Automated fee collection and parking ticket dispensing machine

• US 20040226993A1
• Filed: 04/05/2004
• Published: 11/18/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/09/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Allan E. Beavers, David H. Bailinson, Robert A. Fulcher
• Original Assignee: Allan E. Beavers, David H. Bailinson, Robert A. Fulcher
• Inventors: Fulcher, Robert A., Beavers, Allan E., Bailinson, David H.
• Granted Patent: US 6,929,179 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/381
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0284 Time or distance, e.g. usage of parking meters or taximeters
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 15/02 taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems G07B15/06 takes precedence; taximeters G07B13/00; parking meters per se G07F17/24; car rental systems per se G07B15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/24 for parking meters
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/242 provided with token dispensing devices

Abstract

An automated fee collection and ticket dispensing machine is disclosed that is capable of operating under a variety of operating modes. The machine permits users to purchase a variety of passes. The disclosed machine includes printers to produce receipts or passes for services or activities. Payment may be made using credit cards, debit cards or cash. The device is provided with networking means, to allow central control and monitoring of the device. Power for the machine may be provided by hard-wiring the device to conventional AC power lines, by solar panels, by batteries, or a combination of any of these. The user interface includes a video output screen with “touch screen” capability to receive user input, audio output means, and a proximity sensor to activate the machine when a user approaches. Additionally, security means are provided to deter potential thieves or vandals.

Claims

1. An isolated, stand alone, automated fee collection and ticket dispensing device adapted for operating in a plurality of operational modes, comprising:

a power supply;

a durable protective enclosure having locking means for securing an access door;

a fee collection means for collecting a payment from a user and providing change as necessary;

a first output device adapted to modify a first ticket stored in said dispensing device;

a second output device adapted to modify a second ticket stored in said dispensing device;

a dispensing chute with a first aperture to receive the first ticket outputted from said first output device, and a second aperture to receive the second ticket outputted from said second output device, said dispensing chute further comprising a dispensing tray extending outside of said protective enclosure which allows the first ticket and the second ticket to be discharged from the dispensing chute;

an air flow dispensing means in operable communication with said dispensing chute and a power supply, wherein upon receiving a signal, said air flow dispensing means provides air flow within said dispensing chute, wherein the first ticket and the second ticket are dispensed from said dispensing chute; and

a computer positioned within said durable protective enclosure and operably interconnected to at least said fee collection means, said power supply and said first output device and said second output device.

2. The automated fee collection device of claim 1, further comprising a third output device adapted to modify a third ticket stored in said device, wherein said dispensing chute further comprises a third aperture to receive the third ticket outputted from said third output device.

3. The automated fee collection device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first output device and said second output device is a thermal transfer printer.

4. The automated fee collection device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first output device and said second output device is capable of applying at least one colored material to the first ticket and the second ticket.

5. The automated fee collection device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first output device and said second output device is capable of cutting at least one of the first ticket and the second ticket into a predetermined shape.

6. The automated fee collection device of claim 1, wherein the first ticket and the second ticket may be dispensed when said access door is opened.

7. The automated fee collection device of claim 1, further comprising at least one environmental control means positioned within said enclosure, wherein at least one of a temperature, a relative humidity and a power source may be controlled automatically.

8. The automated fee collection and ticket dispensing device of claim 1, wherein said computer comprises a programmable personal computer.

9. The automated fee collection device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first ticket and the second ticket comprises at least one of a decal, a sticker, a parking pass, and a payment receipt.

10. A method for dispensing items within an automated fee collection and ticket dispensing device, comprising the steps of:

displaying at least first information on a visual display means, said first information comprising instructions for using said dispensing device for said item;

providing a user input means that allows the user to provide input information;

detecting said input information from said user input means;

providing a means to accept payment;

providing a plurality of output means that prints predetermined information on at least one of said item;

providing a chute with a plurality of apertures that receives at least one of said item after it has been altered by at least one of said plurality of output means;

providing a blower which is in operable communication with said chute and which provides a flow of air through said chute, wherein said at least one of said item is expelled from said chute; and

dispensing said item through said chute.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of signaling said blower when to turn on and when to turn off.

12. The method of claim 10, further providing a programmable computer in operable communication with at least said user input means, said visual display means and said means to accept payment, wherein said dispensing device is a stand alone machine capable of operation in a remote location.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein said plurality of output means is a thermal transfer printer.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein said plurality of output means is capable of cutting said item into a predetermined shape.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein said user input means comprises a touch sensitive screen.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein said predetermined information is a message, a sticker, a parking space number, a bar code, a decal, or a black ink.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of providing an access door for said device that has a first closed position and a second open position, said device being capable of operation when said door is in said first position and said second position.

18. An automated fee collection and dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the item comprises a decal, a sticker, a ticket, a message and a receipt.

19. The automated fee collection device of claim 10, where said means to accept payment comprises at lest one receptacle for receiving legal tender, coins and a credit card.

20. An automated fee collection and dispensing device, comprising:

an isolated, stand alone, automated fee collection and ticket and/or decal dispensing device adapted for operating in a plurality of operational modes, comprising;

a durable protective enclosure having locking means for securing an access door;

a computer positioned within said protective enclosure and operatively interconnected to monitor and control at least one of a plurality of operating conditions associated with said isolated, stand alone, automated fee collection device;

computer programming stored in said computer, wherein said programming provides at least two operational modes;

a visual display in operable communication with said computer and operably positioned on said durable protective enclosure;

a fee collection means for collecting a payment from a user and providing change as necessary;

a first output device adapted to modify a ticket and/or decal stored in said dispensing device;

a second output device adapted to modify the ticket and/or decal stored in said device;

a dispensing chute with a first aperture to receive the first ticket and/or decal outputted from said first output device, and a second aperture to receive the second ticket and/or decal outputted from said second output device, said dispensing chute further comprising a dispensing tray extending outside of said protective enclosure which allows the first ticket and/or decal and the second ticket and/or decal to be discharged from the dispensing chute; and

means for supplying power to said ticket and/or decal dispensing device.

21. The dispensing device of claim 20, further comprising an air blower in operable communication with said dispensing chute and a power supply, wherein upon receiving a signal said air blower directs a volume of air into said dispensing chute to facilitate the travel of the ticket and/or decal to said dispensing tray.