CA1290850C - Method and arrangement for validating coupons - Google Patents
Method and arrangement for validating couponsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1290850C CA1290850C CA000581871A CA581871A CA1290850C CA 1290850 C CA1290850 C CA 1290850C CA 000581871 A CA000581871 A CA 000581871A CA 581871 A CA581871 A CA 581871A CA 1290850 C CA1290850 C CA 1290850C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- coupons
- bar code
- coupon
- machine
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/04—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by paper currency
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
- G07D7/004—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using digital security elements, e.g. information coded on a magnetic thread or strip
- G07D7/0043—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using digital security elements, e.g. information coded on a magnetic thread or strip using barcodes
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE
The invention relates to a method and machine for use in coupon verification. At least two juxtaposed coupons, each having a bar code printed or formed thereon, are passed substantially simultaneously through or relative to bar code reader means provided in a machine for verifying coupons.
The machine additionally includes holding and dispensing means and a programmed processor. In use, at least two juxtaposed coupons are passed substantially simultaneously, into and through the bar code reader means of the machine.
On the juxtaposed coupons being accepted and verified by the bar code reader means, matter is caused to be dispensed from the holding and dispensing means of the machine.
The invention relates to a method and machine for use in coupon verification. At least two juxtaposed coupons, each having a bar code printed or formed thereon, are passed substantially simultaneously through or relative to bar code reader means provided in a machine for verifying coupons.
The machine additionally includes holding and dispensing means and a programmed processor. In use, at least two juxtaposed coupons are passed substantially simultaneously, into and through the bar code reader means of the machine.
On the juxtaposed coupons being accepted and verified by the bar code reader means, matter is caused to be dispensed from the holding and dispensing means of the machine.
Description
~.2~ C~
~ VE`~ relates to a mernod and arrangement or machiner~ r use in the va`ida~lng ~r veri~lcation of coupons.
In th~s day and age i~ is verl popular ~or manuIacturers and re~ail ou~lets to dis~ribu~e indiv1dual or books of coupons which carry a product identi~y and an amount wnich will be credlted to the customer l~ and when ~he particular product is purcnased. For e~ample, newspapers or magazines may carry a number of coupons. Such coupons would usually be CUI out by a purc~laser and then taken to a local slore where tne product identified on the coupon would be purchased. 0n paying for the product, ~he purchaser will receive a credil for the amount s~ated on ~he coupon, in relation to that article purc~ased. This has been found to be a very time consuming and e~pensive system to operate~ in that it requires that sta~f in retail outlets and the like must collate coupons a~d keep records thereof so that the retailer can in due course return the coupons to the manufacturer to obtain an appropriate refund against the credits given to customers.
This procedure has been found to be labour-intensive and time consuming. As such Ihere is often retail resistance to involvement in such schemes. At the same time, many manufacturers are an~ious to have such schemes in operation, as an incentive to have their particular products purchased.
; 25 In other words, if the purchasing public are aware that a refund is likely to be given following purchase of a particular product, this is an ince~tive to purchase that particular product.
The present invention sets out to provide a method and arra~gement whereby the problems outlined above are hopefully overcome or at leas~ minimized, while still allowing a coupon redemption scheme to successfully operate. In particular, the ~"~g~
presen~ lnventlon sets ouc to elimlna~e or ~ leas~ m1nimlze the invoi~.~ement of relailers.
According ~o one aspec~ of t~liS invention, there is provided a ~ethod of coupon verification and validation, wherein a~
leas~ two juxtaposed coupons each having a bar code printed or formeà thereon, are passed substan~iall~J simultaneously through or relative to bar code reader means, such ~hat sald juxtapos2d coupons i~ accepted by sa1d bar code reader means cause mal~er to be dispensed from a holding and dispensing mechanism.
