Abstract: Disclosed is a time-accounting system with optimized management. It can be applied, in particular, to accounting for paid or regulated parking times. The aim is to provide a system that enables a protected replacement of card, a management of fractions of parking units and a management of the change returned by the system, for uses in one of more local authority areas. The disclosed system is of the type comprising a memory card, a box for the reception of the card comprising a memory, wherein the storage capacity of the management memory of the box is limited to a maximum number of pre-determined parking units, and wherein transfer means provide for the transfer of the balance of parking units contained in the card towards the management memory of the box when the arithmetical total of the number of added-up units of the card balance and of the current content of the management memory of the box is smaller than or equal to the capacity of the management memory.

Abstract: A device that can be used to check the authenticity of time-accounting systems and devices, and notably of time-accounting devices for reckoning periods of parking regulated by rules. The system is constituted by a plurality of boxes, each held by a distinct user, each box comprising computation means that determine at least two secret codes, the changing from one secret code to another being done substantially at one and the same instant for all of boxes and secret codes being identical for all of boxes substantially at the same instant to enable a checker to ascertain the authenticity of boxes, code-changing instant resulting from a secret computation.

Abstract: A snooper device that can be used to memorize data elements relating to the most recent instances of parking, notably for proof in the event of disputes, in time-accounting devices, and notably time-accounting devices for reckoning periods of parking regulated by rules. This snooper device comprises first means to memorize operation checking data elements in which there are written, at each fresh use of the time-accounting system, data elements corresponding to the time and to the date of commencement of at least each instance of parking and data elements corresponding to the time and to the date of the end of this instance of parking.

Abstract: A portable parking meter device comprises, in combination, a portable registering device and an exchangeable card to be used in conjunction therewith, means provided in the registering device for transmitting to the card, in each parking, signals defining the tariff associated with the parking lot, the authority to which the parking fee is to be paid, and the exact duration of each parking, and means provided in said card for storing said signals.

Abstract: A parking stall monitor located adjacent a restricted use parking stall detects vehicle presence in the parking stall and activates an alarm to provide a warning in response thereto. A disarm/arm circuit associated with the monitor generates a coded input in response to receipt of an identification signal from an authorized user, thereby to disarm either the detector or the alarm to enable the vehicle of the authorized user to occupy the parking stall without a warning being provided. Subsequently, when the authorized user is ready to leave the parking stall, receipt by the disarm/arm circuit of another identification signal, or removal of the initial identification signal, causes the monitor to rearm. The identification signal may be produced nonautomatically or automatically, either actively or passively, and the capability of originating this signal serves to distinguish a selected group of authorized users from those not permitted to use the stall.

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: An electronic parking meter, having a flip-dot display arranged within a viewing area of an electronic parking meter housing, and selectively connected to a magnetic pulse generating circuit by a magnetic field, where the magnetic pulse generating circuit is driven by a microprocessor in the electronic parking meter, produces a highly visible light-reflecting display, such that an operating message in the viewing area is readily discernable to a viewer or law enforcement official.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computerized parking meter system which comprises a host computer and a plurality of parking meters. Each parking meter is provided with a supersonic metal sensor to register parking time, to calculate parking fees and to automatically detect whether a specified parking space is available for a car whereby overtime parking can be accurately recorded. The parking meters are connected to the host computer over power lines.

Abstract: A time accounting system for accounting parking subject to charge periods which includes a card having an electronic memory in which each memory location can be individually and irreversibly written in order to represent a time unit credit allocated to the holder of the card. The system also includes a portable case in which the card can be inserted and which has an internal clock circuit and a coupling circuit, as well as a writing circuit. The case is designed with means for temporary storage of a time unit credit which is activable if the time credit remaining in the inserted card is less than the parking time of the holder.

Abstract: An automatic ticket dispenser of the type which prints onto a ticket, as or before it is dispensed, information including that as to time and date is provided. The ticket dispenser employs an electronic time clock advantageously with a battery back-up power supply and an electronic print head such as a dot matrix print head in the path of movement of tickets being dispensed. The ticket dispenser is of a type which is particularly suitable for use at entrances to parking areas and the like.

Abstract: An automatic ticket dispenser of the type which prints onto a ticket, as or before it is dispensed, information including that as to time and date is provided. The ticket dispenser employs an electronic time clock advantageously with a battery back-up power supply and an electronic print head such as a dot matrix print head in the path of movement of tickets being dispensed. The ticket dispenser is of a type which is particularly suitable for use at entrances to parking areas and the like.

Abstract: A parking meter actuator handle is provided with a clutch means comprising slip bearing members disposed between first and second relatively rotatable parts. The slip bearing members are pre-loaded in recesses in said second part to provide frictional engagement between the first and second parts. But excessive torque forces exerted upon the first part causes relative displacement between the first and second parts as said frictional force is overcome to protect the parking meter against vandalism.

