Coin operated electronic parking meter
First Claim
1. A token actuated timing device comprising:
- (a) means for storing preprogrammed numerical values at a plurality of addressable memory locations;
(b) means for detecting the type and number of each type of token inserted into said device and for addressing a selected memory location each time a token is inserted, said location corresponding to the type and number of token of that type inserted;
(c) first counter means for down counting from any present number to zero at a rate determined by an applied clock frequency and producing a zero detect signal on reaching zero;
(d) means for presetting said first counter means to the value stored at said selected memory location;
(e) second counter means for selectively counting up or down at a rate determined by an applied clock frequency;
(f) means for producing first and second clock frequencies;
(g) control means operative each time a token is detected for(i) applying said first clock frequency to said first counter means to down count said first counter means to zero,(ii) simultaneously up counting said second counter means at said first clock frequency unitl said zero detect signal is produced by said first counter means,(iii) down counting said second counter means at said second clock frequency after said zero detect signal is produced, and(h) means for displaying the count on said second counter means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A coin operated electronic parking meter is disclosed. The meter employs a storage memory and two sets of counters. Responsive to the insertion of one or more coins, signals are generated which cause the memory to load a selected number into the first set of counters. The second set of counters are counted up while the first set counts down to zero to load the second set. After loading the meter shifts to a timing mode in which the second set of counters count down at a one count per minute rate. When the second set reaches zero, a flag is tripped indicating that the parking meter is in overtime. A maximum revenue producing circuit is also disclosed which displays the amount of time present on the meter only for the period immediately after the insertion of a coin.
83 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A token actuated timing device comprising:
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(a) means for storing preprogrammed numerical values at a plurality of addressable memory locations; (b) means for detecting the type and number of each type of token inserted into said device and for addressing a selected memory location each time a token is inserted, said location corresponding to the type and number of token of that type inserted; (c) first counter means for down counting from any present number to zero at a rate determined by an applied clock frequency and producing a zero detect signal on reaching zero; (d) means for presetting said first counter means to the value stored at said selected memory location; (e) second counter means for selectively counting up or down at a rate determined by an applied clock frequency; (f) means for producing first and second clock frequencies; (g) control means operative each time a token is detected for (i) applying said first clock frequency to said first counter means to down count said first counter means to zero, (ii) simultaneously up counting said second counter means at said first clock frequency unitl said zero detect signal is produced by said first counter means, (iii) down counting said second counter means at said second clock frequency after said zero detect signal is produced, and (h) means for displaying the count on said second counter means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A token actuated timing device comprising:
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(a) means for storing preprogrammed numerical values at a plurality of addressable memory locations; (b) means for detecting the type and number of each type of token inserted into said device and for addressing a selected memory location each time a token is inserted, said location corresponding to the type and number of token of that type inserted; (c) first counter means including three serially connected presettable counter segments corresponding to days, hours, and minutes for down counting from any preset number of zero at a rate determined by an applied clock frequency and producing a zero detect signal on reaching zero; (d) means for presetting said first counter means to the value stored at said selected memory location; (e) second counter means for selectively counting up or down at a rate determined by an applied clock frequency; (f) means for producing first and second clock frequencies; (g) control means operative each time a token is detected for (i) applying said first clock frequency to said first counter means to down count said first counter means to zero, (ii) simultaneously up counting said second counter means at said first clock frequency until said zero detect signal is produced by said first counter means, (iii) down counting said second counter means at said second clock frequency after said zero detect signal is produced, and (h) means for displaying the count on said second counter means. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A token actuated timing device comprising:
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(a) means for storing preprogrammed numerical values at a plurality of addressable memory locations; (b) means for detecting the type and number of each type of token inserted into said device and for addressing a selected memory location each time a token in inserted, said location corresponding to the type and number of token of that type inserted; (c) first counter means for down counting from any preset number to zero at a rate determined by an applied clock frequency and producing a zero detect signal on reaching zero; (d) means for presetting said first counter means to the value stored at said selected memory location; (e) second counter means including three serially connected presettable up/down counter segments for selectively counting up or down at a rate determined by an applied clock frequency; (f) means for producing first and second clock frequencies; (g) control means operative each time a token is detected for (i) applying said first clock frequency to said first counter means to down count said first counter means to zero, (ii) simultaneously up counting said second counter means at said first clock frequency until said zero detect signal is produced by said first counter means, (iii) down counting said second counter means at said second clock frequency after said zero detect signal is produced, and (h) means for displaying the count on said second counter means. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A token actuated timing device comprising
(a) means for storing a numerical value at an addressable memory location; -
(b) means for addressing said memory location responsive to insertion of a token; (c) first counter means for down counting from any preset number to zero; (d) means for presetting said first counter means to the value at said memory location; (e) second counter means for selectively counting up or down; (f) control means for up counting said second counter means while simultaneously down counting said first counter means from the value preset therein to load said second counter means, and for down counting said second counter means at a real time rate after said first counter means reaches zero; and (g) means for displaying the count on said second counter means.
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Specification