Abstract: An accountability system for a vendor having a cash handler, change tubes and a cash box, the cash handler being adapted to accept deposited coins and deliver them to the change tubes if needed, otherwise to deliver them to the cash box. A memory stores data on the amount of cash which should be retained in the vendor out of cash deposited in the vendor, and also data on delivery of coin to and from the change tubes, for computation of the amount of cash which should be turned in from the vendor. A logic circuit controls input of data to and retrieval of data from the memory, the logic circuit being operable to update in the memory the data for the computation. The system uses a latched cash box and refunds, test vends, and adding change to the change tubes are all accomplished without opening the cash box. Access to the cash box and to data stored in the memory is limited to those possessing specially coded keys.

Abstract: Coin apparatus for use in a vendor for handling acceptable coins and unacceptable coins or slugs deposited in the vendor, having change tubes for coins of different denominations, and operable to reject unacceptable coins and slugs, to accept acceptable coins and to deliver them as needed to the change tubes and, when not needed in the change tubes, to escrow them, to deliver coins from escrow to the cash box of the vendor upon a vend and to the coin return system of the vendor on recall of a deposit by a customer, to deliver coins from the change tubes on a recall in the same number and denomination as those deposited by the customer in the vendor and delivered to the change tubes, and to make change from the change tubes as needed on a vend.

Abstract: A change return control for a money handler in a vendor capable of a plurality of customer selectable transactions at different prices, the money handler having circuitry for identifying the denominations of money deposited in the vendor. The control includes circuitry for determining if a coin storage means in the money handler contains first and second predetermined amounts of change, and a vend control for permitting a vend. Logic circuitry determines the amount of credit accumulated as a result of each deposit of money in the vendor, compares the price of a selected transaction with the accumulated credit, and governs the vend control. A vend requiring more than the first predetermined amount of change is allowed only if an item of money of a denomination greater than the amount of change required has been deposited in the vendor.

Abstract: A change making system having circuitry for sensing the availability of coins for making change in at least two change tubes containing coins of different denominations, the coin tubes being part of a money handler in a vendor. A memory has stored therein, for each of a number of coin availabilities, a plurality of coin combinations equalling various amounts of change. A microprocessor determines the amount of change due the customer and retrieves from memory a coin combination, if any, stored therein which corresponds to the amount of change due and the particular availability of coins in the change tubes. If there is such a combination, it allows the vend. A method of the change making system is also disclosed.

Abstract: For use in a vendor for handling acceptable coins and rejecting unacceptable items (slugs, unacceptable coins) inserted in the coin slot of the vendor and for making change: coin apparatus for handling coins of various denominations (e.g., U.S. nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars), having change tubes for change coins of different denominations (e.g., nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar coins), in which coins of each of said change coin denominations inserted in the coin slot of the vendor are delivered to the respective change tube as long as the latter is not filled to a predetermined level, in which coins of each change coin denomination inserted in the coin slot of the vendor are delivered to the money box of the vendor when the tube for coins of that denomination is filled to the respective predetermined level, and in which unacceptable items are rejected.

Abstract: A control circuit for a vendor for vending a plurality of items comprising a microprocessor, an electrically alterable memory, a display circuit and an interrogation circuit. Values of parameters, typically prices, associated with the items to be vended are stored in the memory. The interrogation circuit can be activated to retrieve from memory the value of the parameter (e.g., price) associated with any given item. The parameter value is thereupon displayed by the display circuit. The display circuit displays the parameter value retrieved from memory independently of whether the microprocessor has another input equal in value to the value of that parameter. The parameter value stored in the memory for any given item can be altered by the microprocessor.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus, particularly for food products such as sandwiches, salads, dessert items, etc. and products such as canned drinks, particularly for on-location food and drink service, which is readily convertible from a self-service reach-in mode of use for a cafeteria-type operation to use as a vendor (i.e., a credit media controlled dispenser), whereby the apparatus may be used for cafeteria-type service during lunch or other peak periods, and as a vendor during off-peak periods. Articles are stocked on endless belt conveyors extending in rear-to-front direction in a cabinet having sliding glass doors at the front for merchandising display of the articles. The conveyors are arranged in tiers one above another and side-by-side in each tier. For the reach-in mode of use, the doors are unlocked.

Abstract: A vendor comprising a cabinet having a first and a second bank of article dispensers therein, each bank comprising a plurality of dispensers located one above another, each dispenser being adapted to feed articles toward one end of the dispenser and discharge the leading article to drop by gravity, the two banks feeding to a common drop space in the cabinet, and a closure for closing off either the first or the second bank from the drop space.

Abstract: A control for a vendor operable by a coded card comprising a validator for validating the code on the card inserted by a customer, enabling a vend if the card is valid, rejecting the card if invalid, and feeding the card out of the validator upon completion of a vend. A validated card fed out of the validator upon a vend is releasably retained for verification of the insertion of a proper card by the customer, being held for verification until the subsequent vend, and then released to storage.