Abstract: The first component of this invention enables management to remotely determine the cash and inventory status of each dispensing unit within their bulk-vending machines. Within each bulk-vending machine, data collection modules are invented which operate in conjunction with a wireless companion module, to transmit information regarding the status of each vending machine to management. The second component of this invention utilizes the cash and inventory status of the machines to dynamically allocate part-time and full-time employees to service routes. The dynamically generated service routes are simultaneously dependent on the status of the machines, the skill level of the employees, and the hours of availability of part-time and full-time employees and the hours of availability of the sites where the machines are located. The algorithm is not constrained to just the bulk-vending machine business.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a data collection module, which can operate in conjunction with a wireless companion module to transmit information regarding a vending machine to a central location to enable management to determine the cash and inventory status of each dispensing unit within a bulk-vending machine. This enables servicing of the business to be delegated to low skilled employees who replace the canisters and return them to the centralized location for cleaning and re-stocking. The invention basically utilizes a counter which is coupled to the gear mechanism of the dispensing machine and provides a count for every coin inserted. The count is compared with programmable indicia in a microprocessor to determine when the signal is to be transmitted to the central location. In this manner, the central location can also have trained employees to repair the modules and manage the inventory business so that travel between the location of the vending machine and the central headquarters is minimized.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a data collection module, which can operate in conjunction with a wireless companion module to transmit information regarding a vending machine to a central location to enable management to determine the cash and inventory status of each dispensing unit within a bulk-vending machine. This enables servicing of the business to be delegated to low skilled employees who replace the canisters and return them to the centralized location for cleaning and re-stocking. The invention basically utilizes a counter which is coupled to the gear mechanism of the dispensing machine and provides a count for every coin inserted. The count is compared with programmable indicia in a microprocessor to determine when the signal is to be transmitted to the central location. In this manner, the central location can also have trained employees to repair the modules and manage the inventory business so that travel between the location of the vending machine and the central headquarters is minimized.

Abstract: A facility is provided for redirecting a call from one destination point in a communications network to another destination point in the event that the call is not answered within a predetermined period of time, or in the event that after the call has been answered, the called party requests such redirection.