby
  • Patent number: 8336698
    Abstract: A method and system for accepting money items. The method for accepting money items comprises generating a money item signal that corresponds to a money item under test, determining a level of risk of a fraud attempt, and determining a fraud attempt based on the level of risk. The method further comprises generating a transformed money item signal as a function of the level of risk and the money item signal in response to determining the fraud attempt. The method further comprises comparing the transformed money signal to window limit values to generate a result and accepting or rejecting the money item based on the result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventor: Kevin Charles Mulvey
  • Publication number: 20120263370
    Abstract: A banknote acceptor 1 for authenticating a banknote 2, has a sensing station S with detector 18 that produces image signals corresponding to a face the banknote. A processor 24 pre-processes the image signals and compares them with stored reference data corresponding to an acceptable banknote from memory 25 to determining the authenticity of the banknote and its denomination. A display device 29 displays an image 31 corresponding to the banknote under test based on the image signals from the detector 18, to allow the user to perform a visual check that the banknote detected at the sensing station corresponds to the banknote under test presented by the user. Also, the detected denomination of the banknote is displayed on device 32. The user can accept or reject the banknote using buttons 33 and 34, and retrieve images of previously accepted banknotes with button 35.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: John Ashby, Andrew William Barson, Malcolm Bell, Les Hutton, Kevin Mulvey
  • Publication number: 20120261434
    Abstract: The application relates to money item dispensing apparatus having a money item acceptor and a hopper arrangement. The application further relates to money item dispensing apparatus having sorting means operable to selectively direct a money item to one of a first money item store and a second money item store, to money item dispensing apparatus having two hopper arrangements, to a money item acceptor having a self-clearing mechanism, to a money item conveyor, to a method of purging the money items in a money item dispensing apparatus, to money item dispensing apparatus having means for ejecting a money item from a receptacle through an outlet via a first path to a return tray and via a second path into a cashbox, to a method of filling a money item dispensing apparatus and filling apparatus for filling a money item dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Money Controls Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell
  • Publication number: 20120261230
    Abstract: The application relates to money item dispensing apparatus having a money item acceptor and a hopper arrangement. The application further relates to money item dispensing apparatus having sorting means operable to selectively direct a money item to one of a first money item store and a second money item store, to money item dispensing apparatus having two hopper arrangements, to a money item acceptor having a self-clearing mechanism, to a money item conveyor, to a method of purging the money items in a money item dispensing apparatus, to money item dispensing apparatus having means for ejecting a money item from a receptacle through an outlet via a first path to a return tray and via a second path into a cashbox, to a method of filling a money item dispensing apparatus and filling apparatus for filling a money item dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: MONEY CONTROLS LIMITED
    Inventor: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell
  • Patent number: 8232867
    Abstract: A banknote acceptor for authenticating a banknote 2, has a sensing station S with detector 18 that produces image signals corresponding to a face the banknote. A processor 24 pre-processes the image signals and compares them with stored reference data corresponding to an acceptable banknote from memory 25 to determining the authenticity of the banknote and its denomination. A display device 29 displays an image 31 corresponding to the banknote under test based on the image signals from the detector 18, to allow the user to perform a visual check that the banknote detected at the sensing station corresponds to the banknote under test presented by the user. Also, the detected denomination of the banknote is displayed on device 32. The user can accept or reject the banknote using buttons 33 and 34, and retrieve images of previously accepted banknotes with button 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: John Ashby, Andrew William Barson, Malcolm Bell, Les Hutton, Kevin Mulvey
  • Patent number: 8181765
    Abstract: The application relates to money item dispensing apparatus (1, 123) having a money item acceptor (10, 124) and a hopper arrangement (23, 126). The application further relates to money item dispensing apparatus (1) having sorting means (15, 16, 17) operable to selectively direct a money item (12) to one of a first money item store (27) and a second money item store (142), to money item dispensing apparatus (139) having two hopper arrangements (23, 150), to a money item acceptor (10) having a self-clearing mechanism (37, 38), to a money item conveyor (160), to a method of purging the money items in a money item dispensing apparatus, to money item dispensing apparatus (1, 123, 139) having means for ejecting a money item from a receptacle through an outlet via a first path to a return tray and via a second path into a cashbox, to a method of filling a money item dispensing apparatus (180) and filling apparatus (170) for filling a money item dispensing apparatus (180).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell
  • Patent number: 7987961
    Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus, which ejects coins by squeezing them substantially chordally between an element on a rotor and an ejector, has a variable height rotor (3), an improved two-part coin ejector (10a, 10b). A optical sensor for detecting coins being ejected positive detects both the presence and absence of coins in a coin path. Also, a payout device comprising a first coin dispensing device (61) including a dispensed coin type detector and a second coin dispensing device (62). The first coin dispensing device (61) is used to store coins of plurality of large denominations and is used initially for paying out an amount. The second coin dispensing device (62) is used for a single low denomination coin type and coins are dispensed from the second coin dispensing device (62) after the first coin dispensing device has been used as much as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell, Phil Richardson, Peter Crossan, David F Ellwood
