Automatic vending machine
US4778983A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1986 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F7/08
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automatic vending machine is disclosed that operates in response to a card inserted by a user. The card contains identification information which is used to access data stored in a memory device regarding the amount of money the user has credited to his account. If the account balance exceeds the purchase price of a desired item, the item is supplied to the user and the amount of the purchase is deducted from his account. A user may increase his account balance at any time by inserting money into the machine. Security is maintained through the use of a security code which the user inputs into the machine after the card is inserted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.