Abstract: An electronic device for the sale of intangible products through vending machines that includes an interface to communicate with external peripherals through the MDB protocol, an interface to communicate with external peripherals through the RS232 standard, an interface to communicate with external peripherals through the DEX protocol, an interface to communicate with users, a communications system which enables it to act as part of a network and communicate with a central system, and a controller, which articulates the communication among the above-mentioned components, so as to enable a central system to perform diverse actions on a vending machine.

Abstract: A holding device which holds components of an electronic device, which is able to perform multiple functions on a vending machine is described. The device safely holds the components to ensure their proper performance even under hostile conditions. In one embodiment the holder includes a support for the printer paper, a lower back cover, an upper back cover, a main body and an anti-vandal front panel. The anti-vandal front panel protects the inner components from attack from the outside. The device also provides a display and permits the issuance of printed tickets.

Abstract: A holding device which holds components of an electronic device, which is able to perform multiple functions on a vending machine is described. The device safely holds the components to ensure their proper performance even under hostile conditions. In one embodiment the holder includes a support for the printer paper, a lower back cover, an upper back cover, a main body and an anti-vandal front panel. The anti-vandal front panel protects the inner components from attack from the outside. The device also provides a display and permits the issuance of printed tickets.

Abstract: A new system for the sale of intangible products through vending machines, featuring a controlling device placed within a vending machine, an application for the member of the staff of the vending machine (VM) operator working in the field (which runs on his/her cell phone), one or more applications for the members of the staff of the VM operator working within the facilities of the VM operator (running on personal computers), and a computer system which manages all of the above-mentioned components.