DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to sanitization of currency. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for safe exchange of currency with instant sanitization as well as counting feature, which is cost effective, time saving and portable, allowing its installation at any sale counter or point of cash exchange and a process thereof. Said invention further finds application in sanitization of other paper-based documents as well including but not limited to cheques, receipts, documents etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Even after digital payment systems are prevailing these days but the physical transactions of currency cannot be denied and is required at some point. Although the currency is handled by a person safely so that it is not misplaced but there is always a fear that nothing has to be applied over a currency note which may result in spoiling of the currency note and ultimately making it invaluable. Hence a person is afraid to use anything over a currency note even if it is for sanitization or cleaning purpose. In an average, a currency notes while in circulation is touched by 1500 people during its life in circulation, the number is way higher in coins. As a result, currency is known to carry innumerous varieties of bacteria, viruses resulting in them being dirtier than average public toilet.
All over the world some countries use currency made of very fine plastic polymer and some countries use the paper-based currency notes which generally consists of more than 70% cotton, and both act as the perfect medium for survival and growth of various forms of micro-organisms and viruses. Hence, the currency notes become a medium of spreading diseases through these bacteria and viruses present on the currency notes. This puts employees and customers of cash-transaction based businesses at heavy risks of contracting deadly diseases, and spreading them further within the premises. In the era of spread of a deadly disease due to corona virus, it has become need of hour to develop a technology which is useful in stopping the spread of such viruses through currency.
Conventionally, the techniques available for making the currency free of deadly bacteria and viruses include chemical cleaning and UV sterilization which is performed at definite locations only. Further such locations and such facilities for currency sanitization is not available to a common person. In chemical cleaning of currency notes, the currency notes are chemically cleaned and put on drying. The chemical cleaning of the currency notes needs a good amount of drying time. Further, the chemicals used are disinfectants which are unsafe in use.
Another technique for sanitization of currency is UV sterilization. The current method for carrying out the UV sterilization is time taking and the rays employed are dangerous. Hence, the person has to carefully carry out the UV sterilization and has to be skilled in performing it.
US6946106B1 discloses a paper sterilization system comprises a chamber having one wall with an input slot and another wall with an output slot. A conveyor system is comprised of two co-acting belts, and upper and a lower. The belts are in facing contact. A plurality of rollers is provided. The rollers are adapted to convey the belts in contact with each other and with paper through the chamber from the input slot to the output slot. Also provided is a heating element. The heating element is adapted to increase the temperature to between about 150 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A pressure assembly is provided. The pressure assembly is adapted to increase the pressure to between about 1 and 4 atmospheres. Drive members are provided. The drive members are adapted to drive the belt and paper at a speed sufficient to kill viral and fungal organisms on paper moving through the chamber. Although this invention provides a device for sterilization but it is extremely complex and expensive to build and operate, and requires much maintenance.
Therefore, there is a need of technology which overcomes the drawbacks of conventional techniques and which instantly sanitizes the currency and is safe and easy to use and does not require any special skill. Further, there is need of technology which is portable and can be installed at cash exchange points such that it is easily accessible to a person.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The main object of the present invention is to provide a device for safe and contactless exchange of cash and a process for sanitization of currency instantly which is cost effective, portable and easy to use.
Another object of the invention is to provide a technology which sanitizes the currency and prevents the chances of spreading diseases due to bacteria and viruses present on currency.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide businesses with a way to ensure cash handled is clean and secure and while also building confidence within employees and customers.
Yet another object of the invention is to drastically reduce the time required for sanitization of currency/cash as well as document/cheques/receipts/other paper based articles across the length of the document and make it practical for use over the counters in real-time transactions, such as shopping malls and cash deposit counters in banks.
Yet another object of invention is to integrate the sanitization mechanism in cash dispensing machines and other places of cash accumulation.
