Abstract: A method and apparatus for accepting coins of denominations that have and do not have coin tubes for making change in a coin mechanism is described. One aspect of the invention concerns a method for calculating an overpay amount. The overpay amount is set to equal the value of the lowest value coin with a tube minus the value of the lowest value non-tubed coin. Thus, when the lowest value coin tube is empty a vending machine customer will be permitted to insert low value, non-tubed coins up to the overpay value to increase the likelihood of enabling a vend of an item to take place. Another aspect of the invention relates to the acceptance of high-valued, non-tubed coins. The high-value non-tubed coins are acceptable if adequate change exists in the coin tubes to payback their value plus the value of any existing credit, if their value plus any credit value is greater than the maximum vend price, and if each of the vend prices in the vending machine permit adequate change to be returned to the customer.

Abstract: A compact, battery-operated vending machine dispenses cylindrical and tetrahedron-shaped objects. More specifically, the inventive vending machine may be placed in public bathrooms for dispensing feminine articles such as cylindrical and pad-type tampons. The vending machine includes at least one rotary dispensing mechanism for dispensing cylindrical objects. A product stack of cylindrical objects feeds into the rotary dispensing assembly, which feeds the cylindrical objects into a dispensing area for access by the consumer. The vending machine also includes at least one plunger dispenser assembly for dispensing tetrahedron-shaped objects into the dispensing area. The vending machine also includes a sensor for sensing product depletion of product stacks above each dispenser, actuators for displaying "sold-out" signs for each dispenser upon product depletion, and a mechanism for blocking a coin slot upon product depletion in all dispensers.

Abstract: A method of calculating a combination of coins to be dispensed as change comprises evaluating different possible combinations and selecting the most favorable one. One combination is determined according to priority, giving higher priority to higher-denomination coins. In other combinations, the number of coins of one or more denominations is one less than would be determined by priority.

Abstract: A device for servicing a vending machine including i) a chip card reader for receiving payments to the vending machine and transferring information elements from the vending machine to the device, ii) a servicing door, and iii) a lock for preventing opening of the servicing door.

Abstract: A programmable size and price-setting mechanism for use in a vending machine has a plurality of n 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 n access doors, such that each shelf is selectably partitionable into a plurality of up to n 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 n partitionable areas is adjacent to a corresponding one the n access doors. A sensor detects which of the plurality of shelves is positioned adjacent to the plurality of n access doors.

Abstract: A multi-product, self-service merchandising kiosk having a walk-in enclosure, interactive selection panel, illuminated merchandise display, internal drink dispenser and modular, dry goods dispenser having multi-compartmented inventory shelving and bottomless storage drawers. Purchases are selected via audio visual instructions entered at an interactive touch panel containing graphical icons, and a monitor having a menu and overlaid with an array of infrared transmitters and receivers. A programmable controller controls the drink and dry goods dispensers, manages payment transactions via a bill receiver, coin changer, credit card verifier, and receipt printer and provides periodic inventory status reports. A merchandise selector includes a motor driven, track supported collection bin and electromagnetic drawer puller. The selector aligns the bin to selected inventory drawers, extends and retracts the drawers and conveys the selected merchandise to a customer dispenser.

Abstract: An electronic coin tracker for coin-operated machines, particularly video games, is retrofittable to most such coin-operated machines as produce an electrical signal upon the deposit of coins. The coin tracker is physically and electronically secure in its function to monitor both (i) the deposit of coins and (ii) the activity of the coin operated machine (whether such activity is responsive to, or only to, the deposit of coins or not). The coin tracker reports the monitored (i) coin deposits and (ii) machine activity electronically, preferably through an infrared light data link. The reported data may readily be analyzed to determine whether or not the machine operation and/or machine receipts have been subject to fraud or embezzlement.

Abstract: An inductive starting sensor for a battery powered coin acceptor includes an oscillator whose output signal changes when a coin passes through the area of the starting sensor. The sensor includes a capacitor which can be discharged via a resistor. The capacitor is periodically charged via a transistor connected to the oscillator in an emitter follower circuit. The transistor becomes currentless upon a diminution of the oscillator voltage due to the damping of the inductance of the oscillator on account of a passing coin. A further transistor generates a starting signal for the coin acceptor when the first transistor becomes currentless.

