Abstract:
A system for information management has a compilation device collecting information particular to a vending device located therein, a PDA useable for receipt, manipulation or inputting information into the compilation device. An activation device triggers the compilation device to prepare it to export or import information to or from the PDA. The compilation device has a power source and activation sensor for activation of thereof and in a dormant state prior to such activation, thereby conserving the energy stored within the power source, and allowing the data compilation device to remain as small as possible. The PDA has operating software which is able to synchronize multiple PDAs to a computer server and is also capable of having route management software for use by field engineers.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of and incorporates herein by reference the entirety of each of the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications: (1) 60/655,049, filed Feb. 22, 2005, entitled Data Collection System and Method; and (2) 60/673,162, filed Apr. 20, 2005, entitled Data Collection System and Method 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to the field of information management systems, and more particularly, to an information management system for use with all types of currency-receiving machines in which money is deposited by a consumer and goods or services are dispensed. For example, vending and bulk vending machines, video game machines, pool tables, air hockey tables, laundry mat machines, stamp dispensing machines, child ride on machines, and any and all other types of such machines (such machines and other currency-receiving machines are hereinafter collectively referred to in this specification and the claims hereof as “vending devices”). 
     Vending devices as described above have been known in the art for many years. Various ways for counting the vends from such vending devices have been pursued during these years as it has always been necessary to monitor the cash received into such devices so as to minimize theft from employees employed to service and collect the money from the devices; i.e., the field engineers. Some examples of such counting mechanisms for such vending devices can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,290,049; 6,062,370; 6,050,385; 5,950,794; and 5,909,795. The disclosures of all of these patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, as they are to be used herein as enabling embodiments of the data compilation device of this application. Examples of other counting mechanisms for such vending devices can also be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,201,396; 4,392,564; 4,376,479; 4,369,442; 4,216,461; 4,143,749; and 3,783,986. 
     Accordingly, while up to now it has been possible to count vends in such vending devices and thereby monitor the collection efforts of a vending operator&#39;s field engineers, no automated system exists to easily collect, manipulate and selectively review this important information. Such information being important to the stores/locations where the vending devices are located and where the consumers interact with the devices, the vending device operators who are responsible for maintaining the vending devices in both the mechanical and product availability capacity, as well as in a money collection capacity, the original equipment manufacturers (hereinafter in the speciation and the claims abbreviated as “OEM”) who are the manufacturers of the vending devices and are interested in which devices are attracting the most business, the mechanical integrity and “up-time” of the OEM&#39;s particular vending devices, as well as what products/services are most sought after by the consuming public so that changes can be made to types of products/services being dispensed at particular locations, and the supplier of the products dispensed from such vending devices, who are interested, as the vending device operators are interested, in the types of products that are selling best and which products are doing best in which locations. It is thus seen that there are innumerable pieces of information which the seemingly innocuous vending devices described hereinabove can provide to various users of the information in order for these users to better manage the traffic to and from the devices so as to maximize the devices&#39; up-time and revenue generation. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an information management system for such vending devices that is compact, has transportable components that are small, powerful and easily manipulated and used, communicable with other devices, such as a central computer server for compiling and manipulating the information from the vending devices, and which makes this multitude of information accessible, viewable and able to be manipulated by various groups of individuals having interests in the information. It would also be desirable to permit easy connection of users to the system, as by wireless connection or a quick connect/disconnect provision. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the invention, an information management system for vending devices is provided. 
     The system comprises a data compilation device located substantially within a vending device for collection of information particular to the vending device, a personal digital assistant, sometimes also referred to as a “personal data assistant”, (hereinafter referenced to in this specification and the claims as “PDA”) to be used by a user of the data compilation device for either or both of, receipt and manipulation of the information and/or inputting at least some of the information into the data compilation device and an activation device operating between the data compilation device and the PDA for triggering the data compilation device so that the data compilation device knows to be ready to export the information, or at least a part of the information, or is ready to import at least some of the information, to or from the PDA. The data compilation device having a power source and activation sensor for activation of the data compilation device. The data compilation device being in a dormant state prior to such activation time, thereby conserving the energy stored within the power source, and allowing the data compilation device to remain as small as possible; i.e., if the power source is a battery, or batteries, of the type known to exist, the smallest such batteries may be used and their power conserved for the longest possible time due to the existence of the activation device and the activation sensor. The PDA having operating software, and that operating software being able to synchronize multiple PDAs to a computer server and being capable of having route management software for use by field engineers. Contemplated technologies for communication and synchronization include, but are not limited to, a type of cradle for the PDA known in the art as an ActiveSync cradle, Dial-up VPN (virtual private network, and Broadband VPN (e.g. Internet). 
     While it is best for the components of the system to wirelessly communicate by using the various wireless communication technology known to exist (such as, but not limited to, Blue Tooth, infrared, wifi, radio frequency, RFID, GPRS and cellular, and others that are known to exist and or may exist in the future), the system nevertheless also anticipates a hardwired connection. So, for example, the data compilation device cannot only have a digital readout for the number of vends counted, which digital readout can be read by the field engineer and manually inputted into the field engineer&#39;s PDA, it is to be understood that this information is also capable of being stored in a storage device such as a computer chip located in the data compilation device. Such a storage device can be hardwire connected or wirelessly connected to the counting element, and the information stored in the storage device can be communicated to the field engineer&#39;s PDA wirelessly and/or via methods such as socket plug connections and/or bar coding. In addition, the information stored in the PDA can then be downloaded either by a hardwire connection or wireless transmission to the central computer server(s). In addition, communication between the data compilation device and the activation device can be a bar coding communication or a socket/plug communication or a wireless communication. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved information management system for vending devices. It is specifically contemplated that collection accountability should be tamper proof. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide and improve information management for vending devices having an activation device to maintain security of the information compiled in the data compilation device and to provide for a longer shelf life of the power source of the data compilation device. 
     Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an improved information management system for vending devices in which the elements of the system can communication with each other through various forms of hardwired and/or wireless communications. 
     Still a further object of the invention is to provide an improved information management system for vending devices wherein the central computer server to which the information is ultimately compiled, stored and secured is divided into various allowable user groupings, which allowable user groupings designate a different hierarchal user or set of users able to access and/or manipulate the information. 
     Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the foregoing description. 
     The invention accordingly comprises assemblies possessing the features, properties and the relation of components which will be exemplified in the products hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a vending device, in particular and for an exemplary embodiment, a bulk vending machine having an exploded view of a placement of a coin mechanism and a data compilation device anticipated by the subject invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of an exemplary bulk vending machine; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the workings of an exemplary bulk vending machine coin mechanism; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary data compilation device; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a contact switch mechanism for an exemplary data compilation device; 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up top plan view of contact being made in the switch mechanism of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a switch mechanism of an exemplary data compilation device; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a data compilation device; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of the system of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of the system of the invention, including the remote server  800 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , two different, although very similar looking and functioning vending devices are shown at  10 . For purposes of this application vending devices  10  are shown as bulk vending machines. In addition, and for purposes of this application, the bulk vending machines of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , will be considered equivalent. It is further to be understood, as has been previously stated hereinabove, that any and all types of vending devices are anticipated and covered herein, including but not limited to, vending machines, bulk vending machines, video game machines, stamp dispensing machines, laundry mat machines, pool tables, air hockey tables and child ride on machines (as found at amusement parks and/or shopping malls). Continuing with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , preferred embodiments of vending devices  10  are shown having a top bulk receptacle  12  having a lid  14  and a bolt  16 . The base of both machines  10  have a hopper  18 , a body  20 , a dispensing chute  22 , a coin retainer base  24 , a chute shield  26 , a chute cover  28  and a coin mechanism  100 . 
     In general, device  10  has a base  30  into which bolt  16  extends to be secured by nut  32 . Receptacle  12  is held to hopper  18  by screws  34 . Coin retainer  24  is held to the bottom of base  20  by screws  36 . Chute shield  26  is secured onto chute  22  in notches  25 , while chute cover  28  is rotatingly secured to chute  22  by rod  29  of cover  28  resting within notches  23  of chute  22 . 
     Hopper  18  has a base  19  into which dispensing materials (for example, gum balls  37 , see  FIG. 1 ) are placed. Hopper  18  has an opening  21  extending through base  19 . Opening  21  is the passageway through which gum balls  37  pass to exit device  10  through chute  22 . As will be discussed in more detail below with regard to  FIG. 3 , coin mechanism  100  has a sprocket  150 , which when rotated due to a user of device  10  turning handle  115  of coin mechanism  100 , causes a product wheel (not shown) to rotate. The product wheel has at least one opening which for each rotation of handle  115  corresponds with opening  21  of hopper  18 , to allow for dispensing of one gum ball  37 , or multiple quantities of such items as nuts, trail mix, M&amp;Ms, etc. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , an exploded view of a standard coin mechanism for a bulk vending machine is shown at  100 . It is to be understood that the use of differently constructed coin mechanisms is also anticipated herein. Coin mechanism  100  has a front plate  105 , shaft  110 , handle  115 , coin wheel  120 , back plate  130 , cam  140  and sprocket  150 . Shaft  110  is axially located through all of the stated elements, and secures said elements together through use of threads  112  in shaft  110  and washer  113  and nut  114 . Shaft  110  is also usually shaped in cross-section having at least one flat edge  111 , with the rest being circular in cross-section, while the one of  FIG. 3  actually has two such flat edges  111 A and  111 B. At the end of shaft  110 , opposite threads  112 , is handle  115 . As seen earlier in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , handle  115  is one of the few parts of coin mechanism  100  which is exterior to bulk vending machine  10 , and is the part that a user of bulk vending machine  10  uses after insertion of coins to receive his/her treat. 
     Continuing with  FIGS. 1 and 3 , front plate  105  of coin mechanism  100  has a coin receiving slot  106 . In use, a user of device  10  inserts a coin, or coins (usually quarters) into slot  106  of front plate  105 . For purposes of this disclosure the coinage used will be assumed to be singular; i.e., one quarter. Once the coin is inserted through slot  106 , it comes to rest within slot  121  of coin wheel  120  (see  FIG. 3 ), where it sits upon curved ridge  122 . In its position on curved ridge  122 , a quarter will turn with coin wheel  120  when handle  115  is rotated. 
     In operation, coin mechanism  100  preferably operates as follows: 
     1. As previously discussed, a coin is placed within slot  106  of front plate  105 , to rest upon curved ridge  122  of slot  121  of coin wheel  120 . 
     2. Handle  115  is rotated, usually in a clockwise direction, where the coin undergoes its first test of authenticity. The coin first comes into contact with coin pawl spring  107  and coin pawl  108 . As coin wheel  120  is rotated, the coin pushes end  109  of coin pawl spring  107  upward. Assuming the coin has a proper diameter, end  109  of coin pawl spring  107  will sufficiently rise, thereby disengaging coin pawl  108  from locking coin wheel  120  in position. Coin wheel  120  will thereafter be free to continue its rotation. 
     3. The coin next encounters washer pawl  131 , which is secured within washer pawl mount  132 , having a receiving notch  133 . 
