Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes modules for automatically strapping a plurality of bills together and bagging the strapped bills for transport. A user may determine a number of bills to be bundled in a stack or unit. Once the predetermined threshold is met, the bills will be automatically transferred to a strapping area where the bills will be strapped together for storage or transport. Additionally or alternatively, the bills may be strapped together as they enter a cartridge, such as an overflow cartridge. The strapped bills may be transferred to a bagging module where the stacks of bills will be automatically bagged, each bag including a predetermined number of stacks of bills. The bags will then be transferred to storage for transport.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide flexible demarcation points in order to selectably recognize currency deposited in a cash handling device. A denomination threshold may be set. A deposit may be requested. Currency may be deposited and scanned in order to determine its denomination. The currency may be routed to a stacker corresponding to the currency's denomination. If the denomination of the currency is less than or equal to the denomination threshold, then the deposit may be credited to an account. Otherwise, crediting of the account may be delayed until the currency can be verified as, for example, not invalid reproductions of currency. Information about the deposit may be communicated to a bank.

Abstract: A cash recycler includes one or more universal cartridges storing cash which may be exchanged between different types of cash recyclers. The swapping of universal cartridges may allow for improved efficiency when a cash handling device is detected to have a need for additional currency, removal of surplus currency, removal of unfit currency, and other services.

Abstract: Non-currency items such as lottery tickets, coupons and the like may be recognized and reconciled by a retail store and a financial institution without having to physically transmit the non-currency item to a sponsor of the non-currency item or the financial institution. Instead, a retail store or other organization may electronically transmit information regarding the non-currency item to the sponsor for confirmation of payment and to the financial institution for recognition. In some configurations, the financial institution may be configured to request confirmation of payment from the sponsor (i.e., instead of the retail store). Reconciliation of a cash handling device or a portion thereof (e.g., a cash register drawer) my take into account both non-currency items and currency items so that non-currency items do not have to be separately and/or manually reconciled.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide robbery functionality in a cash handling device. A user attempting to withdraw money from a recycler may be identified. The user may indicate a problem, such as a robbery attempt. An alarm code may be sent from the recycler and may provide notification of the robbery attempt. A normal welcome screen may be displayed to the user so that the robber is not alerted of the robbery notification. The user may request a withdrawal of money and may identify a quantity of money to be withdrawn. Money may be dispensed if the withdrawal request is less than a robbery limit. If the request exceeds the limit, options may include: notice that a limit has been exceeded or that the requested funds are unavailable, dispensing amount(s) up to the robbery limit, and/or displaying error message(s). The machine may be precluded from use until the out of service condition is reset.

Abstract: A cash handling device includes one or more universal cartridges storing cash which may be swapped between different types of cash handling devices. The swapping of universal cartridges may allow for improved efficiency when a cash handling device is detected to have a need for additional currency, removal of surplus currency, removal of unfit currency, and other services.

Abstract: A target level of funds may be defined to specify an ideal level of currency stored in a currency handling device for efficient operation. The target level may be modified based on forecasted currency usage needs. Forecasts may be conducted based on historical usage data, user input and seasonal/event considerations. When a level of funds exceeds the target level by a specified amount, a transport request may be generated. When a level of funds underruns the target level by a specified amount, a change order request may be generated. In one or more arrangements, recommendations for target levels, transport requests and change order requests may be provided for user confirmation instead of automatically executing the recommendation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for handling a payment at a point of sale or a remote payment acceptance and processing location for a customer account. The systems and methods may include receiving a payment at a point of sale or a remote payment acceptance and processing location and identifying data including at least an amount of the payment that is associated with the payment. The data may be transmitted over a computer network and stored in a data store that is associated with a customer account. A balance of the customer account may be rapidly updated based on the data associated with the payment. The data may be transmitted over a computer network and may be utilized in a computer software application to provide a customer account with rapid recognition of a payment and of a total balance.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides methods, computer media, and apparatuses to support the administration of a cash recycler system. An administrator sets hours of operation for the cash recycler system during which a user can access a cash handling device in the cash recycler system. The cash recycler system may be configured according to an operating time setting to operate between a beginning time and a terminating time, where the operating time setting may specify a periodic operating time for a specified day of the week. Access to the recycler system may be restricted based on identification information from a user and may be restricted only to an administrator outside configured operating hours. The recycler system may receive a calendar entry corresponding to a time period of operation and may override a periodic operating time by the time period contained in the calendar entry.

Abstract: A currency handling device such as a currency recycler, depository machine or a dispensing machine may provide users with the ability to access multiple accounts from the same device. Accordingly, a user may make deposits to or withdrawals from multiple accounts from a single device. The multiple accounts may, for example, correspond to different departments in a business or organization, allowing employees from different departments to use the same currency device to process transaction (e.g., change orders, deposits, etc.).

