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 token purchasing device that can automatically change the number of tokens purchased for a given price based on time, date, and day of the week information. The token purchasing device includes a banknote accepting unit for accepting a banknote and outputting a banknote value signal based on the denomination of the accepted banknote, a clock unit for outputting the current time and date information, a control unit for computing the number of tokens for dispensing, and a token dispensing unit. The control unit is configured to store a predetermined set of days or a range of times from a start time to an end time defining a special purchasing mode. The control unit can automatically change the number of tokens purchased when the current time and date is within the programmed parameters for the special purchasing mode.

Abstract: A bill handling machine comprises a storing box for storing bills of plurality of different categories together, an instruction input unit for receiving a recovery instruction to recover bills belonging to a specific category among the categories, a sorter that in response to a the recovery instruction sorts out bills belonging to the specific category from among bills stored in the storing box, and a conveyor for feeding the bills from the storing box and, according to the results of the sorting, conveying bills of the specific category to a predetermined recovery unit.

Abstract: An automated movie rental and notification system includes a computer having a movie database containing hold and reservation lists and movie records. The system receives rental requests, each request including a selected movie title, reservation mode, reservation time, and submitter contact information. If the reservation mode is a hold mode, the request is added to the hold list. If the mode is a reserve mode and the selected title will be available by the selected reservation time, then the request is added to the reserve list. When the movie title is available, submitters of the hold list requests associated with that title are successively contacted using respective submitter information to inform the submitter of availability until a positive response is returned from a submitter. Requests on the reserve list are selected for contact a predetermined amount of time before the selected reservation time.

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.

Abstract: A ball bearing actuation mechanism includes a circular gauge wheel rotatably mounted in an interior chamber of a housing below an inlet passage and adjacent to outlet and overflow discharge openings of the housing and a curved retainer wall mounted to the housing in the interior chamber adjacent to a peripheral groove on the gauge wheel so as to form a channel therebetween which extends between the inlet passage and discharge outlet opening of the housing. The peripheral groove has a length preset to receive a preset number of ball bearings in single file fashion therein when the ball bearings are deposited into interior chamber via the inlet passage such that any ball bearings above the preset number deposited into the inlet passage of the housing will divert to the overflow discharge outlet of the housing.

Abstract: The size of image data for a check or other negotiable instrument used for electronically clearing payments made by such negotiable instruments is reduced. A scanning process setup command received from a host system by a communication unit is interpreted by the command interpreting unit and settings for a specified image reading area and/or cropping areas to are stored in control data storage unit. The image reading unit is controlled and driven by the scanning control unit, and an image of the negotiable instrument is read by scanning the specified image reading area. An image cropping unit extracts only the image data in the specified cropping areas.

Abstract: Variably printed media units from an uninterrupted supply are dispensed from vending machines in association with the dispensing of products or services from the machines. The media units, which can take a variety of forms including coupons, vouchers, tickets, collector cards, game pieces, pull tabs, stickers, and web decoders, promote the sales of products or services from the vending machines or other preferably local sales outlets.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a fully threaded bobbin to an operator upon the depositing of an empty bobbin into the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a storage compartment for storing the bobbins. The housing has a first opening for depositing the empty bobbins therein and a second opening for dispensing the full bobbins therefrom. A tray is mounted to the housing within the storage compartment for orienting and feeding fully threaded bobbins and a top and bottom slide are provided for transporting the full bobbins from the tray to the second opening. An actuator lever is slidably coupled to a lever channel for activating the apparatus. A release hinge is mounted to the top slide and operatively coupled to the acutator lever for releasing a single full bobbin from the top slide and to the second opening in response to the actuator lever being activated from a fully extended position to an actuated position and an empty bobbin being deposited into the first opening and lever channel.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor is disclosed to have a banknote verification assembly adapted to verify the authenticity of the inserted banknote by means of an optical transmitter module, which uses an UV LED to emit UV light through the inserted banknote, and an optical receiver module, which uses a phototransistor to receive light passing from the UV LED through the banknote and to produce a corresponding output signal, for enabling a control unit to determine the authenticity of the banknote subject to the nature of the output signal received from the photo transistor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic parking meter and a method of configuring an electronic parking meter. In addition to a meter housing and an electronic metering mechanism within the housing, the parking meter includes a memory positioned within the housing separate from the electronic metering mechanism for storing configuration information associated with a pre-selected group of one or more electronic meters. When the electronic metering mechanism is replaced, the replacement metering mechanism that is inserted into the housing need only be coupled to the separate memory in order to have the configuration information of the specific meter downloaded into it. The configuration information includes parking meter location information and/or parking restriction information.

Abstract: An unmanned, stand-alone console for collection of recyclable container is disclosed. This console includes attitude influencing graphics or a message promoting recycling, instructions for use of the console and one or more portals in the console for deposit of a recyclable container into the console. The preferred embodiments of the console of this invention includes releasable access panels to permit servicing of the console and the removal of containers that have been deposited for recycling. The releasable access panels include tamper-proof means for securing these access panels in a closed or locked position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vending system (1) comprising a master unit (4) and at least one service provider unit (2) connected through a network, comprising means (12) automatically configure a communication interface between said service provider unit and a client unit (7) when the latter is connected to the network. The client unit (7) typically being a mobile phone to which a vending transaction can be charged.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for dispensing new and/or used items of entertainment of the audio and/or visual and electronic type to travelers or other persons who encounter periods of waiting or delay, and the purchased item is accompanied by means that enable the purchaser to return the item for a monetary rebate or credit toward future item purchases. The present invention thereby provides travelers and others who wait with an economical means of entertaining themselves during periods of waiting and enables the purchaser to avoid having to keep and carry a weighty article or dispose of an otherwise expensive item of entertainment.

Abstract: A rental system contains a plurality of rental digital cameras, and comprises a rental-item providing machine which provides users with digital cameras, respectively, and a management center which manages the digital cameras. The rental-item providing machine makes a credit inquiry about the users. The rental-item providing machine provides the users with the respective digital cameras, in accordance with a result of the credit inquiry. The rental-item providing machine sends identification information for identifying each of the contained digital cameras, to the management center. The management center manages the digital cameras, using the identification information sent from the rental-item providing machine.

Abstract: An inventory control device and method for dispensing merchandise units. The device includes a structure defining one or more storage compartments, and actuating mechanism, and a metering mechanism. The storage compartment stores a plurality of the merchandise units. The actuating mechanism defines an opening dimensioned and configured to receive a noncurrency token and can be operated only when a token is present in the opening. The metering mechanism releases one merchandise unit when the actuating mechanism is operated. The method includes receiving a request for one of the merchandise units from a person; placing the token in the actuating mechanism opening; operating the actuating mechanism with the token present therein, the metering mechanism releasing the merchandise unit in response to operating the actuating mechanism, and providing the released merchandise unit to the person.

Abstract: A token for use in a cashless transaction involving an electronic device includes a token body having a coin shape. The token has a digital circuit embedded within the token body and a memory embedded within the token body that is coupled to the digital circuit. The token also includes an input/output interface embedded within the token body that is coupled to the digital circuit and which enables the digital circuit to communicate with the electronic device.

Abstract: To provide a currency control system replete with security functions for currency against theft or the like. A currency control system according to the present invention is characterized by being made up of at least (1) a game-related device (such as a game card vending machine) having a currency holding section which holds currency inserted from outside the device and/or currency to be dispensed out of the device, (2) a portable safe that may be attached to or removed from said game-related device as required and when attached to the game-related device, serves as the currency holding section, and (3) a currency control device (such as a cash control machine) to or from which the portable safe may be attached or removed as required, and when the portable safe is attached, causes said portable safe to hold currency and/or retrieves currency held in the portable safe.

Abstract: A banknote validator for determining the value and authenticity of a banknote is provided. The banknote validator includes a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, and a non-return gate. The magnetic sensor includes a magnetic circuit and an electronic circuit. The optical sensor includes a trapezoidal light guide, a broadband light source for illuminating a banknote via the light guide, and sensors for detecting light reflected from the banknote. The non-return gate includes banknote-guiding means for guiding the banknote along a banknote path and for controlling the direction of the banknote's travel based on its acceptability.

Abstract: An unattended bicycle rental and security system, utilizing bi-directional communications with data verification between the individual bicycles and the system is provided which is equipped with an alarm, and can individually identify a number of bicycles and attribute their rental with corresponding customers. The unattended bicycle rental and security system is able to identify if a rental bicycle has sustained an impact during a rental that is sufficient to damage it and identify the customer whose care the rental bicycle was in at the time. The system also allows the integration of several rental locations allowing a bicycle to be rented at one location and returned at another.

Abstract: A contactless-smart-IC-card receive and read-write mechanism for an on-street parking meter. The mechanism includes a nested cartridge set consisting of a card read-write unit and a card receiver. The card read-write unit further includes an outer case having an induction coil and a circuit board attached to one outer side of the outer case. The card receiver is removably nested in the outer case for an IC card to insert thereinto. The circuit board has different circuits provided thereon for controlling power supply to correctly complete card reading and overwriting. A detecting switch is mounted on the outer case to detect the existence of the IC card in the card receiver. Only when a correct IC card in the receiver is detected will a high frequency power supply circuit be actuated for the card read-write unit to read and overwrite data or amount stored in the IC card. The card read-write unit is not affected by external dust or rainwater to cause error operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving tokens and dispensing cash. A recognition device recognizes a denomination of a token and a source of a token, wherein the token is not government-issued legal tender. A controller device is coupled to the recognition device. The controller device comprises a calculating device that calculates the monetary value of the token. A dispensing device is coupled to the recognition device. The dispensing device dispenses cash equal in value to the monetary value of the token.

Abstract: A shopping cart rental system for renting shopping carts and encouraging returning of shopping carts to designated areas. The shopping cart rental system includes a plurality of rental assemblies. Each of the rental assemblies comprises a housing. The housing comprises an upper portion. A lower portion is couplable to the upper portion. A plurality of coin slots are located on a front face of the upper portion. A key slot is formed through a rear face of said upper portion. A key is for inserting into the key slot. The key is coupled to the upper portion of the housing. A key retaining assembly is for retaining the key in the key slot. A coin operated assembly for actuating the key retaining assembly. The coin operated assembly is operationally coupled between the coin slot and the key slot.

Abstract: A cart management apparatus for retaining and vending carts such as luggage carts, shopping carts, and strollers, includes a retaining rail for receiving cart keys disposed on the carts, a rotatable paddlewheel including a plurality of paddles, at least one of which projects into the retaining rail to provide an obstruction therein, an electromagnetic brake coupled to the paddlewheel to selectively inhibit rotation of the paddlewheel and restrict removal of cart keys from the rail, and a one-way clutch, also coupled to the paddlewheel to allow free rotation of the paddlewheel in a return direction to allow cart keys to be inserted into the retaining rail when carts are returned to the apparatus. The preferred apparatus may be used with existing carts which are retrofit with cart keys that are suitable for being retained within the rail.

Abstract: A cart management apparatus for retaining and vending carts such as luggage carts, shopping carts, and strollers, includes a retaining rail for receiving cart keys disposed on the carts, a rotatable paddlewheel including a plurality of paddles, at least one of which projects into the retaining rail to provide an obstruction therein, an electromagnetic brake coupled to the paddlewheel to selectively inhibit rotation of the paddlewheel and restrict removal of cart keys from the rail, and a one-way clutch, also coupled to the paddlewheel to allow free rotation of the paddlewheel in a return direction to allow cart keys to be inserted into the retaining rail when carts are returned to the apparatus. The preferred apparatus may be used with existing carts which are retrofit with cart keys that are suitable for being retained within the rail.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring pollution generated by motor vehicles in an urban area, said area being equipped with a plurality of items of street furniture, each of which is provided with data acquisition and processing means (11, 21) for acquiring and processing data, and with communication means (12, 22) for communicating the data to a central site (30). The monitoring apparatus includes at least one item of street furniture (10, 20) further provided with at least one detector (13, 23) for detecting a magnitude characteristic of pollution, and suitable for delivering a measurement of said magnitude to the data acquisition and processing means (11, 21).

Abstract: An automatic renting apparatus performs on-line trade utilizing a credit card, which includes a processing mechanism for processing a rented article not returned after expiration of a returning period. The automatic article renting apparatus effects sale process for the rented article not returned even after expiration of the renting period and the sale charge is automatically deducted from an account of the credit card. Thus, non-returned article can be automatically processed without requiring manual operation.

Abstract: A card sensor to operate the entry shutter (120) of an ATM 50 as a magnetic sensor (118) in a well (116) on the lower surface of an entry slot (110). A pair of inverted U-shaped springs (134) project into the slot (110) beyond the sensor (118). When a card (113) complying with ISO standard 7810 is inserted into the slot, the springs (134) are compressed, the magnetic stripe (132) on the card (130) contacts the sensor (118), and the shutter (120) is opened. If a thinner card, such as a telephone card or a public transport ticket (140), is inserted into the slot, the springs (134) are compressed insufficiently for any magnetic stripe (142) on the card to contact the sensor (118).

Abstract: An unattended, automated bicycle rental system utilizes a bicycle rental station having a locking bicycle rack and a control tower. The bicycle rack has an inventory of rental bicycles of non standard size as inventory and the bicycles are locked in place on the rack in distinct bicycle-receiving bays. The control tower incudes a credit card reader that unlocks a specific bicycle from its bay upon insertion of a bank or credit card and begins timing the period of time in which the bicycle is away from the rental station. When the bicycle is returned, it is placed into the bay and in contact with the rack so that an identification sensor can determine if it is a system bicycle and lock it in place in the rack and bill the credit card for the rental charge.

Abstract: The machine for collecting used cups enables collection of the cups in a container (2) in such a way as to reduce empty spaces between cups and thus better to utilize the volume of the container (2). A inlet for the cups, through which a cup (6) is inserted into the machine, is connected with a container (2) by means of a track, internal of the machine, on which an operative group (1) is positioned, which operative group (1) comprises a tubular body (11) for guiding a cup (6) on to a stack (9) of cups. The operative group (1) is mobile between a loading position, in which a stack (9) of cups (6) is created, and at least one unloading position, in which the stack (9) is unloaded into the container (2).

Abstract: A method for encrypting bill validation data generated by a bill validator is disclosed. Such data includes an inserted bill's denomination and country of origin as determined by sensors in the bill validator. Once such information is obtained, it is encrypted by combination with an encryption key selected from a table of such keys. The encrypted data is then communicated to a machine associated with the bill validator such as a gaming or vending machine. Upon receipt, the machine decrypts the data to obtain the original bill validation data. If the machine finds the denomination and issuing country of the inserted bill to be acceptable, the machine instructs the bill validator to accept the bill and store it in a bill repository.

Abstract: A portable timing device designed for use in conjunction with metered machinery, the device contained within a compact case with a clip on the back side, allowing the device to be fastened to an article of clothing or the like. The case further includes a means to store and dispense a plurality of coins for use in the meter, and an external actuation means by which the appropriate time interval is programmed. An electrical circuit is enclosed within the case, the circuit powered by a rechargeable battery which is connected to a solar energy collection device for recharging it. The circuit programs and times the selected time interval, and emits an audible warning signal when ten minutes, five minutes and no time remains in the time interval.

Abstract: In a method for payment for services and/or goods, an apparatus with a data terminal device for reading and changing an amount value in a credit balance carrier and a security module provided with a first memory area and a second memory area is used, which is connected to the data terminal device via a communications channel. In a first transaction a usable amount is transferred from the credit balance carrier to the first memory area. During the purchase of the service and/or goods, a running cost amount for the service and/or goods, in a second transaction an unused amount is transferred from the first memory area to the credit balance carrier. In a third transaction the difference between the usable amount and the unused amount is transferred from the first memory area to the second memory area.

