Abstract: A computerized system and method to manage and monitor leverage relating to financial transactions whereby counterparty credit risks are enhanced and capital and credit efficiency is promoted by taking a perfected security interest in the counterparty. An aggregate net exposure relating to financial positions held by an identified counterparty is calculated, wherein positions can be held in multiple market segments. A value is determined for collateral dedicated to offset the net exposure. Leverage relating to the ratio of the collateral value and the exposure can be managed to offset the exposure. Monitoring of leverage can be accomplished in real time, or on a predetermined schedule. Exposure can be quantified as a monetary value in a local currency and/or quantified according to market data.

Abstract: A vending machine permits a customer to purchase phone cards or other merchandise articles from a plurality of article dispenser units. A cabinet contains a host computer, a customer interface device such as a touch screen monitor, and a credit card acceptor or cash acceptor for receiving payment from the customer. Each article dispenser unit within the cabinet containing a supply of merchandise articles, and has a motor or actuator for dispensing one of said articles per cycle upon command from the computer; a connector receiving a respective serial cable coupled to the host computer; and an internal circuit board for recognizing control signals addressed to the dispenser unit and disregarding control signals addressed to the other dispenser units. The connection may be by USB, ethernet or other serial connection.