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes an integrated uninterruptible power supply. The integrated uninterruptible power supply may be integrated with the cash recycler or other currency handling device such that the power supply is pre-configured based on one or more currency handling device specific components. The cash recycler may be used with various types of uninterruptible power supplies. The cash recycler is configured to receive power from a primary power source. When there is an interruption in the power provided by the primary power source, the cash recycler is transitioned to receiving power from the uninterruptible power supply located within the cash recycler. This transition is performed without interruption to the power to the cash recycler.

Abstract: Methods and devices enable inventory levels to be monitored in one or more cash handling devices. A cash handling device may be stocked with inventory. Deposits to and withdrawals from the cash handling device may be made. Changes in the inventory due to the deposits and the withdrawals may be monitored. Armored service for transport may be dispatched when: 1) the cash handling device requires replenishment for one or more denominations, 2) the inventory rises above or falls below desired thresholds, and/or 3) is approaching maximum capacity for one or more denominations. The inventory in the cash handling device may then be adjusted.

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes a system and method for distributing currency to one or more cash drawers for use in a cash register or other point of sale device. A user may pre-configure an amount of currency to be distributed to one or more cash drawers or tills. The cash recycler may include one or more slots into which the one or more cash drawers or tills may be inserted. The preconfigured amount of currency will then be distributed to each of the tills inserted into the cash recycler. In some arrangements, multiple cash drawers may be inserted into the cash recycler and currency will be distributed to each of the cash drawers simultaneously.

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes a cash handling device alert system. Upon occurrence of one or more triggering events, a notification will be sent to one or more responsible entities. The responsible entity may be specified by a user. In addition, a user may specify the frequency of transmission of the notification or alert. In some arrangements, the alert may include a request for acknowledgement from the responsible entity.

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes an integrated wireless modem. The wireless modem may be located within a housing of the cash recycler. The wireless modem may connect to a network via a network service provider account held by a retail store or other venue at which the cash recycler is located. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless modem may connect via a network access account held by the financial institution with which the cash recycler is communicating. The wireless modem may include various settings that may be configured and adjusted via the user interface of the cash recycler.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide for a cash handling device to dispense funds for a transfer into a container. RFID indicia may be generated as a receipt and imprinted directly on the container. Alternatively, RFID indicia may be printed and affixed to the container in the form of a tag, ticket, label, sticker, etc. Transportation carriers may use an RFID reader to read the receipt one or more times at one or more locations in order to collect data for data tracking purposes. Notifications may be provided to a bank regarding the transfer. A bank may alter staffing needs based on any such notification. The bank may use an RFID reader to read data from the receipt and compare to verified data in order to identify any discrepancies for the transfer.

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes a system and method for counting and/or reconciling cash, including currency and/or coin, in a cash drawer or till. The cash drawer may be inserted into a cash handling device and the amount of cash in the drawer may be determined, i.e., using scales to weigh the cash. In some arrangements, the cash may be removed from the cash drawer. In other arrangements, some or all of the cash (i.e., the coin or the currency) may remain in the cash drawer for use in a subsequent shift, workday, etc.

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes modules for automatically strapping a plurality of bills together and bagging the strapped bills for transport. A user may determine a number of bills to be bundled in a stack or unit. Once the predetermined threshold is met, the bills will be automatically transferred to a strapping area where the bills will be strapped together for storage or transport. Additionally or alternatively, the bills may be strapped together as they enter a cartridge, such as an overflow cartridge. The strapped bills may be transferred to a bagging module where the stacks of bills will be automatically bagged, each bag including a predetermined number of stacks of bills. The bags will then be transferred to storage for transport.

Abstract: A currency handling system, for example, a currency recycler, may be configured to receive and process currency transactions entered by different recycler users. The currency recycler may identify and/or authenticate the user attempting to perform a transaction, for example, cash withdrawals, deposits, exchanges, or administrative and other functions. Once the user has been identified, the currency recycler may identify one or more user roles associated with the user, and corresponding user thresholds and/or role thresholds which may define a set of functional limitations for the user on the recycler. The recycler may then process the user's transaction request in accordance with the applicable thresholds based on the user and user roles.

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes modules for automatically strapping a plurality of bills together and bagging the strapped bills for transport. A user may determine a number of bills to be bundled in a stack or unit. Once the predetermined threshold is met, the bills will be automatically transferred to a strapping area where the bills will be strapped together for storage or transport. Additionally or alternatively, the bills may be strapped together as they enter a cartridge, such as an overflow cartridge. The strapped bills may be transferred to a bagging module where the stacks of bills will be automatically bagged, each bag including a predetermined number of stacks of bills. The bags will then be transferred to storage for transport.