Abstract: An automatic dealing machine comprises a casing configured for storing a chip handling unit for handling chips, and a banknote handling unit for handling banknotes. The chip handling unit includes a chip insertion port through which chips are received from the exterior of the casing, a chip determination portion for determining the kind of each chip, and a chip calculation portion for calculating the number of the chips, of each kind, as determined by the chip determination portion and the total amount of money. A control unit controls the operation of the dealing machine, such that banknotes of an amount of money corresponding to the total amount of the chips calculated by the chip calculation portion are disbursed into the banknote disbursement port when the chips are inserted through the chip insertion port.

Abstract: A device and method for receiving and detecting a bottle. The device includes a chute, a bottle inlet for receiving the bottle into the chute, and a bottle outlet through which the bottle exits the chute. A stop member is disposed to engage the bottle within the chute, the stop member being biased to allow the bottle to pass in one direction, but to move into and grip the bottle if the bottle is moved in the other direction. Sensors detect the position of the bottle within the chute, and can indicate that the bottle was received within the device. A method for receiving and detecting the bottle is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and operating a plurality of electronic appliances such as self-service laundry machines installed in a commercial coin operated laundry facility. The apparatus includes a controller portion wired directly and independently to the start switches of each of the plurality of laundry machines in the facility. The control apparatus includes means for input of a variety of payment types, at least one laundry machine actuating keypad with keys corresponding to specific individual laundry machines, a coin changer, and means to return change to a customer. Thus, the customer is able to utilize any of the laundry machines with any type of available payment, and coins deposited in the coin input are delivered to the coin changer to replenish the supply of coins.

Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with wagering game devices and/or portable wagering mediums. Some portable wagering mediums are capable of outputting various indications related to one or more potential or current statuses of the portable wagering mediums. Some wagering game devices are operable to (i) determine a status of a portable wagering medium and (ii) cause, based on the determining, an outputting of an indication of the status via an output device coupled to the portable wagering medium. In some embodiments, a central server or other device conducts the determining of the status and/or the causing of the outputting. The status of a portable wagering medium may be based on one or more of many different factors or metrics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for handling scheduled lending and self-returning of articles to which RFID tags are attached. The system includes a body. The body includes, on a front surface thereof, a display for displaying a method of using the system, handling processes, and processing results, a speaker, a receipt issuing unit, a manipulational information input unit, an external antenna for transmitting/receiving information to/from the RFID tags, and a plurality of article depositories having respective internal antennas for transmitting/receiving information to/from the RFID tags.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting an article having a chute configured for receiving the article therein, a stop having a stop member disposed within the chute and biased towards the article to allow the stop member to engage the article moving through the chute but which prevents the article from being withdrawn from the chute, a receipt dispenser for issuing a physical receipt indicating that an article has been received by the apparatus, and a lock mechanism operable by movement of the article in the chute so as to physically detect the presence of an article therein to prevent dispensing of a receipt when the article is not detected in the chute. A method for receiving and detecting an article is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a recyclable product is disclosed herein. In one embodiment the apparatus includes: an enclosed structure defining an interior cavity; a bottle return mechanism for determining when a bottle has been received within the interior cavity; and a mechanism coupled to the bottle return mechanism, the mechanism being configured to provide an output when the bottle return mechanism has determined that a bottle has been inserted into the interior cavity.

Abstract: A latching system 1 has a housing 3 provided with a recess 5 in which a part of the bicycle can be inserted, preferably a frame tube sloping upwards. In the housing 3 a latching element 7 is located which can be moved between a release position in which the latching element opens the recess and a latching position in which the latching element closes the recess. The latching system 1 further comprises a key 19 that is positioned in an opening 21 in the housing 3 and is pushed out of the housing when the latching element is moved from the latching position to the release position. To this end the latching element 7 is equipped with an arm 23 which is fitted to the U-shaped part of the housing. When the latching element 7 turns to the release position, one end 25 of the arm 23 pushes against the key 19 causing it it be pushed out of the opening 21.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for bottled beverage distribution. Apparatus includes bin, means for receiving bottles, sensor and receipt dispenser. Method of selling includes providing an inventory, assigning identification indicia, assigning first and second purchase prices and positioning apparatus for receiving, storing and dispensing receipt. Method of distributing includes delivering to a first location water bottles, positioning at a second location a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus, and retrieving empty bottles from the apparatus. Method of distributing includes creating an account, assigning a first amount charged for each bottle sold, assigning a second amount deducted from the first amount for each bottle received, delivering bottles and positioning a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with wagering game devices and/or portable wagering mediums. Some portable wagering mediums are capable of outputting various indications related to one or more potential or current statuses of the portable wagering mediums. Some wagering game devices are operable to (i) determine a status of a portable wagering medium and (ii) cause, based on the determining, an outputting of an indication of the status via an output device coupled to the portable wagering medium. In some embodiments, a central server or other device conducts the determining of the status and/or the causing of the outputting. The status of a portable wagering medium may be based on one or more of many different factors or metrics.

Abstract: A portable consumer device includes a base, and a computer readable medium on the base. The computer readable medium comprises code for an issuer verification value and a supplemental verification value. The issuer verification value is used by an issuer to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an on-line transaction and the supplemental verification value is used to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an off-line transaction.

Abstract: An original processing apparatus capable of enhancing original processing ability even in the case of continuously processing a plurality of originals. In a first processing unit of the original processing apparatus, MICR characters on an original conveyed along a conveying path are read and an image of a front side of the original is read. The original is then conveyed to a position short of a second processing unit, and the next original is fed to the conveying path. When control information including print information is created based on a result of the processing by the first processing unit, the original positioned short of the second processing unit is conveyed to the second processing unit where print information is printed on the original and an image of a back side of the original is read.

Abstract: A compact media processing device enables recording on a process medium and then processing the process medium based on the result of recording. The media processing device conveys a process medium and processes the conveyed process medium by a first process unit disposed to the conveyance path, and an operation selection unit then determines the content of the next operation based on the result of the first process. After the next operation is determined, the conveyance control unit conveys the process medium upstream to or upstream of the process position of a second process unit. A process control unit then applies the selected operation to the process medium by the second process unit that is disposed downstream from the first process unit on the conveyance path of the process medium.

Abstract: Transaction processing involves receiving data from an access transaction application of a portable consumer device, wherein the received data comprises data from an access transaction data string that includes a transit verification value wherein, with the exception of the transit verification value, the access transaction data string is substantially similar to a retail data string comprising retail data, wherein the access application data string is adapted for use with an access transaction processing system and the retail data string is adapted for use with a retail processing system. The transaction processing involves processing access transaction application data for selective authorization of the transaction.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an ice vending machine with a water vending teller that is mounted on an exterior side of the ice vending machine.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus is presented that includes a first module arranged along a sheet conveyance route from the upstream to the downstream thereof, and a second module arranged adjacent to the first module. The first module includes a first control part to transmit destination information and category information of discriminated sheets and to execute conveyance control to the sheet residing along the first conveyance route. The second module includes a second control part to execute conveyance control to the sheets residing along the second conveyance route, and to transmit information of the number of sheets in each category stacked in the first stacking device. The first control part is configured to execute a cross-check to determine whether the information of the number of sheets in each category received from the second control part matches the information of the number of sheets transmitted to the second control part.

Abstract: An apparatus for accepting and for outputting documents of value is provided with a checking device for checking the authenticity of fed documents of value, an entrance transport device for transporting documents of value along a transport path past the checking device or through it, which has a first and a second part, which in operation are located opposite each other and between each other form the transport path, a storage unit, which comprises at least two storages for storing at least two different types of documents of value, so that a document of value of each of the two types, independently of the order of input of the documents of value into the storage unit, can optionally be outputted from the storage unit, as well as a system for transporting documents of value for the transport of checked documents of value to the storage unit or from said storage unit to a device for outputting documents of value, at least the first part of the entrance transport device being held at the apparatus swiveling aro

