Automatic vending machine
First Claim
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1. A vending machine for dispensing merchandise, said vending machine comprising:
- card reading means for reading identification information stored on a card inserted into the vending machine by a user of the machine;
storage means for storing a credit balance of said user, said credit balance being accessed according to said identification information;
comparison means for comparing the price of an item requested by the consumer with said credit balance; and
dispensing means for dispensing an item to said user in response to a signal from said comparison means.
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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.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A vending machine for dispensing merchandise, said vending machine comprising:
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card reading means for reading identification information stored on a card inserted into the vending machine by a user of the machine; storage means for storing a credit balance of said user, said credit balance being accessed according to said identification information; comparison means for comparing the price of an item requested by the consumer with said credit balance; and dispensing means for dispensing an item to said user in response to a signal from said comparison means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification