Method and apparatus for vending goods in conjunction with a credit card accepting fuel dispensing pump

• US 6,193,154 B1
• Filed: 08/24/1994
• Issued: 02/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Coca-Cola Company (The Coca-Cola Company)
• Original Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
• Inventors: Phillips, Paul Anderson, Miller, John Stanley, Taylor, Kit Weston
• Primary Examiner(s): Pitts, Harold I.
• Application Number:
  US08/294,993
• Time in Patent Office: 2,379 Days
• Field of Search: 235/381, 235/380, 186/3
• US Class Current: 235/381
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/385 using an alias or single-use codes
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 13/02 by volume
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 5/18 specially adapted for controlling several coin-freed apparatus from one place
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/00 Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines

Abstract

A vending machine is usable in conjunction with a credit card accepting self service fuel dispensing gasoline pump. A credit card is initially input to the gasoline pump and approval of the credit card is obtained. A customer is then prompted to purchase a soft drink. The customer can input the quantity type of soft drink desired and coded portions of this information can be transmitted from the gas pump to the vending machine. A code can be generated in the gas pump, which is machine or human readable, and can be printed on a single receipt which further includes a total amount to be charged on a credit card corresponding to the gas dispensed and soft drink quantity purchased. This code can be entered into the vending machine where the soft drinks can be automatically dispensed without the need for further insertion of paper or coin money. Alternatively, a code number need not be issued, and the soft drinks can be automatically credited to or dispensed from the vending machine, through a customer interacting solely with the gas pump.

Claims

1. A method of dispensing goods, comprising the steps of:

(a) reading a credit card at a first goods dispensing apparatus;

(b) prompting, at the first goods dispensing apparatus, a user to purchase second goods from a second goods dispensing apparatus, separate from the first goods dispensing apparatus;

(c) receiving, at the first goods dispensing apparatus, a user selected response to the prompt to determine if a purchase of second goods from the second goods dispensing apparatus has been requested by the user;

(d) activating the first goods dispensing apparatus for dispensing of first goods, the first goods being different from the second goods;

(e) generating a code in response to receipt of a user selected response in step (c) indicative of a request to purchase second goods;

(f) billing an amount for the dispensed first goods and the purchased second goods, if any requested, to the credit card; and

(g) printing and outputting a receipt of the billed amount, at the first goods dispensing apparatus, wherein the receipt includes the generated code which is usable for dispensing the second goods from the second goods dispensing apparatus, if any have been requested by the user.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the code is generated in step (e) based, in part, upon information related to the second goods requested by the user.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the code of the receipt printed in step (g) is machine readable.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the code of the receipt printed and output in step (g) is human readable.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

(h) prompting a user to select a quantity of second goods to be purchased from the second goods dispensing apparatus, if any requested in step (c).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the code is generated, in part, based upon the selected quantity of second goods of step (h).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the code of the receipt printed and output in step (g) is machine readable.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the code of the receipt printed and output in step (g) is human readable.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the receipt printed and output in step (g) containing the machine readable code, is insertable in the second goods dispensing apparatus, for securing the selected quantity of purchased second goods.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

(h) prompting a user, and receiving a user selected response in response thereto, to purchase additional second goods from the second goods dispensing apparatus subsequent to step (d) and prior to step (f), wherein the billed amount of step (f) if is for the dispensed first goods, purchased second goods, if any requested, and additionally purchased second goods, if any requested.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

(g) attempting to secure approval of the credit card immediately after the credit card is read in step (a), wherein steps (b)-(f) are skipped, upon failing to secure approval in step (g).

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

(h) storing the received user selected response of step (c).

13. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of:

(i) storing the received user selected response of step (c), wherein the prompt of step (h) is skipped if the stored user selected response is not indicative of a user requesting the purchase of second goods from the second goods dispensing apparatus.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:

(j) storing a user selected quantity in response to the prompt of step (h).

15. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of:

(h) prompting a user to enter a code number, to be printed on a receipt in step (g), into the second goods dispensing apparatus.

16. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of:

(h) prompting a user to insert a machine readable receipt, to be printed and output in step (g), into the second goods dispensing apparatus.

17. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of:

(i) prompting a user to enter a code number, to be printed and output in step (g), into the second goods dispensing apparatus.

18. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of:

(i) prompting a user to insert a machine readable receipt, to be printed in step (g), into the second goods dispensing apparatus.

69. The method of claim 1, wherein the first goods dispensing apparatus is a gasoline pump and the second goods dispensing apparatus is a food vending machine.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are in close enough proximity so that each is visible from the other.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are disposed on a common gasoline island area of a gasoline station.

72. The method of claim 70, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are both disposed outside of an associated service station building.

73. The method of claim 1, wherein the second goods are beverages.

74. The method of claim 69, wherein the second goods are beverages.

75. The method of claim 70, wherein the second goods are beverages.

76. The method of claim 71, wherein the second goods are beverages.

77. The method of claim 72, wherein the second goods are beverages.

19. A method of dispensing goods, comprising the steps of:

(a) reading a credit card at a first goods dispensing apparatus;

(b) prompting, at the first goods dispensing apparatus, a user to purchase second goods from a second goods dispensing apparatus, separate from the first goods dispensing apparatus;

(c) receiving from the first goods dispensing apparatus, a user selected response to the prompt to determine if a purchase of second goods from the second goods dispensing apparatus has been requested by the user;

(d) generating a code in response to receipt of a user selected response received in step (c) indicative of a request to purchase second goods;

(e) activating the second goods dispensing apparatus for dispensing the purchased second goods, if any requested, in response to receipt of the code generated in step (d);

(f) activating the first goods dispensing apparatus for dispensing of first goods, the first goods being different from the second goods; and

(g) billing an amount for the dispensed first goods and the purchased second goods, if any requested, to the credit card.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of:

(h) prompting, at the first goods dispensing apparatus, a user to select a quantity of second goods to be purchased from the second goods dispensing apparatus, if any requested in step (c), wherein the billed amount of step (g) includes an amount for the dispensed first goods and an amount for the selected quantity of second goods, if any requested.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of:

(i) prompting, at the first goods dispensing apparatus, a user to select a type of second goods to be purchased from the second goods dispensing apparatus, if any requested in step (c).

22. The method of claim 21, wherein step (i) is repeated, at most, a number of times equal in number to the quantity selected in response to the prompt of step (h).

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of:

(j) instructing the second goods dispensing apparatus to automatically dispense the selected types and quantities of second goods in accordance with responses to the prompts of steps (h) and (i).

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of:

(j) instructing the second goods dispensing apparatus, for each selected in response to the prompt of step (i), to automatically dispense each selected second goods from the second goods dispensing apparatus.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of:

(k) printing and outputting a single receipt of the billed amount for the dispensed first goods and the dispensed second goods, if any requested, at the first goods dispensing apparatus.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of:

(k) printing and outputting a single receipt of the billed amount for the dispensed first goods and the dispensed second goods, if any requested, at the first goods dispensing apparatus.

27. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of:

(h) prompting a user, and receiving a user selected response in response thereto, to purchase additional second goods from the second goods dispensing apparatus subsequent to step (f) and prior to step (g), wherein the billed amount of step (g) is for the dispensed first goods, purchased second goods, if any requested, and additionally purchased second goods, if any requested.

28. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of:

(h) attempting to secure approval of the credit card immediately after the credit card is read in step (a), wherein the steps (b)-(g) are skipped upon failing to secure approval in step (h).

29. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of:

(h) storing the received user selected response of step (c).

30. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of:

(i) storing the user selected response of step (c), wherein the prompt of step (h) is skipped if the stored user selected response is not indicative of a user requesting the purchase of second goods from the second goods dispensing apparatus.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of:

(j) storing a user selected quantity in response to the prompt of step (h).

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of:

(k) prompting, at the first goods dispensing apparatus, a user to select a type of second goods to be purchased from the second goods dispensing apparatus, if any requested in step (c); and

(l) storing a user selected type of second goods in response to step (k).

33. The method of claim 32, wherein step (k) is repeated, at most, a number of times equal in number to the quantity selected in response to the prompt of step (h).