Still another object of this invention is to make a device which can be integrated with a variety of cash handling machines, like ticket counters, vending machines, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device and process for safe exchange of currency as well as document/cheques/receipts/other paper based articles across the length of the document that provides contactless and instant sanitization and is easy to use, time saving and portable that is easy to install at any point of sale or cash exchange point.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a device for safe exchange of currency with contactless and instant sanitization as well as counting feature which is cost effective, time saver and portable, allowing its installation at any sale counter or point of cash exchange. The proposed device for safe exchange of currency with instant sanitization and counting feature comprises of a casing, a currency extraction system comprising a plurality of drop-in box and a plurality of dispatch box, a plurality of heated rollers with embedded heating elements, a plurality of guide rollers, a plurality of sanitization units such as UV emitter or chemical sprays or plasma ion units, at least one display panel, at least one processing unit and a power source, wherein the currency is dropped in the drop-in box and is taken inside in the device and configured to go through the plurality of heated rollers or plurality of sanitization units to sanitize the currency and transfer the sanitized currency in the dispatch box for its pick up and said currency is also counted while sanitization. The processing unit preferably includes a microprocessor/microcontroller and a circuit for detection of currency and run the process of currency sanitization. The device is easy to use and requires no special skill as the display panel displays instructions for its use, status of sanitization and any errors which results to hindrance in the process of sanitization. As the currency is dropped in the drop-in box, there is no contact between a user and the device making it a contactless and safe cash exchange medium. Other than currency, document/cheques/receipts/other paper based articles may be used in the present invention.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process of sanitization and counting of currency for safe exchange of currency comprising the step of dropping the currency in a drop-in box; detecting and absorbing the currency for sanitization; passing the currency through a plurality of heated rollers set on a predetermined temperature to obtain heat treated currency; passing the heated treated currency through at least one sanitization unit to obtain the sanitized currency; transferring the sanitized currency to a dispatch box from where the sanitized currency is picked up. The predetermined temperature of heated roller is 65°C or more.
Therefore, the present invention provides a device and process for sanitization of currency to make the currency either free from harmful bacteria and viruses or at least inactivated with those bacteria and viruses that have the potential of spreading through the currency and thus checking the spread of the related diseases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An understanding of the device and the method of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following drawings:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the base of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the internal parts of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is an isometric view of sanitization unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a perspective top view of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are other top perspective views of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a flow chart of the process of sanitization and counting of currency for safe exchange of currency in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
The present invention provides a device and process for sanitization of currency through multiple treatments such as heat, UV rays and/or chemical sprays making the currency free from the harmful bacteria and viruses or at least inactivated with them, which otherwise have the potential of spreading through the currency and spread the related diseases.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a device for safe exchange of currency with contact less and instant sanitization as well as counting feature and is cost effective, time saver and portable, allowing its installation at any sale counter or point of cash exchange. The proposed device for safe exchange of currency with instant sanitization and counting feature comprises of a base, a casing, a currency extraction system including a plurality of drop-in box and a plurality of dispatch box, a plurality of heated rollers with embedded heating elements, a plurality of guide rollers, a plurality of sanitization units such as UV emitter or chemical sprays, at least one display panel, at least one processing unit and a power source, wherein the base comprise of plurality of ballasts, converters and at least two frames fixed on sides of the base, the currency is dropped in the drop-in box which is sucked in the device and configured to go through the plurality of heated rollers and plurality of sanitization units to sanitize the currency and transfer the sanitized currency in the dispatch box for its pick up and said currency while sanitization is counted. A set of sensors detects movement of the currency and screen the currency, in which the screening includes but not limited to counting, counterfeit, detection, denomination identification, currency recognition, half note detection, tear detection, fold detection and detection of any marks on said currency. The processing unit preferably includes a microprocessor/ microcontroller with a plurality of sensors and a circuit for detection of currency and run the process of currency sanitization. The device is easy to use and requires no special skill as the display panel provided display instructions for its use, status of sanitization and any errors which results to hindrance in the process of sanitization. The device is also useful for other physical documents that are exchanged frequently such as bank cheques, bond papers, demand drafts and other paper valuables. The device in capable of sanitizing the currency either separately or in a batch of 10-500 notes at one time. While sanitizing the currency in a batch, the device takes a time duration of 5 to 400 seconds.
On the device for sanitization and counting of currency, optionally an ergonomic handle is provided to hold it and move it to the point of installation such as a sale counter which is the platform for exchange of cash currency between a buyer and seller. The plurality of drop-in box and plurality of dispatch box are provided so that the currency notes and coins are sanitized separately. The device is compact so as to attain maximum efficiency with least volume occupation. Further, the device can be integrated in a cash dispensing machine such as vending machine, ATM etc. As the currency is dropped in the drop-in box, there is no contact between a user and the device making it a contactless and safe cash exchange medium.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process of sanitization and counting of currency for safe exchange of currency comprising the step of dropping the currency in a drop-in box; detecting and absorbing the currency for sanitization; passing the currency through a plurality of heated rollers set on a predetermined temperature to obtain heat treated currency; passing the heated treated currency through at least one sanitization unit to obtain the sanitized currency; transferring the sanitized currency to a dispatch box from where the sanitized currency is picked up. The predetermined temperature of heated roller is 65°C - 300°C. The sanitization unit includes but is not limited to UV sanitization unit treating the currency with UV rays at a wavelength of 200 nm – 400 nm and a UV dosage of 100 mj/cm2 or more and/or a chemical spray.