Abstract: A multiplicity of charitable collection stations are provided with selectors for choosing the charity to which a contribution is destined, a change maker for issuing change if desired, a display for displaying information with respect to premiums available and contributions made, and a modem or other telecommunicator for two-way communications with a central station. The central station communicates with the individual charitable institutions to provide information as to monies collected and signals the machines as to premiums available like food-service items, travel awards and the like.

Abstract: A central office correlates charitable contributions made at vending stations in food service establishments which issue information carriers in return for charitable contributions which are receipts for the contribution and entitle the donor to a beverage dispensed from a machine responding to the information carrier.

Abstract: A computerized parking meter uses an ultrasonic transducer to precisely measure the distance to a parked vehicle and to reset the parking meter to zero when the vehicle leaves. The computerized parking meter utilizes low power and may be recharged by solar power. The computerized parking meter can be programmed with differing rates, calendar days, advertising and alarms. Unlocking the coin box requires both the proper computer code and a key. When the computerized parking meter receives the proper computer code a solenoid is activated which retracts a plunger allowing the key to unlock the coin box. A coin discriminator allows only proper coins to be inserted into the meter. Audible messages and alarms can be sounded and written messages displayed. A portable terminal can communicate with a central computer to enhance collections security and identify repeat parking violators.

Abstract: An article control system has an article stand on which articles on which articles are placed. An article monitor apparatus monitors the entry and exit of articles to and from the article stand. The monitor apparatus includes a planar matrix sensor for detecting the article and a signal processing system for both driving the matrix sensor and detecting the articles placed on the matrix sensor. The matrix sensor is disposed on the upper surface of the article stand. The article stand preferably includes an article placing stand on which the articles are placed and an article confirmation stand on which articles taken from the article placing stand are temporarily placed for confirmation.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting articles is housed in a parallelepipedic casing, on the front panel of which is arranged a display part of a playing part. An article-return part with an article-receiving container is also provided in the apparatus. The front panel of the casing is subdivided into a number of fields of which one field forms a door for an access to an article collecting container. A gaming machine is arranged in another field, and the article-return part in the third field. The gaming machine is at least partly visible through a window so that its game can be seen. Increased use of the apparatus results from the visibility and/or audibility of the game.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling dissemination of garments. First and second rotatable cassettes are provided, one of which is used to store clean garments, the other of which serves as a depository for soiled garments. Each of the rotatable cassettes has an access door which permits access to a shelf segment of each cassette. A processor is provided which will generate first and second actuating signals for unlocking the doors of the cassette. An actuating signal is generated by the processor when a card reader recognizes a user access card, and determines tht the user's account status is in order. Each time a deposit is received, or a clean garment dispensed, the user's account status is brought up to date, reflecting the transaction. Thus, users who have not returned garments, and have too many account debits may not receive a new garment.

Abstract: A system, such as a reverse vending machine, for handling redeemable beverage containers of the type carrying side-borne, optically readable information codes. Featured in the machine specifically described herein is a scanning station along the sides of which are plural elongate rotary brushes whose bristles engage an endo-fed end for the purpose of both propelling it through the station for further processing, and for spinning it within the station for presentation for reading by an outboard optical scanner of the information code carried on the container.

Abstract: A parking ticket dispenser of the type to dispense a parking ticket upon payment of a required fee is provided. The parking meter includes a substantially rectangular shaped housing mounted on a pole extending upwardly from the ground. A coin receptacle projects forwardly from the front wall of the housing and is operable to receive payment of the required fee in the form of coins. A credit card reader is also provided in the front wall for receiving payment of the required fee via a valid credit card. A microprocessor-based circuit is disposed within the housing and is in communication with the credit card reader. The circuit includes appropriate software for detecting whether a credit card received by the credit card reader is valid and for recording credit card transactions.

Abstract: An automatic renting apparatus is for automatically renting rental articles and restoring returned rental articles. The automatic renting apparatus stores information concerning rental articles that have been rented out, rental articles to supplement or replace the stock, and the scheduled date of replacement or supplement. When the patron subscribes in advance for a rental article, information is displayed on a display unit to enable the patron to select a desired rental article for which the patron desires to make advance subscription. Upon the selection of the desired rental article and a desired renting date by the patron, information concerning the desired rental article and the desired renting date is stored in a subscription information storage unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting articles is housed in a parallelepipedic casing, on the front panel of which is arranged a display part of a playing part. An article-return part with an article-receiving container is also provided in the apparatus. The front panel of the casing is subdivided into a number of fields of which one field forms a door for an access to an article collecting container. A gaming machine is arranged in another field, and the article-return part in the third field. The gaming machine is at least partly visible through a window so that its game can be seen. Increased use of the apparatus results from the visibility and/or audibility of the game.

Abstract: A hiring and vending slot-machine, in particular for video cassettes, has a cupboard-like housing, two superimposed storage compartments arranged within the housing for the boxes containing the video cassettes, a computer-controlled cassette transporting device that can move vertically and horizontally between both compartments, receive and transport the cassette boxes to and from a determined storage container or input/output shaft in the housing. Reading means read the cassette identification codes and an operating field is provided outside the housing for selecting the desired cassette, requesting or delivering cassette: The operating field has an input keyboard and a display. A cassette transporting carriage (46) can move horizontally or vertically along horizontal or vertical guide-ways in the housing (10) and be shifted into the vertical or horizontal direction within the horizontal or vertical guide-ways.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling coins and tokens comprises a coin validator (4) arranged to detect whether a received item is one of several different coin denominations or a data-storing token, and thereafter to direct coins and tokens to escrow gates (18,22). A token interrogator (6) has antenna coils (24) disposed adjacent one of the escrow gates in order to read data from a token located adjacent the gate. The escrow gates can selectively direct items either to a return chute (16) or a coin store (26).

Abstract: A token handling device transmits, using an electromagnetic carrier, data, clock pulses and power to a token. The token transmits data by varying the degree of absorption of the carrier in synchronism with the clock pulses. These data transmissions are detected by a receiver in the token handling device, the sensitivity of which is adjusted each time a token is received. The token could be used in transactions in place of coins, or alternatively could be used for identification purposes in other areas. Data stored by the token could be used to change the way in which the token handling device operates. The token handling device may for example form a vending machine, and the token could be used to alter the pricing of goods vended thereby. The token handling device may be combined with a coin validator, in which case there is preferably a common path from an entrance slot for carrying both the tokens and the coins to appropriate testing apparatus.

Abstract: Machine for automatic rental of video cassettes. Cassettes are stored in a drum like magazine (32) and are made available at a dispensing slot (20, 22) after a user has identified himself by introducing a personal into a slot (12) and entered a unique personal code number on a keyboard (16) which the user also employs to enter the selection from the available video cassettes. On returning the cassette, the user again identifies himself and the machine verifies by reading a bar code that the hired film has been returned.

Abstract: An article gripper is moved by a robotic transporter in two perpendicular directions within a transport plane between a reference location and ID code reading locations aligned with an access port and storage cells of storage assemblies mounted in doors closing a transport compartment of an automatic vending machine. The gripper is also moved by the robotic transporter in a direction intersecting the transport plane to insert or withdraw articles carried by the gripper after displacement by incremental amounts from the aligned reading locations to gripping or releasing positions. The foregoing movements of the gripper as well as other related operations are under programmed control of a computer and inputted data from a keypad and card reader to perform merchandising transactions with respect to manufactured articles stored in the doors of the machine as well as to accommodate servicing operations.

Abstract: An automated delivery system includes a unitary wheel assembly having a plurality of horizontally disposed tiers each supporting a plurality of radially extending product bins. Electronic control components including customer interfacing devices, regulate the operation of a motor to rotate the wheel assembly to position a specific bin juxtaposed a single, fixed delivery chute, at which point one stationary discharge assistant as provided for each tier is actuated to manipulate a gate assembly associated with each bin to cause the discharge of its product, by gravity, into the chute. Input keyboard, monitor, credit card and currency processing devices connected to the control components permit varied types of transactions by customers of the system.