Abstract: In a system for carrying out financial transactions via facsimile machines, account customized transaction vouchers are completed by at least one party to a transaction. The transaction vouchers issued to that party contain thereon in bar code format a series of pseudo random alphanumeric characters with a different set of characters on each voucher. The party transmits by facsimile an image of the completed voucher to a facsimile machine at a central facility. A character reader at the central facility reads the incoming data and authorizes the requested transaction based on the pseudo random alphanumeric set of characters on the voucher when confirmed by a comparison to a list of pseudo random alphanumeric sets of characters in the account record of that party. Used sets of alphanumeric characters are deleted from the list in the account data to permit onetime usage of a voucher. A credit voucher is sent from the central facility to a facsimile machine at the site of the other party to the transaction.

Abstract: In a system for carrying out finanical transactions via facsimile machines, account customized transaction vouchers are completed by at least one party to a transaction. The transaction vouchers issued to that party contain thereon a series of pseudo random alphanumeric characters with a different set of characters on each voucher. The party transmits by facsimile an image of the completed voucher to a facsimile machine at a central facility. A character reader at the central facility reads the incoming data and authorizes the requested transaction based on the pseudo random alphanumeric set of characters on the voucher when confirmed by a comparision to a list of pseudo random alphanumeric sets of characters in the account record of that party. Used sets of alphanumeric characters are deleted from the list in the account data to permit onetime usage of a voucher. A credit voucher is sent from the central facility to a facsimile machine at the site of the other party to the transaction.

Abstract: In a system for carrying out financial transactions via facsimile machines, account customized transaction vouchers are completed by the parties to a transaction, each filling in the amount of the transactions, whether he or she is a sender or receiver of fund, the accound number of the other party and signature. The voucher optionally contains a transparent pocket for receiving an identification card of an authorized user of the system, and each party transmits by facsimile an image of the completed voucher together with identification card to a facsimile machine at a central facility, such as an automated clearing house ACH). A character reader at the central facility reads the incoming data and authorizes the requested transaction based on personal identification numbers correctly transmitted to the central facility via telephone pushbotton switches and an adequate account balance.

Abstract: Financial transactions between buyers and sellers are carried out using at least one facsimile machine improved in accordance with the invention both to transfer electronic funds data among the buyer, seller and an authorizing institution and to print transaction records. Each buyer and seller is provided with an identification module, which may be in the form of a card of a mechanical key containing an integrated circuit "chip" that is inserted into a receptacle provided in the facsimile machine. Each module stores data corresponding to an account number, transaction summaries, an account balance, signature and other information. The machine in turn contains circuitry to communicate bidirectionally with the identification module and, via telephone lines, with modules provided at other facsimile machines.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning on and off, selectively, a piece of equipment and processing data pertaining thereto comprises a mechanical key adapted to interfit with a key receptacle provided at equipment to be secured, wherein movement of the key receptacle by the key is operative selectively to enable or disable operation of the machine. An integrated circuit including a solid state memory is provided within the key for processing electrical signals, and electrical contacts positioned on a periphery of the key are in contact with the integrated circuit and with corresponding electrical contacts in the receptacle. When the key is inserted into the receptacle and rotated to turn on the equipment, data transfer is established between the integrated circuit within the key and circuitry within the equipment. An identification card containing information corresponding to information stored in the integrated circuit is coupled to the key by a cord.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning on and off, selectively, a facsimile machine or other secured piece of equipment and processing data pertaining thereto comprises a key formed of a module and having stereo plugs extending therefrom adapted to interfit with stereo jacks in the equipment. An integrated circuit including a solid state memory is provided in the module for processing electrical signals. Data transfer is established between the integrated circuit in the module and circuitry in the equipment when the key is inserted in the equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the key is adapted to authorize and log financial transactions between parties via facsimile machines. An identification card containing information corresponding to information stored in the integrated circuit is coupled to the key by a cord.