Abstract: A snack dispenser consists of a series of tiers stacked to resemble a wedding cake. Each tier includes a trough divided into slots. A snack may be placed into each slot. The front of each slot is transparent. The troughs or trays are mounted on a rotatable carousel. The carousel is covered with a backshell and a transparent front shell. The front shell has transparent doors therein. By inserting a proper amount of money and aligning the carousel so that the desired snack is beneath a door; the door may be opened and the customer may withdraw his snack from that slot. The opening of the door blocks the rotation of the carousel, blocks the opening of the remaining doors, and also resets or cancels the credit of the coins inserted. When the single door is closed again, all doors will be blocked so that a person can not again open a door until proper coins are inserted. To service the dispenser the front shell is removed. A segment of all tiers is removed.

Abstract: A coin identification apparatus includes a pair of series connected coils driven by an oscillator. Frequency and/or amplitude characteristics of the oscillator output generated by the passage of a distinct token between the pair of coils are compared with prestored characteristics of acceptable tokens. A processor, upon detecting a match between the detected and pre-stored frequency and amplitude characteristics, activates a motor to rotate a coin receptacle to a coin return position discharging the token to the user, simultaneously causes a door latch pin to separate from a door latch allowing opening of the door to permit access to the interior of the enclosure in which the coin identification apparatus is mounted and selects a new total vend value from memory associated with a detected token.

Abstract: A system and method are shown for providing accounting for the collection of monies in a plurality of independently operated transaction stations. Each transaction station is provided with a uniquely identifiable secure cashbox or vault in which to store monies received in a transaction. The transaction stations include electronics sufficient to validate, verify, and tally received monies. The transaction stations record information with respect to the received monies as well as the identification of the cashbox into which it is stored. The transaction stations are probed upon removal of the cashbox in order to download the recorded information into a control system. The removed cashboxes securely contain the received monies until opened in a secure environment for emptying. When emptied, the money contents are independently verified and matched with the unique identification of the cashbox from which it came.

Abstract: A clip or protrusion which is built into the mechanism of a parking meter allows the mechanism to be attached outside the meter housing in an upright position so that it can be evaluated and simple repairs can be performed quickly without dropping the mechanism onto the pavement. By designing the clip with tapered notches, the mechanism can be attached to various thicknesses or styles of meter housings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for registering a subscription to purchase a plurality of items dispensed by a vending machine. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus are disclosed for dispensing an item by a vending machine in response to a request to redeem at least a portion of a registered subscription.

Abstract: A programmable multiple coin tube changer for accepting and storing coins of different denomination comprises a plurality of coin tubes with each coin tube for storing one coin denomination and each coin tube being removable from the changer in order to reconfigure the coin tubes, circuitry for initiating a payout configuration mode whenever the coin tubes are reconfigured from an initial configuration to a subsequent configuration, circuitry for selecting which one of the coin tubes are to store a particular coin, a mechanism for routing a particular coin to the coin tube which has been selected for storing that particular coin, and a memory for storing information corresponding to the coin tube which has been selected for storing that particular coin. The programmable multiple coin tube changer also has the capability of accepting one or more coins which were previously rejected by the changer and rejecting one or more coins which were previously accepted by the changer.

Abstract: A cash management system that tracks bills received at at least one business establishment by cashier, by amount and by time while securing those bills immediately within a drop safe upon receipt from the customer in preparation for pickup by a courier service.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing coins in a host machine including a coin validator, a switch and a processor. Coin validation and coin credit to a host machine are effectuated by generating an opto-emulation sequence. The occurrence of coins being stolen is minimized by an application of a temporary inhibit signal when the system determines that parity between the number of valid advance credit signals and a predetermined maximum setting is reached.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of determining a combination of coins to be dispensed as change comprises determining a plurality of different possible combinations and selecting the most favorable one. For combinations which in sum are equal to the same amount, the most favorable combination is the one determined to leave the greatest number of coins available for change according to a predetermined criterion which takes into account the number of currently-available coins of at least one denomination. If two combinations are evaluated to be the same so far as change availability is concerned, the combination which comprises the least number of coins is selected.

