Parking meter

• US 6,243,028 B1
• Filed: 10/08/1999
• Issued: 06/05/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Agenor Krygler, Alicja Krygler
• Original Assignee: Agenor Krygler, Alicja Krygler
• Inventors: Krygler, Agenor, Krygler, Alicja
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Tai T.
• Application Number:
  US09/242,150
• Time in Patent Office: 606 Days
• Field of Search: 340/932.2, 340/934, 340/825.3, 194/217, 194/902, 194/296
• US Class Current: 340/932.2
• 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: Y10S 194/902 Check-operated device for controlling parking lot

Abstract

A parking meter includes a payment input device, an optical indicating device with optical indicating elements, actuating elements for a corresponding number of parking spaces provided for and interacting with the indicating elements, wherein the indicating elements, the actuating elements and the input device are connected in a common control device. An actuating key labeled “zero” is provided for initiating operation of the parking meter The optical indicating device includes a luminescent diadoe panel with indicating lights. The actuating device includes additional actuating keys. Only one indicating light is provided for each actuating key. A sound reproduction device with a loudspeaker is provided for an acoustic announcement of the paid parking time.

Claims

1. A parking meter comprising an input device for means of payment, an optical indicating device with optical indicating elements, actuating elements for a corresponding number of parking spaces provided for and interacting with the indicating elements, wherein the indicating elements, the actuating elements and the input device are connected in a common control device, further comprising an actuating key labeled “

zero”

for initiating operation of the parking meter, wherein the optical indicating device comprises a luminescent diode panel with indicating lights, wherein the actuating device includes additional actuating keys, wherein only one indicating light is provided for each actuating key, further comprising a sound reproduction device with a loudspeaker for an acoustic announcement of the paid parking time.

2. The parking meter according to claim 1, comprising a columnar or box-like housing.

3. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the input device includes a testing device.

4. The parking meter according to claim 3, wherein the testing device is a coin acceptor unit.

5. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the sound reproduction device is a speech module.

6. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the control device includes a keyboard provided with an actuating element.

7. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein each actuating key is one of a key button with spring elements and touch contact keys and sensors and proximity switches.

8. The parking meter according to claim 7, wherein the keys are connected to microswitches.

9. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein each actuating element is a rotary valve.

10. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the indicating device has three or more indicating elements for three or more parking spaces.

11. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the indicating device includes six or more indicating elements for six or more parking spaces.

12. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the indicating device includes twelve or more indicating elements for twelve or more parking spaces.

13. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the control device includes at least one electronic clock connected to the indicating elements.

14. The parking meter according to claim 13, comprising an electronic clock for each parking space.

15. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the control device comprises a microprocessor system connected to the input device and the indicating elements.

16. The parking meter according to claim 15, wherein the control device has at least one electronic clock connected to the microprocessor system.

17. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the a clock is provided for each parking space.

18. The parking meter according to claim 17, wherein the clock is an electronic clock.

19. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a sensor for providing a signal to the control device when means of payment are put into the input device.

20. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the input device further comprises an actuating element which when actuated releases a return of input means of payment.

21. The parking meter according to claim 1, wherein the parking meter comprises an actuating element for initializing the parking meter into a predetermined initial state.