Abstract: A bank of vending machines has an associated debit card reader of vend card reader, with its associated card reader controller. The card reader controller interfaces between the money handling mechanism of one or more of the vending machines, and the vending machine controller circuitry. The vending machine controller does not connect directly to the money accepting or change making equipment. As an incentive to stimulate card purchases rather then cash purchases, the card reader controller can credit the card holder with bonus points when purchases are made. These can be discounts and added directly into the card purchase credit balance, or can be bonus points to be recorded in a separate field on the vend card, and separately redeemed.

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

Abstract: A system for providing electrical power in response to deposited coins comprising a mounting post secured to the ground, an input head secured at the upper extent of the mounting post, the input head including a plurality of slots for the receipt of coins to be used for the electrical usage to be provided, a plurality of readouts on the input head, an output module located on the post beneath the input head, the output module including a pair of receptacles, the first electrical receptacle adapted for the receipt of a 110 volt plug with a grounding component and the second electrical receptacle adapted for the receipt of a 220 volt plug with a grounding component as well as horizontal and vertical legs and a microprocessor responsive to the inserted coins for illuminating the readouts for indicating information as a function of the coins deposited such as time, money and voltage as well as an output device for supplying voltage for the selected time and voltage.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine includes a housing having a hinged cover which is releasably locked in a closed position. Coins are inserted in a slot formed in a front wall of the housing and move through a coin checking channel where they are checked by an electronic coin checker. If the correct amount has been deposited, a motor is switched on to move an arm which pushes out a newspaper on the top of a stack in the housing. When a detector senses that the newspaper has been delivered, the coins are deposited in a collection container. When automatic machine is to be restocked and the coins collected, a servicing person inserts a card with a data carrier into the housing and data is read from the card and stored by a computer and a memory. Data concerning the amount collected and the operation of the machine are subsequently transferred to the data carrier of the card and the cover is then unlocked so that the machine can be serviced.

Abstract: In a vending machine for which both money and a prepaid card can be used, a writing-instruction switch is provided for controlling of amount information into the card. When the writing-instruction switch has been actuated, the amount of inserted money and the credited value of the card are added up and the sum is written into the card for renewing its credited value. In this manner, it becomes possible to additionally renew the amount recorded in the prepaid card. Further, an amount selector may be provided for selecting an amount to be added to a prepaid card. On condition that money of an amount not smaller than the amount selected by the amount selector has been inserted, the selected amount and the recorded amount of the card are added up for renewing the recorded amount of the card. Thus, it becomes possible to write a desired amount into an already issued prepaid card.

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 a processor, a liquid crystal display, a sonar transducer for detecting the presence of vehicles, and an IR transceiver enabling parking authority personnel to communicate with the meter. The components of the meter are operated in three conditions or states including an off condition, an inactive condition, and an active condition, to provide further conservation of power so that the meter is entirely battery operated.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical coin totalizer for newspaper vending machines and the like includes a coin chute having an arcuate shoulder, a wake-up arm, and optical sensors for measuring a chord length on coins inserted in the totalizer. A coin inserted in the coin chute travels along the arcuate shoulder, whereby coin bounce is minimized and the accuracy of coin chord measurements is enhanced. The wake-up arm biases coins against the arcuate shoulder and reduces coin bounce in direct proportion to the size of the coin.

Abstract: A vending device (10) that can respond to selection of various vending commodities during the vending process by recalculating an amount of time that yet remains in the vending process as a function of proration of an original amount of compensation and new calculation parameters that are associated with the newly chosen commodity selections. This newly calculated amount of time can then be displayed.

Abstract: A power conserving electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of payment element.

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.

Abstract: A coin supply device includes a conveyor belt and a separating roller disposed above the conveyor belt. Upper coins of two or more overlapping coins are pushed back and separated by the separating roller rotating in a direction opposite to that of the conveyor belt. The lowermost coin is allowed to pass beneath the separating roller, and is fed to a pay-out hopper apparatus after passing under a coin sensor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a manifest and a sales report for route distributors selling newspapers is disclosed. It particularly cooperates with newspaper vending racks which capture data regarding time of day for sales and sales volume. It enables a route distributor to be equipped with a portable CPU having an internally stored manifest specifying rack locations and the number of papers to be loaded at each location, sometimes known as a draw. While driving the route, stale newspapers known as returns are also collected, and this data is also input. This system therefore enables optimization of draws and distribution to increase the production of the route salesman. Moreover, data is collected in the portable CPU and is held by the CPU without requirement of sales reports or manifest on paper. The electronic data capture also improves security, and enables steps to be undertaken to reduce paper pilferage.

