Abstract: A prescription verification system for verifying pharmaceutical prescriptions provided by health care providers to patients which can be filled through any one of a variety of patient-selected pharmacies. The system includes a host system capable of selectively receiving, storing, and dispensing prescription information representative of a prescription for a patient. A unique identification code is associated with each prescription such that each prescription is selectively retrievable. The host system is capable of receiving, storing, and dispensing information representative of the fulfillment of the prescription identified by the prescription information and thereafter assigning a confirmation code to the prescription information so as to indicate whether or not be prescription has been filled. The system further includes a plurality of member health care provider systems remotely disposed from the host system and in communication with the host system.

Abstract: A hook array for use with a currency validator is described. The hook array includes a plurality of tree-shaped teeth that form restricted openings between them. In an implementation, the teeth may span a currency passageway of a bill acceptor and be angled such that any string-like member attached to a bill will be trapped within a restricted opening to prevent extraction of the bill.

Abstract: A paper currency receiving system mounting arrangement includes a housing defining an upper open chamber and a lower open chamber, a paper currency transferring unit inserted into the upper open chamber, the paper currency transferring unit having two spring plates, which are forced into engagement with respective retaining holes of the housing to lock the paper currency transferring unit after insertion of the paper currency transferring unit into the upper open chamber, a paper currency receiving cabinet detachably inserted into the lower open chamber, and a locking structure adapted for locking the paper currency receiving cabinet, the locking structure including two stub rods fixedly bilaterally provided at the paper currency receiving cabinet, two spring-supported locking plates pivoted to the housing at two sides and adapted for hooking the stub rods to lock the paper currency receiving cabinet, and two push bars adapted for moving the locking plates from the locking position to the unlocking position.

Abstract: An appliance timing system includes a housing that has a perimeter all for defining an interior space. A switching assembly is positioned within the interior space of the housing. The switching assembly is operationally coupled between the appliance and a power source. The switching assembly is for allowing power from the power source to be provided to the appliance when the user actuates the switching assembly. A card is insertable into the interior space of the housing through a slot in the perimeter wall of the housing. The card is for actuating the switching assembly when the user inserts the card into the slot of the housing. A timer assembly is operationally coupled between the switching assembly and the appliance. The timer assembly is for allowing the appliance to operate for the pre-determined amount of time before discontinuing power to the appliance.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine with a rigid base supporting a case with a merchandise storage container thereon, wherein upstanding supports on the base are provided with resting surface to support the case and container in a secure resting condition thereby providing access to the base and any coin tray therein and to permit easy coin removal, and incorporating a substantially maximized coin tray footprint, while applying an assembly securing force at the center of a top cover on the container and rearwardly of the center of the base.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a duty-free article shopping mall provides only a user whose exit and/or entry is confirmed with services such as order, payment and delivery of duty-free articles via a computer network. The method and system include the steps of introducing information supported by duty-free shops from numerous nations to a client machine, and determining what kind of information is selected by the user; requiring the user to input user information in accordance with a result of the determination, and identifying and confirming the information related to exit and/or entry status of the user and credit information. The method and system provides the selected information when the user is authorized, and provides foreign travelers or the general public with information related to duty-free articles of all the countries of the world.

Abstract: A secure depository system (150; 158, 164, 180, 192) includes at least one secure depository (10, 152, 154, 160, 166, 168, 184, 194, 128). Deposits are enabled to be made into the secure depository by providing appropriate inputs to input devices (20, 22, 24) which are supported on a control panel (16). The control panel includes a processor (70) in operative connection with a data store (72). The data store includes data representative of inputs provided by authorized users who are authorized to operate the depository. Data concerning authorized users is delivered to the data store from a remote computer (174). Data concerning deposits made into the depository is stored in the data store and provided to the remote computer as well as to authorized service persons for purposes of auditing deposits made into the depository.

Abstract: A method and device for providing willing participants, having credit card worthiness, with a credit card which uses subscribers supplied biometric information as the preferred means for verifying the identity of the credit card user during credit card purchase transactions with those vendors/online merchants displaying the Touch Scan Logo on their websites and/or retail outlets. Additionally, user can register pre-existing credit/debit card(s) with the credit/debit card purchases identification verification system.