Abstract: A public telephone that has the ability to return change to a user is described. A coin changer that is advantageously sized to fit within the space available in a public telephone built to BellCore standards advantageously replaces the coin collect/reject equipment located after a "coin-discrimination" portion of conventional coin mechanisms found in such telephones. Existing public telephones may be readily retrofitted with the present coin changer. A three-position "trigate" is advantageously used to direct a coin to a return chute, or to one of two mechanical coin sorters within the coin changer. In one embodiment, each sorter is operable to sort three different coin denominations. Escrow capacity is included to temporarily store sorted coins. The sorters/escrow are advantageously readily-removable so that a first sorter may be removed and another inserted to provide sorting and escrow for other coins from other coin sets, including those from other countries.

Abstract: A system and method for providing automatic validation of fares collected is disclosed. An automatic validating farebox, being adapted for mobile use, such as in the cabin of a bus, and to provide convenient access to both patrons and an operator, includes validation mechanisms and circuitry to accept patron payment in both coin and note. All tendered payment is automatically validated as to acceptable tender as well as its value being electronically registered. Accordingly, the operator is freed from validating payment of a fare and may simply confirm that the registered value is the proper amount for the type of fare purchased. The automatic validating farebox also includes mechanisms adapted both to store accepted currency in an efficient manner as well as to present the collected currency in a manner readily acceptable for handling and counting.

Abstract: A funds discrimination and sorting system comprises an acceptor for accepting mixed currency from a customer. A sorter and discriminator sorts and discriminates the funds by denomination, the sorter and discriminator are coupled to the acceptor. An interface is coupled to the sorter and discriminator for accepting instructions from a customer, the instructions causing the actuation of the system; and an attendant control panel allows an attendant to operate the system in a plurality of modes, the attendant control panel is positioned opposite and is inaccessible from said customer interface.

Abstract: Present invention is a coin operable computer, having compiler memory compiled in both soft and hardware programs, with all supporting elements, an interfaced handshaking memory storage unit and modem card, arranged to run a sequential logic order of operations, in selectively dispensing a variety of products, from a coin operable vending machine after currency protocols have been satisfied, fetch data transactions, store to memory, and when called by a personal computer, transmit the stored data to owners personal computers or other peripheral operated devices, the present computer controlled vending machine provides owners a means of utilizing the art of computer science and modem technology to enhance monetary controls, and enhance profits, while providing consumers a variety of options in purchasing a product utilizing vending machines, as present computerized vending machine incorporates a multiple network of coin accepting units and a plurality of change back return paths, deleting the problem of one co

Abstract: A vending mechanism for a vending machine, including the steps of: if a user first selects an article by using an article selection panel after putting money into the vending machine, dispensing the user with the selected article; and if the user selects another article second by using the srticle selection panel and the remainder of the input money is more than the price of the second-selected article while supplying him or her with the first-selected article, dispensing him or her with the second-selected aritcle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a store level marketing system and a unique printer to be used in the system. The store level marketing system includes an activation device for initiating use of the system and for providing the system with information about the consumer using it, a network interface or computer for selecting a series of offers/discounts to be printed on a piece of paper, and a printer for printing a paper document containing the selected offers/discounts. The system further includes a checkout station which communicates with the network interface or the computer to provide it with information about the purchases made by the consumer. In a preferred embodiment, the printer is a thermal printer provided with a mechanism for substantially eliminating any curl in the paper being fed into the printer. The curl eliminating mechanism includes a tube which is pressed against the paper to impart a reverse curl to the paper which is opposite to the natural curl of the paper.

Abstract: An electronic coin validator for connection to a payphone chassis that is capable of accepting coins of value greater than twenty-five cents is described. The coin validator includes a housing, a coin passageway, at least one coin sensor, a microprocessor and a memory. The microprocessor processes signals from the sensor to denominate and validate high value coins, accesses a high value coin credit signal packet corresponding to the denomination of the coin, and outputs the credit signal packet to the payphone chassis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for registering a subscription to purchase a plurality of items dispensed by a vending machine. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus are disclosed for dispensing an item by a vending machine in response to a request to redeem at least a portion of a registered subscription. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus are disclosed for dispensing an item by a vending machine based on an estimated availability determined through an analysis of stored subscription data.

