Interfaced dispensing machines and remote automated payment and inventory management system

• US 6,397,126 B1
• Filed: 05/02/2000
• Issued: 05/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kim Marie Nelson
• Original Assignee: Kim Marie Nelson
• Inventors: Nelson, Kim Marie
• Primary Examiner(s): Ellis, Christopher P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Crawford, Gene O.
• Application Number:
  US09/563,622
• Time in Patent Office: 756 Days
• Field of Search: 700/231,235,236,238,241 235/380,381
• US Class Current: 700/236
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/20 Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/327 Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/14 with means for raising the stack of articles to permit delivery of the topmost
• 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 9/001 Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty

Abstract

A remote means for payment of purchases made using an automated vending machine. The remote means may include a signal or power to release the goods to the consumer. The remote means may interface with the vending machine using wires or wireless technology. The remote means may further provide a means to communicate to the service party when the vending machine requires servicing, such as when the inventory reaches a predetermined quantity. The remote means may also include the capability to communicate a signal which can modify the price of the goods. The preferred embodiment would be using a remote payment system in conjunction with a newspaper vending machine, as the newspaper vending machines operate using battery power, making power consumption a critical parameter.

Claims

1. A method for purchasing items from a vending machine, the method comprising the steps:

a consumer registers a means of payment at a remote payment location by inserting at least one of a credit card, a debit card, and cash into a remote payment location, whereby the remote payment location is located other than within the vending machine,

the consumer communicates with the vending machine that the method of payment is to be from the remote payment location,

the vending machine verifies the registration of payment at the remote payment location;

the consumer selects an item to purchase from a vending machine,

the vending machine communicates the purchase with a remote payment system,

the remote payment system verifies an acceptable transaction and communicates with the vending machine,

the vending machine distributes the goods, and

using a remote interface system located within the remote payment system to modify the prices of goods.

2. A method for purchasing a newspaper from a newspaper vending machine the steps comprising:

providing payment via a remote payment means at a location other than within the newspaper vending machine; and

providing a signal from the remote payment means to the newspaper vending machine, whereby the signal triggers a means that allows the consumer to remove a newspaper from the newspaper vending machine; and

using a remote interface system located within the remote location and using the remote interface to modify the selling price of the newspapers.