Abstract: The invention involves a system and a method of using a bank routing number having a predetermined return rate stored in a database of a plurality of bank routing numbers, each having an associated return rate for risk analysis of check honoring approval or denial, fraud detection, and the formulation of collection strategies. The invention provides for a system and method of improving the efficiency and accuracy of a risk analysis program of check honoring. The invention includes classifying each of a plurality of bank routing numbers to one of predetermined index numbers based on the associated return rates of the plurality of bank routing numbers, receiving the bank routing number, processing the bank routing number to access the index number to which the bank routing number is classified, and incorporating the accessed index number of the bank routing number in the analysis for check honoring.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for effectuating post-transaction-priced transactions of information, goods, and services in exchange for money or its equivalent (such as credits). The invention allows prospective sellers of information, goods and services to offer those items globally to potential buyers, for buyers to make item requests of sellers, for sellers and buyers conveniently to search for relevant buyer and seller information, for sellers to provide items to buyers without any guarantee of a specific payment amount, and for buyers to decide how much to pay for those items after having received them. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the internet as well as conventional communications systems such as voice telephony.

Abstract: A system and method for handling purchasing transactions over a computer network using pre-paid cards as the medium of exchange between a purchaser and a merchant. Selection of salable items on a merchant's display site by the purchaser is followed by activation of a purchasing option which triggers a third party processor to substitute an alternative display substantially duplicating the merchant's sales presentation such that the merchant's display features remain in the view of the purchaser while the transaction is being authorized. Notification of the transaction is dependent upon the outcome to preserve valuable system resources.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a secure return policy of supply chain for digitally stored products. The method and system verifies whether each product for return originated within the supply chain. If the product did originate within the supply chain and qualifies for return under the supply chain's return policy, the data existing on the physical media is securely rendered unusable. A record of the destruction allows for a reversal of the entire transaction within the supply chain.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking each item in a cluster of items. Each item has an associated item ID. The method and system involve the following steps. Storing a plurality of item records. The plurality of item records includes, for each item in the cluster of items, an associated item record for storing the associated item ID for the item. Each item record in the plurality of records is then linked to the other item records in the plurality of item records. Using the associated item record for each item in the threshold number of items, and the link between each item record and the other item records, the item records for the associated item ID of each item in the cluster that are not in the threshold number of items are determined.

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

Abstract: Method and system for enabling a first person to produce a customized gift for a second person, including: providing a computer-readable storage medium having a control program and non-customized information stored thereon; obtaining data from the first person which relates to the second person; using the data to generate a customization code; providing the gift and the customization code to the second person; causing the control program to request the customization code from the second person; and using the customization code to select information from the non-customized information to provide a customized display to the second person. The gift is preferably purchased and customized through an Internet website or other electronic system.

Abstract: A cashless business transaction system (e.g., a vending system, a material tracking system, or a highway toll system) incorporates a method and apparatus for transmitting a digital information signal. A signal generator (311) generates a constant frequency signal. A phase modulator (305) varies the instantaneous phase of the constant frequency signal to represent digital information, thereby producing a phase modulated signal (325). A tuned resonant circuit (307) filters and averages the phase modulated signal to produce a simulated FM signal, and transmits the simulated FM signal via its antenna (309). One such business transaction system (e.g., a vending system) incorporates such a transmitter to facilitate transmission of billing information from a device located within a substantially electrically shielded environment.

Abstract: An item processing kiosk is located in or near a pickup area and (i) displays selections allowing a customer to choose whether the customer is picking up or dropping off an item (ii) in response to the customer selecting one of the displayed selections, displays a request for the customer to enter a customer and item identification, and (iii) in response to the customer entering the customer and item identification, electronically transmits a message to a remote stock room terminal. The message designates whether an it is to be picked up or dropped off. The message is arranged to cause the stock room terminal to identify the customer and the item. A stock room attendant picks up the item from, or delivers the item to, the customer, as appropriate.

Abstract: An object routing system includes a sensor, a processor and a guide. The sensor detects a characteristic of an object and generates a signal that indicates that characteristic. The processor receives the signal from the sensor and generates a guide control signal based upon the signal from the sensor. The guide is responsive to the guide control signal to route the object. The processor can be programmed to control the guides to route the objects in any desired manner.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a transponder interrogator. A customer carries a transponder embedded within an ornamental or useful item, such as a key chain ornament. When the customer desires to make a purchase from the vending machine, the customer presents the transponder to the transponder interrogator. The transponder is identified and a credit amount associated with that transponder is debited the purchase price. The system enables the vending machine operator to track the purchasing habits of the transponder user, and to provide instant incentives to purchasers using the transponder, based upon the customer's profile or purchasing habits.

Abstract: An oval-shaped sensor is used to measure the material content of the outer ring of a bicolour coin, the coil being mounted on a ferrite whose inner portion has a diameter which is wider than the inner disc of the bicolour coin so that eddy currents are confined to the outer ring. A thickness sensor may be mounted within the oval sensor, and a separate coil is used for measuring the material content of the inner disc. The thickness sensor may also be used for measuring material down to a different depth, for validating clad coins. The oval sensor is used also for diameter measurement.