Abstract: A rental system contains a plurality of rental digital cameras, and comprises a rental-item providing machine which provides users with digital cameras, respectively, and a management center which manages the digital cameras. The rental-item providing machine makes a credit inquiry about the users. The rental-item providing machine provides the users with the respective digital cameras, in accordance with a result of the credit inquiry. The rental-item providing machine sends identification information for identifying each of the contained digital cameras, to the management center. The management center manages the digital cameras, using the identification information sent from the rental-item providing machine.

Abstract: In a device for identification of predetermined coins and/or transponders, coils are connected to a control unit for detecting the passage of predetermined coins and for identifying a code of circular transponders. A stop is operated for stopping the transponders, under control of the control unit, after identification of the transponder code, while the coils read/writes the credit value remaining in the transponder.

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electrically powered vehicles includes a conveyor loop for conveying batteries from a battery receiving station to a battery delivery station. A displacement assembly removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by placing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by the receiving station, where the batteries are tested both electrically and by comparing battery status data against predetermined criteria. Batteries which fail the battery test are automatically removed from the conveyor loop by a elevator assembly. Batteries are automatically charged as they pass through the conveyor loop in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles.

Abstract: An entrance-control and departure-control station in which the return of the used car-park tickets to the entrance-side issuing apparatus is automated. The issuing apparatus of the entrance-control station are connected to one another via a car-park-ticket-return device. The car-park tickets which are to be returned are moved, in a pushed group, through a transporting duct which bridges a spatial distance between the issuing apparatus and the retrieval apparatus. In addition to the spatial distance bridged, a vertical ascent is also surmounted, in order that the retrieved car-park tickets running in under the action of gravity are brought once again to a higher level, from where they can be discharged again as required under the action of gravity during an issuing operation.

Abstract: The present invention uses promotional coins to encourage use of a coin counter. The promotional coins are minted in such a way that an unaided human is not likely to distinguish a first prize coin from other promotional coins, e.g., because all promotional coins have substantially identical size, weight and appearance. Due to the apparent similarity between the various promotional coins, the participant is required to use a coin counter to distinguish prize coins from other promotional coins. In one embodiment, the promotion is implemented using a coin counter. Promotional coins are distributed to potential customers who are thereby enticed into using the coin counter as desired. The coin counter accepts and discriminates among government-minted coins of multiple denominations, various promotional coins and unknown debris.

Abstract: A Wiegand token essentially is comprised of a disk-like token body that has two substantially flat surfaces, one of the flat surface including a groove, for example, a circular groove, therein, and a Wiegand wire is embedded within the groove of the token body. The Wiegand token may have multiple concentric grooves with a Wiegand wire embedded within each groove. In general, the Wiegand token is for use in a device having a read head that responds to a magnetic field change generated from a switch in state of the Wiegand wire as the token passes by the read head. When the token includes plural Wiegand wires therein, the read head responds separately to each magnetic field change generated from a switch in state of each Wiegand wire as the respective Wiegand wire passes by the read head. Moreover, the read head separately responds to magnetic field changes that are generated from a switch in state of two different segments of the Wiegand wire as the respective segment passes by the read head.

Abstract: The automated filling station system of the present invention allows customers to obtain change in currency at the time of purchase, thereby accommodating cash customers as well as credit customers, and one-time customers as well as returning customers. In one embodiment, the system is implemented as a network (10) of filling stations (16) that report to a remote host computer (12). Each filling station (16) has a number of fuel pump systems (22) and a change dispenser system (24). Upon completion of a fueling transaction, a code is provided to a customer at a fuel pump system (22). The customer can enter the code to receive cash at the change dispenser (24) or can use the code for credit towards a subsequent fuel purchase within the network (10).

Abstract: A method for encrypting bill validation data generated by a bill validator is disclosed. Such data includes an inserted bill's denomination and country of origin as determined by sensors in the bill validator. Once such information is obtained, it is encrypted by combination with an encryption key selected from a table of such keys. The encrypted data is then communicated to a machine associated with the bill validator such as a gaming or vending machine. Upon receipt, the machine decrypts the data to obtain the original bill validation data. If the machine finds the denomination and issuing country of the inserted bill to be acceptable, the machine instructs the bill validator to accept the bill and store it in a bill repository.

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles includes a conveyor loop for conveying batteries from a battery receiving station to a battery delivery station. A displacement assembly removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by forcing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by the receiving station, where the batteries are tested both electrically and by comparing battery status data against predetermined criteria. Batteries which fail the battery test are automatically removed from the conveyor loop by a elevator assembly. Batteries are automatically charged as they pass through the conveyor loop in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles.

Abstract: A dispensing machine payment acceptance apparatus for dispensing products or services from a dispensing machine upon user request and payment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a data card scanner apparatus for acquiring payment and other information. It also comprises an electrical signals interface between the scanner and the dispensing machine to indicate proper payment has been made. Cash payment, such as coins and paper bills, may also be accepted and apparatus is disclosed in the dispensing machine payment acceptance apparatus for generating electrical signals indicative of an amount of cash accepted. The invention discloses a card swallowing feature which enable the scanner to retain the card when the data card is defective or has other predetermined characteristics. In some embodiments the scanner has a geometrical form factor substantially similar to a standard bill validator apparatus.

Abstract: A coin validator has a sensor circuit including two sensor coils each of small diameter, the coils being positioned such that they are passed in succession by a coin moving through a test section of the validator. The sensor circuit derives a signal representing the difference between the coil outputs so that bimetallic coins having a different outer ring material from the core material are easily detected.

Abstract: In a vending machine for which both money and a prepaid card can be used, a writing-instruction switch is provided for controlling of amount information into the card. When the writing-instruction switch has been actuated, the amount of inserted money and the credited value of the card are added up and the sum is written into the card for renewing its credited value. In this manner, it becomes possible to additionally renew the amount recorded in the prepaid card. Further, an amount selector may be provided for selecting an amount to be added to a prepaid card. On condition that money of an amount not smaller than the amount selected by the amount selector has been inserted, the selected amount and the recorded amount of the card are added up for renewing the recorded amount of the card. Thus, it becomes possible to write a desired amount into an already issued prepaid card.

Abstract: A binocular vending apparatus for attachment to a structure, preferably a seat bottom, a seat back or a pedestal, is provided. The vending apparatus includes binoculars, a housing for removably retaining binoculars, and a mounting plate which is attachable to the structure, wherein the housing is mountable to the mounting plate when the mounting plate is attached to the structure. The vending apparatus preferably includes an elongated tether connected to the housing and also to the binoculars such that the binoculars are tethered to the housing. The vending apparatus preferably includes a binocular vending machine operated by magnetic tokens. The magnetic tokens have a magnetic code for actuating elements of the vending machine such that the vending machine will respond in a predetermined manner to the insertion of the vending token. Preferably, the vending token includes a plurality of magnetic regions having opposite magnetic pole orientations.

Abstract: A gaming machine and game coupons are disclosed for allowing an operator to redeem winning game coupons by inserting them directly into the gaming machine rather than by taking them to a cashier. The game coupons are coded with a machine-readable prize code which represents a number of prize game credits. The gaming machine includes a bill validator for accepting currency and winning game coupons from an operator. It also includes a code reader for reading the coupon prize codes as the coupons are inserted into the bill validator. The gaming machine issues game credits to the player depending on the prize codes of the submitted game coupons. The gaming machine also incorporates a fraud prevention scheme to guard against fraudulently copied or duplicated winning coupons. Each winning coupon is coded with a unique coupon identification code. The code reader reads and records the coupon identification code of each winning coupon as it is submitted.

Abstract: A device for selectively recording charges for copies made on a copying machine by way of two or more accounting means connected at the same time via the device to the copying machine, comprising means for coupling the device to the copying machine, a plurality of connection points each one of which is connectable separately to a different accounting means and control means which selectively activates one of the accounting means for recording of the charges and the method of accomplishing the recording of such charges.

Abstract: A binocular vending apparatus for attachment to a structure, preferably a seat bottom, a seat back or a pedestal, is provided. The vending apparatus includes a pair of binoculars, a housing for removably retaining the pair of binoculars, and a mounting plate which is attachable to the structure, wherein the housing is mountable to the mounting plate when the mounting plate is attached to the structure. The vending apparatus preferably includes an elongated tether connected to the housing and also to the binoculars such that the binoculars are tethered to the housing. The vending apparatus preferably includes a binocular vending machine operated by magnetic tokens. The magnetic tokens have a magnetic code for actuating elements of the vending machine such that the vending machine will respond in a predetermined manner to the insertion of the vending token. Preferably, the vending token includes a plurality of magnetic regions having opposite magnetic pole orientations.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus capable of providing a customer with a desired amount of liquid depending on data recorded in a memory card purchased in place of liquor in the unit of a bottle. The apparatus includes a flowmeter to generate a signal representing the amount of liquid supplied, a card read/write device in which a reloadable memory card is inserted, and a CPU connected to the card read/write device and flowmeter. The CPU receives data of the memory card read by the card read/write device to open a valve depending on the data to dispense a desired amount of liquid and receives a signal from the flowmeter to operate the amount of liquid dispensed and close the valve. The card read/write device also carries out write of new data based on the operation of the CPU.

Abstract: An improved magnetic field sensor for detecting tokens is disclosed which has one Hall effect sensor located between a magnet and an inclined token track base and another Hall effect sensor located between another magnet and the inclined token track base. The Hall effect sensors are placed at distances above the inclined token track base which optimize their accuracy in detecting tokens which have two concentric regions with different magnet characteristics.

Abstract: A thread detector assembly for detecting an activated, elongate thread which is integral with a sheet comprises an elongate detector or set of detectors. A conveyor is provided to cause relative movement between a sheet and a detector. The detector or detectors extend at an acute angle to the thread in use whereby the thread is presented successively to different parts of the detector or detectors.

Abstract: A fare adjustment machine, wherein a card conveyor for carrying a fare-adjusted card and a receipt conveyor for carrying a printed receipt are disposed with their passages intersecting each other so that the surfaces of the card and the receipt cross each other perpendicularly. The receipt is held at one-side at the intersection by a clamp mechanism and released from the receipt conveyor by a release mechanism. The receipt thus held is pushed at its lower side by the card carried by the card conveyor so that it falls down flat on top of the card, and the card and receipt are then then simultaneously discharged from the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and returning reusable articles each identifiable with its own identification code, comprising: a pair of opposing, stationary arrays of locations, each location being capable of holding a reusable article therein and having its own particular location code; a memory adapted to store details of the location codes and the article codes in memory; a data receiver for receiving informational data from a patron; a receptacle for receiving and discharging the articles; a transfer mechanism for placing an article in a location in the arrays or removing an article therefrom, the transfer mechanism being movable relative to the arrays between operative engagement with any of the locations and the receptacle; an article code sensing device adapted to sense the article code of an article carried by the transfer mechanism; and a control device having means for receiving control information and for generating output instructional information and control signals, the control device being respon

Abstract: A paper currency acceptor having general utility and more specifically for use as a retrofit for a coin vending machine having coin mechanism in which there is very limited space for the paper currency acceptor. The acceptor includes longitudinally directed coextensive verification and receiving stations through which successive sheets of paper currency are moved with their planar surfaces substantially vertical from an inlet to a storage position where the sheets are stacked in their vertical positions thereby enabling the acceptor to be mounted horizontally in the limited space of the machine for cooperation with the machine's coin mechanism.

Abstract: An express package collection locker capable of automatically calculating the portage fee of a package. The locker comprises a plurality of boxes for storing packages, a plurality of weight sensors incorporated in the boxes, respectively, and a plurality of push buttons for selecting regions from a map which correspond to possible destinations of the package. The locker further comprises a CRT display for displaying operating instructions, and a main controller. The main controller calculates the portage fee of a package placed in any one of the boxes, in accordance with the weight of the package measured by the weight sensor provided within the box, and the region destination of the package, which has been selected by operating the desired button. The portage, thus calculated, is displayed by the CRT display. The main controller locks the door of the box when the portage is duly paid into the locker, and then prints and issues a voucher.

Abstract: This gift certificate has information recorded thereon for identifying a total face value vendible by the gift certificate and a predetermined base amount equal to or smaller than the total face value. The information recorded on a deposited gift certificate is read by a reading device. A validation device validates the total face value and the base amount of the deposited gift certificate in response to the read information. A vending permission judgement device prohibits, in reponse to an output of the validation device, at least vending of an article to which a vend price below the base amount has been assigned. By virtue of this arrangement, a purchaser of an article from a vending machine by using a gift certificate is not forced to make purchase of the entire total face value but has only to make purchase above the base amount in which case a change preferably is paid out.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for the unsupervised control of the use of lockers or the like in bath houses, reading rooms, hotels or the like in which the locker doors are provided with a deposit lock; in order to optimize the possibilities of variation while retaining the most favorable structural shape, the locks are operated with codes such that the deposit locks can be brought into the position of readiness to receive a code and store the code and the memory is automatically erased upon the return of the deposit coin.

Abstract: A token handling device transmits, using an electromagnetic carrier, data, clock pulses and power to a token. The token transmits data by varying the degree of absorbtion of the carrier in synchronism with the clock pulses. These data transmissions are detected by a receiver in the token handling device, the sensitivity of which is adjusted each time a token is received. The token could be used in transactions in place of coins, or alternatively could be used for identification in other areas. Data stored by the token could be used to change the way in which the token handling device operates. The token handling device may for example form a vending machine, and the token could be used to alter the pricing of goods vended thereby. The token handling device may be combined with a coin validator, in which case there is preferably a common path from an entrance slot for carrying both the tokens and the coins to appropriate testing apparatus.

Abstract: An accessory for permitting a vending machine to operate with either money or coded cards. The accessory is mounted to the outside of a vending machine and connected internally by means of an adapter electrically connected between the money handling unit and item dispensing unit of the vending machine. The accessory reads the credit value coded on the card, compares the same with the price of the item selected, actuates the item dispenser, deducts the price of the item dispensed from the amount originally coded on the card, and encodes a new value on the card as it is withdrawn. Other features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for the disposition of shopping carts including at least one storage area for carts, which are intended to be removed and returned from the storage area by users. Each storing area has at least one gate in an outlet passage to permit a cart to pass therethrough only if a deposit is received and a gate in an inlet passage to permit cart to pass therethrough if identified as authorized, in which event the deposit is repayed.