Patents by Inventor H. Thomas Graef

H. Thomas Graef 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).

  • Patent number: 7934642
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operated responsive to data included on user cards includes a deposit accepting device. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventor: H. Thomas Graef
  • Patent number: 7891554
    Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) identifies and stores documents such as currency bills deposited by a user. The machine then selectively recovers documents from storage and dispenses them to other users. The machine includes a central transport (70) wherein documents deposited in a stack are unstacked, oriented, and identified. Such documents are then routed to storage areas in recycling canisters (92, 94, 96, 98). When a user subsequently requests a dispense, documents stored in the storage areas are selectively picked therefrom and delivered to the user through an input/output area (50) of the machine. The control system (30) for the machine includes a terminal processor (548). Identification devices identify the type and character of a document, and distinguish genuine documents, such as genuine currency bills, from unidentifiable or suspect documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, William D. Beskitt, Damon J. Blackford, Dale Blackson, Robert Bowser, Keith A. Drescher, Jeffrey Eastman, Matthew Force, Sean Haney, Michael Harty, Dale Horan, Andrew Junkins, Edward L. Laskowski, Ashok Modi, Mark Owens, Mike Ryan, Bill Schadt, David Schultz, Mike Theriault, Mark D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7883008
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that reads card data from a card of a machine user. The card data may be linked in a data store to both a customer's financial account and a cell phone assigned to that customer. The automated banking machine user may provide inputs to the machine via one or more sensors that operate to determine where on a display of the machine at least one eye of the machine user is looking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Willis Miller, Matthew R. Zaugg, James Block, H. Thomas Graef, Natarajan Ramachandran, Jeffery M. Enright, Dale H. Blackson, Mark A. Douglas, Caren R. Blackson, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20110013822
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that reads data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The machine can communicate with a host computer to cash financial checks. The machine can read check indicia, send check data to the host, receive authorization from the host to cash the check, and dispense cash corresponding to the check. The machine can also produce image data representative of the check indicia and determine whether the image data can be accurately identified within a predetermined level of assurance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: James Meek, H. Thomas Graef, Edward L. Laskowski, Martin J. Brown, Todd Galloway, Robert W. Barnett, Mike Ryan, James R. Kay, Mark A. Ward, David A. Peters, Dale Blackson
  • Patent number: 7870997
    Abstract: An ATM extends a stack of currency notes through a cash outlet opening for presentation to a customer. Each dispensed stack, including those of different sizes, is centered in the opening. The centering of a stack is based on its thickness. The thickness can be based on the quantity of notes in the stack. Different sized stacks require different amounts of movement to be centered. A stack is centered in the opening to facilitate grasping thereof by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey Eastman, H. Thomas Graef, Natarajan Ramachandran, Pedro Tula
  • Patent number: 7870996
    Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) includes a movable bulk sheet acceptor disposed outside a secure chest, a sheet storage container disposed within a secure chest, and a movable sheet transport to enable sheets to pass from the sheet acceptor to the sheet storage container through an opening in the secure chest. The sheet acceptor and the sheet storage container may be pre-positioned relative to the movable sheet transport in an undocked position, and thereafter moved into operative positions as the sheet transport is docked. A driving gear carried on the sheet acceptor is placed in operative engagement with a gear member located adjacent the sheet transport. Operation of the driving gear is operative to move the components into the operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems, division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, R. Matthew Dunlap, Zachary Utz, Daniel Schoeffler, Shawn Griggy, Natarajan Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 7866544
    Abstract: An ATM transaction request is authorized based on the determined location of an authorized user relative to the ATM. Identification of an authorized ATM user is linked to a remotely locatable item (e.g., a cell phone) of the authorized user. An ATM receiving the identification causes the location of the cell phone to be determined. A comparison is then made of the cell phone location and the ATM location. If the locations correspond, then the current ATM user is recognized as the authorized user and ATM transactions are permitted. If the locations do not correspond, then the current ATM user is denied ATM transactions. The security arrangement can prevent an unauthorized ATM user from using a fraudulent ATM card to access a financial account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: James Block, H. Thomas Graef, Natarajan Ramachandran, Jeffery M. Enright, Dale Blackson
  • Patent number: 7861924
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader that is operative to read card data corresponding to a user financial account. The card data is linked in at least one data store to an indication that the card data corresponds to an authorized financial account to enable operation of the automated banking machine. The card data is also linked in the at least one data store to a mobile communication device (i.e., cell phone of an owner associated with the financial account). In response to receipt of card data and a transaction request from an automated banking machine, contact data for the owner's cell phone is determined and a message notifying the owner of the requested transaction is sent. The transaction is completed only if the owner provides a responsive message granting permission for the transaction to proceed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: James Block, H. Thomas Graef, Natarajan Ramachandran, Jeffery M. Enright, Dale H. Blackson
  • Publication number: 20100288831
    Abstract: A banking system includes an automated banking machine controlled by data bearing records. The machine compares indicia from a bearer record with computer information regarding the bearer. The machine operates to reallocate credit among various accounts responsive to computer determined correspondence among stored user identification data, read card data, and read biometric data. The machine also includes a note presenter and a currency cassette. A gate of the presenter is located at a note dispensing outlet of the machine. The gate is opened by actuating a lever linked with an arm connected to the gate. The currency cassette includes a one-piece polymer body attached to a one-piece polymer lid. A one-piece tambour door is movable along guide tracks integrally formed with body side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, Michael J. Harty, Kenneth C. Kontor, Eric S. VanKeulen, William D. Beskitt, Michael S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7815104
    Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith Carpenter, Craig Hockman, Willis Miller, Laura Drozda, Paul Burns, Thomas B. Phillips, John C. Valcore, H. Thomas Graef, Edward L. Laskowski, James Meek, Martin J. Brown, Todd Galloway, Robert W. Barnett, Mike Ryan, James R. Kay, Mark A. Ward, David A. Peters, Greg Miller, Arindam Laha, Joseph M. Altier
  • Publication number: 20100241564
    Abstract: A banking system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to card data read from data bearing records by a card reader. The system includes at least one automated banking machine comprising a cash dispenser. The system is operative during a cash dispense transaction request to receive through an automated banking machine, user input of data corresponding to a mobile phone number. The system is operative to generate a security code for the requested cash dispense transaction. The system uses the phone number to send the generated security code to the mobile phone. The cash dispense transaction is allowed to proceed only if the system receives machine user input of the sent security code within a predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Willis Miller, Matthew R. Zaugg, James Block, H. Thomas Graef, Natarajan Ramachandran, Jeffery M. Enright, Mark A. Douglass, Dale H. Blackson, Caren R. Balckson
  • Patent number: 7798398
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that reads data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The machine can communicate with a host computer to cash financial checks. The machine can read check indicia, send check data to the host, receive authorization from the host to cash the check, and dispense cash corresponding to the check. The machine can also produce image data representative of the check indicia and determine whether the data can be accurately identified within a predetermined level of assurance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: James Meek, H. Thomas Graef, Edward L. Laskowski, Martin J. Brown, Todd Galloway, Robert W. Barnett, Mike Ryan, James R. Kay, Mark A. Ward, David A. Peters, Dale Blackson
  • Patent number: 7793832
    Abstract: An automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader (16) operative to read data corresponding to financial accounts from user cards. An exemplary machine (10) includes a fascia (12) which extends on the outside of a wall (14) and includes a user interface (15). Responsive to user inputs through the user interface, the machine is operative to receive a stack of currency notes (84) from a user. Notes in a currency note stack can be evaluated through operation of a currency note validator device (88). Acceptable currency notes can be stored for recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems, division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Zachary Utz, Daniel Schoeffler, Shawn Griggy, Nat Ramachandran, H. Thomas Graef
  • Patent number: 7789296
    Abstract: An automated transaction machine (600) includes a note receiving storage and dispensing mechanism (624). The mechanism (624) includes a stacker mechanism (654). The stacker mechanism collects in a stack notes such as currency bills that are to be dispensed from the machine to a user, and the stack is then presented to the user from the machine. The stacker mechanism includes a stack support member (668), a flexible member (692) and spaced supports (694). Notes are engaged in supporting connection with the stack support member as the stack support member is rotated in a first rotational direction. After the stack is accumulated, rotation of the stack support member in an opposed rotational direction delivers the stack from the stacker mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Sean Haney, Mark D. Smith, Nat Ramachandran, Matthew Force, H. Thomas Graef, Robert G. Miller, Mark Owens, Andrew Junkins, Elizabeth M. Herrera
  • Patent number: 7780073
    Abstract: A polymer currency cassette for an ATM. The cassette includes a one-piece polymer body attached to a one-piece polymer lid. The lid is arranged with the body to resist entry into the cassette interior. Integral stiffening ribs are provided. The body side walls include integrally formed guide tracks. A one-piece tambour door is securely movable along the guide tracks. The upper edge of each body side wall extends into a gap created between double-walled side walls of the lid when the lid is closed. A tab, which projects outward from an upper edge of a body side wall, extends even further into the closed lid. The tab becomes nested in an aligned slot in the lid when the lid is closed. A nested tab affords further cassette security by providing resistance to lid and body separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems, division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, Michael J. Harty, Kenneth C. Kontor, Eric S. VanKeulen, William D. Beskitt, Michael S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7780074
    Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which can accept checks and dispense cash. Cash can be dispensed to an authorized user in exchange for one or more checks received from the user during a transaction session. Following closure of the transaction session, the ATM analyzes image and magnetic data from a received check to determine an analyzed check value. The ATM then determines whether the analyzed check value corresponds to a check value inputted by the user. With corresponding values, the user account is credited with the check value. Without corresponding values, the user account balance is adjusted accordingly and the user is notified of the discrepancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Tim Crews, Keith Carpenter, Mike Ryan, Laura Drozda, Wayne Warren, Victor Bell, William McCarthy, Matthew Pahl, Martin J. Brown, Dale H. Blackson, Todd Galloway, Robert W. Barnett, James R. Kay, Mark A. Ward, David A. Peters, Edward L. Laskowski, H. Thomas Graef
  • Patent number: 7748613
    Abstract: An ATM apparatus including a selectively removable sheet storage container supported within the secure chest portion. The sheet storage container is carried on a movable frame for movement into an operational position. The movable frame is movable from an out/down position to enable removal and replacement of the container, to an in/up position to place the container in the operative position. The frame is operatively supported through pivoting arm members for coordinated movement therewith. As the sheet storage container is moved into the operative position, a locking pin of a catch automatically slides into a locking recess to lock the storage container in the operative position and prevent movement of the frame. Upon operation of a lever, the locking pin is released and the frame moves toward the out/down position so that the sheet storage container can be removed and accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems a division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, R. Matthew Dunlap, Zachary Utz, Daniel Schoeffler, Shawn Griggy, Natarajan Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 7748611
    Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith Carpenter, Craig Hockman, Willis Miller, Laura Drozda, Paul Burns, Thomas B. Phillips, John C. Valcore, H. Thomas Graef, Edward L. Laskowski, James Meek, Martin J. Brown, Todd Galloway, Robert W. Barnett, Mike Ryan, James R. Kay, Mark A. Ward, David A. Peters, Greg Miller, Arindam Laha, Joseph M. Altier
  • Patent number: 7748612
    Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith Carpenter, Craig Hockman, Willis Miller, Laura Drozda, Paul Burns, Thomas B. Phillips, John C. Valcore, H. Thomas Graef, Edward L. Laskowski, James Meek, Martin J. Brown, Todd Galloway, Robert W. Barnett, Mike Ryan, James R. Kay, Mark A. Ward, David A. Peters, Greg Miller, Arindam Laha, Joseph M. Altier
  • Patent number: 7735723
    Abstract: An automated canister reloading machine is able to reload a currency canister removed from an ATM. The reloading machine includes a supply of currency notes. The reloading machine can transfer currency notes from the supply into a storage area of the canister. The canister includes a memory that can store data representative of information concerning the canister, such as data representative of the type and number of currency notes held in the canister. The reloading machine is able to update the canister memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew V. Force, H. Thomas Graef, Robert A. Bowser, Jeffrey M. Eastman, Michael J. Harty, Andrew Junkins, Michael E. Lindroos, Mark J. Owens, Mike R. Ryan, Alan Looney, Roy Shirah