Patents by Inventor Martin D. Cothran

Martin D. Cothran has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 3998155
    Abstract: Integral with a high speed, computer control banking machine is a depository system to provide a fully automatic teller station. At the customer interface there is an entry gate controlled to an open position by a solenoid actuated in accordance with computer generated signals. A deposit envelope inserted through the entry gate is detected by a light sensor as it moves along a belt transport extending to a printing station. Positioned along the belt transport is a second sensor, which in combination with the first sensor, determines the length of an inserted envelope to insure acceptance by the depository stacker pockets. After an envelope has been transported to the printing station, a numeric print machine is actuated to imprint on the envelope identifying data. A sensor responsive to the completion of the printing cycle actuates a transverse transport for delivering the envelope into one of two stacker pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1974
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1976
    Assignee: Docutel Corporation
    Inventors: Martin D. Cothran, Lewis J. O'Kelly, Russell L. Hall
  • Patent number: 3931497
    Abstract: An automated fuel dispensing system provides semiattended operation utilizing a computerized credit authorization and billing technique by means of a direct connection to a regional credit center over communication lines. A control console for multiple pump dispensers interconnects with a local central controller for providing preliminary verification checks and generating an authorization request message for transmission to a central computer at the regional credit center. This initial verification is to identify a particular user with a credit document inserted into the control console. Following receipt of an authorization message from the central computer in response to an authorization request, a user selects one of the pump dispensers by actuating a push button at the control console; he then dispenses the amount of fuel desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1973
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1976
    Assignee: Docutel Corporation
    Inventors: Fred J. Gentile, Martin D. Cothran