Abstract: A networked copier and printer system permits on-line payment for use of copier or computer printer, charging against a positive balance customer account stored at a central station, and permits customers to add to their copier account. A network transaction station accepts a customer ID from a magnetic card or bar code reader, or from a keypad input. After the customer enters his or her PIN, the account balance is downloaded from the central database, and the copier or printer is enabled. An add-value station on the network allows the customer to deposit cash and add to his or her account balance, after entering a customer ID and PIN. The value added station presents a receipt that omits the customer account identification but contains a unique transaction tracking code. An off-line mode permits copying during network outages.

Abstract: A point-of-sale drop safe and change making mechanism employs a cash drop drawer that is movable between open and closed positions and receives money, when the cash drop drawer is open. When the cash drop drawer is closed the cash drops into receptacle in drop safe. A currency acceptor accepts and registers paper currency bills and a money dispensing mechanism in the cabinet dispenses coins in a plurality of denominations into receptacle or tray located on the exterior of the cabinet. A money selection arrangement includes a plurality of user-actuable coin select keys or switches that are disposed on the exterior of the cabinet. The keys correspond respectively to coin denominations, e.g., key #1 dispenses dollar coins, key #2 dispenses quarters, etc. A controller board coupled to the currency acceptor, the money select mechanism, and the money dispensing mechanism obtains and stores an escrow amount or money credit amount when paper currency is inserted into the currency acceptor.

Abstract: Meter cards, which are structurally identical with magnetic stripe vend cards, are used to collect and transfer transaction data from card actuated vending machines to a transaction terminal. The transaction terminal contains a card reader and a computer device. Transaction data, including the number of units sold, i.e., vends or plays, on the vending machines as well as the dollar volume of sales is fed into the transaction terminal and the associated computer device carries out inventory and accounting functions. The meter card contains command indicia that instruct the vend machine card reader to write the transaction data onto the magnetic stripe of the meter card. The transaction data can also include incentive or redemption points awarded to card holders for using the vend cards. A separate meter card is used for each vending machine in the system to transfer its transaction data to the transaction terminal.

Abstract: A bank of vending machines has an associated debit card reader of vend card reader, with its associated card reader controller. The card reader controller interfaces between the money handling mechanism of one or more of the vending machines, and the vending machine controller circuitry. The vending machine controller does not connect directly to the money accepting or change making equipment. As an incentive to stimulate card purchases rather then cash purchases, the card reader controller can credit the card holder with bonus points when purchases are made. These can be discounts and added directly into the card purchase credit balance, or can be bonus points to be recorded in a separate field on the vend card, and separately redeemed.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader for magnetic-stripe cards, has a drive drum that rotates in a forward direction to draw the card into the device and read data from the stripe, and rotates in a reverse direction to eject or expel the card and to write new data on the stripe. The drive drum has first and second removable resilient tires carried on it at positions axially spaced on the drum. A magnetic recording/pickup head is positioned below the drive drum at the position of the first tire. A floating adjustable vertical head support assembly mounts the head to the frame and permits up and down movement of the head, but not back and forth or sideways travel. This floating head support assembly can favorably comprise a leaf spring. An idler pulley is positioned below the drive drum at the position of the second tire to urge the magnetic card against it. The idler pulley is mounted on a spring-loaded idler arm so that the pulley can follow variations in thickness of the cards.

Abstract: A usage control system for copiers and the like, adapted to connect to the copier through the existing accounting system connection. A check-operated device, such as a coin box or magnetic card reader, supplies the copier with a signal to initiate operation. When the operation has progressed, the copier supplies a signal intended to increment the counter in the accounting system. After a suitable delay, permitting completion of the copy cycle, the operate signal is reset, and the copier is disabled. As an option, power to the copier may be controlled. The system requires no internal connections or modifications to the copier.