  • Patent number: 7946408
    Abstract: An acceptor for money items, comprises sensor circuitry (S1-S4) to provide individual money items signals (Rs) depending on items of money under test, and a processor configuration (11) to develop for each of the money items under test, a transformed money item signal (Tnew) as a function of the value of the money item signal and at least one variable parameter (A) that is a function of a fraud criterion such as history data (AVG Dn & MAX Dn) relating to the values of the money item signals for previously tested money items, to make a comparison of the values of the transformed money item signals (Tnew) with a fixed window limit value (W2, L3) and to accept each money item if it falls within the window limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventor: Kevin Charles Mulvey
  • Patent number: 7857198
    Abstract: A device for processing sheet objects comprises a tamper proof housing that contains an opening device operable to receive a container containing sheet objects such as banknotes from outside the housing and to open the container within the housing, and a counter configured to count sheet objects from the opened container within the housing and produce a count signal corresponding to the number of sheet objects counted. The count signal can be checked against reference data received from another location or derived from data carried in the container on a RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell
  • Publication number: 20100210200
    Abstract: A coin mechanism comprises a coin entry point (2) to receive coins (1), a coin exit point (19), a coin acceptor (5) having an inlet (7) for coins to be tested, a sensor and processing arrangement configured determine the acceptability of coins under test that enter the inlet, an coin accept path (10) for acceptable coins and a non-accept path (12) for non-acceptable coins. A first coin conveyor runs along first coin feed path (6) from a coin receiving portion that receives coins from coin entry path (3) to deliver coins in succession to the inlet (7) of the coin acceptor. A second coin conveyor runs along a second coin feed path (17) from a coin receiving portion that receives coins from the non-accept path of the acceptor to the coin, to deliver coins to the coin exit point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm Bell, Graham Jones, Nicholas Aspinall, Robert Blythin
  • Patent number: 7748610
    Abstract: This invention relates to a packaging device (1) for packaging a stack of sheet objects that have an attributable monetary value in a container (4), the device (1) comprising means (34, 35) for determining value data relating to the monetary value attributed to a sheet object to be stacked in the container (4), and an RF reader/writer (52) for writing said value data to an RFID device (21) associated with the container (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm Bell, Les Hutton
  • Patent number: 7617922
    Abstract: A coin acceptor includes a coin sensing station with two generally circular coils (S1, S2) and an elongate coil (S3) mounted on one side of a coin guiding surface that is curved so that a coin (26) under test is thrown by centripetal force into sliding engagement with the surface (22) to form an inductive coupling with the coils to test coin acceptability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell, Kevin Charles Mulvey
  • Patent number: 7559183
    Abstract: A device (1) packages a stack of sheet objects such as banknotes (2) in a container (4) sandwiched between a frame (6) and the device's main body (5). Banknotes are fed through a first input port (3) to be stacked in the container. A closure member (9) is inserted through a second input port (10) and heat-sealed onto the container (4) when full. The container (4) is integrally moulded in a plastics material with inwardly hinged wings (19,20) that act as guide rails (23) for banknotes as they are fed towards opening (11) of the container by a drive mechanism the packaging device. The wings have castellations (24) that act as a stop to hold edges of banknotes (29) in stacked in the container by the drive mechanism. A printer (51) prints data concerning the stacked banknotes on the underside of the closure member (9). The packaged container is opened by a device that compresses it so that the closure member (9) bursts along a line of weakness (53).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Bell
  • Patent number: 7549525
    Abstract: An acceptor for money items such as coins or banknotes produces a money item parameter signal (x1) depending on a sensed characteristic of the money item. A store (12) provides window data corresponding to normal acceptance ranges of values of the parameter signal for a money item of a particular denomination (NAW), as well as restricted acceptance windows (RAW). A processor (11) determines when an occurrence of the parameter signal (x1) may represent a fraudulent money item and then for subsequent sensed money items compares the value of the parameter signals (x1) with the restricted acceptance range (RAW). The RAW range is used until n successive true coins are inserted or a time t has lapsed. After a fraudulent attempt, the values of n and t are increased so that a fraudster cannot then insert n true coins or wait a time t and attempt another fraudulent coin insertion. Also, a focused rejection window (FRW) rejects coins with suspiciously close parameter signals, which could form part of a counterfeit set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell, Andrew William Barson, Kevin Charles Mulvey
  • Publication number: 20090008215
    Abstract: The application relates to money item dispensing apparatus (1, 123) having a money item acceptor (10, 124) and a hopper arrangement (23, 126). The application further relates to money item dispensing apparatus (1) having sorting means (15, 16, 17) operable to selectively direct a money item (12) to one of a first money item store (27) and a second money item store (142), to money item dispensing apparatus (139) having two hopper arrangements (23, 150), to a money item acceptor (10) having a self-clearing mechanism (37, 38), to a money item conveyor (160), to a method of purging the money items in a money item dispensing apparatus, to money item dispensing apparatus (1, 123, 139) having means for ejecting a money item from a receptacle through an outlet via a first path to a return tray and via a second path into a cashbox, to a method of filling a money item dispensing apparatus (180) and filling apparatus (170) for filling a money item dispensing apparatus (180).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: MONEY CONTROLS LIMITED
    Inventor: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell