Patents by Inventor Grant A. McNicoll

Grant A. McNicoll has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240135786
    Abstract: A valuable media sanitizing/cleansing cassette is provided for sanitizing/cleansing surfaces of valuable media dispensed to a consumer during a dispense transaction at a transaction terminal. Dispensed media is urged from one or more media cassettes within the terminal along a transport path. The transport path is altered to pass the media through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette where the top and bottom surfaces of the media are illuminated with Ultraviolet (UV) radiation to eradicate any bacteria or virus that may be adhered to the top or the bottom surfaces of the media. Once the media passes through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette, the now sanitized/cleansed media is urged along a remainder of the transport path and dispensed from a media interface of the terminal to the consumer. In an embodiment, media deposited at the terminal is also sanitized/cleansed by passing through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette before being stored in the appropriate media cassettes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Ian McFarlane Denny, Stephen Anderson, Grant A. McNicoll, Graeme Smith
  • Publication number: 20230222880
    Abstract: A valuable media sanitizing/cleansing cassette is provided for sanitizing/cleansing surfaces of valuable media dispensed to a consumer during a dispense transaction at a transaction terminal. Dispensed media is urged from one or more media cassettes within the terminal along a transport path. The transport path is altered to pass the media through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette where the top and bottom surfaces of the media are illuminated with Ultraviolet (UV) radiation to eradicate any bacteria or virus that may be adhered to the top or the bottom surfaces of the media. Once the media passes through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette, the now sanitized/cleansed media is urged along a remainder of the transport path and dispensed from a media interface of the terminal to the consumer. In an embodiment, media deposited at the terminal is also sanitized/cleansed by passing through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette before being stored in the appropriate media cassettes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Ian McFarlane Denny, Stephen Anderson, Grant A. McNicoll, Graeme Smith
  • Patent number: 11676459
    Abstract: A valuable media sanitizing/cleansing cassette is provided for sanitizing/cleansing surfaces of valuable media dispensed to a consumer during a dispense transaction at a transaction terminal. Dispensed media is urged from one or more media cassettes within the terminal along a transport path. The transport path is altered to pass the media through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette where the top and bottom surfaces of the media are illuminated with Ultraviolet (UV) radiation to eradicate any bacteria or virus that may be adhered to the top or the bottom surfaces of the media. Once the media passes through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette, the now sanitized/cleansed media is urged along a remainder of the transport path and dispensed from a media interface of the terminal to the consumer. In an embodiment, media deposited at the terminal is also sanitized/cleansed by passing through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette before being stored in the appropriate media cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Ian McFarlane Denny, Stephen Anderson, Grant A. McNicoll, Graeme Smith
  • Publication number: 20220198885
    Abstract: A valuable media sanitizing/cleansing cassette is provided for sanitizing/cleansing surfaces of valuable media dispensed to a consumer during a dispense transaction at a transaction terminal. Dispensed media is urged from one or more media cassettes within the terminal along a transport path. The transport path is altered to pass the media through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette where the top and bottom surfaces of the media are illuminated with Ultraviolet (UV) radiation to eradicate any bacteria or virus that may be adhered to the top or the bottom surfaces of the media. Once the media passes through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette, the now sanitized/cleansed media is urged along a remainder of the transport path and dispensed from a media interface of the terminal to the consumer. In an embodiment, media deposited at the terminal is also sanitized/cleansed by passing through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette before being stored in the appropriate media cassettes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Ian McFarlane Denny, Stephen Anderson, Grant A. McNicoll, Graeme Smith
  • Patent number: 11354984
    Abstract: A valuable media sanitizing/cleansing cassette is provided for sanitizing/cleansing surfaces of valuable media dispensed to a consumer during a dispense transaction at a transaction terminal. Dispensed media is urged from one or more media cassettes within the terminal along a transport path. The transport path is altered to pass the media through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette where the top and bottom surfaces of the media are illuminated with Ultraviolet (UV) radiation to eradicate any bacteria or virus that may be adhered to the top or the bottom surfaces of the media. Once the media passes through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette, the now sanitized/cleansed media is urged along a remainder of the transport path and dispensed from a media interface of the terminal to the consumer. In an embodiment, media deposited at the terminal is also sanitized/cleansed by passing through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette before being stored in the appropriate media cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Ian McFarlane Denny, Stephen Anderson, Grant A. McNicoll, Graeme Smith
  • Publication number: 20220092591
    Abstract: Audio/speech-based and text-based interactions between a transaction terminal and a user conducting a transaction are provided. In an embodiment, the terminal may establish a direct wireless connection to a user-operated device or an indirection wireless connection to the user-operated device through a proxy device. In an embodiment, the wireless connection is automatically established through a different out-of-band wireless communication between the terminal and the user-operated device. In an embodiment, text-based data for the transaction are provided over a second simultaneous wireless connection that is different from the wireless connection associated with providing the audio/speech data. In an embodiment, audio/speech data provided from the user during the transaction are enhanced for security and are filtered for accuracy using audio-based processing and/or image-based processing. In an embodiment, a speech-to-text and text-to-speech interface for a transaction at the terminal is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Philip Noel Day, Grant A. McNicoll, Gary James Mitchell, Andrew David Monaghan
  • Publication number: 20210366244
    Abstract: A valuable media sanitizing/cleansing cassette is provided for sanitizing/cleansing surfaces of valuable media dispensed to a consumer during a dispense transaction at a transaction terminal. Dispensed media is urged from one or more media cassettes within the terminal along a transport path. The transport path is altered to pass the media through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette where the top and bottom surfaces of the media are illuminated with Ultraviolet (UV) radiation to eradicate any bacteria or virus that may be adhered to the top or the bottom surfaces of the media. Once the media passes through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette, the now sanitized/cleansed media is urged along a remainder of the transport path and dispensed from a media interface of the terminal to the consumer. In an embodiment, media deposited at the terminal is also sanitized/cleansed by passing through the sanitizing/cleansing cassette before being stored in the appropriate media cassettes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Ian McFarlane Denny, Stephen Anderson, Grant A. McNicoll, Graeme Smith
  • Publication number: 20200294042
    Abstract: Audio/speech-based and text-based interactions between a transaction terminal and a user conducting a transaction are provided. In an embodiment, the terminal may establish a direct wireless connection to a user-operated device or an indirection wireless connection to the user-operated device through a proxy device. In an embodiment, the wireless connection is automatically established through a different out-of-band wireless communication between the terminal and the user-operated device. In an embodiment, text-based data for the transaction are provided over a second simultaneous wireless connection that is different from the wireless connection associated with providing the audio/speech data. In an embodiment, audio/speech data provided from the user during the transaction are enhanced for security and are filtered for accuracy using audio-based processing and/or image-based processing. In an embodiment, a speech-to-text and text-to-speech interface for a transaction at the terminal is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Phil Noel Day, Grant A. McNicoll, Gary James Mitchell, Andrew David Monaghan
  • Patent number: 10218383
    Abstract: A keypad is described. The keypad comprises: a keypad housing defining a plurality of key apertures; a plurality of physical keys, each physical key located in a respective key aperture and being moveable with respect to the key aperture; and a non-contact (for example, capacitive) sensing layer located beneath the plurality of keys. A touch controller is coupled to the capacitive sensing layer and is operable to ascertain a touch location corresponding to a depressed key. A cryptographic controller may be provided in communication with the touch controller and is operable to interpret the touch location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Grant A. McNicoll
  • Publication number: 20170061167
    Abstract: Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, devices, methods, data structures, and software for skimmer device detection within self-service terminals, and more particular with regard to card reading devices. One such embodiment is a method that includes monitoring a card position within a card reader device based on signals received from a plurality of card position sensors of the card reader device in view of an expected card travel pattern data structure to identify card reader tampering. This method further includes declaring a card reader device tampering event when at least one signal received from at least one of the card position sensors does not match data of the expected card travel pattern data structure. The method then executes at least one card reader device tampering event process upon a declared card reader tampering event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Grant McNicoll
  • Patent number: 9430675
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for protecting an Encrypting PIN Pad (EPP) against tampering. The apparatus provides an EPP comprising a first layer comprising at least two spaced apart electrode elements, and a second layer comprising at least one bridge element for electrically bridging a space between the at least two electrode elements when the first layer and the second layer are urged together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Grant A. McNicoll
  • Publication number: 20140375481
    Abstract: A keypad is described. The keypad comprises: a keypad housing defining a plurality of key apertures; a plurality of physical keys, each physical key located in a respective key aperture and being moveable with respect to the key aperture; and a non-contact (for example, capacitive) sensing layer located beneath the plurality of keys. A touch controller is coupled to the capacitive sensing layer and is operable to ascertain a touch location corresponding to a depressed key. A cryptographic controller may be provided in communication with the touch controller and is operable to interpret the touch location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Grant A. McNicoll
  • Publication number: 20140351959
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for protecting an Encrypting PIN Pad (EPP) against tampering. The apparatus provides an EPP comprising a first layer comprising at least two spaced apart electrode elements, and a second layer comprising at least one bridge element for electrically bridging a space between the at least two electrode elements when the first layer and the second layer are urged together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Grant A. McNicoll
  • Patent number: 8238095
    Abstract: A secure circuit board assembly is provided. The secure circuit board assembly comprises: a control board including a cryptographic processor; a spacer portion mounted on the control board; and a lid mounted on the spacer portion. The control board, the spacer portion, and the lid collectively provide a secure enclosed chamber in which the cryptographic processor is mounted. The spacer portion provides protection against side-on attacks against the cryptographic processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Grant A. McNicoll, Charles Harrow, Ian J. Walker
  • Patent number: 8091789
    Abstract: A barcode imaging apparatus includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and an image acquisition device. The acquisition device is configured to be sensitive to a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source of electromagnetic radiation. In use, a bar code to be read is illuminated by the source of electromagnetic radiation and an image of the barcode is captured by the image acquisition device at the wavelength of that radiation. The source of electromagnetic radiation includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a Current Source, a Driver for the current source, a Clock Pulse Generator, and a Monostable. The LED is powered by the Current source which is in turn driven by the Driver which is controlled by the Clock Pulse Generator through the Monostable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Taylor, Grant McNicoll
  • Publication number: 20110055086
    Abstract: A secure circuit board assembly is provided. The secure circuit board assembly comprises: a control board including a cryptographic processor; a spacer portion mounted on the control board; and a lid mounted on the spacer portion. The control board, the spacer portion, and the lid collectively provide a secure enclosed chamber in which the cryptographic processor is mounted. The spacer portion provides protection against side-on attacks against the cryptographic processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Grant A. McNicoll
  • Publication number: 20090159686
    Abstract: A barcode imaging apparatus comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation and an image acquisition device. The acquisition device is configured to be sensitive to a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source of electromagnetic radiation. In use, a bar code to be read is illuminated by the source of electromagnetic radiation and an image of the barcode is captured by the image acquisition device at the wavelength of that radiation. The source of electromagnetic radiation comprises a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a Current Source; a Driver for said current source; a Clock Pulse Generator; and a Monostable. The LED is powered by the Current source which is in turn driven by the Driver which is controlled by the Clock Pulse Generator through the Monostable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Taylor, Grant McNicoll
  • Patent number: 7245708
    Abstract: A system comprises an acoustic coupling product label (20) for mounting on a product to be serviced. The label (20) includes a memory (23) for storing information relating to the product to be serviced, control means (29) for controlling the flow of data from the label (20), an activation switch (22), and an acoustic transducer that emits tones corresponding to said product information. The system further includes a telephone (30) and a computerized product support system (50), which collects and interprets the information provided by the label (20). The control means (29) is arranged to control the flow of data from the label (20) to the system (50) at a rate and time required by the system (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Simon J. Forrest, Grant McNicoll
  • Publication number: 20050129200
    Abstract: A system comprises an acoustic coupling product label (20) for mounting on a product to be serviced. The label (20) includes a memory (23) for storing information relating to the product to be serviced, control means (29) for controlling the flow of data from the label (20), an activation switch (22), and an acoustic transducer that emits tones corresponding to said product information. The system further includes a telephone (30) and a computerized product support system (50), which collects and interprets the information provided by the label (20). The control means (29) is arranged to control the flow of data from the label (20) to the system (50) at a rate and time required by the system (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Simon Forrest, Grant McNicoll