     Washer pawl  131  is held within slot  133  of mount  132  by washer pawl spring  135 , washer pawl retainer  136  and washer pawl retainer screw  137 . Washer pawl retainer screw  137  screws into mount  132  at threaded opening  138 . When secured in place, washer pawl  131  has its end  134  extending through opening  139  of back plate  130 . While coin pawl  108  was responsible for authenticating the diameter of the coin, washer pawl  131  is the item which authenticates the thickness of the coin. 
     In operation, end  134  of washer pawl  131  runs against inside surface  123  of coin wheel  120 . As can be seen at slot  121 , with no coin in coin mechanism  100  (if for some reason coin wheel  120  somehow turned passed coin pawl  108 ), coin wheel  120  would be prevented from turning further due to end  134  of washer pawl  131  entering into slot  121  of coin wheel  120 . In this position, slot  121  would hit against end  134 , causing coin wheel  120  to halt in its rotation. Similarly, if the thickness of the coin was too thin, end  134  would slide off of surface  123  down to the surface of the coin, and would again touch part of slot  121 , preventing further rotation of coin wheel  120 . In contrast, if the coin were too thick, end  134  of washer pawl  131  would hit into the edge of the coin, and coin wheel  120  would at that point be prevented from rotating further. Only when the coin is of the proper thickness, will end  134  run smoothly between surface  123  and the surface of the coin, thereby allowing coin wheel  120  to continue its rotation. 
     4. The final pawl of coin mechanism  100  is return pawl  160 . Return pawl  160  has a bottom side  161  and a substantially curved side  162 . When cam  140  is in its resting position (between uses), it is the position shown in  FIG. 3 . In this position, surface  161  of return pawl  160  rests upon flat surface  141  of cam  140 . 
     Return pawl  160  is pulled into its at rest position shown in  FIG. 3  by spring  163  having first and second loops  164  and  165 . Loop  164  is received around protrusion  165  of return pawl  160 , and spring  163  is secured to back plate  130  by screw  166 . Accordingly, tension from spring  163  maintains return pawl  160  in its at rest position, as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Return pawl  160  is riveted into back plate  130  by return pawl rivet  167 , to enable return pawl  160  to pivot. 
     5. Attached at the end of shaft  110 , between cam  140  and bolt  114 , is sprocket  150 , which as previously discussed, turns the product wheel (not shown) which allows for the dropping of treats, such as gum balls  37 , from receptacle  12  of bulk vending machine  10  into chute  22  for receipt by a user of device  10 . 
     6. Continuing with the progress of the coin as coin wheel  120  rotates, after the coin passes washer pawl  131 , coin wheel  120  is easily turned until slot  121  is in its starting position aligned with slot  106 . It is in this position where return pawl  160  and cam  140  are in their at rest position, as previously discussed. 
     However, prior to coin wheel  120  being returned to its starting point, the coin is deflected by coin kickout  170  out from slot  121  and into coin retainer  24 . Coin kickout  170  is secured to back plate  130  through use of screw  171 . 
     Some final notes regarding the structure of coin mechanism  100 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . First, coin wheel  120  has a plurality of notches  124  into which stroke pin  180  are received. The purpose of notches  124  and stroke pin  180  is to prevent coin wheel  120  from being turned counter-clockwise, so that the user can retrieve his/her coin. In particular, you will note that the bottom surfaces of notches  124  are slanted. Accordingly, it is obvious that stroke pin  180  will slide out from notches  124  along the bottoms of notches  124 , from one notch to the next as coin wheel  120  is rotated in a clockwise direction. However, it is equally obvious that stroke pin  180  will hit against the ridges of notches  124 , should the user attempt to rotate coin wheel  120  in a counter-clockwise direction. Stroke pin  180  is held in place through a slot (not shown) in back plate  130  by a spring  181  and screw  182 . 
     Next regarding  FIG. 3 , coin mechanism  100  is retained within body  20  of device  10  by use of latch  190 , which is secured to back plate  130  by a screw  191 . Latch  190  is selectively rotatable from its locked position (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to an unlocked position, 90° from the position shown in  FIG. 3 . Finally for  FIG. 3 , front plate  105  and back plate  130  are secured together through use of washers and bolts  195  and  196 . 
     Turning now to a discussion of data compilation device  200  (as seen in  FIGS. 4-6 ), and to how data compilation device  200  operates in relation to coin mechanism  100 . Data compilation device  200  has a numeric display  210 , preferably having an LCD display  211 , a bracket assembly  220  and a switch  230 . Display  210  is mounted on bracket  220 , as is switch  230 . Switch  230  is connected to display  211  through at least one lead (not shown), which at least one lead is held within bracket assembly  220 . 
     Bracket  220  is specially designed and configured to fit onto coin mechanism  100 , on back plate  130 , without interfering or in any way hindering the standard operation of coin mechanism  100 . In fact, as will be discussed immediately below, bracket  220 , and therefore data compilation device  200 , are so designed as to allow switch  230  to interact with shaft  110 , and its flat edge(s)  111 , during normal rotation of shaft  110  and the normal operation of coin mechanism  100 . 
     Bracket  220  is attached to plate  130  of mechanism  100  through use of one of the screws used to make mechanism  100 ; screws  137 ,  166 ,  191  or  196 . Since there are many different coin mechanisms used in the bulk vending industry today, it is anticipated by the invention that any such existing screws of the mechanism can be used to connect data compilation device  200  with the mechanism. It is also anticipated, although less desirable, to add a new screw to the mechanism to attach data compilation device  200  to the mechanism. Whichever screw is used, it is inserted through chamber  222  of bracket  220 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , switch  230  has a main body portion  240 , a rotating contact portion  260  and a cover  280 . Most of body  240 , rotating contact portion  260  and cover  280  are made from extruded or molded plastic, which is strong, cheap to produce, able to be molded/extruded into any shape and light weight; such plastic also does not interfere with the manner of functioning of the data compilation device, as will be discussed below. Cover  280  is attached to body  240  through use of three screws (not shown) insert through screw holes  282 . It is of course anticipated that any number of screws can be used to attach cover  280  to body  240 . 