Abstract: A money handling apparatus having a housing and integrated safe for managing the receipt and storage of money for a plurality of money-activated gaming machines. In accordance with the invention, the gaming machines need not have money intake or discharge slots. Intake, discharge and handling of money is managed by the integrated safe, including note intake and money changing, bookings of stakes and winnings as well as the pay-out of winnings, cash monitoring and registration of the cash box contents. A communications channel links the integrated safe to each of the gaming machines. Thus, information regarding credit balances, winnings and losses can be conveyed between the machine and the integrated safe. A display on each machine displays that machine's current credit balance. Credit balances may be transferred between machines or refunded at the conclusion of game play.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a money-operated, low-powered, vending and dispensing apparatus which is solely battery-powered and which can be utilized in the vending or dispensing of products or services. The present invention comprises at least one battery, a control system housed on a control board, money sensing and validating devices, circuitry to perform a battery power test and to indicate a low battery power condition, circuitry and devices to determine the acceptability of various types of money, or its equivalent, which could be accepted by the apparatus, and circuitry and devices to indicate such acceptability. The present invention further comprises a product delivery circuit and device, circuitry to indicate the activation, or lack thereof, of the product delivery device, and circuitry and a device to indicate when the apparatus is being serviced.

Abstract: An improved paper and coin currency totalizer is installed on an existing vending machine and utilizes the existing coin receiving channels and the existing movable mechanical release mechanism and reset mechanism. An electronic coin sensor is installed in alignment with the coin receiving channel to produce a coin signal. A box is mounted on the vending machine and includes a paper currency sensor to produce a paper signal. A totalizer control circuit in the box accepts the coin signals and paper signals to determine when the proper amount of currency has been deposited to activate an actuation mechanism installed in the machine to move the release mechanism to the release position to allow a selection. After a selection is made, a reset sensor installed in the machine in alignment with the reset mechanism sends a reset signal to the totalizer control circuit to discontinue the actuation mechanism and to indicate no currency has been deposited.

Abstract: A parking meter and an electric charging meter are combined in a single apparatus. The combined charging/parking meter may be coin-operated or may be operated using an information-bearing card such as a cash card, a debit card or an IC card. In particular, the charging/parking meter includes a device for receiving and verifying a medium of payment, a device for selecting and visibly indicating some combination of parking time and electric power to be had in exchange for the medium of payment, and a charging device for connecting to and supplying power to an electric car charger inlet. The charger/parking meter may further include a fast-charge setting device for causing the charging device to operate in a fast-charge mode when an amount of parking time selected is insufficient in accordance with a normal charging mode to supply an amount of electric power selected.

Abstract: A combined parking meter and electric energy dispensing apparatus and method can automatically provide, in response to receiving a payment, either parking time or electric energy. When electric current is being consumed by a connected electric vehicle, the invention operates in an electric energy dispensing mode and allocates a received payment thereto. When no electric current flows from the apparatus, then the invention functions in a parking meter mode and allocates the received payment thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cashing up and collecting money from coin-operated machines and an arrangement of coin-operated machines for carrying out the method. The coin-operated machines which are in association with a money changing machine to form a group. A counter is provided which registers the amounts of money arising, such as the value of coins inserted into gambling machines. Excess coins arising in the machines during play are first fed, unsorted, to the money changing machine, and when its set filling level is reached, are fed to a coin strongbox. It is possible to sort out and feed at least one preferred type of coin, such as a high value coin or a low value coin, to the money changing machine and to feed remaining excess coins unsorted to a coin strongbox. The value of coins being transferred by the coin sorting device is continuously added and stored separately from the coins to be paid out and to be fed into a coin strongbox of the change dispenser.

Abstract: An improved electronic coin mechanism and coin operated dispensing system includes an electronic coin mechanism which controls operation of a vending machine and stores certain types of data. The data in raw form are read out by a reader which may be interfaced to a computer through a shuttle. Due to the variety of information which may be collected, the computer is able to generate a variety of reports. The electronic coin mechanism is battery operated and designed for long service life. The mechanism includes an apertured rotatable coin wheel which detects the value of a coin by its diameter and compared the count with stored information in the coin electronics, the latter having an elapsed time relative counter. Time of first and last sale as well as sales per period are stored as well as total amounts received. Various levels of security are provided. Details of the coin mechanism and system are described.

Abstract: A controller for a vending machine capable of selecting a mode in which the machine is made possible to sell commodities even if change lacks. If a forced acceptance switch sets a forced acceptance mode, put-in coins are accepted even if no change can be paid. When the sum of the put-in coins arrives at a predetermined set selling price, the controller generates a selling enable signal. If the machine sells a commodity in response to the selling enable signal, it pays out change in the range of the sum in which change can be paid or within the sum of the coins remaining in change coin tubes. In this case, if the coins remaining in the change coin tubes do not satisfy the required sum of change, the overall sum of change is not paid out, but a user of the machine can get a desired commodity.

Abstract: A coin operated timing mechanism for a parking meter and the like including a time display, a microprocessor for controlling the setting and operation of the display, a battery or similar self-contained power source, and a power regulation sub-system designed to minimize power consumption during operation of the mechanism. The power regulation system provides, on demand, voltage of either 3.5 or 5 volts. The higher power consumption 5-volt supply is available when necessary for short periods to read a NOVRAM device which stores operational parameters. The 3.5 volt mode is used during normal coin handling and timekeeping and during periods of communication wiht the microprocessor for changing the operating parameters or for auditing of the system. The mechanism includes coin actuated switches which are adjustable to insure most efficient operation including screening of spurious coins.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for controlling the vending and payback of change in a vending machine and includes a device for establishing a list of permissible payback amounts from the vending machine and for adding each of the permissible amounts to a vend price established by a customer selecting a particular vend, and a payback storage device from which change is paid back including apparatus for determining the availability of coins in the payback storage device to satisfy the permissible amount for payback.

Abstract: A controller for an automatic vending machine in which the specification for each of a plurality of countries is set easily. If a country setting switch sets a specification for a desired country, parameter values corresponding to the specification are read from a memory and elements required for changing the specification are controlled in accordance with the parameter values. The parameter values include, for example, respective threshold levels for the inserted coins for each of the countries and the values indicative of the distributing manners to distribute the respective inserted coins for each of the countries.

Abstract: Money amount data and necessary discrimination data are recorded on a card and a card reader can read and write data on this card. A discarding circuit discards a money amount which is less than a money amount digit of a minimum denomination coin which can be handled from the money amount data read from the card. Money amount data left after discarding is added to a money amount of deposited coins and result of the addition is compared with a vend price for judgement as to whether vending is possible or not. Vend control of an article is made on the basis of this judgement. Discount is made from a predetermined vend price of the vended article. The vend price after the discount is subtracted from the money amount data read from the card by the card reader and the balance is caused to be written in the card by the card reader.

Abstract: A bill validation and change system for a slot machine. The system accepts bills of a plurality of denominations and pays out change for the bills in coins of the denomation which may be accepted by the slot machine to play a game. Coins input to the slot machine are stored in a coin hopper which is controlled to payout coins to game winners and to make change for bills. The system includes a master processor which determines winning game plays and whether change for a bill should be made. The master processor further controls the coin hopper to payout coins to winners and to make change for a bill. The master processor is coupled to a slave processor which in conjunction with a bill input device determines the validity and denomination of a received bill. The slave processor controls the bill input device to accept valid bills for which the master processor determines that change should be made and to reject other bills.

Abstract: A coin operated timing mechanism for a parking meter and the like including a time display, a microprocessor for controlling the setting and operation of the display, a battery or similar self-contained power source, and a power regulation sub-system designed to minimize power consumption during operation of the mechanism. The power regulation system provides, on demand, voltage of either 3.5 or 5 volts. The highest power consumption 5-volt supply is available when necessary for short periods to read a NOVRAM device which stores operational parameters. The 3.5 volt mode is used during normal coin handling and timekeeping and during periods of communication with the microprocessor for changing the operating parameters or for auditing of the system. The mechanism includes coin actuated switches which are adjustable to insure most efficient operation including screening of spurious coins.

Abstract: A time meter comprises a money receiving mechanism for receiving a denomination of money. The money receiving mechanism includes a movable output member which moves by an amount determined by the denomination of money received. The time meter further comprises a money signal generating device for generating a money signal. The money signal generating device cooperates with the money receiving mechanism and produces a money signal which is responsive to movement of the output member. The time meter further comprises a processing device for processing the money signal. The process device has a time signal generating device for generating a periodic time reference signal. The processing device measures time during a time interval having a duration determined by the money signal. The processing device provides a time expiry indication when the time interval has expired.