Abstract: A parking stall monitor located adjacent a restricted use parking stall periodically transmits a burst of ultrasonic pulses into the parking stall during a first time interval and then periodically detects the reflection of the ultrasonic pulses off of a vehicle in the parking stall during a second time interval, the first and second time intervals being staggered in time. Upon detecting vehicle presence in the stall, the monitor provides an audible warning to indicate that use of the stall is restricted. Before and after authorized use of the stall, the monitor can be selectively disarmed and then rearmed, respectively, by a signal transmitted from a portable transmitter within the authorized vehicle.

Abstract: A system for controlled meter parking of road vehicles comprising a parking meter and a portable terminal for use by a checker of the controlled meter parking. A keyboard allows drivers to enter vehicle data. A parking time limit is calculated as the function of the amount of money paid. The parking meter then stores pairs of data items, where each pair contains a vehicle data item and an associated parking time limit. In one embodiment, the amount of money is read from a memory card to allow the driver to receive credit for any time not used upon return to pick up the car. The system includes a clock for comparison with the parking time limits. When the comparison with the clock indicates that a parking time limit has expired, the associated pair of data items are deleted from the parking meter memory. A portable terminal allows a checker to enter identification data corresponding to a vehicle actually parked in one of the parking spaces.

Abstract: An advertising system for use with an electronic parking meter. A microprocessor is connected to a memory for storing a predetermined message and a liquid crystal display displays the message and is connected to the microprocessor. The electronic parking meter also displays time remaining on the meter during a first time period, and displays the message during a second time period. The microprocessor also causes the message to scroll across the display.

Abstract: A single chip programmable microcomputer timer for use in car washers, air dispensing machines, pay showers, suntan salons, vacuum equipment and the like. The timer unit is designed with a 4,000 bit microcomputer chip and contains a large scale integrated (LSI) circuit comprising a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM) for program storage and a random access memory (RAM) for general data usage. The microcomputer functions to display a friendly message to the user of the timer and to display a diagnostic message on the timer's visual display when an error is recognized by the computer. The computer will flash the visual display at a predetermined time near the end of the cycle. Two programming buttons on the timer permit the coin inventory to be examined and/or cleared in conjuction with a nonvolatile memory designed in the computer. The computer also performs other functions all of which make the timer a very useful device for its many possible applications.

Abstract: A parking meter capable of being operated without the use of a monetary coin. The parking meter is intended to be used with an account card incorporating a read/write memory (e.g. a magnetic strip) pre-recorded with a monetary value. The parking meter has a body with a slot or the like for receiving the account card, means for reading the memory on the card, a comparator for comparing information from the memory with stored information, a timer for measuring a predetermined time period, an indicator for indicating the elapse of the time period, a start mechanism for the timer having an enabling or disabling control governed by the comparator and an amending device for amending the memory on the account card to deduct the value of the parking period bought by the user.

Abstract: A microprocessor parking meter includes: a casing; a plurality of control keys formed on the casing for selecting several parking areas, for starting a timing operation or for stopping the timing operation; a display of multiple digits formed on the casing for showing a selected parking area, a number of parking units and a real clock time, a microprocessor operatively scanning the display and the control keys for showing or sequentially degrading the number of parking units each unit corresponding to a time interval with respect to a selected parking areas among the plural different parking areas during a lapse of parking time, forming a compact unit held in a car ready for outside inspection or for convenient parking service by a owner of the meter.

Abstract: A parking meter reset device includes an infra-red radiation transmitter element slidably positioned within a transmitter module and an infra-red radiation detector element positioned within a cavity in a detector module. The modules are within a housing adapted for mounting on a parking meter pole so that the detector element is directed downwardly from 5.degree. to 10.degree. below horizontal and the transmitter element is directed downwardly at an angle about 5.degree. less than the downward angle of the detector element. This minimizes detection of stray radiation such as from sunlight. An edge of a first window, positioned in front of the transmitter module, abuts an edge of a second window, in front of the detector module. A portion of the radiation transmitted into the first window is refracted through the abutting edges into the second window. If either window is blocked, refracted radiation causes the parking meter to function like a non-resetting meter.

Abstract: A manually actuated self-collecting parking meter includes a single lockable coin insertion device for receiving a range of available coin diameters. A coin checking device is arranged to receive one coin at a time from the insertion device and is placed in operation by turning a rotary locking handle. A parking time period display mechanism is arranged to be set based on the coin inserted into the checking device when the handle is rotated. The rotary locking handle can be rotated in either direction up to a stop for loading a force accumulator which automatically drives an operating mechanism for effecting the operation of the coin checking device and the setting of the display mechanism. For proper phase control of the operating mechanism, a closing segment and an operating segment are provided which uncouple the operating mechanism when the rotary handle is completely rotated so that the automatic operation is carried out.

