Abstract: Systems and methods for searching entertainment content on a computer jukebox are provided in which, in exemplary embodiments, a user may select which music library to search if more than one music libraries are available for searching. Also provided is a system and method of searching entertainment content on a computer jukebox in which, in one embodiment, search results from a first music library are provided based on a input search criteria, and search results are provided from a second music library based on the same search criteria in response to only a single action performed by a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for quick song selection on any of a plurality of networked, digital jukeboxes is provided. The Quick Pick feature provides for efficient song selection for a jukebox user preferably using a set of the most popular songs on a particular jukebox machine. Preferably, the system and method allow a user to browse or select songs to play at a digital jukebox in an efficient manner, without the need for a user to know the title or artist of the song in advance of making a selection.

Abstract: A song data downloading system and method of dispensing music are provided for use with a music data server and a musical jukebox. A song selection device and a control are provided. The control is operable to receive a user selection of particular song data with the song selection device. The user selection is made from compact disk song data or downloaded song data. The compact disk song data is from a compact disk that is in the compact disk storage and retrieval system of the jukebox. The downloaded song data is downloaded from a music data server. The control provides the selected song data to the music production system of the jukebox for producing audio from the selected song data. The control discards downloaded song data upon producing audio from the downloaded song data.

Abstract: An anti-tether device used in vending machines to prevent retrieval of paper currency that is attached to a tether. The anti-tether device includes a slotted disk aligned with the paper currency path and is caused to rotate after paper currency passes through the slot. A tether attached to the paper currency will inhibit the motion of the disk. If the vending machine control system determines that the disk did not rotate completely or did not rotate within a predetermined time limit, the vending machine will not dispense a product or service and may send an external signal. Alternatively, if a product or service is dispensed despite the presence of a tether, the paper currency will not be retrievable, as the tether will be mechanically wound around a shaft of the anti-tether apparatus.

Abstract: A control system for a compact disc jukebox detects skips in the compact disc by reading an apparent elapsed time signal from the compact disc that is encoded on the compact disc. A timer is simultaneously started and outputs a real elapsed time signal. A comparison is made between the real elapsed time signal and the apparent elapsed time signal. If the difference between these two signals exceeds a predetermined amount of time, a skip is recorded. The detection of a skip may be recorded as to a particular selection on a particular CD, along with the time of the skip. Appropriate action may be taken in response to the recording of a skip, such as cancelling the selection or stopping the CD.

Abstract: A music jukebox includes a music reproduction system, a title rack assembly, a cabinet for the title rack and a lighting system for the cabinet. The lighting system includes at least one lighting assembly producing light within a field of view of a user viewing the title rack. The jukebox further includes a control system that is operative to detect the presence of a user at the cabinet. The control operates the lighting system in an attract mode when the control does not detect the presence of a user at the cabinet and a viewing mode when the control system does detect the presence of a user at the cabinet.

Abstract: A control system for a compact disc jukebox detects skips in the compact disc by reading an apparent elapsed time signal from the compact disc that is encoded on the compact disc. A timer is simultaneously started and outputs a real elapsed time signal. A comparison is made between the real elapsed time signal and the apparent elapsed time signal. If the difference between these two signals exceeds a predetermined amount of time, a skip is recorded. The detection of a skip may be recorded as to a particular selection on a particular CD, along with the time of the skip. Appropriate action may be taken in response to the recording of a skip, such as cancelling the selection or stopping the CD.

Abstract: A control system for a compact disc jukebox detects skips in the compact disc by reading an apparent elapsed time signal from the compact disc that is encoded on the compact disc. A timer is simultaneously started and outputs a real elapsed time signal. A comparison is made between the real elapsed time signal and the apparent elapsed time signal. If the difference between these two signals exceeds a predetermined amount of time, a skip is recorded. The detection of a skip may be recorded as to a particular selection on a particular CD, along with the time of the skip. Appropriate action may be taken in response to the recording of a skip, such as cancelling the selection or stopping the CD.

Abstract: A control system for a compact disc jukebox detects skips in the compact disc by reading an apparent elapsed time signal from the compact disc that is encoded on the compact disc. A timer is simultaneously started and outputs a real elapsed time signal. A comparison is made between the real elapsed time signal and the apparent elapsed time signal. If the difference between these two signals exceeds a predetermined amount of time, a skip is recorded. The detection of a skip may be recorded as to a particular selection on a particular CD, along with the time of the skip. Appropriate action may be taken in response to the recording of a skip, such as cancelling the selection or stopping the CD.

Abstract: A disc player and changer mechanism adapted for use in a jukebox comprises a disc carrier which has a clamping arm movably mounted thereto, a translating tower and a drive system operable to move the carrier and/or the translating tower. The clamping arm includes a first disc engaging portion at one end thereof, which is positioned substantially opposite to a second disc engaging portion of the disc carrier. The disc carrier is slidably mounted on the translating tower and the clamping arm is movable as the disc carrier is moved on the translating tower such that the first disc engaging portion moves to contact an edge of a disc while the second disc engaging portion correspondingly contacts the edge of the disc substantially diametrically opposite of the first disc engaging portion. The disc is thus positively secured between the first and second disc engaging portions and may be transported from its initial position to a disc playing mechanism in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A control system for a compact disc jukebox detects skips in the compact disc by reading an apparent elapsed time signal from the compact disc that is encoded on the compact disc. A timer is simultaneously started and outputs a real elapsed time signal. A comparison is made between the real elapsed time signal and the apparent elapsed time signal. If the difference between these two signals exceeds a predetermined amount of time, a skip is recorded. The detection of a skip may be recorded as to a particular selection on a particular CD, along with the time of the skip. Appropriate action may be taken in response to the recording of a skip, such as cancelling the selection or stopping the CD.

