Programmable Patents (Class 194/217)
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Patent number: 8583280Abstract: A method for using a vending machine nutritional information display system using standard inventory control system components. A vending machine nutritional information display system using standard inventory control system components. An apparatus for implementing a vending machine nutritional information display system using standard inventory control system components.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: VendScreen, Inc.Inventor: Paresh K. Patel
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Patent number: 8469173Abstract: There is provided a coin handling system including: a reception unit, a recognition unit, a storing unit having a plurality of cassettes configured to store the coin that has been recognized by the recognition unit, a coin guiding unit configured to guide to any of the cassettes the coin that has been recognized by the recognition unit, a storage unit for storing a plurality of storing patterns of the coin into the plurality of cassettes, a selecting unit for selecting a specific storing pattern among the plurality of storing patterns, and a control unit configured to control the coin guiding unit in such a manner that the coin that has been recognized by the recognition unit is stored in a corresponding cassette, in accordance with the selected storing pattern, when a specific storing pattern is selected among the plurality of storing patterns.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Inuki, Fumio Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 8430729Abstract: The present invention provides a coin handling machine the handling efficiency of which can be improved. On an operation unit 14, either a normal counting mode or a continuous counting mode is selected. Coins are counted by a count processing unit. A count abnormality in the count processing unit is detected by an abnormality detecting unit 68. In a case where a count abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit 68 during count processing, when the normal counting mode is selected, a coin count value is cleared and a quantity error is prevented. In the case where a count abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit 68 during count processing, when the continuous counting mode is selected, the coin count value is held, so that continuous processing is performed even if a count error occurs, so that the handling efficiency is improved.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Tasuku Nakamoto, Tomoyuki Kubo
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Publication number: 20120285793Abstract: A single space electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into an outer parking meter housing is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure supported by the inner housing and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism also includes a wireless communication subsystem supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system and an electronic meter control system controlling the electronic display and the wireless communications subsystem. The mechanism includes a memory device receiving port externally accessible through the inner housing and a read-write removable memory device physically accessible from outside of the inner housing and configured to be coupled to the memory device receiving port. The removable memory device including operation mode information that is read by the electronic meter control system to select an operation mode of the meter mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Gavin Jones, Steven Alan Jones, Matthew Hilario Anastacio
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Publication number: 20120285790Abstract: A parking system is provided. The parking system includes a computerized parking management system and at least one single-space parking meter configured to communicate parking data between the single-space parking meter and the parking management system via a wireless network. The system includes a mobile citation unit configured to communicate parking enforcement data between the mobile citation unit and the parking management system via the wireless network. The parking management system processes and stores parking data received from the single-space parking meters and processes and stores enforcement data from the mobile citation unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Gavin Jones, Balu Subramanya, Mike Nickolaus
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Publication number: 20120285792Abstract: A method of upgrading a single space meter that includes an existing meter mechanism located within an outer meter housing is provided. The method includes providing a new meter mechanism that includes wireless communications hardware configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system and a credit card mag-strip reader. The method includes removing a preexisting meter from an outer meter housing and inserting the upgraded mechanism into a preexisting internal space of the outer housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Gavin Jones, Balu Subramanya, Mike Nickolaus
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Publication number: 20120286036Abstract: An electronic parking meter mechanism is provided. The electronic meter mechanism includes an inner housing, an electronic display screen and a wireless communication subsystem configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system. The electronic meter mechanism includes a first processor configured to control the electronic display screen, and a second processor configured to control communication of data by the wireless communication subsystem.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Gavin Jones, Balu Subramanya, Mike Nickolaus
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Publication number: 20120285791Abstract: An electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into a parking meter assembly is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure located on the inner housing, a user input device located on the inner housing, and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism includes a front shelf and a front solar panel coupled to the upper surface of the front shelf. The mechanism may also include wireless communications hardware supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Gavin Jones, Balu Subramanya, Mike Nickolaus
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Patent number: 8267238Abstract: A banknote depositing machine has a receiving unit which takes in inserted banknotes, a stacking unit which stacks said banknotes, a transporting unit which transports the banknotes between said receiving unit and said stacking unit, a recognition unit which is provided in said transporting unit, and identifies and counts the banknotes, a storing unit which receives the banknotes from said stacking unit and stores the banknotes, and a controlling unit which, if said recognition unit has judged a banknote as abnormal, stops said transporting unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Sadaaki Uesaka, Teruo Sudo, Keishi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8261901Abstract: An acceptor-dispenser validator system for accepting bills, vouchers, scrip and/or currency into, and for distributing currency or a currency equivalent from, an electronic gaming machine or alternative type of customer service device is disclosed. The system includes a note acceptor-dispenser assembly to be mounted in or on the machine, the note acceptor-dispenser having a note validator to sense the authenticity, denomination, amount and type of the note passing there through and issue a signal corresponding to the note type to the acceptor-dispenser's processor and the host machine's processor for accumulation of credits. A note box is provided to receive deposited notes as is a note hopper to receive and dispense notes intended for payouts.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: JCM American CorporationInventor: Raymond Heidel
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Patent number: 8251198Abstract: A self-service change redemption machine (10) has an intake area (18) for receiving batches of mixed coinage and conveying the coins to a coin sorter (22) for sorting, counting and directing coins into a plurality of coin chutes (26). From there, the coins are routed to coin receptacles such as bags (60). Multiple bags are provided for certain denominations. To fill multiple bags for a given denomination, repositionable diverter mechanisms (30) are provided between the chutes (26) and pluralities of bags for the respective denominations. The bags are held by bag holders (34) which extend downward from a substantially rigid one-piece chassis (40), which also supports the diverter mechanisms (30). The machine (10) has buttons (80) responsive to inputs from a user to turn on the machine, to process coins that are input through the intake area (18) and to issue the voucher or other form of credit. Instructions for using the machine (10) and other information are displayed on a screen display (15).Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Talaris Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Zwieg, Thomas P. Adams, Jon R. Stieber, Myron W. Spoehr, Daniel J. Folger, Robert E. Gunst
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Publication number: 20120215726Abstract: Systems and methods for setting the prices of merchandise in vending machines are provided. According to some implementations, an electrical circuitry may be provided for vending merchandise. The electrical circuitry may comprise an actuator driver configured to control a dispensing mechanism associated with a vending unit for dispensing merchandise from the vending unit to a buyer. The electrical circuitry may also include an electronic price setting circuit configured to individually set the price for the merchandise of the vending unit. The electronic price setting device may include at least one manually adjustable component associated with each vending unit. A currency acceptor of the electrical circuitry is configured to accept currency from the buyer. An electronic control unit may be arranged in electrical communication with the actuator driver, electronic price setting circuit, and currency acceptor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2011Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: GENESIS MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventor: Ming Ip
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Patent number: 8127914Abstract: The change replenishment management system includes a coin roll storage (1), a coin change dispenser (3), and a POS register (5). A control unit (16) of the storage (1) detects the presence and the denomination of a coin roll in a storage section of each drawer (11, 12, 13) in accordance with an output signal generated from a detection system (18), and transmits the result of detection to the coin change dispenser (3). When loose coins obtained by unpacking removed coin rolls, which are removed from the storage (1), are introduced into an inlet (30), a control unit (36 or 50) of the change dispenser (3) or register (5) compares the denomination and the number of the loose coins, which are detected by identification unit (31), with the denomination and the number of the removed coin roll determined on the basis of the detection result transmitted from the storage (1), and judging the correspondence therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Ryuichi Tabata, Hiroshi Tone, Yoshiro Oie, Takahiro Washizu, Mikito Imai, Yumiko Imai, legal representative, Koichi Nishida, Tsutomu Iwata, Kazuyuki Shimizu
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Patent number: 8033375Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.Inventors: Michael Doran, Douglas A. Martin, Scott A. Dean, Jessaca Jacobson, Kim P. Hanson, Kerry Smith
