Patent ID: 6864990
Filing Date: 2005-03-08
Classification: G06Q,G07F,G07G

Abstract:
1. A machine for preparing and dispensing documents relating to financial transactions, said machine comprising: (a) a document dispenser, said dispenser having a housing; (b) a manually operable input unit for input of data and operating commands, said input unit being external to and coupled through said dispenser housing; (c) a document printer unit for printing readable information, including a monetary value, on document forms based on data inputted at said input unit, wherein said document printer unit is contained entirely within said dispenser housing and comprises: (d) an internal control unit, wherein said control unit is contained entirely within said dispenser housing and is directly electrically coupled to said input unit and said printer unit for controlling operation of said printer unit in response to data and commands inputted at said input unit, and wherein the control unit comprises: (e) a communication interface for conducting communications with an off-site central location remote from said dispenser and operative to transmit the data stored in said memory means to said central location; and (f) a time keeping device, wherein said dispenser is a stand-alone, self-contained dispenser, said control unit is operative to receive authorization instructions from the central location via said interface, and said control unit is operative under control of said time keeping device for blocking dispensing of printed documents when no transmission of the data stored in said memory means to the central location has occurred for a predetermined period of time or when reception of an authorization instruction from the central location has not occurred for a predetermined period of time.