Abstract: A vending or merchandising machine is provided which includes a bulk-loaded coin hopper for providing change to a user of the machine. The vending machine may be operable in a change mode, wherein change is dispensed from the bulk loaded hopper in an amount equivalent to the amount of credit input into the machine by user, or a vending mode, where a user may select an item to be purchased, and receive the item and change in an amount equal to the input amount less the purchase price of the item. Preferably, the vending machine automatically switches to the change mode in response to an input threshold amount being inserted into the vending machine. Preferably, the vending machine further may be selectively switched to the change mode in response to a user input on a keypad or the like on the merchandising machine.

Abstract: A compact disc automatic phonograph which records skips which occur during playing of a selection as well as cancellations of selections which occur as a result of the player not being able to read a disk, an excessive skip time or an excessive number of skips, as well as the times of occurrence of skips and cancellations for later review. Autoplayb and free play features may be set in terms of hours of the day and days of the week. Selections which have been made but not yet played may be cancelled after a predetermined interval following the time the phonograph has been turned off.

Abstract: A programmable size and price setting mechanism for use in a vending machine has a plurality of .eta. access doors aligned horizontally across a front of the vending machine, each of which access doors has a locked condition denying access therethrough and an unlocked condition allowing access therethrough, and each of which is selectably activatable between the locked and unlocked condition. There are a plurality of horizontal shelves each of which has a plurality of partitionable areas corresponding in size to a corresponding one of the .eta. access doors, such that each shelf is selectably partitionable into a plurality of up to .eta. product holding areas. A conveyor mechanism is provided for selectably moving each horizontal shelf into a vending position adjacent to the access doors so that each one of the .eta. partitionable areas is adjacent to a corresponding one the .eta. access doors. A sensor detects when one of the plurality of shelves is positioned adjacent to the plurality of .eta. access doors.

Abstract: A refrigeration controller is provided which thermostatically controls a refrigerated compartment temperature. A heated evaporator is provided within a certain wattage range to accelerate defrosting. The controller maintains the compartment temperature within a certain operating range; if the compartment temperature rises above a certain preselected maximum temperature, the controller activates the compressor and a blower to circulate air over the evaporator to reduce the temperature of the compartment. The controller provides a defrost loop which is periodically activated which controls the compressor, evaporator and heater cycle during defrost. If, during defrost, the evaporator reaches a maximum temperature, or if the food compartment temperature rises above a certain maximum, the heater is deactivated. An evaporator precool loop is provided which activates the compressor without activating the blower, thereby cooling the evaporator before hot air is allowed to circulate in the compartment.

Abstract: A currency acceptor includes a currency acceptance and transport unit having a first housing and an actuatable latching assembly on the first housing. A cash box is provided having a second housing and an opening in the second housing configured to interface with the first housing in a manner that the actuatable latching assembly retains the housings together. In this manner, currency may be passed through the opening from the currency acceptance and transport unit to the cash box. A security cover is provided that is configured to engage the second housing over the opening. A locking mechanism is provided which includes a member which unlatches the latching assembly so that the cash box can be removed from the currency validation and transport assembly. The locking mechanism locks the security cover over the opening.

Abstract: A title rack page drive for a jukebox includes a plurality of title pages which are each pivotally mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis and a page drive for turning the pages. The page drive selectively turns an individual one of the pages at a time about the pivot axis of that page by positively engaging a pin on an individual one of the pages and applying a generally arcuate motion to each pin in order to rotate the pages about the axis.

Abstract: A popcorn vending apparatus according to the invention includes a cup dispenser for dispensing a cup in an area accessible by a purchaser, a cooker assembly for cooking corn kernels and dispensing the cooked kernels to a cup in the purchaser accessible area, and a corn dispenser for dispensing a measured quantity of corn to the cooker. The dispenser includes a hopper and a transporting mechanism for transporting measured quantities of corn from the hopper to the cooker. The transport mechanism includes a tubular member and a rotatable open spiral in the tubular member. The transporting mechanism includes a precision drive which is capable of rotating the open spiral a predetermined number of revolutions. There is also a flavor dispenser for dispensing flavoring in a cup in the purchaser accessible area. The flavor dispenser includes a dispensing head and a support for moving the head over a cup in the dispensing area.

Abstract: A programmable size and price-setting mechanism for use in a vending machine has a plurality of n access doors aligned horizontally across a front of the vending machine, each of which access doors has a locked condition denying access therethrough and an unlocked condition allowing access therethrough, and each of which is selectably activatable between the locked and unlocked condition. There are a plurality of horizontal shelves each of which has a plurality of partitionable areas corresponding in size to a corresponding one of the n access doors, such that each shelf is selectably partitionable into a plurality of up to n product holding areas. A conveyor mechanism is provided for selectably moving each horizontal shelf into a vending position adjacent to the access doors so that each one of the n partitionable areas is adjacent to a corresponding one the n access doors. A sensor detects which of the plurality of shelves is positioned adjacent to the plurality of n access doors.