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).

  • Automated transaction machine
    Patent number: 7721950
    Abstract: An ATM apparatus includes a sheet storage container selectively positionable within the secure chest portion of the ATM. A monitoring mechanism provides audible feedback when the sheet storage container is moved into an operational position. The sheet storage container can be a free-fall container or a stacking cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, R. Matthew Dunlap, Zachary Utz, Daniel Schoeffler, Shawn Griggy, Natarajan Ramachandran
  • Automated banking machine that enables multiple users to conduct concurrent transactions at different areas of a display surface
    Patent number: 7712657
    Abstract: An automatic banking machine includes at least one computer, a card reader, transaction function devices, and a display. The display includes a touch display surface having multiple spaced user locations at which transaction sessions by different user can be concurrently conducted. Multiple users can at the same time receive visible outputs from the display surface and provide inputs through physical contact with the display surface. An eye sensing device enables the display surface, based on sensing where a user is looking at the display surface, to display data at the user location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: James Block, H. Thomas Graef, Paul D. Magee, Donald S. Nelson, Jr.
  • Automated banking machine
    Publication number: 20100114769
    Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine 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: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: 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, Joe Altier
  • Banking transaction machine that operates responsive to data bearing records
    Publication number: 20100102118
    Abstract: A cash dispensing banking transaction machine that operates responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that reads identifying data from a user card. The machine dispenses cash from a cash dispenser for a financial account without causing the card reader device to read data from a card corresponding to the financial account, when a determination indicates that a voice of the user included in an audio input signal to audio input device corresponds to a particular recognized user stored in a data store in correlated relation with the financial account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Natarajan Ramachandran, Mark Owens, Mark D. Smith, Sean Haney, Andrew Junkins, Matthew Force, H. Thomas Graef, Elizabeth M. Herrera, Robert G. Miller, Roy Mleziva, Jeffrey A. Hill
  • Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
    Publication number: 20100059587
    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 is linked in a data store to both a customer's financial account and a cell phone assigned to that customer. In response to the user's transaction request, contact data for the assigned cell phone is determined from the data store using the read card data. A transaction security code is then sent to that cell phone. The transaction is allowed to proceed only if the user inputs the sent security code to the machine within a predetermined amount of time. Transaction allowance may also be based on a real time determination that the assigned cell phone is physically located proximate the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 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, Dale H. Blackson, Mark A. Douglass, Caren R. Blackson
  • Cash dispensing automated banking machine and method
    Patent number: 7669845
    Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes at least one sheet dispensing mechanism (34, 36, 38, 40, 210). Each sheet dispensing mechanism includes a picking member (72, 212). The picking member rotates, and with each rotation causes an end sheet to be picked from a stack (42, 264) of sheets. The picking member (212) includes an arcuate projecting portion (258) that reduces the risk of damage to the leading edge areas of sheets due to opposed picking and stripping forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, Ken Kontor, Michael Harty, Brian Jones
  • Check cashing automated banking machine
    Publication number: 20100001061
    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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    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
  • Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records
    Patent number: 7631802
    Abstract: A banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that reads identifying data from a user card. The banking system authorizes operation of an automated banking machine responsive to computer verification of the identifying data. The banking machine can dispense cash to an authorized machine user in a cash dispensing transaction, and have the user's bank account charged for the cash amount dispensed. The banking machine is also operative to accept checks and acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the machine in exchange for the deposited checks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    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
  • Cash dispensing automated banking machine with note unstacking and validation
    Patent number: 7611140
    Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a cash dispenser (220). A machine user interface (15) includes a card reader (16), receipt printer opening (30), and cash dispensing opening (38). A cash acceptor mechanism (80) includes a chute (82) which enables a user to input a stack of currency notes (84) into the machine through a deposit opening (40). Notes are separated from an inputted stack via a note picker device (158, 352) and a note stripper device (64, 162, 354). Upon sensing multiple notes have been picked, picker device movement is reversed to function with the stripper device in returning notes toward the stack. The stripper device is driven to move a note engaged therewith at a faster rate or for a longer time period relative to a note engaged with the picker device to reorient returning notes to facilitate a subsequent note separation attempt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, Zachary Utz, Daniel P. Schoeffler, Shawn Griggy, Natarajan Ramachandran
  • Automated transaction machine system
    Publication number: 20090242625
    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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: 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