     Directing attention now to the inner workings of body  240  of switch  230 , the data compilation device is seen to have two contact switches  232  and  234 . Contact switch  232  has two wire contacts extending therefrom, wires  236  and  238 . Similarly, contact switch  234  has two wire contacts extending therefrom, wires  242  and  244 . 
     Contact switch  232  of switch  230 , has leads  241  and  243  extending therefrom, which leads are the electrical connections between switch  232  and a capacitor (not shown) and display  210 . Contact switch  234  also has at least one lead  245  extending therefrom, and possibly a second lead  247 , for discharging of the capacitor. 
     Body  240 , proximate to and substantially around contact switches  232  and  234 , has a lipped opening  250 . Opening  250  has a ledge  252  for rotating receipt thereon of outer flange element  262  of rotating contact portion  260 . 
     Rotating contact portion  260  is substantially circular in shape, has an outer flange element  262  which is matingly received within opening  250  of body  260 , so that flange  262  is rotatingly received onto ledge  252 . Extending away from flange  262  is an annular ridge  264 . An outside wall  265  of ridge  264  is substantially in contact with all of wires  236 ,  238 ,  242  and  244  of contact switches  232  and  234 , when rotating contact portion  260  rotates. Accordingly, these wires essentially ride along this wall when portion  260  rotates. 
     As is best seen in  FIG. 6 , located on and within ridge  264  is a gap  267  in wall  265 . Within gap  267  is a metal strip  266 . Metal strip  266  has a width at least equivalent to the thicknesses of the wire combinations of wires  236 / 238  and  242 / 244 , and the distance between these wire combinations. Accordingly, when rotating contact portion  260  rotates in its usually counterclockwise direction (since handle  115  of coin mechanism  100  usually rotates in a clockwise direction), metal strip  266  will at certain intervals touch both of wire combinations  236 / 238  and/or  242 / 244 ; these contacts taking place at different intervals. 
     When metal strip  266  touches wire combination  236 / 238 , it closes contact between these normally separated wires, thereby causing data compilation device  200  to increase one increment or numeral, which is shown on display  210 . At the same time as data compilation device  200  increases one increment/numeral, a capacitor (not shown) of the assembly becomes fully charged. It is only after rotating contact portion  260  rotates further so that metal strip  266  then touches wire combination  242 / 244  will the capacitor be discharged, and thereby allowing the data compilation device to have the ability of achieving another count. Since wire combinations  236 / 238  and  242 / 244  are spaced apart, and since the system&#39;s capacitor becomes fully charged after wires  236 / 238  are contacted by metal strip  266 , even if handle  115  is roughly jiggled and/or turned back and forth by a user so that metal strip  266  repeatedly leaves and then re-touches wires  236 / 238 , only one count will be registered by data compilation device  200 . In addition, and what also helps this double-count protection work, is that coin mechanisms  100  usually are constructed so that after handle  115  turns a certain distance, it cannot go back. Accordingly, if wire combinations  236 / 238  and  242 / 244  are separated and placed into two different turning zones of handle  115 , then after discharge of the capacitor (which discharge allows data compilation device  200  to make another count), metal strip  266  would not be able to go back and re-touch wire combination  236 / 238  to cause a double count. The only place for handle  115  and metal strip  266  to go is back to the beginning position of coin mechanism  100 , where it is then ready to receive another coin and start the process over again. 
     Addressing another embodiment of data compilation device  200 , we turn attention to data compilation device  300  of  FIG. 8 . As can be seen, data compilation device  300  is substantially identical in construction to data compilation device  200 , specifically switch  230  and body  240 , but without display  210 . Replacing display  210  is data storage device  310 . The data storage of device  310  is achieved through standard, known manners of doing the same; as for example, a computer chip having memory for receiving the information from data compilation device  300 . As will be explained in more detail below, this stored information, or parts thereof, will then be able to be transferred to a PDA operated by a field engineer working for device  10 &#39;s vendor/operator, and thereafter further manipulated and compiled, as disclosed herein. 
     Device  310  will also be able to provide other data relevant to device  10 , such as, but not limited to, day and/or time of particular vends, the identity of the particular machine from which the vend took place, the particular location/owner/operator of the particular machine from which each vend originated, the particular product dispensed from the particular machine, the field engineer&#39;s identification information, day and/or time of the field engineer&#39;s attendance of the machine, whether a service ticket exists, the commission percentage of the vended product, the amount received for each vend and allow for multiple hook-up of such devices from numerous machines found at one location so as to achieve a report on all vends of a particular location. 
     All of the information available from device  310  will be transferable to PDA  500  (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 , and the below discussions pertinent thereto) through output port  312 . Such data transfer through port  312  can be either a hardwired connection to PDA  500 , or a wireless transfer. If hardwired, the transfer would be by bar code information transfer and or actually plugging a wire from the PDA into a socket port  312 . If wireless, the transfer can be via any of the known manners of such communications, including but not limited to, Blue Tooth, infrared, wifi, radio frequency, RFID, GPRS or cellular, or others which become known in the future. 
     Device  310  also has input port  314 , through which the person setting up the field engineer responsible for setting up vending device  10  can input data relevant to the particular location/owner, vendor/operator, product to be dispensed, number of units of product per purchase, field engineer attending to the machine, and other similar information. Presumably, such inputted information would also be in whole or in part transferred with the rest of the data, so as to make any report issued therefrom as complete as possible. 