Abstract: A data transmission system is provided that enables a user to move away before the completion of data transmission regardless of whether a refund is made in association with occurrence of a communication error when a data transmitting apparatus performs data transmission and collects a consideration. The data transmitting apparatus includes a consideration receiving portion that receives a consideration of FAX data transmission, a report destination input portion that inputs a report destination of a user, and a FAX transmission error detecting portion that detects a communication error at the time of the FAX data transmission. In case the FAX transmission error detecting portion detects a communication error, the system including the data transmitting apparatus transmits refund information for refunding the consideration of the FAX data transmission with the communication error to the report destination input through the report destination input portion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for bottled beverage distribution. Apparatus includes bin, means for receiving bottles, sensor and receipt dispenser. Method of selling includes providing an inventory, assigning identification indicia, assigning first and second purchase prices and positioning apparatus for receiving, storing and dispensing receipt. Method of distributing includes delivering to a first location water bottles, positioning at a second location a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus, and retrieving empty bottles from the apparatus. Method of distributing includes creating an account, assigning a first amount charged for each bottle sold, assigning a second amount deducted from the first amount for each bottle received, delivering bottles and positioning a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A bill recognizing and counting apparatus includes a feeding and transporting mechanism; a line sensor to scan an image of the bills; a denomination determination table in which denomination recognition data is registered for at least one currency; a denomination recognizing unit that recognizes a denomination of the currency by referring to the table; a processing-mode switching unit that switches between a denomination mode and a different currency recognition mode; a different-currency recognizing unit that compares a difference in size between a first bill and each bill of a second bill and thereafter with an allowable range, and recognizes whether the each bill of the second bill and thereafter is of the same denomination as the first bill; and a control unit that guides the bill being determined as a different denomination to a rejecting unit or stops the feeding and transporting mechanism.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining the remuneration for the return of identifiable empty packaging to a receiving point, wherein the empty packaging (7; 8) is identified with respect to at least one selected characteristic thereof, for example, dimension, type of packaging, type of material, recyclability, and deposit value, if any. The remuneration for individual types of empty packaging is related to at least two of a plurality of legal entities (10-15) which, for the return of empty packaging, are remuneration-providing and connectable to a remuneration coordinator (9) in communication with the receiving point in the form of a reverse vending machine (1), and to the remuneration level of the connected legal entities that is applicable at any given time for a particular type or particular types of empty packaging.

Abstract: Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.

Abstract: A device includes first, second, and third components. The first component scans a coupon. The coupon is moved from the first component to the second component after the first component scans the coupon and the coupon has been validated. The second component holds the coupon and other coupons associated with just the current checkout session until the current session has been successfully completed, at which time the coupons are moved in unison from the second component to the third component. The third component stores these coupons, together with additional coupons associated with other checkout sessions. The first component returns the coupon where validation of the coupon has failed. The second coupon permits a user to retrieve the coupons associated with just the current checkout session where the current checkout session has been unsuccessfully completed, without the user having to look through the coupons associated with the other checkout sessions.

Abstract: A value medium processing apparatus includes a common rolling path on which the IC coin and the coin roll, a coin characteristic detector provided on a side portion of the common rolling path, an IC coin characteristic detector configured to detect IC coin rolling on the common rolling path; an inlet to a coin path on which the coin rolls and an inlet to an IC coin path on which the IC coin rolls, a medium sorter provided upstream of the coin inlet and the IC coin inlet; a communicator provided on a side of the IC coin path and communicating with the IC coin; and a controller actuating the medium sorter based on one of characteristic information from the coin characteristic detector and information from the IC coin characteristic detector, and switching the common rolling path to one of the IC coin path and the coin path.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Drinking water bottle return apparatus having a bin, a door or receiving tray movable between an open position and a closed position, a first sensor detecting when the door or receiving tray in the open position, a second sensor detecting a drinking water bottle entering the bin, and a receipt dispenser that dispenses a receipt in response to detection by the second sensor of a drinking water bottle entering the bin within a predetermined time period after detection by the first sensor of the door or receiving tray in the open position.

Abstract: A bicycle rental system and automated station that may be integrated with an automobile parking payment and management system. Users may pay for parking and/or rent and pickup bicycles at the station. The station has a meter, bicycle docks, and power plant. Transaction formalities for parking payment and rental may be handled at the meter. The bicycle docks each are adapted to secure a bicycle. The power plant uses a solar panel to collect power and stores it in energy storage device. Low-power operation may be achieved by placing some electronics in a low-power mode. Each bicycle dock may have a trigger mechanism that when activated powers on associated electronics. The bicycle docks may be divided among a number of bicycle modules. The bicycle modules provide flexibility and modularity so that the number of bicycle docks at a station may be changed.

Abstract: The invention relates to sheet material having an electrical circuit and to apparatuses and methods for processing said sheet material. The present invention describes sheet material having an electrical circuit as well as apparatuses and methods for processing same, which reduce the effort required for processing the sheet material and/or facilitate processing and/or improve it and/or make it more reliable. For this purpose, the sheet material has at least one electrical circuit, with energy and/or data being transmitted from the apparatus to the electrical circuit and/or from the electrical circuit to the apparatus and at least part of the transmitted data being used for processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting an article having a chute configured for receiving the article therein, a stop having a stop member disposed within the chute and biased towards the article to allow the stop member to engage the article moving through the chute but which prevents the article from being withdrawn from the chute, a receipt dispenser for issuing a physical receipt indicating that an article has been received by the apparatus, and a lock mechanism operable by movement of the article in the chute so as to physically detect the presence of an article therein to prevent dispensing of a receipt when the article is not detected in the chute. A method for receiving and detecting an article is also provided.

Abstract: A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical media using an interconnected central server, through an Internet Service Provider. The central server has databases and processing capabilities and is connected to a credit verification system. The databases collect inventory administration information and customer data (e.g., credit card information and email addresses) from the kiosks. The central server initiates credit verification, sends receipts to customers via email and maintains databases for remote inventory-control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk may identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. The kiosk may provide publishing-on-demand or act as a portal for remotely served advertisements. The kiosk preferably includes a rotatable carousel with a selection of DVDs. A digital camera captures a digital image of a disk barcode and internal software rotates the image to “read” the barcode, to control inventory and access issues.

Abstract: A system for vending wheeled vehicles, such as strollers for children. The system includes a vehicle station having a series of docking ports with an operator's console connected thereto. Each docking port has a lock and release mechanism for engaging a striker pin of a wheeled vehicle engaged in the docking port. Upon appropriate signals from the operator's console, a vehicle discharge element in the docking port moves the wheeled vehicle when the lock and release mechanism is activated to disengage the striker pin, moving the wheeled vehicle from the locked position and making the availability of the wheeled vehicle obvious.

Abstract: A bill acceptor for a gaming machine including a receiving zone for receiving a tendered bill. A sensing device is arranged at an input region of the receiving zone for sensing at least one characteristic of the bill. A controller is in communication with the sensing device for receiving an output signal from the sensing device. An annunciator is controlled by the controller to be activated when a bill acceptance rate of the controller drops below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.

Abstract: A car wash includes a controller having an input element and an output element. The input element is configured to receive an input representing a payment. The output element is in operative communication with the input element, and is configured to assign an output comprising a bonus value of a product or service to be dispensed if the payment is of a preferred form.

Abstract: An electronic lock for removably securing a movable item to a structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second complementary cooperating connecting members, each being fixedly mounted to a respective one of the movable item and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable position; and a securing assembly for securing the first and second connecting members together when engaged in the lockable position, the securing assembly comprising a movable locking member operatively associated to the first connecting member, a locking aperture defined in the second connecting member, the locking aperture being adapted for receiving the movable locking member when the connecting members are engaged together in the lockable position; an actuator operatively coupled to the movable locking member for actuating the movable locking member between an unlocked position enabling disengagement of the first and second connecting members and a locked position wherein the movable locking member engages the lo

Abstract: A game machine includes a push device including a horizontal board and a push member which is movable on a top surface of the horizontal board. The tokens that are pushed to drop from the edge of the horizontal board are selectively guided to either the token collection box or the pick-up box by switching the switch gate. If the player chooses to get tokens as reward, the tokens are guided to the pick-up box. If the player chooses to get tickets as reward, the tokens are guided to the token collection box and the ticket unit is activated to dispense tickets.

Abstract: A device and method for receiving and detecting a bottle. The device includes a chute, a bottle inlet for receiving the bottle into the chute, and a bottle outlet through which the bottle exits the chute. A stop member is disposed to engage the bottle within the chute, the stop member being biased to allow the bottle to pass in one direction, but to move into and grip the bottle if the bottle is moved in the other direction. Sensors detect the position of the bottle within the chute, and can indicate that the bottle was received within the device. A method for receiving and detecting the bottle is also provided.

Abstract: A system for processing currency and other media includes a compact currency bill processing device, a coin scale, and a controlling device. The compact currency bill processing device is adapted to count and determine the denomination of currency bills received in an input receptacle and transported, one bill at a time, to at least one output receptacle. The coin scale adapted to receive and determine a coin total for at least one group of coins of a single denomination. The controlling device is communicatively coupled to the currency bill processing device and the coin scale, and includes an integrated keypad and printer. The keypad is adapted to manually receive information from an operator, and the printer is adapted to print a hardcopy of information associated with the currency bills, the coins, and other media.

Abstract: An automatic dispensing apparatus system and method for dispensing predetermined objects is disclosed. More particularly, the invention is an automatic bottled water dispensing apparatus system and method having a housing which houses various sizes of bottled water and a conveyor system for transporting the bottled water to a dispensing member for a customer. The dispensing apparatus system also includes a return machine for returning empty bottles, a plurality of selection members, a payment member and an inventory monitoring member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for the creation, distribution and use of a token that is used in a gaming system.

Abstract: A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical disk media using an interconnected system central server computer through an Internet Service Provider. The system central server contains databases and processing, and is connected to a credit verification system. The central databases collect inventory administration information and customer data from the kiosks including creditcard and email addresses. The central server initiates credit verification and sends receipts to customers via email. The central server maintains databases that are used for remote inventory control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk has the capability to identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and may also perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. A kiosk may also provide publishing-on-demand or-act as a portal for remotely served advertisement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for bottled beverage distribution. Apparatus includes bin, means for receiving bottles, sensor and receipt dispenser. Method of selling includes providing an inventory, assigning identification indicia, assigning first and second purchase prices and positioning apparatus for receiving, storing and dispensing receipt. Method of distributing includes delivering to a first location water bottles, positioning at a second location a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus, and retrieving empty bottles from the apparatus. Method of distributing includes creating an account, assigning a first amount charged for each bottle sold, assigning a second amount deducted from the first amount for each bottle received, delivering bottles and positioning a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining the remuneration for the return of identifiable empty packaging to a receiving point, wherein the empty packaging (7; 8) is identified with respect to at least one selected characteristic thereof, for example, dimension, type of packaging, type of material, recyclability, and deposit value, if any. The remuneration for individual types of empty packaging is related to at least two of a plurality of legal entities (10-15) which, for the return of empty packaging, are remuneration-providing and connectable to a remuneration coordinator (9) in communication with the receiving point in the form of a reverse vending machine (1), and to the remuneration level of the connected legal entities that is applicable at any given time for a particular type or particular types of empty packaging.

Abstract: A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical disk media using an interconnected system central server computer through an Internet Service Provider. The system central server contains databases and processing, and is connected to a credit verification system. The central databases collect inventory administration information and customer data from the kiosks including creditcard and email addresses. The central server initiates credit verification and sends receipts to customers via email. The central server maintains databases that are used for remote inventory control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk has the capability to identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and may also perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. A kiosk may also provide publishing-on-demand or act as a portal for remotely served advertisement.

Abstract: A dispensing system for wheeled devices has a plurality of receiving slots, which may be assembled in a suitable pattern so that any wheeled device having a bar or a receiving latch secured thereto may be mounted in the dispensing system by sliding the receiving latch into the slot or released therefrom by activating a push-back mechanism permitting the receiving latch to be removed from the docking port.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for mounting currency mechanisms of various sizes and shapes in vending machines or the like. The system may allow for relatively simple installation and removal of currency mechanisms without the use of mounting screws. The system includes a mounting surface, a portion of which is adapted to mate with a first surface of a currency mechanism. A tab is extended from the mounting surface to engage an opening in the first surface of the currency mechanism. A retention device is coupled to the mounting surface and is manipulable to engage a second surface of the currency mechanism and to cooperate with the tab to grip the currency mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article-dispensing machine. The inventive machine comprises: a structure (1), a removable container (2) for articles, and a dispensing mechanism on the base of the container (2), which is actuated by an actuation shaft that is coupled to the shaft of a coin or token selector (6) which is mounted in the structure (1) in order to dispense one or more articles from the container (2) through a delivery outlet (7) following the introduction of one or more coins or tokens. According to the invention, when the door (15) is in the closed position, a single closure device (55), which is associated with said door (15), can be used to lock the container (2), the coin selector (6) and a coin or token collection box (52) in the respective operating positions thereof. When the aforementioned door (15) is open, the container (2) can be refilled or removed, the coin selector (6) can be removed and the collection box (52) can be accessed without the use of tools.

Abstract: A parking meter includes a microcontroller and a timer coupled with a microcontroller. A mechanism for accepting payment by coin, credit card or both is coupled with the microcontroller for accepting payment for use of an associated parking space. The microcontroller initiates the timer for a prepaid parking interval upon receiving a signal from the payment acceptance mechanism. A vehicle detector is coupled with the microcontroller for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle in the associated parking space. The microcontroller initiates an interrogation station to direct an interrogation signal at the associated parking space in the area of the parking space where the license plate of a parked vehicle is located upon determining the existence of a parking violation.