Abstract: An implanted sensing device (1) for monitoring an analyte (e.g. blood-glucose) includes a non-toxic macromolecular material (2) encapsulated within an envelope (3) of bio-compatible semi-permeable membrane. A sensor (4) responds to change of a physical property (e.g. viscosity) of the material (2) when the analyte contacts the material (2), to signal the change to a measurement circuit (5) that together with the sensor (4) and a transponder (6) are included within the envelope (3). The transponder (6) is interrogated externally of the implanted sensor (1) by an interrogation unit (7) to transmit measurement data for processing and storage. The interrogation signal is utilized within the device (1) to power the circuit (5) and transponder (6) and conveys data to the device for re-calibration or resetting of signal-datum values to compensate for aging or drift.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling coins and tokens comprises a coin validator (4) arranged to detect whether a received item is one of several different coin denominations or a data-storing token, and thereafter to direct coins and tokens to escrow gates (18,22). A token interrogator (6) has antenna coils (24) disposed adjacent one of the escrow gates in order to read data from a token located adjacent the gate. The escrow gates can selectively direct items either to a return chute (16) or a coin store (26).

Abstract: A magnetically encoded card (2) has a recording track (6, 8) containing data (10, 14, 16, 18) which can be read and re-written by a card reader (30), and a further recording (12) at a much higher spatial bit denisty than the data (10, 14, 16, 18). The high denisty recording (12) is formed using a special write head capable of operating at greater bit densities than the head of the card reader used to write information to the card. The card (2) is deemed valid only if the presence of the high density recording (12) is detected by a read head (34) of the card reader.

Abstract: A data-storing token includes a microprocessor which responds to a signal generated by a token interrogator for altering its clock frequency so as to achieve synchronization between the token and interrogator operations. Additional synchronization is achieved by adjusting the length of delay loops in routines used for communication between the token and the interrogator.

Abstract: A token handling device transmits, using an electromagnetic carrier, data, clock pulses and power to a token. The token transmits data by varying the degree of absorption of the carrier in synchronism with the clock pulses. These data transmissions are detected by a receiver in the token handling device, the sensitivity of which is adjusted each time a token is received. The token could be used in transactions in place of coins, or alternatively could be used for identification purposes in other areas. Data stored by the token could be used to change the way in which the token handling device operates. The token handling device may for example form a vending machine, and the token could be used to alter the pricing of goods vended thereby. The token handling device may be combined with a coin validator, in which case there is preferably a common path from an entrance slot for carrying both the tokens and the coins to appropriate testing apparatus.

Abstract: A token handling device transmits, using an electromagnetic carrier, data, clock pulses and power to a token. The token transmits data by varying the degree of absorbtion of the carrier in synchronism with the clock pulses. These data transmissions are detected by a receiver in the token handling device, the sensitivity of which is adjusted each time a token is received. The token could be used in transactions in place of coins, or alternatively could be used for identification in other areas. Data stored by the token could be used to change the way in which the token handling device operates. The token handling device may for example form a vending machine, and the token could be used to alter the pricing of goods vended thereby. The token handling device may be combined with a coin validator, in which case there is preferably a common path from an entrance slot for carrying both the tokens and the coins to appropriate testing apparatus.

Abstract: A system for collecting data from machines is particularly but not exclusively, suited for use as a vending machine audit system, and, in the preferred embodiment, comprises an audit controller which records transaction data relating to the operation of the machine and periodically is caused to transfer the data into a data storage module in the form of a non-volatile memory. The module can be removed and inserted into a down-loading machine at a central location which extracts the data and uses it to provide a transaction record.The audit controller stores in the module a predetermined indication code only after first checking that the transaction data has been correctly stored in the module. The indication code signifies to the down-loading machine that the data was correctly transferred to the module. There is thus no need to lock the module into the controller during data transfer, because removal of the module during data transfer will not result in the production of an incorrect transaction record.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine provided with the ability to alter machine characteristics and to diagnose machine faults without additional fault indicating displays through use of beverage select buttons normally used to select a variety of beverage selections offered by the machine.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled coin handling apparatus, for example for a vending machine, has a plurality of change tubes each of which is provided with a single level sensor for determining whether or not the number of coins in the respective tube is greater than a predetermined number. The microprocessor keeps a count of the coins in the tube. When the power is turned on, the count is set to zero if the sensor indicates that the number of coins is less than the predetermined number, and is set to a predetermined "full" number otherwise. The microprocessor increments and decrements the counts as coins are delivered to and dispensed from the change tubes. Whenever the level of coins rises or falls such that the sensor output changes, the coin count is automatically corrected. Also disclosed is a non-volatile memory for storing parameters determining how the coins are handled. Keys are provided for accessing and altering the contents of the memory.

Abstract: A coin testing device for discriminating between an acceptable coin and an unacceptable coin of similar diameter but having a different edge characteristic. The device comprises a coin passageway defining a path along which coins pass through the device. A light source positioned to throw light on the edge of a coin as it passes along the coin passageway and a light sensor is positioned to receive light reflected from the edge of an acceptable coin as it moves along the coin passageway. Means are provided for examining a time-dependent quality of the reflected light received by the sensor such as the duration or the number of pulses and for comparing the value of the quality with the value for an acceptable coin.