     It is also to be understood from the invention that device  310  is not necessarily an integrally attached component of data compilation device  300 , located within opening  21  of device  10 . In the alternative, device  310  may be connected remotely, by long lead wires  241 , or possibly even through the same type of communications transmissions discussed above relating to wireless transfer of the information to the PDA. Part of the determination of the location of device  310  will depend upon the vendor/operator and how he/she/it will want to access output and input ports  312  and  314 . For example, if the above discussed hardwired connections to PDA  500  are desired then ports  312  and  314  will need to be accessible from the outside of device  10 . 
     Since data compilation device  300  is unchanged in how it interacts with mechanism  100  to achieve counts/generate information, the below discussion regarding data compilation device  200 &#39;s operation relevant to mechanism  100 , is similar to how data compilation device  300  would so operate. 
     To further explain the operation of data compilation device  200  with mechanism  100 , it must be understood that data compilation device  200  is attached onto coin mechanism  100  in such a way that opening  250  of body  240  is received around shaft  110  of mechanism  100 . Body  240  is positioned between either cam  140  and washer  113  of mechanism  100 , or between washer  113  and sprocket  150  of mechanism  100 . Due to the earlier discussed shape of shaft  110 , having one or two flat edge(s)  111 A and/or  111 B, the rotation of shaft  110  causes rotating portion  260  (closed within and between body  240  and cover  280 ), to also rotate. This is because (as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 ), rotating portion  260  has a key  270  attached thereto. 
     Key  270  is attached to ridge  264  by legs  272 , which preferably fit within receiving slots in ridge  264 . Through the center of rotating portion  260  and key  270  is keyed opening  274 . Keyed opening  274  is substantially circular in shape, but having one flat edge  275 . It is flat edge  275  which interacts with flat edge  111  ( 111 A or  111 B) of shaft  110 , and thereby locks the rotation of portion  260  into synchrony with shaft  110  (and therefore handle  115 ). 
     Legs  272  of key  270  can have a length which extends opening  274  and edge  275  away from the main body of portion  260  and body  240  of switch  230 . The purpose of this versatility in length of legs  272  is to allow data compilation device  200  to be adapted to fit onto the many varied sized and shaped coin mechanisms  100  used in the industry. 
     Further, as seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a second keyed opening exists in portion  260 . This second keyed opening is opening  277 , located not in key  270 , but in ridge  264 . Opening  277  is used on some coin mechanisms instead of key  270  (although this does not necessarily mean that key  270  must be removed from portion  260 ). In particular, some coin mechanisms do not use a shaft having a flat surface, but instead having a protruding nipple at and near the end of the shaft, in and around the cam/sprocket portion of the mechanism. Device  10  has been adopted to be usable with these types of mechanisms and make use of these nipples by incorporation of opening  277 . 
     Attention is next turned to the embodiment of  FIG. 7 . This embodiment substitutes the construction shown for that of  FIGS. 4-6 . In particular, a cam  290  is used to push wire  236 ′ into wire  238 ′, causing the counting and charging of the capacitor. Thereafter, cam  290  rotates and pushes wire  242 ′ into wire  244 ′, causing the capacitor to discharge. The rotation is allowed by shaft  110  and keyed opening  275 ′ of key  270 ′. This embodiment can also have the opening  277  of the prior embodiment. 
     As seen in the figures, the coin mechanism  100  and data compilation device  200  combination are substantially equivalent in size to the coin mechanism  100  by itself. In this way, data compilation device  200  is able to be used within all bulk vending machines, in the limited space provided within body  20 , between chute shield  26  and rear plate  130 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, data compilation device  200  is self-powered by, preferably, a nickel cadmium battery, and therefore there is no need to position vending device  10  near an AC power outlet for purposes of running device  10 . The lack of an AC power hook-up to power data compilation device  200  also increases the safety of the apparatus, since there is no possibility of electric shock to the users of the bulk vending machines. As will also be discussed below, activation device  600  helps to preserve the life of the data compilation device&#39;s power source 
     Data compilation device  200  is also positioned and oriented so as to be easily readable during normal collection procedures for bulk vending machines. 
     It is to be understood, as has been earlier stated herein, that the embodiments of the data compilation device shown in  FIGS. 1-8  are representative only, and not meant to be viewed in a limiting sense. In particular, any other type of data collection unit that can be employed in a vending device is capable of functioning within the information management system of the subject invention. 
     Turning now to a discussion of  FIG. 9 , a block diagram of and embodiment of and information management system  400  which is to be disposed at least in part within a vending machine. Information management system  400  comprises data compilation device  450 , exemplary examples of which have been earlier described herein at data compilation devices  200  and  300 , activation device  600  and a communication connection ( 730 ) for a PDA  500 . Communication between the three devices are shown at  710 ,  720  and  730 , and include hardwired and/or wireless communication between data compilation device  450  and activation device  600  at  710  and between data compilation device  450  and PDA  500  at  730 . Communication  730  may also be either hardwired or wireless. It is preferred that a compilation device not be specific to any activation device, but rather that any activation device work for an authorized user, like a field engineer. Thus, where activation devices include a time-out feature, it would be preferred to have prorated termination dates, so that an activation devices purchased at different times could be renewed at the same time. 
     PDA  500  may be any type of commercially available PDA. The two most popular types of PDAs today employ either the Palm Pilot operating system of a variant of Microsoft Windows. A wide range such PDAs are available today, including ones in the form of cell telephones. These will be familiar to those skilled in the art. However, it is contemplated that the invention will operate with PDA devices using proprietary operating systems, so long as they are capable of wireless or wired communication. It is also contemplated that other types of portable computing devices that are or may become available could be used in this capacity. Accordingly, the term PCD (“portable computing device”) will be used to describe the broad range of such types of devices, although PDAs are presently preferred and referred to herein for convenience of description. 
