Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A system of remotely distributed machines is provided for paying bills issued by each of several different remote issuers, such as telephone, electricity, gas, and electric utilities. Each machine preferably has its own computer, a bar-code scanner, and means for accepting payments, preferably in cash. A bill is inserted by the user into the bar-code scanner, which reads the identity of the issuer, the amount owed, and the due date for payment, etc. The user deposits payment into the machine, preferably in cash, and the computer in each machine gives credit for payments made, computes the amount of any late penalties, and computes the balance due. The credits are stored in the machine and the information is conveyed to the proper one of the different issuers. The funds are collected regularly from the machines and credited to the accounts of the different issuers in accordance with the issuer identification data and credits stored in the machine.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim