Patent ID: 8204828
Filing Date: 2012-06-19
Classification: G06Q,G07F,G07G

Abstract:
1. A system for enabling an issuing authority to distribute benefits to a plurality of patrons, the system comprising: at least one smart card associated with each patron of the plurality of patrons, the at least one smart card having a serial number and means for storing information, the smart card configurable to operate in a plurality of benefit types; a central computer with access controlled by the issuing authority and having applications for processing benefits information, wherein: an entry means allowing the benefits provider to input or update the benefits monetary value to the benefits storage device; and an express vending machine having a bidirectional electronic connection to the central computer for accepting a transfer of at least a portion of the benefits monetary value stored at the benefits storage device to the at least one smart card, the express vending machine comprising: a user interface for each said patron to: a read/write mechanism for: