A VENDING MACHINE FOR VENDING AGE-RESTRICTED PRODUCTS USING AN AUTHORIZATION CARD AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

摘要

A method and system for verifying the age of a purchaser prior to his purchase of age-restricted items from a vending machine (20). An authorization card is issued to a customer containing a password when the customer presents identification material identifying the customer as being of at least a predetermined age. The customer inputs the authorization card into the vending machine (3), and a comparison of the password on the card is made to the password stored in a microprocessor in the vending machine (8). If the passwords match, the vending machine (20) is enabled to accept payment (17) from the customer and to vend the age-restricted product (18).