  • Automated banking machine
    Patent number: 7591414
    Abstract: An 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: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    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
  • Cash dispensing automated banking machine with GPS
    Patent number: 7591413
    Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a Global Positioning System (GPS). The machine can transmit a GPS location reading to a security center. The security center can compare the received GPS location to a location assigned to the machine. If the compared locations do not match then a determination is made that the machine was stolen. Responsive to a determination of theft, dye packs located in the machine can be activated to stain cash therein. The dye packs can also be set off if the machine's safe door is opened without the following a predetermined sequence for opening the door. Thus, cash in a stolen automated banking machine can be rendered as unusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Diebold SCLF - Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: James Block, H. Thomas Graef, Natarajan Ramachandran, Jeffery M. Enright, Dale Blackson
  • Automated banking machine
    Patent number: 7588182
    Abstract: An 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: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    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
  • Check cashing automated banking machine
    Patent number: 7584883
    Abstract: An automated banking 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. The machine can additionally print cancellation data on a cashed check, and then return the check to the machine user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    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
  • Automated banking machine
    Patent number: 7559460
    Abstract: An 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: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Diebold Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Cash dispensing automated banking machine with note unstacking and validation
    Patent number: 7556259
    Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a cash dispenser (220). A machine user interface (15) includes a card reader (16), receipt printer opening (30), and cash dispensing opening (38). A cash acceptor mechanism (80) includes a chute (82) which enables a user to input a stack of currency notes (84) into the machine through a deposit opening (40). Notes are separated from an inputted stack via a note picker device (158, 352) and a note stripper device (64, 162, 354). Upon sensing multiple notes have been picked, picker device movement is reversed to function with the stripper device in returning notes toward the stack. The stripper device is driven to move a note engaged therewith at a faster rate or for a longer time period relative to a note engaged with the picker device to reorient returning notes to facilitate a subsequent note separation attempt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, Zachary Utz, Daniel P. Schoeffler, Shawn Griggy, Natarajan Ramachandran
  • Cash dispensing automated banking machine user interface system and method
    Patent number: 7552868
    Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to enable users to operate the machine to carry out transactions such as the dispensing of cash. The exemplary machine provides audible instructions which are output through external loudspeakers, a headphone, or a handset. Rotation of a rotatable knob (372, 382) or other movable item causes the output of user selectable characters, transaction types and/or amounts corresponding to each respective position. The user selects the audible output produced in the current position of the knob for receipt by the machine as a transaction input by pressing on the knob. Characters and other selectable inputs corresponding to knob positions can be varied by the computer in the machine to reduce the risk of a criminal intercepting the user's inputs to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: James Block, Paul D. Magee, Harold V. Putman, H. Thomas Graef
  • RF communication of data between currency canister and automated banking machine
    Publication number: 20090140039
    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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew Force, H. Thomas Graef, Robert Bowser, Jeffrey Eastman, Michael Harty, Andrew Junkins, Michael E. Lindroos, Mark Owens, Mike Ryan, Alan Looney, Roy Shirah
  • ATM with security sensing system for cash dispenser customer interface gate
    Patent number: 7523857
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates in response to data read from user cards and dispenses cash to authorized users. The machine includes at least one processor which controls various banking machine devices and operates the machine in response to inputs by customers. A sensor is in operative connection with a gate that controls access through a currency dispensing opening. The at least one processor operates to analyze signals from the sensor and to determine if the gate movement corresponds to a suspect condition. If the at least one processor determines that there is a suspect condition, the machine executes one or more protective actions to minimize the risk of improper activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventor: H. Thomas Graef
  • Cash dispensing automated banking machine user interface system and method
    Patent number: 7516881
    Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to enable users to operate the machine to carry out transactions such as the dispensing of cash. The exemplary machine provides audible instructions which are output through external loudspeakers, a headphone, or a handset. Rotation of a rotatable knob (372, 382) or other movable item causes the output of user selectable characters, transaction types and/or amounts corresponding to each respective position. The user selects the audible output produced in the current position of the knob for receipt by the machine as a transaction input by pressing on the knob. Characters and other selectable inputs corresponding to knob positions can be varied by the computer in the machine to reduce the risk of a criminal intercepting the user's inputs to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: James Block, Paul D. Magee, Harold V. Putman, H. Thomas Graef