CHECK-CONTROLLED VENDING

摘要

A vending system and method employing so-called checks having information in coded format thereon. As disclosed herein, the checks are in sets, each check carrying a predetermined set identification code for identifying a respective one of the sets. Check-controlled vend apparatus of the system includes check receiver means receiving the checks to effect a vend operation, code reading provision for reading the set identification code of the received check, a set selection means for preselecting a set identification and selectively operable from a location accessible only to authorized personnel to permit a vend operation only in response to receiving a check carrying the preselected set identification code. Code-comparing provision compares the read set identification code with the preselected set identification. If the read set identification code compares correctly with the preselected set identification, a vend operation is effected by a vendor. A retention facility retains the received check upon the vend operation. The disclosure also teaches the provision of such checks carrying in addition a check identification code for identifying checks within each set and the use of a memory to store check identifications for comparison with the check identification code of a received check, thereby to prevent a vend operation if the check identification code of a received check is the same as that of a previously received check.