Abstract: A drop safe for receiving and temporarily storing currency or other valuables from a cash register or point-of-sale terminal. The drop safe uses bill acceptors to transfer cash into sealed cassettes within the safe. An envelope drop assembly allows transferring into the safe currency or non-cash items not accepted by the acceptor. The drop safe door has a door control assembly including a gas spring to counterbalance the weight of the door for controlled movement during opening. The door is locked by a pair of door bolts linked to a lock cam, which is secured by a dead bolt against movement. An electronic control unlocks the dead bolt in response to entry of correct numbers, allowing a rotary dial of the outside of the safe to move the lock cam and release the door bolts. The drop safe includes a processor programmed to control the unlocking operation and to maintain and produce various reports of deposits into the safe, enabling easy correlation of those deposits with business-day operation of the drop safe.

Abstract: An electronic module for enhancing an operation of a conventional parking meter. The electronic module comprises a shell defining a hollow conformation and being attachable to a conventional parking meter, in substitution to an upper housing portion of that conventional parking meter. The electronic module has a meter condition sensor for detecting from a distant point one of the time expiry indicator and the violative condition indicator of that parking meter, when the indicator is in an indicating mode, and a vehicle sensor affixed to the shell for detecting from a distant point, a parked vehicle. The electronic module further has: an electronic circuitry mounted inside the shell and having a power source for operating the module; means for receiving a first signal from the meter condition sensor and a second signal from the vehicle sensor; means for processing the first and second signals and means for transmitting a coded message to a remote receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weighing apparatus for weighing coins accumulated in a coin hopper using a load cell and automatically taking periodic readings of the number of coins accumulated in the hopper. By periodically monitoring the hopper and automatically calculating the number of coins in the hopper, preventive fills and automatic inventorying can be effected. Knowing the coin count and being able to transmit coin counts to a central location allows for central accounting. Monitoring the coin count locally or centrally allows for "preemptive fills" where a hopper running low on coins is filled during periods of inactivity prior to the hopper being completely empty. The number of coins in the hopper at any given time is determined from the combined weight of the hopper and the coins accumulated in the hopper.

Abstract: A voucher cash-out system (20) includes a service terminal (22) for producing a voucher (58) in response to a received service request (50). A processor (24) in communication with the service terminal (22), manages a cash disbursement relative to a cash worth (62) of the voucher (58). An automated cash disbursement machine (28), in communication with the processor (24), is configured to perform the cash disbursement in response to validation of the voucher (58) by the processor (24).

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors a plurality of remote product dispensers. Vends are detected indicating that products have been dispensed from the dispenser during a given time period. Vend data indicative of the products dispensed is stored. The vend data is communicated to a base unit and a base unit provides a display indicative of products dispensed and a service schedule based on the vend data received.

Abstract: A time displaying apparatus and method for an automatic vending machine is able to display current time and operation state so that user can conveniently use the vending machine. A time displaying apparatus for an automatic vending machine has a timer for counting a current time. A control part generate a control signals to display a current time counted by the timer when coins are not inserted in the mechanism after having checked the state of coins inserted, to display the amount of coins detected by the coin detecting mechanism when the coins are inserted. A display part displays selectively the current time or the amount of coins according to the control signal of the control part.

Abstract: The present invention uses promotional coins to encourage use of a coin counter. The promotional coins are minted in such a way that an unaided human is not likely to distinguish a first prize coin from other promotional coins, e.g., because all promotional coins have substantially identical size, weight and appearance. Due to the apparent similarity between the various promotional coins, the participant is required to use a coin counter to distinguish prize coins from other promotional coins. In one embodiment, the promotion is implemented using a coin counter. Promotional coins are distributed to potential customers who are thereby enticed into using the coin counter as desired. The coin counter accepts and discriminates among government-minted coins of multiple denominations, various promotional coins and unknown debris.

Abstract: An electronic module for enhancing an operation of a conventional parking meter. The electronic module comprises a shell defining a hollow conformation and being attachable to a conventional parking meter, in substitution to an upper housing portion of that conventional parking meter. The electronic module has a meter condition sensor for detecting from a distant point one of the time expiry indicator and the violative condition indicator of that parking meter, when the indicator is in an indicating mode, and a vehicle sensor affixed to the shell for detecting from a distant point, a parked vehicle. The electronic module further has: an electronic circuitry mounted inside the shell and having a power source for operating the module; means for receiving a first signal from the meter condition sensor and a second signal from the vehicle sensor; means for processing the first and second signals and means for transmitting a coded message to a remote receiver.

Abstract: A programmable size and price setting mechanism for use in a vending machine has a plurality of .eta. access doors aligned horizontally across a front of the vending machine, each of which access doors has a locked condition denying access therethrough and an unlocked condition allowing access therethrough, and each of which is selectably activatable between the locked and unlocked condition. There are a plurality of horizontal shelves each of which has a plurality of partitionable areas corresponding in size to a corresponding one of the .eta. access doors, such that each shelf is selectably partitionable into a plurality of up to .eta. product holding areas. A conveyor mechanism is provided for selectably moving each horizontal shelf into a vending position adjacent to the access doors so that each one of the .eta. partitionable areas is adjacent to a corresponding one the .eta. access doors. A sensor detects when one of the plurality of shelves is positioned adjacent to the plurality of .eta. access doors.

Abstract: An escrow vending machine has a secure, locking cabinet; a dispenser for cards or other merchandise; a bill acceptor, coin acceptor or similar cash acceptor; and a controller board within the cabinet and connected to the dispenser and to the cash acceptor. The dispenser contains a supply of prepaid telephone cards or other merchandise, and dispenses them one at a time in response to a control signal. The cash acceptor accepts and registers units of cash, e.g., dollars, and generates a pulse or other signal for each unit accepted. The controller board has an input that receives the cash signal from the cash acceptor and an output supplying the control signal to the dispenser. An escrow counter or register accumulates an escrow count of the pulses or cash signals. This enables the controller board to supply the control signal when the count in the escrow register equals or exceeds a preset number that represents a price or value.

Abstract: A phone card vending machine has a secure, locking cabinet; a card dispenser; a bill acceptor or similar cash acceptor; a printer for printing slip receipts containing an activated PIN; and a controller board within the cabinet and connected to the dispenser, printer, and cash acceptor. The card dispenser contains a supply of zero-value telephone cards. The controller board has a PIN memory that stores PIN numbers for each of several amounts of long distance calling time. The customer purchases a card by inserting paper currency or coins, and making a selection from a keypad on the cabinet. The customer can select from eight (or more) different values, and then presses a select button to dispense the card. At the time the card is dispensed, the printer also prints and dispenses a paper receipt that shows the purchase price, including any relevant taxes, the amount of long distance service time purchased, and the PIN number.

Abstract: A point-of-sale drop safe and change making mechanism employs a cash drop drawer that is movable between open and closed positions and receives money, when the cash drop drawer is open. When the cash drop drawer is closed the cash drops into receptacle in drop safe. A currency acceptor accepts and registers paper currency bills and a money dispensing mechanism in the cabinet dispenses coins in a plurality of denominations into receptacle or tray located on the exterior of the cabinet. A money selection arrangement includes a plurality of user-actuable coin select keys or switches that are disposed on the exterior of the cabinet. The keys correspond respectively to coin denominations, e.g., key #1 dispenses dollar coins, key #2 dispenses quarters, etc. A controller board coupled to the currency acceptor, the money select mechanism, and the money dispensing mechanism obtains and stores an escrow amount or money credit amount when paper currency is inserted into the currency acceptor.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a slot machine eliminating operation of a start lever and specification of the number of medals to be bet. The number of medals to be bet is specified with a number-of-medals setting switch, which holds the setup state until it is next operated. If the number of medals input through a medal slot is equal to or greater than the number of medals set with the number-of-medals setting switch, a control section automatically starts a change display section for executing game play. Players can concentrate more on playing a game. On the other hand, for gaming houses, the operating efficiency of the slot machine also improves, resulting in an increase in sales.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter operating system comprising a microprocessor mounted within a meter housing, a semiconductor disc memory having at least 8K memory bytes, and a plurality of programs stored in the disc memory. A meter event such as the deposit of a coin will cause interrogation of an auxiliary program module map to determine if one of the plurality of programs should be used to substitute for or augment a program which is provided in the microprocessor to normally carry out meter functions. If substitution or augmentation is called for, an address table in the memory disc is used to locate the selected program, to load it into the microprocessor, and to execute the program.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A distributed processing unit which permits easy modification of set data that has been written in a memory (19) of a coin mechanism (1) which constitutes a processor without the use of special terminals. When set data settings stored in the memory (19) of the coin mechanism (1) are to be modified, the coin mechanism (1) is disconnected from a signal line (8) from an automatic vending machine controller (2) at a connector (9), and a computer (50) is connected to the connector (9). In this state, the program routine of a CPU (11) in the coin mechanism (1) is modified by special instructions transmitted from the computer (50), thus permitting the contents of the memory (19) of the coin mechanism (1) to be read out by the computer (50) and the set data in the memory (19) to be rewritten by operation of the CPU (11).

Abstract: A distributed processing unit which permits easy modification of set data that has been written in a memory (19) of a coin selector (1-1) which constitutes a processor. A computer (50) is connected to a connection line that connects the memory (19) and a CPU (11) of the coin selector (1-1), and to a mode terminal of the CPU (11), signals applied to the mode terminal of the CPU (11) prohibit access to the memory (19) by the CPU (11) and enable direct access to the memory (19) by the computer (50) so that the set data in the memory (19) can be overwritten under the control of the computer (50).

Abstract: A token operable electronic parking meter 10 is disclosed and claimed. The meter comprises a first power source 18 and a controller 16 for controlling electronic circuity 20, 22 of the parking meter. An interface circuit 14 is connected to the first power source 18 for controlling provision of power from the first power source to the controller. In use, the controller is normally not connected to a power source, but is connectable to the first power source 18 via a first switch S.sub.1 which is controllable by the interface circuit 14. The meter 10 further comprises an independently powered timer 38 generating a signal when the controller 18 requires power. The interface circuit 14 is sensitive to a signal from the timer 38 and is arranged to close the first switch S.sub.1 in response to the signal, thereby to connect the controller 16 to the first power source 18, to energize the controller in response to the input signal from the timer.

Abstract: An electronic module for enhancing an operation of a conventional parking meter. The electronic module comprises a shell defining a hollow conformation and being attachable to a conventional parking meter, in substitution to an upper housing portion of that conventional parking meter. The electronic module has a meter condition sensor for detecting from a distant point one of the time expiry indicator and the violative condition indicator of that parking meter, when the indicator is in an indicating mode, and a vehicle sensor affixed to the shell for detecting from a distant point, a parked vehicle. The electronic module further has: an electronic circuitry mounted inside the shell and having a power source for operating the module; means for receiving a first signal from the meter condition sensor and a second signal from the vehicle sensor; means for processing the first and second signals and means for transmitting a coded message to a remote receiver.

Abstract: A coin mech controller (70), when receiving a coin payment set command from a main controller (10), judges the presence or absence of a coin within an acceptor (100). In the absence of a coin within the acceptor (100), the coin mech controller (70) controls to immediately pay out coins corresponding to a coin payment amount calculated by the main controller (10). In the presence of a coin within the acceptor (100), the coin mech controller (70) controls to pay out coins corresponding to the coin payment amount calculated by the main controller (10) after the coin within the acceptor (100) has passed through.

Abstract: This invention provides a networked computerized parking system of networked computerized parking meters that are connected via a number of electric-transferring cables to a local power source and via a number of fiber optic network connections to one another and to a central database computer.

Abstract: A dispensing machine payment acceptance apparatus for dispensing products or services from a dispensing machine upon user request and payment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a data card scanner apparatus for acquiring payment and other information. It also comprises an electrical signals interface between the scanner and the dispensing machine to indicate proper payment has been made. Cash payment, such as coins and paper bills, may also be accepted and apparatus is disclosed in the dispensing machine payment acceptance apparatus for generating electrical signals indicative of an amount of cash accepted. The invention discloses a card swallowing feature which enable the scanner to retain the card when the data card is defective or has other predetermined characteristics. In some embodiments the scanner has a geometrical form factor substantially similar to a standard bill validator apparatus.