According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a machine for verifying coupons, wherein said coupons each carry bar code markings; comprising a housing : having an inlet for said coupons; bar code reader means being provided at or adjacent said inlet and within said housing;
holding a~d dispensing means and a programmed processor being provided within said housing; the arrangement being such that on at least two coupons being passed substantially simultaneousl~J, into and through said bar code reader means>
and being accepted thereby, a predetermined or desired amount of matter will be dispensed from said holding and dispensing means~
According to a further aspect o~ this invention there is provided a coupon for use wilh a machi~e adapted to verify or valida~e at least two coupons, passed substantially simultaneously into said machine relative to bar code reader means; advertising matter or indicia appearing on a first face of said coupon; a second face of said coupon being provided with a bar code marking; a spacing or area being provided on said second face and adjacent said bar code marking, such as to permit a further coupon with a bar code marking thereon to be placed over or in juxtaposition with said spacing or area, such that said bar code markings are ~ ~ 9(~ 3 posltione~ in ju~aposltion one with the other to allow them to be passed subs~antially simulta~eously in~o said housing relative to said bar code reader means.
Throughou~ the specification reference is made to the term "coupon" as applying to a coupon carrying or incorporating a bar code ~arking. The term "coupon'' is defined and used throughou~ the specifica~ion as meaning a coupon carrying a bar code such as might be delivered by mail, cut from a magazine or newspaper, or provided by a manufacturer and also includes a part of a pac~age or container of product, as contains a bar code, and which may be removed, pulled or c~t 'rom such a container. The present invention provides that at least two such coupons carr~ing bar codes are used, and such coupo~s will carry product and/or identification codes, such as to allo~ for activation of the machi~e of the present inventio~, This inventiou will now be described by way oX e~ample only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a general arrange~eQt of a machine according to one form o~ the present invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic flow diagram o~ the components and operation according to one form of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a view of a f ront face of a coupon according to one form of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a view of a revers face of a coupon in ju~taposition with another coupon according to one aspect of the present invention.
As referred to hereinbefore, the present invention relates to a method and means for validating and verifying coupons. In ~,90~ 3 particular, the inven~on reLa~es to a me~hod and means for validating coupons such as may be distributed or co~tai~ed in ~ewspapers, or incorporated into, or forming a part o~
containers, packages and the like, to ena~le purchasers and members of the public to obtain refunds on articles o~
merchandise advertised by manufacturers. For e~ample, many manufacturers desire to encourage members of the public to purchase their products. ~ccordingly, they prepare coupons which are either delivered to residences, or alternatively are con~ained in ne~spapers, periodicals, magazines and the like. This is however by way of e.~ample. Such coupons are often associated ~i~h advertisements for a particular product and the advertisements indicate that i~ a particular product is pnrchased, there will be a refund of a certain amount o~
money. For e~ample, a number of cents (~or e3ample only thirty cents). Up until this time, it has been common for such coupons to be taken to retail outlets, and for the product to be purchased, such that when the product is presented ~or payment, the coupon is also presented and a credit is provided ~or the amount concerned. As indicated above, this in~olves the retailer in some amount of trouble and time in so far as bo~h money and time are concerned.
The present invention sets out to provide means and method, whereby such problems are overcome or minimized.
Thus, in the one preferred form o~ the invention, coupons are delivered or supplied to purchasers such as through the mail, by newspapers or by home delivery. Such coupons are indivi dually printed coupons, sheets o~ coupons or alternatively coupons which are incorporated into pages o~ papers, maga-zines and the like. The coupons include, or have mar~ed thereon, appropriate bar codes. The advertisement associated with the coupon indicates that the coupon will be redeemable for an appropriate amount of cash or goods, if a corres-ponding or complementary bar code is obtained from the goods ~30~
concerned. Yor e~ample, if tlle advertisement relates to a packet OI potato crisps, ~he coupon ~ill relate to ~hat product and will have marked on it a bar code. At the same time, the matter or advertisemen~ associated ~i-th the coupon in the ne~spaper, hand-out, magazine or the like, will indi-cate tha~ a complementar~ or corresponding coupon will be found on a packet of the goods concerned, for e~ample potato crisps. Thus, on the purchaser buying a pac~et of potato crisps, i~ will be found that the package thereof includes or incorporates a coupon, or carries on it a bar code ~hich can be removed or cut from the package. This will then form a second coupon carrylng a bar code.
