METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VENDING GOODS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A CREDIT CARD ACCEPTING FUEL DISPENSING PUMP

摘要

A vending machine (3) is usable in conjunction with a credit card accepting self service fuel dispensing gasoline pump (1). A credit card is initially input to the gasoline pump (1) and approval of the credit card is obtained. A customer is then prompted to purchase a soft drink. The customer can input the quantity type of soft drink desired and coded portions of this information can be transmitted from the gas pump (1) to the vending machine (3). A code (47) can be generated in the gas pump (1), which is machine or human readable, and can be printed on a single receipt (45) which further includes a total amount to be charged (49) on a credit card corresponding to the gas dispensed and soft drink quantity purchased. This code (47) can be entered into the vending machine (3) where the soft drinks can be automatically dispensed without the need for further insertion of paper or coin money. Alternatively, a code number need not to be issued, and the soft drinks can be automatically credited to or dispensed from the vending machine (3), through a customer interacting solely with the gas pump (1).