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Patent number: 7992699Abstract: A cash recycling machine (10) has an input hopper (19) for feeding batches of mixed coinage to a coin sorter (21) for sorting, counting and directing coins into a plurality of bulk coin storage receptacles (31, 32, 33, 34). From there, the coins are fed into a plurality of smaller dispensing hoppers (46, 47, 48, 49) equipped with sensors (88) for counting the coinage as it is dispensed. A controller (80) is responsive to inputs from a user in a first operating cycle of the machine to cause the dispensing hoppers (46, 47, 48, 49) to dispense an amount of sorted coinage into one of several receptacles including a cash drawer (15) or coin bags (40). A controller (80) is responsive to inputs from a user in a second operating cycle of the machine to receive, sort and count a batch of coins that is loaded into the input hopper (19) and stored in the bulk coin storage receptacles (31, 32, 33, 34).Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Talaris Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Robert E. Gunst, Robert L. Zwieg, Robert F. Fredrick, Joseph P. Hanus, Jon R. Stieber
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Patent number: 7980378Abstract: A coin processing and redemption system includes a coin processing machine configured to receive a batch of coins in an input region and process the batch of coins to determine a value thereof. A dispensing device is provided and is configured to output a redemption ticket bearing a code. The coin processing machine is configured to associate the redemption ticket code with a coin processing transaction prior to the determination of a value of a batch of coins.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Cummins-Allison CorporationInventors: William J. Jones, Douglas U. Mennie, John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell
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Patent number: 7896149Abstract: The change replenishment management system includes a coin roll storage (1), a coin change dispenser (3), and a POS register (5). A control unit (16) of the storage (1) detects the presence and the denomination of a coin roll in a storage section of each drawer (11, 12, 13) in accordance with an output signal generated from a detection system (18), and transmits the result of detection to the coin change dispenser (3). When loose coins obtained by unpacking removed coin rolls, which are removed from the storage (1), are introduced into an inlet (30), a control unit (36 or 50) of the change dispenser (3) or register (5) compares the denomination and the number of the loose coins, which are detected by identification unit (31), with the denomination and the number of the removed coin roll determined on the basis of the detection result transmitted from the storage (1), and judging the correspondence therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Ryuichi Tabata, Hiroshi Tone, Yoshiro Oie, Takahiro Washizu, Mikito Imai, Yumiko Imai, legal representative, Koichi Nishida, Tsutomu Iwata, Kazuyuki Shimizu
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Patent number: 7870942Abstract: A coin-roll storage 1 comprises a storage body 1a and a coin-roll drawer 11 (12, 13) having a plurality of coin-roll storage portions 14 provided therein, each coin-roll storage portion 14 being adapted for storing one coin roll therein. Each coin-roll storage portion 14 of the coin-roll drawer 11 (12, 13) is adapted for storing therein the coin roll of any denomination. A determination unit 16 is adapted for determining the denomination of each coin roll by detecting an outer diameter, an axial length and material of the coin roll.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Mikito Imai, Yumiko Imai, legal representative, Hiroshi Tone, Ryuichi Tabata, Koichi Nishida, Kazuyuki Shimizu
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Patent number: 7789212Abstract: A change complement and control system according to the present invention comprises a coin-roll storage 1, a money handling machine 3 and a control unit 5. This system is adapted for calculating the number of coin rolls of each denomination newly stored in each coin-roll drawer 11, 12, 13, in a period of time after a first indication is sent and before a second indication is sent by an operator from user indication portions 50a, 50b of the control unit 5. An instruction portion 52 is adapted for providing an instruction, such that money equivalent to the newly stored coin rolls, among the money stored in a money storage portion (i.e., a coin storage portion 106 or banknote storage portion 206), is released from a money releasing portion (i.e., a coin disbursing slot 116 or banknote disbursing slot 216), when the second indication is sent.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiro Oie, Kazuyuki Shimizu, Hiroshi Tone, Takahiro Washizu, Ryuichi Tabata
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Publication number: 20100219039Abstract: A method of providing information to a user of a car wash is disclosed. The method includes receiving from a car wash one or more signals representing one or more payments. One or more signals are received from the car wash representing a value of one or more car wash functions purchased with the one or more payments. An indication is recorded of the value of the one or more car wash functions purchased with the one or more payments. The method also includes providing information that includes the indication of the value of the one or more car wash functions purchased with the one or more payments. Other illustrative embodiments pertain to a vending machine messaging device and a car wash.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Mark G. Ringdahl, Harry Dilling
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Patent number: 7757833Abstract: A currency processing apparatus, which includes a bill processing device for paying dispensing and depositing a bill, a coin processing device for paying dispensing and depositing a coin, and a stacked coin processing device for keeping a stacked coin, comprises inventory management means for administrating cash data of each of the devices, a memory for storing the cash data and remaining data, and controlling means for dispensing currencies deposited into the bill processing device and the coin processing device based on the remaining data stored in the memory and inventory amount in the coin-roll storing device.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiro Oie, Kazuyuki Shimizu, Hiroshi Tone, Takahiro Washizu, Ryuichi Tabata
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Publication number: 20100140349Abstract: A system for re-using a coin in an apparatus that requires the coin to operate the apparatus, the system including a currency insertion device, an activation device configured to activate the apparatus once currency provided to the currency insertion device has been validated, a holding bin configured to hold at least one coin, and a collection device configured to capture the at least one coin when activation ceases. A method and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Kern Jennison, Justin Jennison
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Publication number: 20100116619Abstract: A vertically arranged combination desktop currency denominating machine and currency dispenser comprising a currency denominating module adapted to receive a stack of currency bills to be denominated and to denominate the received currency bills, wherein a transport mechanism transports bills individually from an input receptacle adapted to receive the stack of currency bills to one or more output receptacles. The combination further comprising a dispenser retaining section adapted to store currency bills to be dispensed to the one or more output receptacles during a dispensing operation, the retaining section comprising one or more dispensing receptacles, each dispensing receptacle adapted to hold bills having a common denomination, wherein the dispenser retainer section is positioned above the currency denominating module.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: Cummins- Allison Corp.Inventor: JOHN E. JONES
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Publication number: 20100089108Abstract: Embodiments of a lock apparatus for securing an article, such as a cycle frame, and methods of use of a lock apparatus are presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Kane Dutt, Jeffrey S. Sunderman, Keith Wertz, Bruce Sanguinetti, Mike Johnson
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Patent number: 7637365Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventors: Mark G. Ringdahl, Harry Dilling
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Patent number: 7610215Abstract: Methods and devices provide mode switching in order to secure cash handling devices. A cash handling device allows a first selection to be input in order to request an exchange transaction. Currency may be inserted into the cash handling device. A display may prompt a user to identify one or more requested denominations of currency. A user may then identify one or more of the requested denominations for the exchange transaction. Elapsed time may be counted after prompting the user to identify denominations. If the elapsed time exceeds a timeout threshold, the transaction may be switched from an exchange transaction to a deposit transaction and the inserted currency may be credited as a deposit into an account. Otherwise, the exchange transaction may proceed and the currency may be provided in the requested denomination.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Bank of America CorporationInventors: Amy Baker Folk, William Thomas Sanders, Daniel Christopher Bohen
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Patent number: 7591361Abstract: A coin dispensing system comprises a drawer including a bottom wall connected to opposite sidewalls, and a plurality of spaced dividers between the opposite sidewalls defining a plurality of columns for supporting vertical tubes of currency. A plurality of dispensers, one for each column, are provided each for withdrawing tubes of currency from an associated column. A plurality of sensors, one for each column, are provided each for sensing quantity of tubes in the associated column. A control system is operatively associated with the sensors for determining quantity of currency in the drawer.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Corporate Safe Specialists, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. McGunn, James Ivey, III, Eduardo DeCastro Barcellos, Warren Bittencourt Oliveira
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Publication number: 20090229947Abstract: A paper currency handling apparatus capable of determining destination of each paper currency based on currency identification result before conveyance into a temporal storage if the order of paper currencies entered by user varies within the temporal storage. The apparatus has a conveyance path conveying paper currencies, an identification portion identifying each paper currency conveyed, a storage portion storing identification information indicating identification result of each paper currency identified by the identification portion, and a control portion controlling various portions. The identification portion reads unique information about each paper currency conveyed along the conveyance path. The storage portion stores the unique information about the currency read by the identification portion and the identification information about the currency identified by the identification portion by associating these information with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: Tomoyo Takai, Yuji Nagaya, Genta Ogawa, Tomoyasu Kato
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Publication number: 20090183966Abstract: A meter apparatus and method of operating a removable meter apparatus are described. The meter apparatus includes a tag associated with unique tag identification information and configured to be permanently affixed to a location housing at a unique physical location, and includes a removable meter unit configured to mate with the location housing and receive the tag identification from the tag and report the tag identification to a data manager configured to associate an identifier of the removable meter unit with the tag identification and unique physical location, and associate configuration information for the physical location with the removable meter unit and the tag identification. The unique physical location can comprise a single-space parking location.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: IPS Group, Inc.Inventors: David William King, Alexander Schwarz, Stephen John Hunter
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Publication number: 20090178897Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventor: Jens H. Molbak
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Publication number: 20090101723Abstract: A bill and coin processing system including a bill and coin processing apparatus having: an interface unit capable of exchanging information via a communication unit with the point-of-sales terminal machine; a money receiving unit receiving money by way of a price of a commercial product; a discriminating unit discriminating between at least denominations of the bills and coins received from the money receiving unit; a storing/discharging unit stored with the received bills and coins on the basis of a result of the discrimination made by the discriminating unit and capable of discharging the bills and coins by giving a discharge instruction to the bill and coin processing apparatus from the point-of-sales terminal machine; a money discharging unit discharging the bills and coins outside a machine, which have been discharged from the storing/discharging unit; and a control unit controlling the money discharging unit to discharge the bills and coins from the storing/discharging unit on the basis of a dischargeType: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Uehara, Takashi Ishimatsu, Kazuyuki Shimizu, Kazuhiro Doi, Koichi Nishida
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Patent number: 7523073Abstract: A method of charging for use of a facsimile apparatus, using an information processing unit provided therein, is disclosed that includes the steps of (a) the information processing unit obtaining the amount of facsimile transmission; (b) the information processing unit obtaining a transmission condition specified by a user; and (c) the information processing unit calculating a charge for the facsimile transmission using the amount of facsimile transmission and a charge corresponding to the transmission condition. The information processing unit stores data on the charge corresponding to the transmission condition for the facsimile transmission.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Takuji Nomura, Kenji Kuwana, Yoichi Utaka, Naoki Takashima, Akio Watanabe, Toshiyuki Tezuka
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Patent number: 7520375Abstract: The banknote handling device of the invention notifies both a customer and a clerk at a financial institution of the occurrence of a counterfeit problem in the course of a transaction. When banknotes received from a customer include any counterfeit banknote, the banknote handling device collects the counterfeit banknotes to be not returnable to the customer. This desirably forbids circulation of the counterfeit banknotes. The occurrence of the counterfeit problem is described in a transaction statement on conclusion of the transaction. The transaction statement includes a transaction date/time, customer information, transaction details, a message, and financial institution information. The transaction details show the total amount of money received from the customer, the amount of money accepted for the transaction, that is, the amount of banknotes excluding the counterfeits, and the breakdown of the banknotes accepted for the transaction. The message suggests the customer a step to be taken.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiko Ina, Minoru Kadowaki, Kunihisa Matsuura
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Publication number: 20090014277Abstract: According to the present invention, pieces of data of states of sensors and actuators in a bill discriminating and counting apparatus are stored in a ring memory at constant time intervals, among these stored data, both the data involved in an error are associated with the error events and stored in a non-volatile memory or a hard disk when the error is occurred in the bill discriminating and counting apparatus, and then the data is read from the non-volatile memory or hard disk to analyze the error. Specifically, digital port input and output information (states of sensors and actuators), analog sensor voltage, and analog motor current value are stored in a memory at constant time intervals since the power is turned on or the counting is started, and the stored port information and voltage are stored in the non-volatile memory or the like along with contents of abnormality when the abnormality is occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2004Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: Glory, Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Matsuura, Toshio Numata, Hajime Morino, Shinji Matsui
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Publication number: 20080309985Abstract: A fax machine includes a setting recorder, a communication device, a remainder calculator, a determination device, and a controller. The setting recorder holds setting information on a fax transmission job. The communication device performs the transmission job based on the held setting information. The remainder calculator calculates the number of sheets which can be faxed further for the transmission job by the fax machine. When the transmission job stops, the determination device determines, based on the calculated number of sheets, whether the job is completed. If the determination device determines, when the transmission job stops, that the transmission job is completed, the controller clears the setting recorder. If the determination device determines, when the transmission job stops, that the transmission job is not completed, the controller does not clear the setting recorder.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Yuki SHIBAYAMA
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Patent number: 7464802Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.Inventors: Dan Gerrity, Aaron Finch, Chris Ferguson, Scott Scherer, Rick Riday, Larry D. Cannon
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Patent number: 7463167Abstract: An electronic parking control device for displaying a parking time of vehicles should be easy to operate. This is achieved by a mobile electronic display device (10) which can be positioned in the vehicle and which is configured chargeable my means of a charging device (11) by electronic signals which correspond to parking time units.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Inventors: Agenor Krygler, Alicja Krygler
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Publication number: 20080202889Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for improving the establishment and management of vending machine subscriptions, including systems and methods for constructing, communicating, and registering subscriptions, as well as various methods for processing the redemption of vending machine subscription items. Several additional embodiments are disclosed, including various alternate methods of promoting longitudinal machine-customer relationships.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2004Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: WALKER DIGITAL, LLCInventors: Paul T. Breitenbach, Sih Y. Lee, Paul D. Signorelli, Daniel E. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Robert C. Tedesco
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Patent number: 7393134Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Inventor: Frederick L. Mitschele
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Publication number: 20080125906Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a method, system and article of manufacture for operating vending machines. In general, a plurality of vending machines are nodes of a network. Each node is configured to send, receive and process signals carrying inventory, pricing, reservation and/or refund information. In particular, a first signal is sent to one or more nodes requesting inventory/price information from other nodes. Those nodes carrying the product may reply with a second signal. In this manner, the location of vending machines carrying one or more items specified by a customer may be determined. In another embodiment, vending machine items may be reserved from a remote location. In still another embodiment, vending machines may be configured to provide refunds under controlled conditions. A consumer may request a refund in cases where the consumer was improperly charged for goods are services that were not provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2008Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Cary Lee Bates, Mahdad Majd, John Matthew Santosuosso
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Publication number: 20080067032Abstract: Vending machine system with a vending machine which comprises an interface for a communication with a coin validator/money changer and a counterfeit money detector/recycler, a communication interface being provided between the money changer and the recycler and an audit unit being provided in the vending machine with a communication interface for reading data of the vending machine, characterised in that a second audit unit is provided which is connected to the communication interface of the first audit unit, the second audit unit is connected to the connection of the money changer and the recycler as well as a communication interface for reading data from the vending machine, money changer and counterfeit money detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: National Rejectors, Inc. GmbHInventors: Thorsten Schneider, Horst Buschmann
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Patent number: 7213697Abstract: A coin discrimination apparatus and method is provided. Coins, preferably after cleaning, e.g. using a trommel, are singulated by a coin pickup assembly configured to reduce jamming. A coin rail assists in providing separation between coins as they travel past a sensor. The sensor provides an oscillating electromagnetic field generated on a single sensing core. The oscillating electromagnetic field is composed of one or more frequency components. The electromagnetic field interacts with a coin, and these interactions are monitored and used to classify the coin according to its physical properties. All frequency components of the magnetic field are phase-locked to a common reference frequency. The phase relationships between the various frequencies are fixed, and the interaction of each frequency component with the coin can be accurately determined without the need for complicated electrical filters.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Alan Martin, Mark Louis Waechter, Rodrigo Berho, John Partlow
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Patent number: 7113929Abstract: The present invention allows verification of a voucher or token prior to redemption. The voucher or token has a code associated therewith so that a value of the voucher or token may be stored in a database. Later when the voucher or token is presented to a cashier for redemption, the code is submitted to the database in order to retrieve the value associated with that voucher or token. In this way, the voucher or token is verified before redemption. In one embodiment, a verification system includes a voucher or token database, a recognition subsystem and two transceivers. The database knows the code and value associated with the voucher or token. A recognition subsystem reads the code from the voucher or token. The transceivers couple together the database and the recognition subsystem in such a way that the a query can be made by the recognition system to determine the value associated with the code or otherwise verify the validity of the voucher or token.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.Inventors: Kirk Beach, Christopher A. Pesch
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Patent number: 7036651Abstract: A method and system for processing currency bills and coins in a cash receptacle for automatically determining a batch of currency. An operator provides an amount of cash, including currency bills and coins, and indicates a target amount of cash desired to be made available in a currency batch. The system includes a resident memory for storing a mode of operation, determines a total amount of the cash, and determines a cash removal amount by comparing the total amount of the cash to the target amount. The cash removal amount is displayed to the operator for adding or removing cash to obtain the appropriate currency batch, which corresponds to the target amount.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: Flavia Tam, Mark C. Munro, Timothy L. Esterbrook, David O. Noke, John R. Blake
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Patent number: 7029167Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Inventor: Frederick L. Mitschele
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Patent number: 7014554Abstract: A coin mechanism has one or more coin tubes for storing, respectively, coins of one or more denominations, a dispenser for controlling the dispensing of coins from the coin tubes, and a coin mechanism controller suitable for connection to a controller in an automatic transaction system so as to receive change dispense signals from the automatic transaction system controller indicating the form of dispensing change to a customer. The coin mechanism controller, when connected to the automatic transaction system controller, serves as an interface between the automatic transaction system controller and the dispenser, and is programmed to re-determine the form of paying out the change, for example, by taking into account the distribution and denominations of the coins in the coin tubes. The arrangement of coin tubes in a coin tube cassette for use with the coin mechanism can be identified by entering a code on a keypad associated with the coin mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Paul R. Fletcher, Craig A. Lewis, Gregory J. Billington
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Patent number: 6994202Abstract: A vending machine provides a warning indication that insufficient change may be available if the total amount of available change is less than the value of the highest-denomination monetary unit which is not refundable. An insufficient change indication is also provided in response to inserting a coin or instructing a vending operation which would result in the amount of refundable change being less than the correct amount by a value which is greater than a predetermined, alterable overpay amount.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Gregory John Billington, Andrew Simon Pope, Christian Jon Fleuty
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Patent number: 6913131Abstract: A cash handling machine, such as a vending machine, includes various components, such as cash store, that are located within the housing. The machine is operable in a normal mode, in which a credit value is accumulated in response to cash received, and a float mode in which cash received is directed to the cash store without giving credit to the user. The machine can be switched between the normal mode and the float mode in response to an operation by a person, wherein the operation can be performed by the person without the person having access to internal components of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventor: Paul Robert Fletcher
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Patent number: 6896118Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a coin redemption system, in which a user deposits a batch of mixed coins of a plurality of denominations, comprises a coin input area for receiving a batch of mixed coins from a user of the coin redemption system, a coin processing unit coupled to the coin input area for determining the aggregate value of the coins received from the user, a controller for assigning a transaction number corresponding to the batch of received coins, a first printer for printing a receipt indicative of the determined value and the assigned transaction number, an output device disposed in a redemption area for displaying the assigned transaction number and the determined value.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: William J. Jones, Douglas U. Mennie, Jeffrey G. Knoll
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Patent number: RE44252Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a coin redemption system, in which a user deposits a batch of mixed coins of a plurality of denominations, comprises a coin input area for receiving a batch of mixed coins from a user of the coin redemption system, a coin processing unit coupled to the coin input area for determining the aggregate value of the coins received from the user, a controller for assigning a transaction number corresponding to the batch of received coins, a first printer for printing a receipt indicative of the determined value and the assigned transaction number, an output device disposed in a redemption area for displaying the assigned transaction number and the determined value.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: William J. Jones, Douglas U. Mennie, Jeffrey G. Knoll