Code controlled microcontroller readout from coin operated machine

Claim 1

An apparatus for sensing and totalling transactions in a vending machine, coin changer, and the like, comprising: A. means for sensing coin input and output transactions; B. means for converting the sensed transactions into digit signal pulses; and, C. a plurality of microelectronic circuit registers to receive the digit pulses, including: i. internal totalling registers for counting net coin intake; ii. memory registers for storing the net coin intake; and, iii. a read-out register for outputting: a. the net coin intake from the memory registers, servicing requirements, prior service history, power outages, battery deterioration, tamper attempts and usage times; b. times and dates of: coin collecting, coin usage, power interruptions, tampering and servicing; and, c. inventory control data, product and price change data, dispensing instructions, machine diagnostics, temperature control adjustments, service time checks, code controlled access entry to security locks, and security alarms; the read-out registers being adapted for accessing and interrogation by a detachable, portable collection unit for data contained in the memory registers; the collection unit being adapted for performing calculations and for the input of instruction, data, access codes, code validations code changes, programs and program changes, and for servicing a plurality of vending machines, by means of a keyboard input.

Claim 2

An apparatus for sensing and totalling transactions in a vending machine, coin changer, and the like, comprising: A. means for sensing coin input and output transactions; B. means for converting the sensed transactions into digit signal pulses; and, C. a plurality of microelectronic circuit registers to receive the digit pulses, including: i. internal totalling registers for counting net coin intake; ii. memory registers for storing the net coin intake; and, iii. a read-out register for outputting: a. the net coin intake from the memory registers, servicing requirements, prior service history, power outages, battery deterioration, tamper attempts and usage times; b. times and dates of: coin collecting, coin usage, power interruptions, tampering and servicing; and, c. inventory control data, product and price change data, dispensing instructions, machine diagnostics, temperature control adjustments, service time checks, code controlled access entry to security locks, and security alarms; the read-out registers being adapted for accessing and interrogation by a detachable, portable collection unit for data contained in the memory registers; the collection unit being adapted for performing calculations and for the input of instruction, data, access codes, code validations code changes, programs and program changes, and for servicing a plurality of vending machines, by means of a keyboard input.

Claim 3

A system for monitoring, testing, auditing and controlling a vending machine, coin changer and the like, comprising: 1. A counter-monitor-controller, including: A. means for sensing input and output transactions; B. means for converting the sensed transactions into signal pulses; C. a plurality of microelectronic circuit registers to receive the signal pulses, including: i. internal totalling registers for counting and monitoring transactions; ii. memory registers for storing the transactions; and, iii. output registers for outputting the transactions; and, 2. A portable collection unit for receiving transaction information from the memory registers, the collection unit being adapted to serve a plurality of vending machines, and including: A. transaction processing circuitry; and, B. input and output means; the portable collection unit being adapted for access and interrogation of the counter-monitor-controller for data contained in the memory registers, and to store the transaction information in a plurality of memory registers for subsequent release.

Claim 4

A system for monitoring, testing, auditing and controlling a vending machine, coin changer and the like, comprising: 1. A counter-monitor-controller, including: A. means for sensing input and output transactions; B. means for converting the sensed transactions into signal pulses; C. a plurality of microelectronic circuit registers to receive the signal pulses, including: i. internal totalling registers for counting and monitoring transactions; ii. memory registers for storing the transactions; and, iii. output registers for outputting the transactions; and, 2. A portable collection unit for receiving transaction information from the memory registers, the collection unit being adapted to serve a plurality of vending machines, and including: A. transaction processing circuitry; and, B. input and output means; the portable collection unit being adapted for access and interrogation of the counter-monitor-controller for data contained in the memory registers, and to store the transaction information in a plurality of memory registers for subsequent release.

Claim 12

The system of claims 8 or 9, in which the portable collection unit is adapted to download a program into or receive from the counter-monitor-controller including: data, instructions, codes and code changes and program and program changes.

Claim 18

An apparatus for monitoring, testing, auditing and controlling a vending machine, and the like, comprising: A. means for sensing data transactions; B. means for converting the sensed transactions into digit pulses; C. a plurality of microelectronic circuit memory registers to receive and store the digit pulses from the sensed transactions, including: i. service requirements, prior service history, power outages, battery deterioration, tamper attempts and usage times; ii. times and dates of power interruptions and servicing; iii. inventory control data, product and price change data, dispensing instructions, machine diagnostics, temperature, pressure and liquid volume control adjustments, service time checks, code controlled access entry to security locks and security alarms; D. readout registers adapted for outputting data contained in the memory registers; and, E. a detachable, portable, microprocessor collection unit for accessing and interrogation of the readout registers, the collection unit being adapted to perform calculations and for the input of instruction, data, access codes, code validations, code changes, programs and program changes, and for servicing a plurality of vending machines, by means of an input.

Claim 19

An apparatus for monitoring, testing, auditing and controlling a vending machine, and the like, comprising: A. means for sensing data transactions; B. means for converting the sensed transactions into digit pulses; C. a plurality of microelectronic circuit memory registers to receive and store the digit pulses from the sensed transactions, including: i. service requirements, prior service history, power outages, battery deterioration, tamper attempts and usage times; ii. times and dates of power interruptions and servicing; iii. inventory control data, product and price change data, dispensing instructions, machine diagnostics, temperature, pressure and liquid volume control adjustments, service time checks, code controlled access entry to security locks and security alarms; D. readout registers adapted for outputting data contained in the memory registers; and, E. a detachable, portable, microprocessor collection unit for accessing and interrogation of the readout registers, the collection unit being adapted to perform calculations and for the input of instruction, data, access codes, code validations, code changes, programs and program changes, and for servicing a plurality of vending machines, by means of an input.