Abstract: An electronic upgrading mechanism for upgrading a mechanical timing device comprising an electrical coin sensing mechanism which is installed abutting a coin carrier mechanism of a mechanical timing device for detection of actuation of a clock winding lever in communication with a coin carriage of the coin carrier mechanism; wherein the actuation of the clock winding lever is caused by a coin placed in the coin carriage wound into primary contact with alternative abutting cam surfaces such abuttal thereof providing an electrical contact with the electrical coin sensing mechanism, having at least one compatible contact thereon, each contact dedicated to the denomination of a coin; wherein the electrical coin sensing mechanism communicates with a programmable electronic digital timing control and display device which is installed within an upgraded mechanical timing device thereby replacing clocking and flagging mechanisms of the mechanical timing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved electronic parking system which has the capability of providing a relatively inexpensive personal security system to better protect patrons while in the parking garage. The invention provides increased protection through the use of a portable and convenient transmitter carried by a patron which activates a receiver-relay to summon help and activates horns and sirens to frighten away an attacker. The response of the system is immediate and does not depend on visual or auditory interpretation.

Abstract: An individual parking meter intended to be fitted in a vehicle so as to be visible for inspection from the outside comprises a parking time storage for storing of a prepaid parking time, a display (3) for displaying parking time information, and a switch means (7) for starting and stopping the parking meter. The parking time storage is a self-destructing disposable time storage which, after purchase of the parking meter, cannot be extended or renewed and reused. There is provided a parking zone selector (10) affecting the time consumption so that this runs in dependance on a set parking zone (9). The display (3) shows the remaining time stored in the storage (1), and thereafter the allowed parking time (8) remaining at any time in the current zone, and also the set zone (9). Preferably, the parking meter is designed as a card (6) in which the components of the parking meter are embedded.

Abstract: A time metering device particularly useful as a parking card comprises a time storage device for storing data representing total pre-purchased time; a time measuring device; time selector keys for manually selecting a predetermined time interval; a predetermined interval storage device; and an "off" key. The time metering device further includes an electrical circuit which decrements both the pre-purchased time storage device and the predetermined interval storage device according to the time measured by the time measuring device until the "off" key is operated, and a display which displays the remaining time in the pre-purchased and predetermined-interval storage devices.

Abstract: A card-operated parking system utilizes cards having a succession of discrete filtered light transmitting areas thereon. The cards operate a card reader which includes a light source and light sensing means, between which the card is inserted, and a punch which punches out a filter area after it has triggered the time-dispensing mechanism. The filters transmit light having a photon energy below a level characteristic of the filter material but absorb light having a photon energy above that level. Two light sensors are positioned in the light path, one receptive to light of the first mentioned photon energy and the other to light of the second photon energy. Only the outputs corresponding to filtered light trigger the parking time dispensing mechanism. The light source may be a tungsten filament bulb or a pair of light emitting diodes of different photon energies. The light sensing means may be a pair of photodiodes or a pair of phototransistors.

Abstract: A coin operated parking meter which includes a meter housing having a coin receiving slot and spaced transparent closure windows. A time dial is provided with time indicia thereon and the dial is mounted in the housing between the windows. A translucent time indicating pointer is pivotally movable from one end through an arc relative to the time dial in the housing. The translucent pointer is visible on a short range basis to the naked human eye when a motorist is positioned near the meter for advising time available for parking and with the translucent time indicating pointer being relatively invisible to the naked human eye when viewed by a person on a longer range basis such as from an adjacent street by a cruising motorist. A swingable violation flag is swingably mounted to arcuate movement when the translucent time indicating pointer falls to a zero time position.

Abstract: A device for the use of and easily portable by an individual, consisting of a main memory, a microprocessor, a keyboard for the control of the microprocessor, etc., and at least one accounting memory and a display. Operation of the keyboard in a pre-determined fashion will cause the microprocessor to transfer one or more units of information from the main memory to at least one accounting memory. The point in time at which this transfer is made directly or indirectly (for example via internal delay circuits) may be determined by the individual. The number of information units to be transferred is determined by operating the keyboard in a certain, preferably combinatory fashion. Each information unit or group of units which is transferred from the main memory to the accounting memory by operating the keyboard in some other, certain, preferably combinatory fashion will either be given a certain address code or will be allocated to a specific accounting memory.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter (20) is disclosed for unattended supervision and sale of space usage for a lot having a plurality of numbered parking spaces. After parking his vehicle, a customer proceeds to the meter (20) and is sequentially instructed to initially enter his identification data through a key pad (36), then enter coins and/or paper currency in any sequence to purchase space usage, then activate a transaction complete button (46), and then take a printed receipt from a strip printer (48). A computer (52) in the meter (20) computes the length of time purchased from the amount of money entered in accordance with the current rate. A cathode ray tube (34) provides visual verification of the identification data entered, and also displays the amount of money paid, the length of time purchased and expiration time. These totals are cumulatively updated as more money is entered. The printer (48) provides a lot status log in response to coded command for efficient lot inventory.

Abstract: A parking system for vehicles is disclosed. The system includes a special sign that displays information about a particular parking space, a parking meter into which the displayed information is entered that accumulates parking information in accordance with the entered displayed information, and a terminal that receives and process the parking information accumulated by the parking meter.

Abstract: Parking meter comprising a visible means, a first time measuring device which switches the visible means off after a given parking period and a second time measuring device which renders the visible means unusable after a predetermined parking time which is many times longer than the given parking period.