Referring to Fig. 1, a perspective view of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant sanitization and counting feature comprises of a casing (2) to hold the components of the device (1) such as a drop-in box and a dispatch box, a plurality of heated rollers with embedded heating elements, a plurality of guide rollers (8), a plurality of sanitization units such as UV emitter or chemical sprays, at least one display panel, at least one processing unit and a power source. On the casing (2) a provision is provided for the drop-in box (3) in which the currency is dropped for sanitization. The drop-in box (3) is provided at the top so that a user drops the currency without making any contact with the device (1) and hence the device (1) is a top-loading configuration, however other configurations are also possible. Further, on the casing (3) another provision is provided for a dispatch box (4) for collecting the sanitized currency. On the front side of the device (1) there is one display panel (5) for display of instructions, status of sanitization, any errors while sanitization and enable data logging.
Referring to Fig. 2, a sectional side view of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. On the casing (2) of the device (1), the drop-in box (3) is provided at the top. Below the drop-in box (3), a plurality of heated rollers (6) are provided through which the currency is passed in order to provide a heat treatment for killing the bacteria and viruses. A plurality of sanitization unit (7) are provided which include but is not limited to UV emitters, chemical sprayers etc. The currency is passed through these plurality of sanitization unit (7) and transferred to the dispatch box (4) provided at the bottom of the casing (2) through a plurality of guide rollers (8).
Referring to Fig. 3, a perspective view of the base of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device (1) comprises of a base (9) with ballasts (10) and AC/DC converters (11). Referring to Fig. 4, an isometric view of the internal parts of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. It shows the arrangement of rollers inside the casing (2), bearing caps (13) and bearings (12). The guide roller (8) has a set of parallel toothed rubbers (19) designed to draw notes and the heated rollers (6) has set of rubber rollers (20) designed to propagate flow of notes.
Referring to Fig. 5 an isometric view of sanitization unit is shown that comprises of UV frames, UV bulbs, holder, relevant clamps, wiring harnesses. Referring to Fig. 6, a top view of the device is depicted, wherein the display panel (5), control unit and the light emitting diodes (14) are placed over the casing (2) which are triggered preferably by button(s), but other triggering mechanism may be used. The display indicate which door is open, and the sensors (15), (16), (17) will also recognize the size and type of the currency, document/cheques/receipts/other paper based articles. All the rollers are supported on two bearings. Additionally, other bearings are mounted spring-loaded under the bearing plate. The bearing plate is mounted on the side frame.
A set of sensors (15), (16), (17) are strategically placed to detect notes in, notes passing, notes out. A door covers the entire setup of the device (1) and the door is openable and gives access to the entire device (1) when opened. The set of sensors (15), (16), (17) include cameras like RGB and thermal to recognize denomination of said currency. The door is openable to help the user access the rollers mechanisms in case of currency notes gets stuck. The door is equipped with a sensor-based emergency mechanism (18), where on opening of the door the UV light and all motorized systems are automatically shut down for safety as depicted in Fig. 7.
The sensors (15), (16), (17) may also include scanning mechanism to scan documents and currency such that they could be stored as output formats that may also be exported to a computer. The device (1) comprise of a plurality of output ports including an external display, accessing memory of that machine, transmission of machine data and scanned documents, or charging the device (1). The external display to extend the display or duplicate said display panel (5), replicating or adding to the input and output for the user.
Additionally, as an advancement the device (1) may equipped with one or more fans designed to keep the device (1) cool and also act as a note separation mechanism. The device (1) include one or more permanent magnets designed to attract metallic dust for sanitization purpose and to keep said sensors (15), (16), (17) is free from dust.
Referring to Fig. 8, another top view of the the device is depicted. A sensor detects the opening and closing of the door, and initiates emergency measures on opening. The dispatch box (4) contains a stacking mechanism including but not limited to impeller, free flow stack, spring loaded stacking mechanisms. The device is electronically controlled with a one or more displays and mode indications with plurality of LED’s.
Referring to Fig. 9, a flow chart is represented of a process of sanitization and counting of currency for safe exchange of currency that comprises steps of dropping a currency in a drop-in box (3), an input is detecting from the user and a plurality of transaction operations or modes are displayed on the display panel (5). Upon successful selection of mode or operation, the rollers get activate that are powered by a motor and further ensures a variable speed of motor through a gear mechanism. The currency is drawn from the drop-in box (3) and pushed further for sanitization. The currency is passed through a plurality of heated ro1lers 6 set on a predetermined temperature to obtain heat treated currency, the heated treated currency is passed through at least one sanitization unit (7) to obtain the sanitized currency. The sanitized currency is passed through a set of sensors for screening of said currency and the sanitized currency is transferred in the dispatch box (4) for pick up. The predetermined temperature of heated roller (6) is 50°C - 150°C. The sanitization unit (7) includes but is not limited to UV sanitization unit treating the currency with UV rays at a wavelength of 200 nm – 400 nm and a spray volume is in range from 5 to 50 ml/minute.
In the entire process, the sanitization unit (7) may be replaced or supplemented with heating mechanisms, or chemical spray mechanisms. The device may be equipped with other components for providing varying features like speed control, half note detection. Moreover, the present invention provides a technology to protect cashiers, their co-workers and customers in retail stores, banks and other commercial establishments from pathogens. To sanitize documents, cash, cheques and other paper-based items from pathogen. To be deployed in ATM’s, cash deposit machines, and other areas.
Therefore, the present invention provides a technology that employs a plurality of sanitization techniques including but not limited to UV light exposure, heating, chemical spraying of disinfectants to make the currency or document or cheques or receipts or other paper based articles exchange free of any bacteria or viruses that are prone of spreading and causing diseases.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will readily occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS

We claim:
1. A device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization, comprising:
a base (9);
a casing (2);
a currency extraction system;
a set of sensors (15), (16), (17);
at least one display panel (5);
at least one processing unit; and
a portable power source;
wherein;
said base (9) is attached with a plurality of ballasts (10), converters (11) and at least two frames fixed on sides of said base (9);
said currency extraction system includes at least one drop-in box (3), at least one dispatch box (4), a plurality of heated rollers (6) with embedded heating elements, a plurality of guided rollers (8) and a plurality of sanitization units (7);
said guided rollers (8) withdraw said currency and push said currency for sanitization;
said heated rollers (6) and sanitization units (7) sanitize said currency and transfer said sanitized currency in said dispatch box (4) for pick up;
said set of sensors (15), (16), (17) detect movement of said currency and screen said currency;
said processing unit preferably includes a microprocessor/microcontroller and a circuit to enable detection and sanitization of said currency;
said display panel (5) displays instructions for use, status of sanitization and any errors; and
said device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization ensures zero contact with a user and provides a safe cash exchange medium.
2. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization as claimed in claim 1, wherein said currency is replicable with document/cheques/receipts/other paper based articles.
3. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guided rollers (8) include but are not limited to parallel toothed rubbers or silicon rubbers.
4. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rollers are supported by at least two bearings (12).
5. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization as claimed in claim 1, wherein said casing (2) includes a door for covering said device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization.
6. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sanitization unit (7) includes but is not limited to UV frames, UV bulbs, holder, relevant clamps, plasma ion units and wiring harnesses.
7. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device (1) include one or more permanent magnets designed to attract metallic dust for sanitization purpose and to keep said sensors (15), (16), (17) is free from dust.
8. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization as claimed in claim 1, wherein said set of sensors (15), (16), (17) perform operations that include but are not limited to counting, counterfeit, detection, denomination identification currency recognition, half note detection, tear detection, fold detection and detection of any marks on said currency.
9. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization as claimed in claim 1, wherein said set of sensors (15), (16), (17) include cameras like RGB and thermal to recognise denomination of said currency.
10. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display panel (5) includes plurality of light emitting diodes (14) for display mode of operation that is preferably triggered by a button.
11. The device (1) for safe exchange of currency with instant currency sanitization as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device (1) comprise of an external display to extend the display or duplicate said display panel (5), replicating or adding to the input and output for the user.
12. A method of sanitization and counting of currency for safe exchange of currency comprising the step of:
a) dropping a currency in a drop-in box (3);
b) detecting an input of currency in the drop-in box (3) and displaying plurality of transaction operations;
c) activating a set of rollers (6), (8) powered by a motor and ensuring a variable speed of motor through a gear or pulley mechanism;
d) withdrawing said currency from said drop-in box (3) and pushing said currency for sanitization;
e) passing said currency through a plurality of heated rollers (6) set on a predetermined temperature to obtain heat treated currency;
f) passing the currency obtained at step e) through at least one sanitization unit (7) to obtain the sanitized currency;
g) passing said sanitized currency obtained from f) through a set of sensors (15), (16), (17) for screening of said currency; and
h) transferring said sanitized and screened currency obtained from step g) in said dispatch box (4) for pick up.
13. The method of sanitization and counting of currency for safe exchange of currency as claimed in claim 12, wherein said set of sensors (15), (16), (17) performs operations that include but are not limited to counting, counterfeit, detection, currency recognition, half note detection, tear detection, fold detection and detection of any marks on said currency.
14. The method of sanitization and counting of currency for safe exchange of currency as claimed in claim 12, wherein said method includes a stacking mechanism including but not limited to impeller, free flow stack, spring loaded stacking mechanisms.