Abstract: A method for centralized mass processing of substitutable, good-holding magazines used in conjunction with computer-controlled vending machines. A memory-chip-mounting smart-card is used, not only to enter into the machines the magazine location and price of the various goods, but also to carry a sales transaction record of the replaced magazine, thus avoiding the need for magazine locking mechanisms and other security measures.

Abstract: A method for centralized mass processing of substitutable, good-holding magazines used in conjunction with computer-controlled vending machines. A memory-chip-mounting smart-card is used, not only to enter into the machines the magazine location and price of the various goods, but also to carry a sales transaction record of the replaced magazine, thus avoiding the need for magazine locking mechanisms and other security measures.

Abstract: One of a number of automatic vending machines run by one or more operators accepts payment for the goods it dispenses by creditable and debitable cash card, also called smart card. The machine includes a currency acceptor that writes on the card the sum in bank notes received by the currency acceptor. With each purchase, the given price of selected and dispensed goods is deducted from the card. The amount of payment received by the currency acceptor and the price charged are recorded by the machine and communicated to an account clearing house that debits the operator's account with the sum received and credits it by the charged price. A large number of goods and service providers using this type of automatic vending machines can accept the same universal card for the convenience of their customers.

Abstract: A method for centralized mass processing of substitutable, good-holding magazines used in conjunction with computer-controlled vending machines. A memory-chip-mounting smart-card is used, not only to enter into the machines the magazine location and price of the various goods, but also to carry a sales transaction record of the replaced magazine, thus avoiding the need for magazine locking mechanisms and other security measures.

Abstract: A method for centralized mass processing of substitutable, good-holding magazines used in conjunction with computer-controlled vending machines. A memory-chip-mounting smart-card is used, not only to enter into the machines the magazine location and price of the various goods, but also to carry a sales transaction record of the replaced magazine, thus avoiding the need for magazine locking mechanisms and other security measures.

Abstract: A method for centralized mass processing of substitutable, good-holding magazines used in conjunction with computer-controlled vending machines. A memory-chip-mounting smart-card is used, not only to enter into the machines the magazine location and price of the various goods, but also to carry a sales transaction record of the replaced magazine, thus avoiding the need for magazine locking mechanisms and other security measures.

Abstract: A light and compact vending machine suitable for use on a table or counter top, uses interchangeable magazines that can be preloaded with goods at a service center and quickly and conveniently installed on or removed from the machine. Each magazine has good-holding stations that differ in numbers and sizes. Each station has an access port on the front of the magazine toward which a spiral rack driven by a mechanism mounted in the machine moves goods. The currency accepted in payment for the goods is automatically dropped into a sealed receptacle at the bottom of the magazine. Each magazine is secured by a door that opens automatically only when the magazine is in place and the machine door has been locked. Personnel servicing the machine by replacing an empty one with a loaded one need not handle the goods or the cash. In some alternate embodiments of the invention, packaged goods and beverage cans slide down along slanted channels toward dispensing gates under their own weight.

Abstract: In a banner display device where a plurality of banners are mounted end-to-end upon a carrier web to form a scroll which is wound on a pair of parallel and spaced-apart rollers, means carried on the scroll for stretching or decompressing a medial section of a displayed banner sufficiently to eliminate wrinkles and small distortions. One embodiment uses means for propelling the medial section away from the web comprising resiliently flexible banner end sections or resiliently flexible strips framing the banner which, when partially wound over the rollers, resiliently assume a more planar tangential position in relation to the rollers, thereby allowing the medial section to jut anteriorly away from the carrier.An embodiment further comprises two independent lateral support members capable of being mounted within enclosures having widely different widths. Components such as motors, transmissions, roller mounting spindles, control sensors and circuitry are mounted directly on the support members.

Abstract: A banner display device where a plurality of banners are mounted end-to-end to form a scroll which is wound on a pair of parallel and spaced-apart rollers, each driven by a motor. Pulse code modulated drive voltages are produced by microprocessor based command and control circuitry to accurately and efficiently turn the motors at speeds which impart proper tensioning of the scroll during winding.

Abstract: A scroll displaying mechanism suitable for use in moving advertising displays, chart recorders and tape readers uses a pair of D.C. motors wired to operate under slightly different speed-controlling voltages in order to maintain the displayed part of the scroll between two rollers taut. A simple belt and pulley drive mechanism for each roller assures quiet and vibration-free operation. The viewing time between frame-advance and the scroll direction reversal are controlled by detection of different length markers positioned along one edge of the scroll.

Abstract: An apparatus for randomly and successively selecting and displaying each one out of a stack of banners comprises a wind-in roller around which the entire stack of banners is wound, front face down, with the leading edges of the banners being staggered in an overlapping arrangement on the periphery of the wound stack. A knife bears against the periphery of the stack, compacts and constringes the banners as the wind-in roller is rotated in the direction opposite the winding direction of the stack. The rotation is stopped when the leading edge of the selected banner is near the edge of the knife. The rotation of the wind-in roller is reversed, causing the knife to lift the leading edge of the selected banner and to peel off that banner and all other banners located above it in the stack. A wind-out mechanism places the peeled off banners into a display frame with the inner, front face of the selected one exposed to view.