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. 25, 1999
Filed:
Jul. 19, 1996
Applicant:
Inventors:
David Deaville, West Chester, PA (US);
Patrick J McGarry, West Chester, PA (US);
Robert D Ross, Gibbsboro, NJ (US);
Assignee:
Mars Incorporated, McLean, VA (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G06K / ; G06K / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
235375 ; 235381 ; 194207 ;
Abstract
A method and apparatus for using electronic security coupons in connection with locking mechanisms for preventing unauthorized access to or removal of internal components of vending and gaming machines. A security coupon is received in the bill validator section of the machine, the security coupon is recognized, and the locking mechanism is unlocked. The security coupon optionally can be stored in a currency cassette.