Abstract: A low-powered electronic parking meter which can be powered solely by non-rechargeable, commercially available batteries. The meter includes a coin receptor with unique means for coin detection, slug detection, determination of coin denomination, and jam detection, which require very little power. The coin detection and denomination determination are performed using pivotable lever arms in contact with Piezo strips. The slug detection uses a permanent magnet mounted opposite a reed switch and the jam detection is performed by IR diode emitters and photocells. The meter also includes processing means, a liquid crystal display, a sonar transducer or alternatively an RF transmitter and receiver (RADAR) for detecting the presence of vehicles, and an IR transceiver enabling parking authority personnel to communicate with the meter.

Abstract: Money items are validated by determining whether n measured properties lie within an n-dimensional ellipse associated with a particular money item. The center of the ellipse lies on the statistical mean of the property measurements for that particular item, and each axis is related to the standard deviation for a respective property measurement.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A low power parking meter to control two or four parking bays. A display, either by a flag-wheel or a digital display will normally indicate the status of each bay. When funds are deposited without indicating the bay to be credited, the meter will escrow the amount until a bay is chosen. The meter normally operates in an idle loop unless an individual bay is being checked or vended.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling change payout from a plurality of coin tubes of a vending machine, each of which plurality of coin tubes has a particular coin type stored therein, including a processor for processing data and controlling vend operations, and coin level sensors for indicating the level of coins stored in each of the plurality of coin tubes, the processor programmed to determine the amount of change payback and whether one or more predetermined conditions are satisfied, including whether a first payout routine has been disabled, and if the first payout routine has been disabled, to execute a global payout routine which includes steps to effect an attempt to payout one coin only from a full coin tube, and steps to effect, if a coin is not paid out from a full coin tube, an attempt to payout one coin from a coin tube storing a coin denomination which cannot be evenly divided into the next highest coin denomination stored in one of the plurality of coin tubes.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling change payout from a plurality of coin tubes of a vending machine, each of which plurality of coin tubes has a particular coin type stored therein, including a processor for processing data and controlling vend operations and counters for maintaining a count of the coins in each of the plurality of coin tubes, the processor programmed to determine the amount of change payback and whether a particular coin type available for payout is desired to be saved and the identity of such coin type, and further programmed to generate a payout array in which the number of coins of the coin type desired to be saved has been reduced from the number that would otherwise be specified and the number of coins of other coin types are adjusted accordingly.

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 case where a succeeding coin has arrived at a coin discriminator (110) before a preceding coin passed through the coin discriminator (110) arrives at a disposition position of a true/false coin distributor (120), the true/false coin distributor (120) is shifted to a false coin side to distribute both of the preceding and succeeding coins to the false coin side. When the preceding coin passed through the coin discriminator (110) is true one and if the succeeding coin has already arrived at the coin discriminator (110) immediately after passage of the preceding coin through the true/false coin distributor (120), the true/false coin distributor (120) is shifted to the false coin side to distribute only the succeeding coin to the false coin side.

Abstract: A parking meter system comprising a low-current drain electronic parking meter and a mobile transceiver. The parking meter includes a housing including a slot for the introduction of at least one coin in the interior of the housing. Within that interior are coin detectors for providing electrical signals indicative of the presence of an inserted coin and its denomination, a slug detector, and a coin jam detector. Also within the housing is a sonar transducer for detecting the presence of a vehicle in an adjacent parking space and an infra red transceiver for communicating with the mobile transceiver. A microprocessor and an associated liquid crystal display are also provided with the meter's housing. The microprocessor responds to electrical signals provided by the various detectors to produce data which is displayable on the display and transmittable by the IR transceiver to the mobile transceiver. A touch button system is provided as an alternative to the introduction of coins into the meter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control the selective opening of one of a multiple of door accessible newspaper vending cabinets (6a-6e) through a single vend control mechanism (7). The method provides for signaling a selected door from a multiple of doors (18a-18e) to unlock when the proper total denomination of coins or monetary credits has been inserted into the vend control mechanism (7). The apparatus provides for an electronic coin totalizer (14) and/or a bill acceptor (16), and/or a debit/credit card acceptor (17), and a central processing unit (CPU) (10) to receive and process signals relating to total monies received into the vend control mechanism (7) and to selectively unlock one of a multiple of door-accessible cabinets (6a-6e), the cabinets containing different newspapers.