Abstract: A capacitive coupled radio frequency identification, RFID, tag and method for reading the tag, the tag comprising a semiconductor substrate having a first planar surface and a second planar surface distal from the first planar surface. A metallic pad formed on the first planar surface of the semiconductor substrate. A circuit formed on the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the metallic pad and the second planar surface of the semiconductor substrate, the circuit configured to respond to a radio frequency, RF, input signal by providing a data signal encoded by varying an impedance between the metallic pad and the second planar surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A mixed supplement beverage vending machine includes a housing having a base and a front side. The front side includes a display screen and an input mechanism. A user platform extends forwardly from the base. A dispensing mechanism includes an outlet disposed on the front side of the housing. An ingredient sensor is operably connected to a mixing mechanism. A weight sensor is configured to detect the weight of an individual standing on the user platform. The vending machine includes a control module that determines the weight of a via the weight sensor, calculates an ingredient profile based upon the weight of the user, mixes the ingredients of the ingredient profile via the mixing mechanism to form a beverage, and dispenses the beverage via the dispensing mechanism. The vending machine can include a wireless transceiver for remote operation and communications with external wireless devices.

Abstract: A detection system including a control device detecting fraud performed in a game table by using a result of an image analysis performed by an image analyzing device. A substitute currency for gaming used for this detection system has a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of plastic layers having different colors are stacked, a coloring layer is included at least in the middle, and white layers or thin-color layers (may be layers having a color thinner than that of the coloring layer; not illustrated in the drawing) are stacked on both sides of the coloring layer disposed in the middle.

Abstract: A detection system according to the present invention includes a control device that detects fraud conducted on a game table by using the image analysis result obtained by an image analysis device. In addition, each game token used in this detection system has a multilayer structure having plastic layers with a plurality of different colors stacked on each other, with a colored layer being provided at least intermediately, and white layers or light-colored layers (not illustrated, but may be any layers lighter in color than the colored layer) being stacked on two sides of the intermediate colored layer. As described above, this game token has a multi-layer structure including the colored layer, with the white layers or light-colored layers (not illustrated, but may be any layers lighter in color than the colored layer) being stacked on the two sides of the intermediate colored layer.

Abstract: The Dollar Coin Converter is an annular attachment to a United States dollar coin, which semi-permanently converts the coin into the same size and one-third the weight of a silver dollar. The converted coin is tactilely and visually, easily distinguished from the United States quarter coin. It provides advertising incentives to distributors to circulate the converted coin, and marketing incentives to the public to circulate it, saving billions of dollars. The Dollar Coin Converter is made of inexpensive, one-piece or two-piece construction. It holds a dollar coin securely, and will tolerate normal handling, such as cash transactions. The coin may be easily removed or replaced, if it is needed for a vending machine. The converted dollar coin retains the inherent magnetic and electrical, anti-counterfeiting characteristics of the dollar coin.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a security sheet or document having one or more enhanced watermarks. In one exemplary embodiment, the inventive security sheet or document is a single-ply paper that is made up of a paper layer including one or more watermarks, and a micro-optic security device (e.g., a patch or thread) that at least partially covers an upper or face portion of the watermark(s). The overlying patch or thread increases the durability of the watermark(s), thereby allowing for the watermark(s) as well as reduced fiber density areas therein to be made larger, and further allowing for the reduced fiber density areas to be made thinner. In a preferred embodiment, the micro-optic security device projects one or more synthetic images that coordinate or link in with the watermark design(s). In a more preferred embodiment, the micro-optic security device offers a machine detectable/readable feature in the form of enhanced IR-brightness, especially when measured in transmission.

Abstract: A system is provided for a metallic coin that may be scanned and implemented for stored value account transactions using traditional point-of-sale devices. The coin has two sides, a first surface portion of the second side having a less reflective matte finish relative to the first side and a second surface portion of the second side. A substantially transparent coat layer is upon the first surface portion of the second side, with an ink layer comprising machine readable indicia further thereupon. The machine readable indicia include a unique identifier with respect to the metallic coin. A hosted server is functionally linked to the traditional point-of-sale device via a communications network and configured upon receiving the identifier as scanned from the point-of-sale device to extract stored value information corresponding to an account associated with the identifier, and transmit said information to the point-of-sale device.

Abstract: A coin blank provides an inner portion and at least one outer portion surrounding the inner portion. A dielectric isolation layer is arranged between the inner portion and the outer portion and connects the inner portion and the outer portion in a force-locking manner. The isolation layer is transparent in a first wavelength range and may be based on a transparent polymer. The isolation layer may contain additives absorbing and/or reflecting light in a second wavelength range.

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: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for checking documents of value which have a security element with several magnetic areas, including at least one high-coercive magnetic area, at least one low-coercive magnetic area and at least one combined magnetic area which contains both the high-coercive and the low-coercive magnetic material. After the magnetization of all magnetic areas in a first direction, first magnetic signals of the security element are detected with a first magnetic detector. After a subsequent second magnetizing, which is effected antiparallel to the first magnetizing and magnetically reverses only the low-coercive magnetic material, second magnetic signals of the security element are detected. For identifying the magnetic areas, the second magnetic signals or a signal derived therefrom are compared with two thresholds.

Abstract: A currency coin and method of making a currency coin. The currency coin includes a planchet coated with Ni derived from carbonyl Ni. During production of the currency coin, a planchet of one a variety of materials is provided and Ni is derived from Ni containing material utilizing the carbonyl process. In short, Ni is derived from carbonyl Ni. The Ni derived from carbonyl Ni is then deposited on the planchet forming a Ni coated coin.

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: The invention concerns a method for reducing factory customizing time in a smart card (CPn), wherein a pre-customizing manager (GM) into a customizing machine loads post-customizing data (AP, OP1-OP1, DOP1-DOP1) in the smart card. Then a post-customizing application (AP) included in the smart card is enabled after delivery of the card to a user following a connection of the smart card to a terminal to process the loaded post-customizing data so as to make the smart card operational.

Abstract: A system for allocating loyalty reward points to a player at a gaming area, where the player has a loyalty reward card. The player further being associated with identifiable casino chips each having a radio frequency identification tag. The system has a recording device located in the vicinity of the gaming area for reading and recording the player details on the loyalty reward card, and RFID readers for detecting player casino chips located in play in the gaming area. The RFID reader is operatively connected to the recording device such that at the completion of bet placement the value of player casino chips in play in the gaming area detected by the RFID reader is communicated to the recording device thus enabling the value of bets placed by individual players to be calculated and thereby determining the allocation of loyalty reward points to individual players for the particular bet placement.

Abstract: A method of testing a document comprises deriving a plurality of measurements from the document at a resolution R and processing the measurements to derive values at a different resolution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, such as a banknote (1), which includes one or more window zones (2A, 2B) with one for example optically active element each which rotates a polarization plane P0 of polarized light LA, LB, penetrating the window zone by a defined angle. If such value documents are stacked and polarized light penetrates the superimposed window zones, the number of stacked value documents can be determined by way of the overall rotation of the polarization plane PA, PB. The overall nominal value of a stack of banknotes can thus be determined. The window zones can have category-specific rotational characteristics for different categories or nominal values and/or can be disposed in category-specific positions in the valuable document.

Abstract: A dimensionally stabilized token includes a rigid internal web structure for supporting molded external structures. The web may comprise material, such as metallic substances, selected to augment the overall weight of the token. The token further includes interlocking means, such as projections from a first molded portion, to dimensionally stabilize a second molded portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal portion-containing article having a porous metal portion, in which the porous metal portion contains a substance that emits light by irradiation with an electromagnetic wave. The metal portion-containing article of the present invention cannot be altered or falsified easily, and can be identified.

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: A device and method making the device. The device includes a flat body made of a plastic material. The flat body has at least two parallel faces and a cavity which opens to at least one of the at least two parallel faces. The cavity is adapted to receive an electronic identification device. At least one plug made of a plastic material is included. The at least one plug is adapted to be inserted into the cavity. The electronic identification is retained in the flat body when the at least one plug is inserted into the cavity. The method includes making the flat body, forming the cavity in the flat body, placing the electronic identification device in the cavity, inserting the at least one plug in the cavity, and fixing the at least one plug to the flat body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for exchanging of at least one item belonging to a plurality of comparable items. More specifically the invention relates to a system and method for exchanging fabric items such as institutional laundry, wherein the fabric items are received, identified, counted and immediately replaced.

Abstract: A token for use with a token operated device includes a plurality of predetermined optical characteristics. The plurality of predetermined optical characteristics are disposed in a substantially radially symmetrical manner with respect to the token, and each of the optical characteristics have the property of a facet wherein an effective surface normal of said facet is a line along a predetermined vector angle with an elevational angle ranging preferably between 30.degree. and 60.degree.. An azimuthal angle of the facet surface is other than substantially along a radial line of the token or substantially along a line tangent to an annular ring centered on the token such that a token operated device can validate the predetermined optical characteristics substantially independent of token orientation.

Abstract: A Wiegand token essentially is comprised of a disk-like token body that has two substantially flat surfaces, one of the flat surface including a groove, for example, a circular groove, therein, and a Wiegand wire is embedded within the groove of the token body. The Wiegand token may have multiple concentric grooves with a Wiegand wire embedded within each groove. In general, the Wiegand token is for use in a device having a read head that responds to a magnetic field change generated from a switch in state of the Wiegand wire as the token passes by the read head. When the token includes plural Wiegand wires therein, the read head responds separately to each magnetic field change generated from a switch in state of each Wiegand wire as the respective Wiegand wire passes by the read head. Moreover, the read head separately responds to magnetic field changes that are generated from a switch in state of two different segments of the Wiegand wire as the respective segment passes by the read head.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary coin mechanism in which the mechanism is provided with a boss which projects into the rotational path of the token. The boss allows rotation of the token carrier only if a token seated in the token receptacle is provided with a recess or groove complimentary to the boss and configured to approximate the rotational path of the token. In the preferred embodiment the groove has a first portion which is in line with the boss and a second portion which is offset from the first portion and connected thereto by a cam surface. As the token cycles past the boss, the boss passes from the first portion into the second portion of the groove and lifts the token within the token receptacle at the perimeter measuring point, so that only if the second portion of the groove is precisely positioned in the face of the token will the perimeter measuring device allow the token to pass.

Abstract: A secured token comprises a token body and an antenna coupled to an integrated circuit. The outer surface of the token body has a non-recessed metallic region, such as an outer metal ring, which is disposed such that a metallic sound is generated when the secured token strikingly engages a metal object. The antenna and the integrated circuit are substantially disposed within the token body. The secured token advantageously makes a jingling sound similar to that of coins when a payout is made to a player, and has mechanical strength for protecting an electronic circuit placed in the secured token.

Abstract: An automated balloon inflation device which has a supply of pressurized gas, a nozzle for receiving a balloon, and an actuator for sequentially closing a clamp on the balloon and the nozzle and subsequently supplying the pressurized gas to the balloon for the inflation thereof. Furthermore, a key-weight device may be employed for the dual purpose of controlling the supply of pressurized gas to the nozzle and to prevent the inadvertent loss of an inflated balloon which is secured to the key-weight. Additionally, the automated balloon inflation device is constructed so that any consumer may inflate a balloon with pressurized gas.

Abstract: An automated balloon inflation device which has a supply of pressurized gas, a nozzle for receiving a balloon, and an actuator for sequentially closing a clamp on the balloon and the nozzle and subsequently supplying the pressurized gas to the balloon for the inflation thereof. Furthermore, a key-weight device may be employed for the dual purpose of controlling the supply of pressurized gas to the nozzle and to prevent the inadvertent loss of an inflated balloon which is secured to the key-weight. Additionally, the automated balloon inflation device is constructed so that any consumer may inflate a balloon with pressurized gas. In another embodiment, the automated balloon inflation device employs a connection block with a series of conduits therein to interconnect the pressurized gas supply with the clamping mechanism and the nozzle. This embodiment employs a clamping mechanism which uses a piston attached to a gear wherein the gears rotate clamping jaws onto the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying information contained in deviations in the surface of an article, such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles, has a source for radiating the article to provide a reflection from the deviations. An observing device observes the deviations in the reflection characteristics. A computer algorithm identifies the deviations and determines whether they correlate to a known pattern of surface deviations. The deviations are in the form of a plurality of lines having a predetermined uniquely identifiable spacing, providing a pattern which may be easily detected by its reflection characteristics and compared to a known pattern of surface deviations. The plurality of lines may be arcs orientated relative to a point on the surface of the article to provide an origin for the arcs, thereby permitting the article to be rotated about its origin for easy location and measurement.

Abstract: The invention concerns a parking card to operate a barrier for pay parking. The card is in the form of a round, flat piece with a front and back, and a machine-readable data medium for storing and identifying information on the parking facility and the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a parking card which is intended for the charge-related actuation of a parking barrier and is in the form of a sheet-like plastic piece having a front side and rear side and having a machine-readable data carrier for storing car-park information and user information and, if appropriate, the entrance time and departure time. In order to provide a parking card which is easily constructed and can be handled with ease and permits the installation of an inexpensive parking service system, the invention provides that the plastic piece (1) is in the form of a round coin, on or in which there is mounted an identification and/or communication component (5) which operates in a contactless manner and comprises a chip and a data-transmission device which emits electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a coin checking device includes inserting a calibrating module into a coin passage. The coin passage contains at least one coin sensor for determining a coin's physical features. The calibrating module generates measuring signals which simulate an acceptable coin's presence. The measuring signals are received by the at least one coin sensor which in turn outputs sensor signals. The measuring signals and the sensor signals are used to calculate a calibration factor for the coin checking device.

Abstract: Deposit locks for transport carts are in use in which the coupling member of one cart is lockable in the deposit lock of the next cart, and the deposit lock has a locking mechanism which upon insertion of a deposit token into the locking mechanism locks the token while releasing the cart and releases the token upon recoupling of the cart. To prevent misuse of these deposit locks, the deposit token is provided with an additional positioning member which forms an operative connection between the deposit token and the locking mechanism necessary for the functioning of the lock.

Abstract: An interchip for implantation into a gaming chip or token provides a circular array of light-receiving faces arrayed about the circumference of the chip or token. Light received by one face is conducted to the remainder of the faces by a number of internal fingers which communicate light to and from a central portion. The number of fingers and, hence, faces is selected to reflect the value and, hence, authenticity of the chip or token. Racks of such chips may be scanned or illuminated to detect their value or authenticity.

Abstract: For sorting input coins by use of their paramagnetic properties, such as a paramagnetic coin, a ferromagnetic coin, and nonmagnetic coin, a device comprises an attracting magnet for attracting the ferromagetic coin by an attracting force of magnetic flux density between 700 and 800 gauss and to allow passage of the paramagnetic coin and the nonmagnetic coin. An incliend rail rolls coins to make coins fly out from a outlet end. A guide magets is disposed on the outlet end and guides the paramagentic coin but the nonmaganetic coin to a under side of the outlet end by attractive force of magnetic flux density between 4000 and 5000 gauss.

Abstract: A binocular vending apparatus for attachment to a structure, preferably a seat bottom, a seat back or a pedestal, is provided. The vending apparatus includes a pair of binoculars, a housing for removably retaining the pair of binoculars, and a mounting plate which is attachable to the structure, wherein the housing is mountable to the mounting plate when the mounting plate is attached to the structure. The vending apparatus preferably includes an elongated tether connected to the housing and also to the binoculars such that the binoculars are tethered to the housing. The vending apparatus preferably includes a binocular vending machine operated by magnetic tokens. The magnetic tokens have a magnetic code for actuating elements of the vending machine such that the vending machine will respond in a predetermined manner to the insertion of the vending token. Preferably, the vending token includes a plurality of magnetic regions having opposite magnetic pole orientations.

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: An electronically controlled dispensing machine for articles such as video cassettes has a plurality of individual lockable compartments. The compartments have transparent doors through which the articles can be identified. A customer presents a coded data storage token with a credit amount stored on it to the machine, and selects and removes one of more articles. The machine reduces the credit amount on the token accordingly. The articles can be returned to a vacant compartment in due course, and if the article is returned late, a further amount is deducted from the credit amount on the token. Sensors in each compartment ensure that the cassettes are inserted correctly by sensing an electrically conductive portion of the cassettes.

Abstract: A token and photo-detector circuitry in an electronic device used for supplying electrical power to an external appliance for an amount of time represented on the token. The token contains encoded information in a base numbering system in several regions of the token and this information is read by the circuitry to represent a time value whereby the circuit relays power to the appliance for an equivalent length of time. Several tokens may be deposited into the device in any orientation so as to accumulate time for use of the appliance. The device is programmable and can communicate with the user/operator with the appropriate hardware additions.

Abstract: This gift certificate has information recorded thereon for identifying a total face value vendible by the gift certificate and a predetermined base amount equal to or smaller than the total face value. The information recorded on a deposited gift certificate is read by a reading device. A validation device validates the total face value and the base amount of the deposited gift certificate in response to the read information. A vending permission judgement device prohibits, in reponse to an output of the validation device, at least vending of an article to which a vend price below the base amount has been assigned. By virtue of this arrangement, a purchaser of an article from a vending machine by using a gift certificate is not forced to make purchase of the entire total face value but has only to make purchase above the base amount in which case a change preferably is paid out.

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 absorbtion 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 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: A dual temperature beverage dispenser for providing a variety of beverages, both hot and cool from a small, high capacity, coin-activated unit. The dispenser includes a removable operating module which can be stored for safekeeping separate and apart from a water storage unit which becomes inoperative when the operating module is removed. The water storage unit includes a hot water heater including a tank and a storage tank for ambient water oriented above the hot water heater tank for gravity flow of ambient water to the hot water heater tank when required and for gravity flow to a discharge point in the operating module to enable ambient or cool water to be obtained without payment or beverage to be obtained from the dispenser by use of an appropriate coin or token.