Ardac, Incorporated

Bruce R Knox

Robert L Gorgone

Anthony H Dolejs

Gerald M Iannadrea

Alan J Kovach

Andrew J Hruby

In the field of security validators, slot acceptors have been known which transport paper offered as a valid security past a testing station. Previously known acceptors have been susceptible to defeat by mosaics, stringing, shocking, photocopy duplication, and the like. Additionally, known acceptors have operated in an analog mode, relying upon rudimentary test functions. The invention herein overcomes the problems of the prior art by presenting an acceptor having a note path (18) characterized by changes of direction (22,24), and which is secured at each end by means of unique gate assemblies (78,98). A plurality of sensors (148-152) are positioned along the note path and are controlled to take a multitude of data samples from the paper as it passes along the path. The data is digitized (236) and used for solving complex transforms, the results of which are compared against results obtained from known valid securities to determine the authenticity of the paper offered. Further, the system includes a unique anti-jamming technique of drive motor reversals, and an escrow feature which secures the paper once it has been determined to be authentic and before a vend has been made. Yet further, there is included a novel receptacle for receipt and return of paper offered to the acceptor, and a number of variations of anti-stringing devices (112, 114, 118, 130) which may be operatively positioned at the end of the note path.

Security validator

A remote authorization apparatus for full-serve, self-serve vehicle fuel dispensing pumps. A transmitter carried by a station attendant may be activated to cause the emission of a radio signal. This signal is sensed by a receiver which actuates an associated control assembly to enable the reset mechanism in the fuel pumps for a preset time interval during which a customer may begin dispensing fuel. When the timed enabling signal ends, the pump or pumps which have begun service may continue, while all other pumps are returned to an inactive state. Other pumps may be enabled in the same manner by emission of the radio signal from the transmitter should other customers desire to use the self-serve vehicle fuel pumps, while previously authorized pumps are dispensing.

Apparatus for remote authorization for dispensing fluids

In the field of security validators, slot acceptors have been known which transport paper offered as a valid security past a testing station. Previously known acceptors have been susceptible to defeat by mosaics, stringing, shocking, photocopy duplication, and the like. Additionally, known acceptors have operated in an analog mode, relying uon rudimentary test functions. The invention herein overcomes the problems of the prior art by presenting an acceptor having a note path (18) characterized by changes of direction (22,24), and which is secured at each end by means of unique gate assemblies (78,98). A plurality of sensors (148-152) are positioned along the note path and are controlled to take a multitude of data samples from the paper as it passes along the path. The data is digitized (236) and used for solving complex transforms, the results of which are compared against results obtained from known valid securities to determine the authenticity of the paper offered. Further, the system includes a unique anti-jamming technique of drive motor reversals, and an escrow feature which secures the paper once it has been determined to be authentic and before a vend has been made. Yet further, there is included a novel receptacle for receipt and return of paper offered to the acceptor, and a number of variations of anti-stringing devices (112, 114, 118, 130) which may be operatively positioned at the end of the note path.

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Wickliffe, OH, United States of America

Bruce R Knox