     As has been previously discussed, hardwired communications  710  and/or  730  can consist of an actual socket and plug interconnection between the two devices, or a barcode type reading arrangement. In particular, assuming for the moment that data compilation device  450  has at input port  312  (as discussed with regarding to FIG. A) which is a socket for receipt of a plug, such a plug could be located on activation device  600  or would be a telecommunications wire as is normally associated with computer component connections and/or telephone landline connections so that a socket would also exist on activation by  600  and a telecommunications wire (not shown) would extend between the socket of the data compilation device and the activation units. In such a situation, the socket ports would obviously need to be accessible to the field engineer, and socket  312  of data compilation device  450  would need to be reachable from an external portion of vending device  10 . In the alternative, vending device  10  would need to be opened to access socket  312 . In addition, assuming both activation device  600  and PDA  500  needed hardwired access to data compilation device  450 , and such hardwiring was through a socket/plug arrangement, then as activation device  600 &#39;s activation communication  710  with data compilation device  450  is different than PDA&#39;s  500  communication  730  with data compilation device  450 , then since the type of communications between these devices are different, the ports would need to be different; i.e., in particular, activation device  600  communicates with data compilation device  450  so as to activate data compilation device  450 . In this sense, the communication between these two devices is a type of sensor or sensing of data compilation device  450  so that it turns on from a dormant state. Such dormant state facilitating a power conservation for a power supply located within data compilation device  450 . While PDA  500 &#39;s communication with data compilation device  450  is significantly different, requiring the exchange of actual information between the two units. Accordingly, while the format and physical construction of the types of communications ports and connections can be similar, it is not believed that, as a practical matter, they would be the same precise ports and communications channels since different types of information are being transmitted. 
     The on/off activation of data compilation device  450  (from/to a dormant state) can be triggered as stated above through a socket/plug connection, a barcode reader connection and/or some type of infrared or other radiation signal transmission. If barcoding is used, the barcode that gives the signal for the activation will be the activation sensor and it can be on either the data compilation device or the activation device. Whichever device the barcoding is on, the other one of the two devices would have the barcode reading apparatus. In the case of the barcode reading apparatus being on data compilation device  450 , a simple sensing of the barcode on activation device  600  by the barcode reader could activate the data compilation device  450 . While the reverse of this barcode reading communication is possible, it is not preferred. 
     A radiation transmission type communication between data compilation device  450  and activation device  600  is easily achieved through the radiation beam being emitted from either one of the two devices with a sensor located on the other device to trigger the activation. Again, while the more common and preferable form would be for the radiation sensor to be located on the data compilation device and for the radiation beam transmitter to be on the activation device, the reverse is also possible. 
     In its normal state, data compilation device  450  is dormant. In such dormant state, the power source of data compilation device  450  is conserved as much as possible so that replacement is extended over as long a period as possible. In addition to extending the life of the power source, the power source is able to be a much smaller size. If, for example, data compilation device  450  had to regularly stay fully powered, then in order for it to last for a long period of time, the power source would need to be much larger. Therefore, shelf life of the power source for data compilation device  450  is extended and the size of the power source is able to be made smaller through use of activation device  600 . 
     In addition to activation device  600  being useful in the power source requirements for data compilation device  450 , activation device  600  is also a useful security mechanism for the entire system. In particular, it is possible that without activation device  600  any PDA  500  could activate data compilation device  450 . While the data would presumably not be lost as stored in data compilation device  450 , it certainly would be compromised and divulged to other users, and such users could be friendly or adversarial to the vendor/operator whose vending device  10  has data compilation device  450  installed therein. Accordingly, the purpose of activation device  600  is so that even PDA  500  that is meant to work with data compilation device  450  cannot so work unless data compilation device  450  is first “on” and such a condition cannot be reached until activation device  600  activates the same. 
     Another security mechanism of activation device  600  is for the supplier of information management system  400 . As long as the system supplier hosts the database (on its server) on behalf of the system operator, it can monitor access by the operator (e.g. for fee purposes or license enforcement). However, should the system operator choose to host the database on its server, the supplier must have an access security device for controlling the operator&#39;s access to the system. This security device allows for limitation on the ability to use a PDA  500  in the system and/or to access data compilation device  450  with any PDA. For example, activation device  600  can be encoded with a term limitation for its ability to activate data compilation device  450 . In particular, assuming a party a purchases a license to use information management system  400  for a limited period of two years, one way to insure that the two year period is strictly enforced and monitored is to set activation device  600  to no longer activate the activation sensor of data compilation device  450  after the two year period has expired. Such period sequencing could be achieved in activation device  600  by providing a timing mechanism in device  600  which runs for a set period of time after being activated. Such devices in software form well-known by those skilled in the art and are commonly applied to time-limit use of software. A timing mechanism could easily be programmed in firmware or providing in a hardware (circuit) form would be well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Upon renewal of the license the supplier of the system could wirelessly signal activation device  600  to reset its timing mechanism for a new term. Otherwise, the timed out device could be swapped out for a new one, provided by the supplier, with the same or a different time period built in. 