It should be appreciated that the reference to potato crisps is by way of e~ample only and that the re~erence can be to lS any particular package or container carrying goods or products.
Thus, when the bar code is removed or cut from the package, the purchaser will have the bar code ~rom the coupon and the bar code from the package, the bar code from the package pre~erably being a product identifying bar code.
Both the advertisement and the package will pre~erably carry directions to the effect that once both coupons have been obtained, they are capable of being redeemed for an amount of money or the like, preferably for e~ample an amount of cash being thirty cents.
Thus, the invention of the present application provides that the two coupons are then taken to an appropriate machine or apparatus, which is adapted to verify the bar codes and thereafter to cause appropriate means to dispense to a customer an appropriate amount of cash, discs or the like. It is however envisazed, that while it is preferred to dispense 9(~85i0 cash, suc as in the ~orm of coins, discs, products or the like could also be dispensed.
The machine of the present invention includes an ou~er housing 2 which incorpora~es an inlet means 3 ~or e~ample in the form of a slot through whlch appropriate coupons are inser~ed. Inwardly of, adjacen~ to, and associated with the inlet means 3, is a bar code reading means adapted such that, at least ~o coupons, each having a bar code printed thereon~
must pass through the inlet 3 and relative to the bar code reader be~ore the bar code reader will actuate or cause to be actuating appropriate mechanisms (as will hereinafter be described) to result, ~or e~ample, in coins being ~ispensed ~rom the housing).
The bar code reader is, in one form o~ the invention, so ~ormed as to be adapted to read multiple bar codes passed therethrough or relative thereto. The bar code reader can be a reader adapted to process and read a plurality of bar codes at one time, or substautially simultaneously, or alterna-tively ca~ be ~ormed ~rom a plurality of ju~aposed bar code readers, each being adapted and programmed to read a specific bar code substantially simultaneously. Any other appropriate bar code readi~g means can also be used.
Within or in association wi~h the housing 2, and adjacent the i~let means 3, are preferably provided means such as a plate slide 4 which is adapted to house aud locate the coupons and to pass the coupons substantially simultaneously, side by side or e~d on end, in~o the housing through the inlet 3. The slide 4 preferably has a base which slides or moves on rollers, or slide rails, to allow the juæ~aposed coupons to pass into the housing and relative to the bar code reader means and if present security reader means. In one form of the invention means can be provided within the housing and in association with the slide 4, so that once the coupons have gLX ~3~) 8 r,~
been read and accepted by a~ least t~le bar code reader means, the coupons will be released ~rom the inlet slide ~ to prevent further nse. For e.Yample, the sLide plate l may move on slide members ~hlch are capable of pivo~ing such as about a horizontal a.~is, so that when ~he slide plate 4 is pushed fully in~o the housing, it will pivot about a ~orizontal a~is to deposit the used coupons into an appropriate receptacle within the housing. It is envisaged that in at least one form of the invention such a pivotal moun~ing can be con~rolled from the programmed processor, so that once the programmed processor acknowledges that the coupons have been read and accepted, it will cause a release mechanism to be actuated thereby causing and allowing the slide plate 4 to pivot, in the manner referred to, so as to place the coupons i~to the appropriate co~tainer or receptacle. This is however by way of e~ample only and other means can be used if desired for retaining coupons ~ithi~ the housing following use and accepta~ce by bar code reader mea~s.
The machine of the present i~vention iurther includes an appropriate programmed processor such as a computer, mini computer, micro-processor, or similar processor or computer.
This is programmed in a~ appropriate ma~ner, so as to allow for the functions of the machine to be carried out. This will be further described hereinafter.
If the coupons are not accepted by the bar code reader (for e~ample if they are i~correct coupons), the coupons will not be retained within the housing and will be retur~ed to the operator. In a preferred form of the invention, the egterior of the housing 2 adjacent the inlet 3 carries appropriate directions, and instructions (such as at 5), as to the parti-cular and required location and positioning of the coupons.
If for e~ample, the coupons are inserted through the i~let 3 relative to ~he bar code reader, and the bar code reader indicates to the programmed processor tha~ they are incor-rectly posi~ioned, the processor will send a message to a screen lO, such as a VDU screen, on the ~ront 7 of the housing 2, which wlll in turn show a message to the user to the e~fec~ that the coupons have been incorrec~ly positioned or alterna~ively to the e~fect ~hat incorrec~ coupons are being used.
It is pre~erred that the processor of the present invention, and as located within t~e housing 2 and connected to the various components, is permanently programmed as to the basic operations o~ the machinery.
.
Given however that the invention sats out to provide a means for validating coupons relating to specific products, the nature of the products and the amounts o~ re~u~ds may well vary ~rom time to time (for e~ample ever~J week or two weeks or months). Thus, au au~iliary program in the ~orm o~ a cartridge or ~loppy disk may be entered into or associated with the processor, ~or predetermined periods. Such an au~i-liary program will hold, ~or the period concerned, data and information relating to the refunds available and the products concerned, and ~or which the various coupons will be inserted into the machine. For e~ample, if over a one week period there are five or si~ different items of product, in respect o~ which the coupons are o~ered, the au~iliary program will have that in~orm~tion entered onto it and the appropriate cartridge or ~loppy dis~ will be mounted into the programmed processor. The au~iliary disk can be replaced or varied (i.e. the in~ormation thereon can be varied or altered) as desired by a user or operator.
In use there~ore, where at least two ju~taposed coupons, each having a bar code thereon, are passed through and accepted by the bar code reader, this will send a message to the program-med processor, which in turn will activate appropriate means associated with the inlet so that the coupons are retained ~ ~9~.5(~
within a coupon hopper. At the same -time, if the coupons are accep~ed, the processor will Lor~ard a ~ur~her signal to the screen 10 or VDU associated with th~ housing 2, and using the in~`orma~.on or data contained on the auxiliary program, will e~tract product information from one or both of ~he bar codes o~ the coupons, so ~hat on ~he screen 10 or the video display uni~, information relating to the pxoduct in respect of which the user is seeking a re~und, will appear. Simultaneous ~herewith, the programmed processor will ~orward a signal to a coin holder and release or dispensing mechanism, whereby the prede~ermined number or a~nount of coins will be released through a coin outlet 12, at a position e~terior the housing, for collection by the user.
By way of e3ample, a purchaser or user may cut out ~rom a newspaper or magazine (or may have delivered to a household) a coupon relating to a packet o~ food stuf~s. The matter associated therewith might indicate that on production o~ the coupo~(s) a refund of some thirty cents is available. ~t the same time, the matter will indicate that a further coupon carrying a product bar code will have to be removed from a packet of the food-stu~fs concerned. Thus, the purchaser will purchase a packet or container of that food-stuff and will remove or cut a portion o~f the packet, said portion including the bar code. The two coupons (being the basic coupon and th~ additional matter removed from or cut from the pac~age or container) are then passed into the machine 1 through the inlet 3, relative to the bar code reader which in tur~ the coupons are accepted by the bar code reader) uill activate the processor to retain the coupons, place in~ormation on the scree~ 10, relating to the product concerned, and at the same time ~ctivate the coin holding, dispensing and release mechanism so that substantially simul-taneously with the appearance o~ information on the screen 10, the predetermined number or value of coins will pass out .~
~L~90~
of the mac~ine through a coin outle~ or a dispensing slot 12, or the li~e.
If the bar codes are ~ot accep~ed by the bar code reader (for e.Yamp1e, 4he~ may be the wrong way around or alternatively may be incorrect coupons), this will be transmitted to the programmed processor, and there will be no ac~ivation of the retaining means. In other words, the user will be ~ree to remove the coupons. The coupons will not ~herefore be retained in the housing and ~ill not find their way in~o the hopper. A~ the same time, ~he programmed processor will transmit tO the screen or VDU l0 information relating to the ac~ivitiesO In other words, the processor will transmit information such as "incorrect coupons entered" or "coupons entered incorrect way".
