Cash dispensing automated banking machine and method
View Patent ↗An ATM ( 10 ) includes a housing ( 12 ). Circuit card assemblies ( 256 ) used in the operation of the ATM are attached to a mounting plate ( 254 ). The mounting plate ( 254 ) can be releasably engaged to the housing ( 12 ). The mounting plate ( 254 ) includes integrally formed dimples ( 260 ) which facilitate the attachment and removal of the circuit card assemblies ( 256 ) therewith. The circuit card assemblies, while attached to the mounting plate, can be tested to ensure their proper operation prior to installation of the mounting plate in the ATM. The mounting plate and attached circuit card assemblies are configured to be suitable for use in various types and configurations of ATMs.
1. A method comprising:
(a) producing a mounting plate including a plurality of outwardly projecting dimples extending on at least one side of the mounting plate, wherein each of the plurality of dimples including an aperture extending therein;
(b) attaching a plurality of circuit card assemblies to the mounting plate, wherein each circuit card assembly is attached with at least one removable fastener extending through a dimple aperture, wherein each circuit card assembly is in supporting connection with at least one dimple;
(c) subsequent to (b), installing the mounting plate with the circuit card assemblies attached thereto in an automated banking machine including a cash dispenser.
2. The method according to claim 1 and subsequent to (b) and prior to (c) further comprising:
(d) connecting wiring between at least two of the plurality of circuit card assemblies attached to the mounting plate.
3. The method according to claim 2 and subsequent to (d) and prior to (c) further comprising:
(e) conducting at least one test concerning operation of at least two circuit card assemblies connected by wiring in (d).
4. The method according to claim 3 and further comprising:
(f) disconnecting at least one of the plurality of circuit boards from the mounting plate.
5. The method according to claim 4 and subsequent to (c) and prior to (f) removing the mounting plate and attached circuit card assemblies from the automated banking machine.
6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the mounting plate comprises metal, wherein in (a) the dimples are integrally formed on the mounting plate.
7. The method according to claim 1 wherein in (a) the plurality of dimples extend on two opposed sides of the mounting plate.
8. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising:
(d) operating the cash dispenser, wherein cash is dispensed from the machine.
9. The method according to claim 1 wherein (b) comprises attaching at least one circuit card assembly to the mounting plate with a self-threading fastener extending through a dimple aperture.
10. The method according to claim 1 wherein in (a) at least one dimple includes at least one vent opening therethrough disposed of the aperture.
11. The method according to claim 10 wherein in (a) the aperture of each dimple extends at an apex thereof, and wherein the apex comprises a generally flat area.
12. The method according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of mounting plates are arranged in a stack with dimples of adjacent mounting plates extending in nested relation, and prior to (b) removing the mounting plate from the stack.
13. A method comprising:
(a) attaching at least one circuit card assembly to a mounting plate including a plurality of dimples extending from at least one side thereof by extending at least one fastener through an aperture in an apex of at least one dimple;
(b) using the at least one circuit card assembly in operation of an automated banking machine including a cash dispenser.
14. The method according to claim 13 and prior to (b) further comprising:
(c) subsequent to (a), installing the mounting plate with the at least one circuit card assembly attached thereto in the automated banking machine.
15. The method according to claim 14 and subsequent to (a) and prior to (c) further comprising:
(d) conducting at least one test of the operation of the at least one circuit card assembly.
16. The method according to claim 15 and prior to (d) further comprising:
(f) connecting at least one circuit card assembly attached to the mounting plate through wiring to at least one other circuit card assembly attached to the mounting plate.
17. The method according to claim 14 and prior to (a) further comprising:
storing the mounting plate with a plurality of other mounting plates in a stack, wherein when the plurality of mounting plates are in the stack the dimples of the mounting plates extend in nested relation.
18. A method comprising:
(a) producing a mounting plate including a plurality of integrally formed outwardly projecting dimples, wherein at least one dimple includes air vents spaced from an aperture in an apex thereof;
(b) attaching at least one circuit card assembly to the mounting plate, wherein at least one fastener respectively extends through an aperture of a dimple including air vents;
(c) installing the mounting plate with the at least one circuit card assembly attached thereto in an automated banking machine, wherein the automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser, and wherein the cash dispenser is operative to dispense cash from the automated banking machine.
19. The method according to claim 18 and further comprising:
(d) subsequent to (b) and prior to (c), conducting at least one test of the at least one circuit card assembly attached in (b) while attached to the mounting plate.