     Turning now to a discussion of communication  730  between PDA  500  and data compilation device  450 . This type of communication is different than communication  710  between activation device  600  and data compilation device  450 . The communication or connection  730  between PDA  500  and data compilation device  450 , which communicates information and data relevant to vending device  10 , is preferably through a conventional PDA socket which permits convenient plug-in and removal of the PDA. Alternatively connection  730  could be wireless (e.g. blue tooth, infrared, WIFI, radio frequency and cell telephone technologies). In particular, field engineers operating the system will be able to plug a PDA into the socket or connect wirelessly and input data and/or change data found in compilation device  450 . If for example a vendor/operator determined that the gumballs that are found in vending device  10  are not a good seller, but that in other nearby locations toy racecars are selling better, the vendor/operator will want to replace the gumballs with such toy racecars. In this way, the information already located in data compilation device  450  will need to be modified, and the vendor/operator&#39;s field engineer would be able to do so with his/her PDA  500 . At first, the field engineer might have to program the new data into his/her PDA and then he/she would plug in or wirelessly connect the PDA to the data compilation device, and download/transfer the new information. The means of connecting PDA  500  and data compilation device  450  have already been described and discussed, and include, but not limited to, hardwired socket and plug connections and/or barcode communications and/or wireless communications as have already been described herein. 
     As is known in the art, barcoding can be programmed so that the information contained in the barcode displaying device is changed. However, barcode reading is not a particularly convenient technology. Accordingly, it would be more advantageous to use RFID tags to implement more sophisticated features. Such tags can be interrogated wirelessly by an appropriate reader (“pulling” information), or they can be designed to broadcast information wirelessly to the reader (“pushing information). For example, an RFID tag could be located on the data compilation device  450  and controlled from within so that, for example, as more vends occur in formation in a signal provided by the tag changes. Alternately, the RFID signal could provide other codes, such as those indicating the need for maintenance, or that a machine has been compromised. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , in normal practice, any given field engineer will have multiple vending devices  10  on any given route, each having a data compilation device  450 A,  450 B . . .  450 Z. This field engineer would have a single activation device  600 , and it would be programmed to communicate with all of the data compilation devices on his/her route. As he/she approached each vending device  10 , activation device  600  would be brought into communication with data compilation device  450 , thereby activating the same. Once the compilation device is activated, the engineer would determine whether there was any information to download from PDA  600  into data compilation device  450 , and if so, such would be done. Then, a reading of the data compilation device would be taken and the information stored therein would be communicated to PDA  600 ; using one of the communications methods previously discussed herein. The engineer would then travel along the route to the next stop and next vending device  10  and perform the same steps. Alternatively, after each stop, or any combination of stops, the engineer could transmit the data in his/her PDA to central computer server  800  and/or download any new instructions or data for any given vending device  10 . Of course, such communications assume in a preferred embodiment a wireless communication between PDA  500  and server  800 , but a land-line connection is also contemplated. 
     Once loaded into server  800 , the information from the engineer&#39;s route is compiled by software found in server  800 . Such software parses the information into different hierarchal files for the different user profiles or the different people able to access the information on server  800 . In particular, the anticipated user profiles are for the vendor/operator, the store/location, the OEM and the product supplier (if vending device  10  is a vending or a bulk vending machine). Preferably, The vendor/operator is subdivided into various user profiles, such as but not limited to, the regional manager, the account manager, the field engineer, the data entry person and the shop technician. 
     The vendor/operator is subdivided into various user profiles, such as but not limited to, the regional manager, the account manager, the field engineer, the data entry person and the shop technician. 
     Taking each one of these user profiles individually, one will note that the regional manager has access to system  400  so as to be able to conduct an overview of what other users are doing. The regional manager can control a tri-state area such as NYC, northern NJ and lower CT, or any other area covered under the vendor/operator&#39;s routes, even international routes. In order to monitor these complex routes properly, the regional manager will have access to all of the information for at least the routes under his/her control, including but not limited to, how each location is doing, the take on each location, the commissions that are being charged and how much product is being supplied. The regional manager will be able to view and manipulate reports on different levels of the operation he/she oversees, such as individual reports on his/her field engineers, account managers, other regional managers, the data entry personnel and the shop technicians, and these reports can also be demographically parsed. Examples of other reports are by product types (gumballs, stickers, etc.), location type (bars, barber shops, service stations, retail outlets, etc.), route type and locations, vending device type and/or make/model, and numerous other such reports. Therefore, by properly manipulating the information, a regional manager could actually study a report on whether, for example, how one-inch jawbreaker gumballs are doing in different areas of the country, or in one area of the country but in different types of stores; i.e., gumballs may sell better in machines in front of Target and like stores, then in bars. 
     Account managers will have similar information and reports available to them as the regional managers, but only for the accounts to which he/she is the manager; i.e., Wal-Mart, Stop n Shop, etc. 
     A field engineer can access server  800  via his/her PDA or over a desk top computer. He will have the ability to view his routes and locations to see their productivity and return, the schedules for his pickups of money and replenishing of product in machines and to generate service tickets for broken machines or ones that simply need maintenance. A service ticket is synchronized so that the main system creates an open service ticket for whomever is responsible for the service. Similarly, if a location owner calls to say that one of his vending devices has malfunctioned or does not work, he will be able to call in that he has a broken machine (i.e., machine 3 of the first stack of machines). A person at the vendor/operator responsible for answering calls would then enter this repair information into server  800  as a service ticket and when the field engineer synchronizes his PDA to system  400 , the service ticket would appear and he would know the machine required service and would attend to such service (repair) on his next visit to that machine, or make a separate trip. 
     A vendor/operator data entry person could access server  800  via a desktop computer connection and would have the ability to enter information regarding new accountants. Such information would consist of, but not be limited to, all fields on an account setup form, such as name of customer, location(s), manager responsible, phone, fax, e-mail, a default location commission and a particular commission for each machine. 
     A shop technician builds the vending devices  10  for the various locations controlled by the vendor/operator. Such a technician would be told to fit data compilation devices  450  into “x” number of a certain type and specification of vending devices  10  for use at an existing or new location. Since each vending device  10  has different specifications, only select data compilation devices would fit these devices  10 . Accordingly, the technician would access server  800  to determine what compatible data compilation devices are available for his use with the specified devices  10 . In the alternative, the technician would simply be told that “x” number of devices  10  were needed for an existing or new location, without being told which type of devices  10  to use. In such a situation, the technician would need to access server  800  to determine both, what devices  10  where available and how many, and what devices  450  were available and how many. He would then pick the appropriate devices  450  and assign them to the chosen, compatible devices  10 . He would then assign the chosen devices  10 , with the compatible devices  450 , to the location and log that information in server  800 . In doing so, he would also download to a data storage chip of the data compilation devices  450 , the location it was going to, the product to be dispensed from the device  10  it would be installed in, the coin value for a single vend from the machine, the commission to the particular machine (not to a particular location, as it is the product in the machine that dictates the commission, not necessarily the location (although this may happen also)), the device  10  number the device  450  is assigned to and the bar code number if bar coding is to be used. 
     For a store/location, while most of the same information would be available, as say for an account manager and/or possible even a regional manager, it would presumably be for the purpose of determining how each machine is performing; i.e., does the ride on elephant get more customers than the race car, or visa versa. Accordingly, it is similar to the vendor/operator side as far as seeing information such as the head of operations will see the whole picture of all their regional managers broken down to the account managers to store managers. There will be some data entry available for the store managers or owners, for example, or for the account manager on the store/outlet side, as these people will need to be able to change the name of the store manager or the contact, etc. Such users can also enter an internal account number for a particular store so that as the store gets receivables from the devices  10 , the user can post same based on the particular store&#39;s or corporation&#39;s internal accounting system. Such a store/location can also bundle routes as it sees fit to get reports in these specified bundled groupings. For example, a vendor/operator might call its Route 1 certain locations, but the store/location (such as Blockbuster) might want to say that its Route 1 corresponds to its Store Nos. 101, 108 and 109, and this bundle would be different from how the vendor/operator bundled its locations into routes. In addition, certain special features will be available to the store/location, such as the ability to provide survey responses to the vendor/operator about its performance, and as has been previously stated, a store manager could have the ability to enter service tickets. 
     For the product supplier, the type of information that would interest them most is what categories of product are selling best and what the sales demographics for its products are. Hence, if for example the product supplier were an M&amp;M candy supplier or distributor of M&amp;Ms, they would want to know how M&amp;Ms are doing in certain demographics, whether it be bars, Mom &#39;n Pop stores or major chain store outlets, such as but not limited to, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Toys R Us, etc. so they can see how their products are moving and use that information for sales during the course of a year. The same goes for the OEMs. Here, they would want to know how their equipment was performing and/or holding up maintenance wise, which devices  10  were attracting the most business and what types of establishments were best suited for each type of device  10  they manufactured. All such information would be trackable to these organizations under the system  400  and within the server  800 . 
     In addition to the above recited things the field engineer can accomplish using system  400  and server  800 , he would also have the ability to run a complete route management system on his PDA. As he does his route and as he sees fit or the information given from the system requires, he can change product commissions and send that information on the fly to the particular data compilation device. He can do this by making the change to the data on the PDA and then activating the data compilation device using the activation device to complete the transfer. 
     Therefore, whether with or without approval, if the field engineer wanted to change a gumball machine to a peanut machine, he could empty out the gumballs and fill it up with peanuts and then he could program into his PDA that this machine (No.  —————— ) is now a peanut machine and the commission is changed to  ——————  and the price is $ ——————  and the amount of peanuts that come out in each vend is “x” ounces and he can download all that information from his PDA into the date compilation device, which will then be automatically setup in the system to now give all the proper information. He would then also transmit the new data to server  800 . 
     The system of the subject invention also allows for importation of information from even non-metered machines. For example, a location has 5 stores with a total of 100 machines, but none of the machines were ever equipped with a data compilation device. Nevertheless, since the machines are kept track of on paper and the money collected is counted and the amount of product refilled is also kept track of, the functionality of server  800  along with PDA  500  would allow for the entry of the information into the PDA by the field engineer, transmission to server  800  and then the above hierarchal manipulations. To make this even more functionally friendly, if the vending device is bar coded, where the bar code contains the information about the machine (location, number, product type, etc.), then either the activation device or the PDA can be provided as has already been discussed with a bar code reader, or even a separate bar code reader can be provided to the field engineer, so that all that remains is for the engineer to count the money and calculate the amount of product refilled into the machine for complete data to be provided to the system. Hence, a tremendous cost savings can be seen for those vendor/operators and/or stores/locations who can&#39;t afford to equip all of their existing vending devices with a data compilation device, while still being able to take advantage of the hierarchal accessibility and management of server  800 . 
     For the prior art systems that use field engineers with PDAs, the extent of the programming on the PDA is purely the route for the day or the route for the next few days. There is no historical information stored on the PDA. It is purely here is the location I&#39;m going to, here is the data entry form to fill in the appropriate fields, end of story. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of computers could be used instead of or in addition to a PDA. For example, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a sub-laptop computer could be used. A tablet computer has a touch sensitive screen and combines all the functionalities of the PDA and a desktop computer in one package. For a small operator, it could be possible to store the full database, eliminating the need for a separate server to store the database. 
     It should be appreciated that the present type of system could model each vend that occurs or each event that occurs on a vending piece of equipment and provide the date and time and store it in memory and collect that data and replace it in the database. 
     Desktop software is provided which a field engineer accesses in his office. It has an integrating mapping system which prints out his route for the day, week, month, etc., and it will download the maps to his PDA. The PDA has a commercially available GPS receiver attachment, which the field engineer can use with the downloaded maps out on the road if he gets lost, is in traffic or needs to otherwise move around into the system. 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.