Abstract: A system of remotely distributed machines is provided for paying bills issued by each of several different remote issuers, such as telephone, electricity, gas, and electric utilities. Each machine preferably has its own computer, a bar-code scanner, and means for accepting payments, preferably in cash. A bill is inserted by the user into the bar-code scanner, which reads the identity of the issuer, the amount owed, and the due date for payment, etc. The user deposits payment into the machine, preferably in cash, and the computer in each machine gives credit for payments made, computes the amount of any late penalties, and computes the balance due. The credits are stored in the machine and the information is conveyed to the proper one of the different issuers. The funds are collected regularly from the machines and credited to the accounts of the different issuers in accordance with the issuer identification data and credits stored in the machine.

Abstract: Preferably, instant-winner lottery tickets are sold by the machine. The machine includes a bill acceptor to receive the money of the purchaser. It has from one to four windows in a front panel. Lottery tickets are displayed in the window and move past the window as they are being dispensed, thus allowing the buyer to see the messages and terms on the tickets themselves. When more than one window is provided in the machine, the buyer can select among a plurality of different instant-winner lottery games. The machine is connected electrically to a central computer for accounting and control functions. In another embodiment, representations of the tickets are displayed in a movable array on a video screen.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing lottery tickets includes a large number of remote, ticket-dispensing units which are connected intermittently, e.g., once each day or week to a central computer. The units record the numbers of tickets sold and transmit the sales data to the central computer, which in turn performs all the necessary accounting functions. Sales reports and invoice data may be sent by the central computer to each unit for printing, which avoids the need to mail the reports/invoices. The tickets are stored in fan-fold form and are burst, rather than cut, apart for dispensing. The tickets are dispensed at one end of the unit which faces the customer. A control panel for the vendor is located at the opposite end. Tickets of different length may be dispensed with an imprint of the vendor's name.