Abstract: A parking meter is provided in the present disclosure. The parking meter comprises a short-range communication component, a long-range communication component, and a processor. The short-range communication component is configured to receive parking payment information from one or more other parking meters. The long-range communication component is configured to transmit the parking payment information. The processor is configured to participate in a procedure whereby the long-range communication component is configured to operate in at least one of an on mode, a low-power mode, or an off mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for using a mobile device for vending payments. The system is provided with one or more processors configured to receive input and create a vending account; communicate vending transaction details with the mobile device; charge the vending account based upon the vending transaction details; communicate a code authorizing the vending transaction to the mobile device; and transfer funds to a vendor related to the vending transaction.

Abstract: A device for wireless telecommunications is provided that includes a display, a processor, and a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI having a parking aspect displayable on the display such that responsive to a user of the device selecting the parking aspect, the processor is programmed to enable identifying a parking space, and further enabled to receive information regarding parking in the parking space, responsive to the user selecting to pay a fee to park in the parking space, promoting arranging for payment of a parking fee.

Abstract: A system for parking enforcement is provided that includes an enforcement device having a display to display a graphical user interface (GUI) that identifies a plurality of parking spaces and indicia associated with each of the plurality of parking spaces, the indicia indicating whether a parking fee has been paid for the associated parking space.

Abstract: A parking payment system is provided that includes a computing system that includes one or more components configured to maintain information related to a plurality of parking spaces, at least one of the parking spaces being associated with an identifier, the component further configured to communicate with a mobile device to arrange to for payment of at least one of the parking spaces.

Abstract: A parking payment system is provided that includes a telecommunication provider and a mobile device. The mobile device is supported by the telecommunication provider. The mobile device promotes a customer identifying a parking space and further promotes the customer selecting to pay for the parking space. The telecommunication provider bills the customer for fees associated with the parking space in response to the customer selecting to pay for the parking space. The system also includes an enforcement device that displays a graphical user interface (GUI) that identifies a plurality of the parking spaces and indicia associated with each of the plurality of parking spaces. The indicia indicates whether a parking fee has been paid for the associated parking space.

Abstract: Replacement of a damaged post for a parking meter can be accomplished by cutting the post off near the ground and affixing a replacement post to the stub of the original post with a retaining device which grips the two portions of the post from inside the post. The retaining device is only reachable through the post when the meter head is removed, thus preserving the integrity of the post from vandals.

Abstract: A parking citation issuing and enforcement system including an electronic citation writing device and an electronic parking meter. The system includes means whereby data, such as the status of the meter, may be transmitted between the electronic citation writing device and the electronic parking meter. The system also includes the ability to download the data from the electronic citation writing device to a computer for reporting of the citation data as well as the data retrieved from the electronic parking meter. This data cannot be manipulated while in the meter, during transmission to the electronic citation writing device, or during and after uploading to computer. Therefore, the report generated can be used in court to help resolve parking violation disputes.

Abstract: A power conserving electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of payment element.

Abstract: A parking meter apparatus and method uses a "smart box" for collecting coins. A "smart cart" collects the coins deposited in the smart box when a proper security card is entered into the smart cart for activating a solenoid interlock. Data auditing capabilities exist to download information from the smart box to the smart cart and ultimately to a central computer.

Abstract: A coin validating apparatus having a coin carriage for moving the coin along at least one coin track. The coin carriage has at least an electrically conductive portion in contact with the coin. The coin track has at least one cam at a predetermined location, the cam having at least a substantially non-conductive base portion attached to the coin track and an electrically conductive top portion. A component for detecting current is connected in series with the top portion in a first terminal of a voltage souorce. A second terminal of the voltage source is connected to the electrically conductive portion of the coin carriage. The coin completes an electrical connection between the electrically conductive portion of the coin carriage and the top portion of the cam when the coin carriage has positioned the coin over the cam and when the coin is electrically conductive. When the coin comnpletes the electrical connection, the component for detecting provides a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A parking meter actuator handle is provided with a clutch means comprising slip bearing members disposed between first and second relatively rotatable parts. The slip bearing members are pre-loaded in recesses in said second part to provide frictional engagement between the first and second parts. But excessive torque forces exerted upon the first part causes relative displacement between the first and second parts as said frictional force is overcome to protect the parking meter against vandalism.

Abstract: An eyeglass retaining carrier device which is clipped to the clothing of an eyeglass wearer for supporting and maintaining a pair of eyeglasses, by one of its temple sidepieces, in a substantially downward suspended inclination.

Abstract: A parking meter actuator handle is provided with a breakaway device comprising a detent disposed between first and second relatively rotatable parts. The detent is pre-loaded in a pair of aligned recesses but accommodates displacement in response to a breakaway torque to protect the parking meter against vandalism.

Abstract: A card system for an electronic parking meter. At least one card is provided and has an electrically erasable programmable memory containing data therein. At least one coin slot in the electronic parking meter is provided and the card has at least a portion thereof dimensioned to fit into the coin slot. A card switch in the coin slot is activated only by the card and provides a card switch signal. A microprocessor in the electronic parking meter receives the card switch signal and in response thereto supplies power for the card and exchanges data with the card. An interface circuit connects the microprocessor to the card. The portion of the card has electrical contacts for engagement with electrical contacts of a power supply and with the interface circuit.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of coin or other payment device and having an electronic parking meter and an auditor. The electronic parking meter comprises a power source which may be a solar type power source, as well as, having terminals for connection to an external source of power. The meter also has a microprocessor with a memory connected to the power supply. An electronic display is connected to the microprocessor and displays pertinent information for the meter. The auditor may be connected to the microprocessor in the electronic meter by means of a direct cable link or by infrared transmission. The electronic parking meter system may have a sonar range finder connected to the microprocessor in the meter which detects the presence or absence of a vehicle in an associated parking space with the parking meter.

Abstract: A parking meter anchor includes a mounting bolt extending from a vault chamber of the parking meter head through a tapered mounting base extending therefrom and into an interior of a hollow post. An anchor nut is received on the mounting bolt and carries toothed expansion wedges which are held against an inside of the post by tapered surfaces of the mounting base and by radially extending tongues on the anchor nut.

Abstract: A multiple coin sensing apparatus for a parking meter has an index which positions a stop pin in accordance with the diameter of the coin being cycled through the meter. The indexing mechanism comprises a disc which is provided with a groove for each coin to be accommodated into which grooves the stop pin is received upon rotation of the indexing mechanism. The amount of movement of the indexing mechanism is determined by the length of the groove with which the stop pin is aligned by the coin being cycled through the meter.

Abstract: A low power parking meter to control two or four parking bays. A display, either by a flag-wheel or a digital display will normally indicate the status of each bay. When funds are deposited without indicating the bay to be credited, the meter will escrow the amount until a bay is chosen. The meter normally operates in an idle loop unless an individual bay is being checked or vended.