Vendor accountability system

Abstract

An accountability system for a vendor having a cash handler, change tubes and a cash box, the cash handler being adapted to accept deposited coins and deliver them to the change tubes if needed, otherwise to deliver them to the cash box. A memory stores data on the amount of cash which should be retained in the vendor out of cash deposited in the vendor, and also data on delivery of coin to and from the change tubes, for computation of the amount of cash which should be turned in from the vendor. A logic circuit controls input of data to and retrieval of data from the memory, the logic circuit being operable to update in the memory the data for the computation. The system uses a latched cash box and refunds, test vends, and adding change to the change tubes are all accomplished without opening the cash box. Access to the cash box and to data stored in the memory is limited to those possessing specially coded keys. The system itself is user programmable, using a special programming key and a secret code number, to restrict access to data and to restrict subsequent programming. A special key is used to clear the data in the system and another is provided to allow a list to be entered of keys to be locked out or rejected by the system. The system can be put in a mode to provide free deliveries to everyone or free deliveries just to employees.