34. The method of claim 21, wherein the prompting of step (i) is a prompting of types of second goods, each with a corresponding input number, available for purchase from the second goods dispensing apparatus.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the prompting of step (i) excludes all types of goods soldout from the second goods dispensing apparatus.

36. The method of claim 32, wherein the prompting of step (k) is a prompting of types of second goods, each with a corresponding input number, available for purchase from the second goods dispensing apparatus.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the prompting of step (k) excludes all types of goods soldout from the second goods dispensing apparatus.

78. The method of claim 19, wherein the first goods dispensing apparatus is a gasoline pump and the second goods dispensing apparatus is a food vending machine.

79. The method of claim 78, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are in close enough proximity so that each is visible from the other.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are disposed on a common gasoline island area of a gasoline station.

81. The method of claim 79, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are both disposed outside of an associated service station building.

82. The method of claim 19, wherein the second goods are beverages.

83. The method of claim 78, wherein the second goods are beverages.

84. The method of claim 79, wherein the second goods are beverages.

85. The method of claim 80, wherein the second goods are beverages.

86. The method of claim 81, wherein the second goods are beverages.

100. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 80, wherein the first goods are beverages.

38. A goods dispensing apparatus, for use in conjunction with a second goods dispensing apparatus, comprising:

first means for activating and controlling the goods dispensing apparatus in response to receipt of a transmission including a generated code, the code being generated in response to receipt of an input credit card and receipt of an affirmative user response to a prompting of a user to purchase first goods from the goods dispensing apparatus, each of the credit card input, affirmative user response, and prompting occurring at the second goods dispensing apparatus; and

second means responsive to the first means, for dispensing purchased first goods from the activated goods dispensing apparatus based upon the generated code, wherein an amount for dispensed second goods from the second goods dispensing apparatus and an amount for the dispensed first goods from the goods dispensing apparatus are billed to the credit card input into the second goods dispensing apparatus, the first goods being different from the second goods.

39. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 38, wherein the first goods are beverages.

40. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 38, wherein the first means receives the generated code, which includes an indication of a quantity of first goods to be dispensed by the second means obtained at the second goods dispensing apparatus, in response to the second goods dispensing apparatus prompting a user to select a quantity of first goods to be purchased, the first means subsequently controlling the second means to dispense the received quantity of first goods.

41. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 40, wherein the code received by the first means further includes, an indication of each user selected type of first goods to be dispensed by the second means obtained at the second goods dispensing apparatus, in response to the second goods dispensing apparatus prompting a user to select a type of first goods to be purchased, the second means subsequently being controlled to dispense each received user selected type of first goods.

42. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 41, wherein the code received by the first means includes an indication of a user selected type of first goods, at most, a number of times equal in number to the received user selected quantity.

43. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 42, wherein the second means is controlled to automatically dispense each received user selected type of first goods based upon the generated code.

44. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 42, wherein an amount for the user selected quantity of first goods is billed to the credit card input into the second goods dispensing apparatus.

45. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 38, wherein the goods dispensing apparatus is proximately located to the second good dispensing apparatus.

46. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 41, wherein the first means further transmits an indication, of types of first goods which are unavailable to be dispensed by the second means, to the second dispensing apparatus to thereby exclude the prompting of the unavailable types of first goods at the second dispensing apparatus.

47. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 38, wherein the transmission from the second goods dispensing apparatus to the goods dispensing apparatus is a radio frequency transmission.

48. The good dispensing apparatus of claim 38, wherein the transmission from the second goods dispensing apparatus to the goods dispensing apparatus is an infrared transmission.

49. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 38, wherein the transmission is a transmission through a wire connecting the second goods dispensing apparatus and the goods dispensing apparatus.

87. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 38, wherein the second goods dispensing apparatus is a gasoline pump and the first goods dispensing apparatus is a food vending machine.

88. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 87, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are in close enough proximity so that each is visible from the other.

89. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 88, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are disposed on a common gasoline island area of a gasoline station.

90. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 88, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are both disposed outside of an associated service station building.

91. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 38, wherein the first goods are beverages.

92. The method of claim 87, wherein the first goods are beverages.

93. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 88, wherein the first goods are beverages.

94. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 89, wherein the first goods are beverages.

95. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 90, wherein the first goods are beverages.

50. A goods dispensing apparatus, for use in conjunction with a second goods dispensing apparatus, comprising:

activation means for activating the goods dispensing apparatus in response to receipt of a transmission indicating receipt of an input credit card and receipt of an affirmative user response to a prompting of a user to purchase first goods from the goods dispensing apparatus, each of the credit card input, affirmative user response, and prompting occurring at the second goods dispensing apparatus;

input means, operatively connected to the activation means, for receiving an input code subsequent to the goods dispensing apparatus being activated, the input code being a code generated in response to receipt of the affirmative user response to the prompting of a user to purchase first goods; and

dispensing means, operatively connected to the input means, for dispensing first goods from the activated goods dispensing apparatus in response to the received input code, wherein an amount for dispensed second goods from the second goods dispensing apparatus and an amount for the dispensed first goods from the goods dispensing apparatus are billed to the credit card input into the second goods dispensing apparatus, the first goods being different from the second goods.

51. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the input code is based, in part, upon a selected quantity of first goods, the quantity being user selected in response to a prompting at the second goods dispensing apparatus.

52. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the input code was previously displayed at the second goods dispensing apparatus.

53. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the input means includes a decoder for decoding machine readable input codes.

54. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the input means includes a keypad.

55. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the input code is printed on a receipt, the receipt being issued by the second goods dispensing apparatus, further containing the amounts billed to the credit card.

56. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 55, wherein the input code is machine readable.

57. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 55, wherein the input code is human readable.

58. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 56, wherein the input means includes a decoder for decoding machine readable input codes.

59. The goons dispensing apparatus of claim 58, wherein the input code is based, in part, upon a selected quantity of first goods, the quantity being user selected in response to a prompting at the second goods dispensing apparatus.

60. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 57, wherein the input means includes a keypad.

61. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 60, wherein the input code is based, in part, upon a selected quantity of first goods, the quantity being user selected in response to a prompting at the second goods dispensing apparatus.

62. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 59, wherein the input code further includes a selected type of first goods, the type of first goods being user selected in response to a prompting at the second goods dispensing apparatus.

63. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 61, wherein the input code further is based, in part, upon a selected type of first goods, the type of first goods being user selected in response to a prompting at the second goods dispensing apparatus.

64. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the transmission from the second goods dispensing apparatus to the goods dispensing apparatus is a radio frequency transmission.

65. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the trans mission from the second goods dispensing apparatus to the goods dispensing apparatus is an infrared transmission.

66. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the transmission is a wire transmission through a wire connecting the second goods dispensing apparatus and the goods dispensing apparatus.

67. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the input means includes a credit card reader for, upon reading an input credit card identical to the credit card input to the second goods dispensing apparatus, within a predetermined period of time, controlling the dispensing of first goods from the dispensing means.

68. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the first goods are beverages.

96. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 50, wherein the second goods dispensing apparatus is a gasoline pump and the first goods dispensing apparatus is a food vending machine.

97. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 96, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are in close enough proximity so that each is visible from the other.

98. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 97, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are disposed on a common gasoline island area of a gasoline station.

99. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 97, wherein said gasoline pump and said food vending machine are both disposed outside of an associated service station building.

101. The method of claim 96, wherein the first goods are beverages.

102. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 97, wherein the first goods are beverages.

103. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 98, wherein the first goods are beverages.

104. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 99 wherein the first goods are beverages.

105. A method of dispensing vendable goods from a vending machine proximately located to a gasoline pump, comprising the steps of:

(a) reading a credit card at the gasoline pump;

(b) receiving a user selected request, associated with the purchase of vendable goods, at the gasoline pump;

(c) activating the gasoline pump for dispensing gasoline;

(d) generating a code in response to receipt of a user selected request in step (b);

(e) billing an amount for the dispensed gasoline and purchased vendable goods, if an affirmative request is received in step (b), to the credit card;

(f) printing and outputting a receipt at the gasoline pump of the billed amount, wherein the receipt includes the generated code which is usable for dispensing the vendable goods from the vending machine, if an affirmative request is received in step (b).

106. The method of claim 105, wherein the code is generated in step (d) based, in part, upon information related to the vendable goods requested by the user.

107. The method of claim 105, wherein the code of the receipt printed in step (f) is machine readable.

108. The method of claim 105, wherein the code of the receipt printed in step (f) is human readable.

109. The method of claim 105, further comprising the step of:

(g) receiving a user selected quantity of vendable goods, at the gasoline pump, if an affirmative request is received in step (b).

110. The method of claim 109, wherein the code is generated, in part, based upon the received selected quantity of vendable goods of step (g).

111. The method of claim 110, wherein the code of the receipt printed in step (f) is machine readable.

112. The method of claim 110, wherein the code of the receipt printed in step (f) is human readable.

113. The method of claim 111, wherein the receipt printed in step (f) containing the machine readable code, is insertable in the vending machine, for securing the selected quantity of purchased vendable goods.

114. The method of claim 105, further comprising the step of:

(h) receiving a user selected request, associated with the purchase additional vendable goods, at the gasoline pump, subsequent to step (c) and prior to step (e), wherein the billed amount of step (e) is for the dispensed gasoline, purchased vendable goods, if an affirmative request is received in step (b), and additionally purchased vendable goods, if an additional affirmative request is received in step (h).

115. The method of claim 105, further comprising the step of:

(g) attempting to secure approval of the credit card immediately after the credit card is read in step (a), wherein steps (b)-(f) are skipped, upon failing to secure approval in step (g).

116. The method of claim 105, further comprising the step of:

(g) storing the received user selected request of step (b).

117. The method of claim 109, further comprising the step of:

(h) storing the received user selected request of step (b), wherein the step (g) is skipped if the stored user selected request is not indicative of a user requesting the purchase of vendable goods from the vending machine apparatus.

118. The method of claim 117, further comprising the step of:

(i) storing the received user selected quantity of step (g).

119. The method of claim 106, further comprising the step of:

(g) receiving the generated code, printed on a receipt in step (f), in the vending machine.

120. The method of claim 107, further comprising the step of:

(g) receiving a machine readable receipt including the generated code, printed in step (f), in the vending machine.

121. The method of claim 110, further comprising the step of:

(h) receiving the generated code, printed in step (f), in the vending machine.

122. The method of claim 111, further comprising the step of:

(h) receiving a machine readable receipt including the generated code, printed in step (f), in the vending machine.

172. The method of claim 105, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are in close enough proximity so that each is visible from the other.

173. The method of claim 105, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are disposed on a common gasoline island area of a gasoline station.

174. The method of claim 105, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are both disposed outside of an associated service station building.

175. The method of claim 105, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

176. The method of claim 173, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

177. The method of claim 174, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

123. A method of dispensing vendable goods from a vending machine proximately located to a gasoline pump, comprising the steps of:

(a) reading a credit card at the gasoline pump;

(b) receiving a user selected request, associated with the purchase of vendable goods, at the gasoline pump;

(c) generating a code in response to receipt of a user selected request in step (b), and outputting the generated code to the vending machine;

(d) activating the vending machine for dispensing vendable goods in response to receipt of the code generated in step (c);

(e) activating the gasoline pump for dispensing gasoline; and

(f) billing an amount for the dispensed gasoline and the purchased vendable goods, if an affirmative request is received in step (b), to the credit card.

124. The method of claim 123, further comprising the step of:

(g) receiving a user selected quantity of vendable goods to be purchased, at the gasoline pump, if an affirmative request is received in step (b), wherein the generated code is based, in part, upon the received user selected quantity and wherein the billed amount of step (f) includes an amount for the dispensed gasoline and an amount for the selected quantity of vendable goods, if an affirmative request is received in step (b).

125. The method of claim 124, further comprising the step of:

(h) receiving a user selected type of vendable goods to be purchased from the vending machine, at the gasoline pump, if an affirmative request is received in step (b), wherein the generated code is based, in part, upon the received user selected type of vendable goods.

126. The method of claim 125, wherein step (h) is repeated, at most, a number of times equal in number to the received selected quantity of step (g).

127. The method of claim 125, further comprising the step of:

(i) instructing the vending machine to automatically dispense the received selected types and quantities of vendable goods based upon the generated code.

128. The method of claim 123, further comprising the step of:

(g) instructing the vending machine, for each received selected type, to automatically dispense each selected vendable good from the vending machine.

129. The method of claim 127, further comprising the step of:

(j) printing and outputting a single receipt of the billed amount for the dispensed gasoline and the dispensed vendable goods, if an affirmative request is received in step (b).

130. The method of claim 128, further comprising the step of:

(j) printing and outputting a single receipt of the billed amount for the dispensed gasoline and the dispensed vendable goods, if an affirmative request is received in step (b).

131. The method of claim 123, further comprising the step of:

(g) receiving a second user selected request, associated with the purchase of additional vendable goods, at the gasoline pump subsequent to step (d) and prior to step (f), wherein the billed amount of step (f) is for the dispensed gasoline, purchased vendable goods, if an affirmative request is received in step (b), and additionally purchased vendable goods, if an affirmative request is additionally received in step (g).

132. The method of claim 123, further comprising the step of:

(g) attempting to secure approval of the credit card immediately after the credit card is read in step (a), wherein steps (b)-(f) are skipped upon failing to secure approval in step (g).

133. The method of claim 123, further comprising the step of:

(g) storing the received user selected request of step (b).

134. The method of claim 124, further comprising the step of:

(h) storing the user selected request of step (b), wherein step (g) is skipped if the stored user selected request is not indicative of a user requesting the purchase of vendable goods from the vending machine.

135. The method of claim 134, further comprising the step of:

(i) storing the user selected quantity received in step (g).

136. The method of claim 135, further comprising the step of:

(j) receiving a user selected a type of vendable goods to be purchased from the vending machine, at the gasoline pump, if an affirmative request is received in step (b); and

(k) storing the received user selected type of vendable goods received in step (j).

137. The method of claim 136, wherein step (j) is repeated, at most, a number of times equal in number to the selected quantity received in step (g).

138. The method of claim 125, wherein the received selected type of step (h) corresponds to a number selected at the gasoline pump, the number corresponding to a type of vendable good which is available for purchase from the vending machine.

139. The method of claim 138, wherein the selectable numbers at the gasoline pump exclude all types of goods sold out from the vending machine.

140. The method of claim 136, wherein the received selected type of step (j) corresponds to a number selected at the gasoline pump, the number corresponding to a type of vendable good which is available for purchase from the vending machine.

141. The method of claim 140, wherein the selectable numbers at the gasoline pump exclude all types of good soldout from the vending machine.

178. The method of claim 123, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are in close enough proximity so that each is visible from the other.

179. The method of claim 123, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are disposed on a common gasoline island area of a gasoline station.

180. The method of claim 123, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are both disposed outside of an associated service station building.

181. The method of claim 123, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

182. The method of claim 178, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

183. The method of claim 179, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

184. The method of claim 180, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

142. A vending machine, for dispensing vendable goods in conjunction with a proximately located gasoline pump, comprising:

first means for activating and controlling the vending machine in response to receipt of a transmission including a generated code, the code being generated in response to receipt, at the gasoline pump, of an input credit card and receipt of a user selected request to purchase vendable goods from the vending machine; and

second means, responsive to the first means, for dispensing purchased vendable goods from the vending machine based upon the received generated code, wherein an amount for dispensed gasoline from the gasoline pump and an amount for the dispensed vendable goods from the vending machine are billed to the credit card input into the gasoline pump.

143. The vending machine of claim 142, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

144. The vending machine of claim 142, wherein the first means receives the generated code, which includes an indication of a user selected quantity of vendable goods to be dispensed by the second means obtained at the gasoline pump, the second means subsequently being controlled to dispense the received user selected quantity of vendable goods.

145. The vending machine of claim 144, wherein the code received by the first means further includes an indication of each user selected type of vendable goods to be dispensed by the second means obtained at the gasoline pump, the second means subsequently being controlled to dispense each received user selected type of vendable goods.

146. The vending machine of claim 145, wherein the code received by the first means includes a user selected type of vendable goods, at most, a number of times equal in number to the received user selected quantity.

147. The vending machine of claim 146, wherein the first means controls the second means to automatically dispense each received user selected type of vendable goods.

148. The vending machine of claim 146, wherein an amount for the user selected quantity of vendable goods is billed to the credit card input into the gasoline pump.

149. The vending machine of claim 145, wherein the first means further transmits an indication of types of vendable goods which are unavailable to be dispensed by the second means, to the gasoline pump to thereby exclude user selection of the unavailable types of vendable goods at the gasoline pump.

150. The vending machine of claim 142, wherein the transmission from the gasoline pump to the vending machine is a radio frequency transmission.

151. The vending machine of claim 142, wherein the transmission from the gasoline pump to the vending machine is an infrared transmission.

152. The goods dispensing apparatus of claim 142, wherein the transmission is a transmission through a wire connecting the gasoline pump and the vending machine.

185. The vending machine of claim 142, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are in close enough proximity so that each is visible from the other.

186. The vending machine of claim 142, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are disposed on a common gasoline island area of a gasoline station.

187. The vending machine of claim 142, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are both disposed outside of an associated service station building.

188. The vending machine of claim 142, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

189. The vending machine of claim 185, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

190. The vending machine of claim 186, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

191. The vending machine of claim 187, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

153. A vending machine, for dispensing vendable goods in conjunction with a proximately located gasoline pump, comprising:

activation means for activating the vending machine in response to receipt of a transmission indicating receipt of an input credit card and receipt of a user selected request to purchase vendable goods from the vending machine;

input means, operatively connected to the activation means, for receiving an input code subsequent to the vending machine being activated, the input code being a code generated in response to receipt of the user selected request to purchase vendable goods; and

dispensing means, operatively connected to the input means, for dispensing vendable goods from the activated vending machine in response to the received input code, wherein an amount for dispensed gasoline from the gasoline pump and an amount for the dispensed vendable goods from the vending machine are billed to the credit card input into the gasoline pump.

154. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the input code is based, in part, upon a selected quantity of vendable goods, the quantity being user selected at the gasoline pump.

155. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the input code was previously displayed at the gasoline pump.

156. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the input means includes a decoder for decoding machine readable input codes.

157. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the input means includes a keypad.

158. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the input code is printed on a receipt, the receipt being issued by the gasoline pump, further containing the amounts billed to the credit card.

159. The vending machine of claim 158, wherein the input code is machine readable.

160. The vending machine of claim 158, wherein the input code is human readable.

161. The vending machine of claim 159, wherein the input means includes a decoder for decoding machine readable input codes.

162. The vending machine of claim 161, wherein the input code is based, in part, upon a selected quantity of vendable goods, the quantity being user selected at the gasoline pump.

163. The vending machine of claim 160, wherein the input means includes a keypad.

164. The vending machine of claim 161, wherein the input code is based, in part, upon a selected quantity of vendable goods, the quantity being user selected at the gasoline pump.

165. The vending machine of claim 162, wherein the input code further is based, in part, upon a selected type of vendable goods, the type of vendable goods being user selected at the gasoline pump.

166. The vending machine of claim 164, wherein the input code further is based, in part, upon a selected type of vendable goods, the type of vendable goods being user selected at the gasoline pump.

167. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the transmission from the gasoline pump to the vending machine is a radio frequency transmission.

168. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the transmission from the gasoline pump to the vending machine is an infrared transmission.

169. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the transmission is a transmission through a wire connecting the gasoline pump and the vending machine.

170. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the input means includes a credit card reader for, upon reading an input credit card identical to the credit card input to the gasoline pump, within a predetermined period of time, controlling the dispensing of vendable goods from the dispensing means.

171. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

192. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are in close enough proximity so that each is visible from the other.

193. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are disposed on a common gasoline island area of a gasoline station.

194. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein said gasoline pump and said vending machine are both disposed outside of an associated service station building.

195. The vending machine of claim 153, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

196. The vending machine of claim 192, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

197. The vending machine of claim 193, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.

198. The vending machine of claim 194, wherein the vendable goods are beverages.