Abstract: A control device for a vending machine to provide a goods selling control system having relatively simpler goods selecting control to sell goods selected among various goods to be purchased by the user. The control device has one or more switches that are on a goods selecting keyboard, a designating signal generation device for outputting a specific signal identifying the pressing of a switch, a goods displaying device for displaying goods corresponding to the specific signal, a goods releasing device for controlling the release of the designated goods and a coin mechanism for authenticating coins.

Abstract: The device has a column-shaped housing (1) in which there is located a storage magazine (7) for goods (8) offered, a goods chute (2) for dispensing and depositing the goods, electromechanical means (9a-9c) for transporting the goods between storage magazine and goods chute, as well as a control device (10) formed by a computer. There are provided on the housing, accessible from the outside, an operating panel with a keypad (3) and a display (4) and also a magnetic card reader/recorder (6). Implemented by means of software in the computer are a user access control and registration system, a goods storage management system and a customer accounting system. The device is designed so that it can both dispense goods selected via the operating panel and take back corresponding goods again, the movements of goods being automatically registered in a user-specific manner. The device can thus be employed as a goods rental machine, especially for videocassettes or the like.

Abstract: A machine is for selectively dispensing a plurality of coupons including at least two different inscriptions thereon to be respectively redeemable for at least two different promotions or bargains. The machine includes a cabinet and a display area on the cabinet indicating the different bargains capable of being acquired by redemption of the respective coupons and a specific amount of money required to obtain each respective coupon. Selection buttons mounted on the cabinet are used to select a desired one of the different bargains and the respective coupon therefor. A coin slot and collection box in the cabinet are used to receive various amounts of money. The coupons are stored in the cabinet and are aligned with a coupon dispenser which is capable of dispensing each coupon to the exterior of the cabinet through a slot.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a retrofit coin measuring apparatus installed in a newspaper vending rack, and more particularly a retrofit structure which is electronically actuated. It incorporates a switch which is operated by insertion of a coin into the coin chute, switching on electrical power which is otherwise switched off to preserve battery life. The coin measuring apparatus has a removable retrofit structure which is attached by a lock bar. Inside the coin measuring apparatus, there is a switch which initiates operation of the electronic circuitry to test for bogus coins, to measure the value of the coin, and sum the total value of coins inserted until a price has been paid and to thereafter operate a door mounted on a paper receiving cabinet. The door is provided with a door hook cooperative with a door hook closure device to close and latch after the sale of a paper. After each sale, the electronic circuitry is switched off and is in a dormant state until the next transaction.

Abstract: A coin return control system for vending machines including an apparatus for comparing the counted number of deposited smaller denomination coins with the number of the smaller denomination coins corresponding to a denomination of a larger denomination coin. The system returns the larger denomination coin or coins instead of the deposited smaller denomination coins only when the smaller denomination coin is in its change running-out state. Since the change running-out state of the smaller denomination coins which are useful for use of change is adequately canceled, this increases the chance of a vending machine sale greatly. Moreover, since the substitution of the larger denomination coin for the smaller denomination coins is carried out only when the smaller denomination coin is in its change running-out state, use of the vending machine as a coin exchange machine can be adequately prevented.

Abstract: A control arrangement for an automatic vending machine includes a price memory device for preliminarily storing selling prices of commodities, a coin signal output section for outputting coin signals upon insertion of coils, a sum calculating device for calculating a sum of inserted coins in response to the coin signals, a difference calculating device for calculating a difference between the sum of the inserted coins and the selling price, a device for calculating the required number of coins for change by dividing the difference by the sum of coins of the same denomination, and a device for judging vendibility at the selling price based on whether or not the required number of coins for the change is present. In this way, the vendibility of all commodities may be determined according to their selling prices without successively subtracting the value of change to paid out for each increment of selling price, and prior to the actual vending of the commodity.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of coin or other payment device and including circuits for controlling changeable parameters, such as temperature drift, low voltage levels, aging etc. The electronic parking meter has a power source which may be a solar type power source with a low voltage control circuit. The meter also has a microprocessor with a memory connected to the power supply. The microprocessor has a power-up mode, a standby mode and an operational mode. An electronic display is connected to the microprocessor and displays pertinent information. A coin received in the meter causes a signal to be generated upon receipt of the coin by a sensor. The meter also has a coin detector and a microprocessor controlled circuit for adjusting a setpoint of the coin detector.

Abstract: A vending machine, coin-operated self-service machine, utility meter etc., is provided with a counting mechanism which is inexpensive and simple in construction and easy to operate. The device comprises a binary counting device capable of storing cumulative counts of transaction information. The binary counts are converted in a parallel to serial converter and ultimately pulsed in a series of long and short pulses to an LED. The vending machine, self-service machine, etc., is provided with a bar code serial number, and a bar code reader reads and stores both the serial number and the transaction information delivered through the LED. Software is provided to permit the storage of transaction count information based upon the serial number of a particular machine.

Abstract: An escrow credit controller for use with vending machines having a vend path which is several articles in length, such as a copier machine. The controller accepts value in the form of coins or bills, and escrows the value in an escrow total. When the escrow total deposited reaches a trigger amount which is at least equal to one more than the number of articles in the vend path times the vend price, the vending machine is enabled. The controller continues to add value to the escrow total as coins or bills are deposited, and subtracts the vend price from the escrow total upon receipt of a vend signal from the machine. When the escrowed value is less than or equal to the number of articles in the vend path times the vend price, or when the "value return" is activated by the user, the machine is disabled (possibly after a delay to avoid "trapping" the article(s)).

Abstract: Deposited coins are stored in a coin storing device and change is paid out of coins storred in this storing device. For detecting an amount of coins going in and out of the coin storing device, a going-in-and-out detector is provided. For setting an initial amount P of stored coins in the coin storing device, an initial stored coin amount setter is provided. In an operation device, an operation for obtaining difference N between a current amount S of stored coins and the initial amount P in accordance with the output of the going-in-and-out detector and the initial amount P. When the amount of stored coins in the coin storing device is to coincide with the initial amount P (e.g., when an inventory operation is to be performed), a command device commands this. In response to this command, a payout control device performs, if the current amount S is larger than the initial amount P, control for paying out the number of coins corresponding to the difference N.

Abstract: This vending machine system comprises a single master vendor including a coin mechanism and a vend possible judgement circuit and a plurality of slave vendors controlled by this master vendor. The master vendor comprises a master control unit for controlling the operation of the respective slave vendors. Each of the slave vendors comprises a subcontrol unit which performs transmission and receiving of information relative to the master control unit and controls the article vending operation in response to the information provided from the master control unit. The transmission and receiving of the information between the subcontrol units and the master control unit is exclusively performed in accordance with a request issued from the side of the master control unit.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of items to be sold respectively, and in response to insertion of coins and the subsequent operation of any of selection switches, the item corresponding to the selection switch is vended. A RAM is installed associatedly with a microcomputer, and this RAM contains memory areas for storing the sales quantity and the sales amount on item basis, and these data are renewed at every vending. The RAM further contains a price memory area for storing the sales price of each item. When any of selection switches is operated in ready state of the machine, the price of the item corresponding to that selection switch is read from the RAM and is displayed on the inserted-amount display. Furthermore, when a selection switch is depressed in the state when the management mode is set up, the price of the item corresponding to that switch is displayed likewise.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of coin or other payment device and having an electronic parking meter and an auditor. The electronic parking meter comprises a power source which may be a solar type power source, as well as, having terminals for connection to an external source of power. The meter also has a microprocessor with a memory connected to the power supply. An electronic display is connected to the microprocessor and displays pertinent information for the meter. The auditor may be connected to the microprocessor in the electronic meter by means of a direct cable link or by infrared transmission. The electronic parking meter system may have a sonar range finder connected to the microprocessor in the meter which detects the presence or absence of a vehicle in an associated parking space with the parking meter.

Abstract: A vending machine control with an improved vendor selector switch detection and decoding circuit is described which detects and decodes the closure of selector switches in a vending machine utilizing a low cost decoding arrangement. Each selector switch is associated with a corresponding impedance in a keyboard network so that a unique impedance is presented on a keyboard decode line from the keyboard network. Decode circuitry and a decode algorithm are also disclosed for a period based decoding scheme which compensates for various tolerances and environmental affects.

Abstract: A video cassette vending machine has a plurality of storage positions which are not user-accessible and a vend position which is user-accessible. A carrier unit is provided for carrying a selected video cassette between one of the storage positons and the vend position. a positioning unit is provided for positioning the carrier unit proximate to a selected storage position in response to user input. An engaging unit fixed to the carrier unit is provided for engaging and disengaging a selected video cassette. A reader unit is provided for identifying a selected video cassette. A microprocessor memory system is provided for recording and processing information about the contents of the storage positions and the identity of the selected video cassette.