US4845484A — Retrofit, newspaper tracking audit system for new…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 128 words

A retrofit, automatic audit system for incorporation in the purchase-mechanism box of a standardized-type, door-access coin operated newspaper rack machine, which box includes a key-receiving aperture, said system comprising a frame, retrofit purchase-mechanism mounted on said frame, electromechanical audit structure carried on said frame and operatively coupled to said purchase-mechanism for monitoring and recording transaction data involving the purchase-mechanism, said audit structure including a weather-closed, remote-proximity-activated, data-access communication port seal-fittable within such an aperture with the system retrofitted in such a box, and a free, portable, data-transfer unit proximity coupleable, from the outside of such machine via said port, with said audit structure for acquiring audit data recorded therein, proximity coupling of said unit and said port initiating, automatically, a data transfer mode of operation in the system.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 128 words

A retrofit, automatic audit system for incorporation in the purchase-mechanism box of a standardized-type, door-access coin operated newspaper rack machine, which box includes a key-receiving aperture, said system comprising a frame, retrofit purchase-mechanism mounted on said frame, electromechanical audit structure carried on said frame and operatively coupled to said purchase-mechanism for monitoring and recording transaction data involving the purchase-mechanism, said audit structure including a weather-closed, remote-proximity-activated, data-access communication port seal-fittable within such an aperture with the system retrofitted in such a box, and a free, portable, data-transfer unit proximity coupleable, from the outside of such machine via said port, with said audit structure for acquiring audit data recorded therein, proximity coupling of said unit and said port initiating, automatically, a data transfer mode of operation in the system.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 1, wherein proximity activation is accomplished through magnetic structure.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 2, wherein said magnetic structure includes a magnet in said port and a magnetically actuatable switch in said unit.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 55 words

The system of claim 3, wherein said port includes a male projection which extends outwardly from such an aperture with the system retrofitted in such a box, said magnet extends, in this setting, within said projection outwardly from the aperture, and said unit includes an exposed female portion which is dockable with said male projection.

Claim 6

Independent Claim 25 words

The system of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein communication between said audit structure and said data transfer unit takes place via optical structure.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 44 words

The system of claim 5, wherein said optical structure includes a light source and a light conductor in each of said ports and said unit, with the source in the unit being adapted for communication with the conductor in the port, and vice versa.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 43 words

The system of claim 1, wherein said audit structure, in operative retrofitted condition, is operatively connected to the usual door-lock mechanism in such a rack machine, and proximity coupling of said unit and said port effects, automatically, unlocking of such a door-lock mechanism.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 46 words

The system of claim 1, wherein said data transfer unit includes manual manipulation means, and system-disabling structure which requires, at the conclusion of an acquisition of data by said unit, that the unit receive, via operation of said manual manipulation means, a transfer-conclusion, preselected data stream.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 17 words

The system of claim 8, wherein said data transfer unit includes means for acquiring abbreviated audit data.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 9, wherein said means for acquiring includes said manual manipulation means.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 57 words

The system of claim 1, wherein said data-transfer unit includes first code generating means therein for generating a first unit-specific code and wherein said audit structure includes means for reading said first unit-specific code and for allowing, or disallowing, depending on the correctness of said first code, machine access and transfer of data to said data-transfer unit.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 52 words

The system of claim 1, wherein said data-transfer unit includes second code generating means therein for generating a second unit-specific code and wherein said audit structure includes means for reading said second unit-specific code and for allowing, or disallowing, depending on the correctness of said second code, access to said purchase-mechanism box.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 54 words

The system of claim 1, which further includes buffer means for receiving audit data stored in said data-transfer unit and for transmitting to said data-transfer unit time-lock interval data for setting a predetermined active time interval in said data-transfer unit, said data-transfer unit automatically becoming inoperative at the end of said active time interval.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 106 words

A retrofit, automatic audit system for incorporation in the purchase-mechanism box of a standardized-type, door-access newspaper rack machine, which box includes a key-receiving aperture, said system comprising: a frame, retrofit purchase-mechanism mounted on said frame, electromechanical audit structure carried on said frame and operatively coupled to said purchase-mechanism for monitoring and recording transaction data involving the purchase-mechanism, including a weather-closed remote-proximity activated, data-access communication port fittable within such an aperture with the system retrofitted in such a box, and a free, portable, data-transfer device proximity coupleable, from the outside of such a machine via said port, with said audit structure for acquiring audit data recorded therein.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 106 words

A retrofit, automatic audit system for incorporation in the purchase-mechanism box of a standardized-type, door-access newspaper rack machine, which box includes a key-receiving aperture, said system comprising: a frame, retrofit purchase-mechanism mounted on said frame, electromechanical audit structure carried on said frame and operatively coupled to said purchase-mechanism for monitoring and recording transaction data involving the purchase-mechanism, including a weather-closed remote-proximity activated, data-access communication port fittable within such an aperture with the system retrofitted in such a box, and a free, portable, data-transfer device proximity coupleable, from the outside of such a machine via said port, with said audit structure for acquiring audit data recorded therein.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 27 words

The system of claim 14, wherein proximity activation is accomplished through magnetic means including a magnet in said port and a magnetically actuatable switch in said unit.

