The invention utilizes a data collection module, which can operate in conjunction
with a wireless companion module to transmit information regarding a vending machine
to a central location to enable management to determine the cash and inventory
status of each dispensing unit within a bulk-vending machine. This enables servicing
of the business to be delegated to low skilled employees who replace the canisters
and return them to the centralized location for cleaning and re-stocking. The invention
basically utilizes a counter which is coupled to the gear mechanism of the dispensing
machine and provides a count for every coin inserted. The count is compared with
programmable indicia in a microprocessor to determine when the signal is to be
transmitted to the central location. In this manner, the central location can also
have trained employees to repair the modules and manage the inventory business
so that travel between the location of the vending machine and the central headquarters
is minimized.
