Abstract: An autoteller accepts on a ramp exchangeable banknote cassettes which can only be opened at the predetermined angle of the ramp when a key assembly on the ramp is presented to a lock. The cassettes may only have the key assembly presented to the lock when not on the ramp at an angle to the horizontal, whereat opening of the doors on the cassette is prevented by a blocking bar swinging to engage a notch in the opening mechanism to prevent operation of the opening mechanism. A processor in the autoteller accepts a password from an internal keypad, enters a wide access bank service routine if a first password is provided and a restrictive access third party service routine if a second password is provided, shutting down the autoteller if no correct password is provided within a predetermined number of tries in a predetermined time.

Abstract: A reversed can end ejector system is provided for detecting and ejecting a can end in reverse orientation with respect to a moving stack of otherwise similarly aligned and nested can ends. This system comprises an optical detection apparatus including a light-emitting portion for emitting light in a direction toward the path of travel and a light-detecting portion located adjacent said path of travel. The optical detection apparatus is responsive to one of the presence or absence of light incidence upon its light-detecting portion for producing a control signal. An ejector is movable relative to the stack for contacting and ejecting a reversed can end therefrom and an actuator is coupled with the ejector and responsive to the control signal for driving the ejector in a direction for contacting and ejecting the reversed can end from the stack.

Abstract: A stamp dispensing apparatus receives and transmits serial data between itself and a central computer. The data from the computer includes stamp dispensing commands as well as supervisory commands in a predetermined serial data format. The stamp dispensing apparatus comprises interface means for receiving the data, decoding the data, and actuating a stamp dispensing mechanism. The apparatus includes an LED-photodetector mechanism for detecting stamp perforations to allow counting of the number of stamps dispensed. Dispensing errors are detected and reported back to the computer.

Abstract: A hand held labeler having an optical reader attached thereto whereby an encoded article may be scanned to provide information to the labeler. The information may be used to set the print head of the labeler.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic vending machine is adapted to set operating parameters such as the selling prices of various commodities. The system includes a microprocessor, associated memory, push-button switches, displays and a control program. For setting the price of a particular commodity the system responds to repeated actuation of certain switches and sequentially increments the values of a particular operating parameter stored in memory and displayed on the display, so that the value of a particular operating parameter can be changed without directly inputting data representing the desired value of the parameter. The operating mode of the machine is changed in a similar manner. The system reduces the number of switches required to change parameter values.

Abstract: A ticket dispensing machine includes a stack support, posts and guide and the lowest ticket from the stack is moved by a striker plate actuated by a solenoid towards a pair of rollers the lower one being driven by motor which takes up the dispensing action. A nozzle with a fluid sensor detects passage of fluid e.g., beer and actuates the ticket dispensing operation after a predetermined period corresponding to a given volume of fluid discharge.

Abstract: Identical products are stored in a plurality of columns. Dispensing product numbers of the respective columns are calculated in accordance with the numbers of products stored in the respective columns. The calculated dispensing product numbers are set in corresponding counters. The counters are decremented every time a product or products is/are dispensed from each column. When all the counts of the counters are set to "0", the calculated dispensing product numbers are set again in the corresponding counters, and the above operation is repeated, thereby dispensing the products on the FIFO basis.

Abstract: A hand-held labeler, particularly a labeler employing a thermographic print head, utilizes improved control circuitry for accurately sensing the position of the web and controlling the operation of the print head in order accurately to control the position of the imprints on the web. When a motor is used to advance the web, the control system is operative to control the operation and speed of the web advancing motor.

Abstract: A web positioning system, particularly usable for use in a hand-held labeler employing a thermographic print head, utilizes a circular indexing member having a plurality of position defining indices for providing indications representative of the position of the web. The circular, and relative rotation between the circular member and the shaft is prevented by a plurality of key slots or the like disposed on said circular member and engaging a key, and slot or the like on the shaft. The angular spacing between the key slots is unequal and is substantially greater than the spacing between the position-defining indices; but the position of the position defining indices relative to the shaft may be adjusted by a distance less than the distance between the position defining indices by bringing a different one of the key slots into engagement with the shaft.

Abstract: A machine for vending flat articles, such as newspapers, magazines and the like comprises an enclosed cabinet having a merchandise storage magazine with an inclined bottom wall and an inclined outlet chute substantially aligned with the magazine bottom wall and having a discharge opening communicating with the exterior of the cabinet, a series of connected vertically movable telescoping members forming a bar between the storage magazine and the outlet chute, endless chains extending vertically at both sides of the storage magazine and mounted at their opposite ends on sprockets mounted on shafts journaled in the magazine side walls, the uppermost of said telescoping members being connected at its sides to the respective chains, motor drivingly connected to one of said shafts for lowering the uppermost telescoping member to release individual articles from the storage magazine and permit them to slide over the uppermost telescoping member and onto the outlet chute, coin-actuated command module for energizing t

Abstract: A system for the remote monitoring of vending machines and for automatically communicating conditions at the vending machines to a central computer complex is described. Each vending machine is provided with a microprocessor which monitors and stores data within that machine and transmits the data to the central computer complex either immediately or at scheduled call-in times. The distributed logic between the vending machine microprocessors and the central computer complex provides various alarm function signals and aids in inventory control and efficient route planning for the supply and maintenance of the machines. In a preferred embodiment the data is transmitted between the central computer complex and each vending machine over telephone lines.

Abstract: Coin ruminant slot machine games comprising a plurality of slot machines, back feeders, blockaders and a belt conveyer, the slot machines being respectively coupled with the back feeders, the back feeders being respectively coupled with the blockaders, the slot machines being located above the belt conveyer and the back feeders below the belt conveyer. The blockaders are located above a lower section of the conveyer belt and the slot machines discharge the coins to an upper section of the conveyer belt. The back feeders feed the coins back up to the slot machines and the belts of the conveyer, and the blockaders take the coins off of the lower belt to drop them into the back feeders.

Abstract: A counting and filling apparatus for tablets, dragees, or similar elements comprises a plurality of counting bars arranged parallel and closely adjacent each other and each formed with a plurality of cutouts therethrough, spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the bars. The bars are connected in the region of opposite ends by chains or the like to form an endless receiving and transporting unit, which is guided over front and rear reversing rolls, at least one of which is driven so that the unit moves along an endless path having an upper and a lower run. The elements are filled in the region of the upper run into the cutouts of the counting bars and prevented from falling out of the same by a boundary means extending along the upper run and the front reversing roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a multiplicity of like bodies such as pills or tablets has a drum rotatable in a housing about a horizontal axis and formed with a multiplicity of throughgoing holes constituting body-receiving pockets. A pair of axially spaced end walls axially close the drum and a pair of inner and outer shields insure that except for an inner input location and an outer retrieval location bodies in the apertures of the drum will not fall out as the drum rotates. A pair of transparent end walls are rigidly mounted together by way of axially extending bolts and carry feed plates, a separating comb, and a separating disc. These end plates and the elements carried on them are slidable axially into and out of the drum. The separating comb is formed of a plurality of axially spaced and parallel elements that define slits that are aligned with the rows of apertures in the drum and between which fit elastomeric discs carried on the separating roller.

Abstract: An article handling system including means for moving articles from one position to another and including computer means for controlling a plurality of functions of said article handling means including unalterable memory devices for controlling some of the functions and manually operable mechanical selectively programmable memory devices for controlling other of the functions.

Abstract: An automatic money-issuing system adapted to automatically issue bank notes and a necessary amount of money of predetermined denominations with the aid of a tape information input or a manual input, which comprises a device adapted to indicate an amount of money to be paid, a circuit storing a signal from the device, a means to issue bank notes or coins, a circuit adapted to compare the amount of money issued with the amount of money indicated, and a device adapted to stop the operation of the device issuing money by a coincidence signal issued from a comparison circuit.

Abstract: A plurality of keys are movably suspended on a support in successive orientation one behind the other. The leading key engages a dispensing device which normally prevents the discharge of the keys from the support but which is actuable on command to selectively release the first or leading key while retaining the remainder of the keys on the support. Secondary rails are provided for separating and diverting keys according to their use.

Abstract: Mechanism for operating a rotary cash drawer provided in an automatic banking unit. The cash drawer is movable between "home", "open", and "dump" positions for receiving paper money at the "home" position to be delivered at the "open" position, for accepting deposits in the "open" position, and for dumping at the "dump" position deposits, or money left in the drawer and not removed at the "open" position. The operating mechanism includes a simplified rotor movement control cam, a cooperating pair of solenoids, and a reversing drive motor. These control movement of the rotary cash drawer between the various positions, lock the rotary cash drawer in "home" position, and prevent retrograde rotor movement at certain times during the cycle of drawer operation.