Abstract: Applicant's invention includes a cash-alternative transaction processing system and associated methods based on the use of smart cards, purchase point smart card reader/writer transaction register systems, and clearing center processors. Also includes are elements relating to use of smart cards in vending machines.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes a cash-alternative transaction processing system and associated methods based on the use of coin cards, purchase point coin card reader/writer transaction register systems, and clearing center processors. Also includes are elements relating to use of coin cards in vending machines.

Abstract: Applicant's invention comprises a single-vend dispensing machine particularly applicable to vending newspapers. The apparatus includes a platform along which a supply of newspapers (or magazines) are advanced by a specially configured push plate. Individual copies are advanced to a vend position by operation of a frictional roller which engages the foremost single copy and advances it over a platform edge to a vend position. A copy in the vend position rests against a trap door a lock for which is briefly disengaged upon payment by a customer for allowing the copy to fall to an access slot for recovery by the customer. After removal of the copy, a new copy is advanced to the vend position by friction roller. A biased bailer aids in maintaining the front-most copy in the appropriate position for falling into the vend position, which bailer is released upon actuation of the friction roller.