Claim 18

Independent Claim 62 words

The system of claims 14 or 15 which further includes communication means for communication between said audit structure and said data transfer unit, said means including a light source and a light conductor in each of said ports and said unit, with the source in the unit being constructed and arranged for communications with the conductor in the port, and vice versa.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 77 words

The system of claim 14, wherein said audit structure in operative retrofitted condition, is operatively connected to the usual door-lock mechanism in such a rack machine, and wherein proximity coupling of said unit and said port effects, automatically, unlocking of such a door-lock mechanism thereby permitting opening of the door, and wherein disengagement of said unit from said port sets the door-lock mechanism for locking engagement with the door when the door is opened and then closed.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 47 words

The system of claim 14, wherein said data transfer unit includes manual manipulation means, and system-disabling structure which requires, at the conclusion of an acquisition of data by said unit, that the unit receive, via operation of said manual manipulation means, a transfer conclusion, preselected data stream.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system of claim 18, wherein said data-transfer unit includes means for acquiring abbreviated audit data.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 18, wherein said means for acquiring includes said manual manipulation means.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 57 words

The system of claim 14, wherein said data-transfer unit includes first code generating means therein for generating a first unit-specific code and wherein said audit structure includes means for reading said first unit-specific code and for allowing, or disallowing, depending on the correctness of said first code, machine access and transfer of data to said data-transfer unit.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 52 words

The system of claim 14, wherein said data-transfer unit includes second code generating means therein for generating a second unit-specific code and wherein said audit structure includes means for reading said second unit-specific code and for allowing or disallowing, depending on the correctness of said second code, access to said purchase-mechanism box.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 54 words

The system of claim 14, which further includes buffer means for receiving audit data stored in said data-transfer unit and for transmitting to said data-transfer unit time-lock interval data for setting a predetermined active time interval in said data-transfer unit, said data-transfer unit automatically becoming inoperative at the end of said active time interval.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 152 words

A retrofit, automatic audit system for incorporation in the purchase-mechanism box of a standardized-type, door-access coin operated newspaper rack machine, which box includes a key-receiving aperture, said system comprising: a frame, retrofit purchase-mechanism mounted on said frame, electromechanical audit structure carried on said frame and operatively coupled to said purchase-mechanism for monitoring and recording transaction data involving the purchase-mechanism, said audit structure including a weather-closed, remote-proximity-activated, data access communications port seal-fittable within such an aperture with the system retrofitted in such a box, and a free, portable, data-transfer unit proximity coupleable, from the outside of such machine via said port, with said audit structure for acquiring audit data recorded therein, proximity coupling of said unit and said port initiating, automatically, a data transferal mode of operation in the system and removal of said unit from the proximity of said port initiating, automatically, a data acquisition mode of operation in said audit structure.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 152 words

A retrofit, automatic audit system for incorporation in the purchase-mechanism box of a standardized-type, door-access coin operated newspaper rack machine, which box includes a key-receiving aperture, said system comprising: a frame, retrofit purchase-mechanism mounted on said frame, electromechanical audit structure carried on said frame and operatively coupled to said purchase-mechanism for monitoring and recording transaction data involving the purchase-mechanism, said audit structure including a weather-closed, remote-proximity-activated, data access communications port seal-fittable within such an aperture with the system retrofitted in such a box, and a free, portable, data-transfer unit proximity coupleable, from the outside of such machine via said port, with said audit structure for acquiring audit data recorded therein, proximity coupling of said unit and said port initiating, automatically, a data transferal mode of operation in the system and removal of said unit from the proximity of said port initiating, automatically, a data acquisition mode of operation in said audit structure.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 24, wherein communication between said audit structure and said data transfer unit takes place via optical structure.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 44 words

The system of claim 25, wherein said optical structure includes a light source and a light conductor in each of said ports and said unit, with the source in the unit being adapted for communication with the conductor in the port, and vice versa.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 77 words

The system of claim 24, wherein said audit structure in operative retrofitted condition, is operatively connected to the usual door-lock mechanism in such a rack machine, and wherein proximity coupling of said unit and said port effects, automatically, unlocking of such a door-lock mechanism thereby permitting opening of the door, and wherein disengagement of said unit from said port sets the door-lock mechanism for locking engagement with the door when the door is opened and then closed.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 84 words

The system of claim 24, wherein proximity activation is accomplished through magnetic means including a magnet in said port and a magnetically actuated switch in said unit and which further includes communications means for communication between said audit structure and said data transfer unit, said communication means including a light source and a light conductor in each of said ports and said unit, with the source in the unit being constructed and arranged for communications with the conductor in the port, and vice versa.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 57 words

The system of claim 24, wherein said data-transfer unit includes first code generating means therein for generating a first unit-specific code and wherein said audit structure includes means for reading said first unit-specific code and for allowing, or disallowing, depending on the correctness of said first code, machine access and transfer of data to said data-transfer unit.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 52 words

The system of claim 24, wherein said data-transfer unit includes second code generating means therein for generating a second unit-specific code and wherein said audit structure includes means for reading said second unit-specific code and for allowing or disallowing, depending on the correctness of said second code, access to said purchase-mechanism box.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 54 words

The system of claim 24, which further includes buffer means for receiving audit data stored in said data-transfer unit and for transmitting to said data-transfer unit time-lock interval data for setting a predetermined active time interval in said data-transfer unit, said data-transfer unit automatically becoming inoperative at the end of said active time interval.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1992-07-03	1993-01-02	1993-07-04	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1996-07-03	1997-01-02	1997-07-04	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2000-07-03	2001-01-02	2001-07-04	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Retrofit, newspaper tracking audit system for newspaper rack machines

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