The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 04, 1993
Filed:
Aug. 26, 1991
Rathindra Nahar, Cambridge, OH (US);
Barry M Mergenthaler, Cambridge, OH (US);
NCR Corporation, Dayton, OH (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for handling discount coupons includes a scanner, a point of sale terminal and a coupon acceptor. In one embodiment, a coupon file manager is also included. The coupon acceptor receives coupons which have been determined to be genuine and properly related to goods being purchased. The coupons are inserted into an opening in the acceptor and are then drawn into the acceptor by a pair of aligned counter-rotating cylinders. The coupons are also marked within the acceptor to indicate that they have been used. The coupon acceptor provides a secure structure so that coupons cannot be removed therefrom except by an authorized person.