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: 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: A coin fraud detection sensing system is provided that includes a coin chute and one or more sensing devices coupled to the coin chute. The one or more sensing devices are operative to detect a coin or other object in the coin chute and transmit a signal to a processor that determines the travel speed of the coin through the coin chute, the travel direction of the coin through the coin chute or the sequence of signals received from the sensing devices. Based upon the travel speed, direction and/or sequence, the processor is programmed to detect whether the coin is being fraudulently controlled by a withdrawal device, such as a string.

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: An electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of coin or other payment device and including circuits for controlling changeable parameters, such as temperature drift, low voltage levels, aging etc. The electronic parking meter has a power source which may be a solar type power source with a low voltage control circuit. The meter also has a microprocessor with a memory connected to the power supply. The microprocessor has a power-up mode, a standby mode and an operational mode. An electronic display is connected to the microprocessor and displays pertinent information. A coin received in the meter causes a signal to be generated upon receipt of the coin by a sensor. The meter also has a coin detector and a microprocessor controlled circuit for adjusting a setpoint of the coin detector.

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 coin discriminator system for use in an electronic parking meter. A deposited coin is inserted in the electronic parking meter and a chute guides the deposited coin past an inductor. The deposited coin causes a momentary change in the value of inductance of the inductor. A phase lock loop electronic circuit has an input connected to the inductor and the phase lock loop electronic circuit. The correction signal compensates for the change in the value of inductance of the inductor and has a wave shape unique to the deposited coin. A microprocessor receives the correction signal waveform for comparison to a plurality of predetermined wave shapes of a plurality of known coins to thereby identify the deposited coin. The plurality of predetermined wave shapes are stored in a memory connected to the microprocessor.

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 advertising system for use with an electronic parking meter. A microprocessor is connected to a memory for storing a predetermined message and a liquid crystal display displays the message and is connected to the microprocessor. The electronic parking meter also displays time remaining on the meter during a first time period, and displays the message during a second time period. The microprocessor also causes the message to scroll across the display.

Abstract: A solar power system for an electronic parking meter. At least one solar cell array is connected to the anode of a first diode and at least one current regulating diode has its anode connected to a cathode of the first diode. At least one storage capacitor is connected between a cathode of the current regulating capacitor and ground. At least one second diode has its anode connected to the storage capacitor and has its cathode connected to an input of a voltage regulator. An output of the voltage regulator provides a supply voltage for the electronic parking meter. The input of the voltage regulator is also connected to the cathode of the first diode. A monitor circuit monitors a voltage level at the input of the voltage regulator. A microprocessor is connected to the monitor and when the voltage level decreases below a first threshold, the microprocessor shuts down the electronic parking meter in an orderly manner.

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.