Referring speci~ically to Figure l of the accompanying drawings, the housing will be seen to be in the form oi a dispensing machine l, having a general body portion 2 with an inlet 3 i~to which the coupons can be inserted, and an outlet 12 through which predetermined numbers or amounts of coin ca~
be dispensed. Preferably, the front 7 of the machina l is also provided with an appropriate screen or video display ; unit l0 so that information relative to the activities of the user or relative to products in respect of which a refund is being sought, can be displayed.
It should be apyreciated that while the invention has been described by way of e~ample to using t~o such coupons, each containing a bar code~ this is by way of e~ample only. ~ore than two such coupons can be used if desired.
In one preferred form o~ the invention, security means of an additional nature may be provided. That is, in addition to bar code reader means. Thus, OQe or both of the coupons can be provided with some additional form of security information 1~9~)~3.rj~) or inser~, such as ~or e.~ampLe magnetic in~, magnetic tape or the like. Such information is pre~`erabLy incorporated into the coupons adjacent to the bar code. If desired, such informa~_on can be inser~ed into only one coupon.
In such a form of the invention the machine 1 is also provided ~ith appropriate security reading means, for e~ample a magnet c reader. The bar code reader means and security reader means may if desired, be combined into one component or alternatively can be separate adjacent and ju2laposed componen~s~
In one preferred form of the invention, at least one (and i~
desired both) coupons are provided with some security insert, such as for e~ample magnetic ink. In such a case a magnetic reader can be provided, so that the two coupons will only be accepted through the bar code reader and security reader, if the magnetic reader correctly reads the mag~etic ink. In alternative forms of the iuvention, the security reader reads one or more appropriate security markirgs. If there is no appropriate reading, then a message will be forwarded to the programmed processor, which in turn will forward a message to the screen or video display unit 10, ~hich will indicate that the coupons are unacceptable. If the coupons are passed through both the bar code reader aad the security reader (i,e. magnetic reader), the process will proceed as outlined above.
Referring now to Figs. 3 and ~ of the accompanying drawings, these show examples of a coupon 20 that can be used in association ~ith the present invention. Fig. 3 shows the top or upper side 21 of a coupon 20, such as might be fou~d in a magazine, or in a sheet of coupons that might be delivered to households and the like. The top face 21 of the coupon 20 carries appropriate advertising matter and in~ormation, for e.~ample the period during which the coupon is valid. It also ~ 3 preferabiy includes an indication as to the product(s) to which the coupon rel~tes.
Referring ~o Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings, this shows the reverse or underside 22 of a coupon 20 and it will be seen that in the preferred form of the invention, at least one side portion of the reverse side or face 22 is provided with a bar code 23. The reverse ~ace 22 is also provided with an area or space 25, outlined by a dot~ed line or border 26.
In use and when it is desired to present coupons to a machine according to one form of the present invention, a coupon 20 such as that shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings is take~ and placed upper face 21 down with the bar code 23 facing upwardly. In addition, a further coupon 27 incorporating a bar code 28 and relating to the same product, is taken a~d placed over or adjacent the area 25 at one side of the reverse or rear face 22 of the coupon 20 so that the two bar codes 23, 28 are substantially ju~taposed or side by side.
Preferably the bar codes 23, 28 both ~ace upwardly.
In a pre~erred ~orm of the invention, the further coupon 27 is provided by removing it such as by tearing or cutting, ~rom a packet, such as for e~ample a packet of the product to which the first coupon 20 relates. For e~ample, if the coupon 20 sho~n in Fig. 3 of the drawings relates to a particular - brand of sof~drink, this will be shown on the upper face 21 of the coupon 20. Further J the label or container of the softdrink when purchased will carry an additional coupon 27 incorporating a bar code 28, which can be removed or cut from the label or container. This can then be placed in ju~taposition with and preferably substantially side by side ~ith the bar code 23 on the underside 22 of the coupon 20 (as sho~n in Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings). In a further form of the invention, the upper face 21 of the coupon could for e~ample show a particular brand of toothpaste, the second ~.X9~8~5~
coupon 2. incorpora~ing a bar code can be cu~ from the package con~aining the toothpaste. These are however, by way of e~ample only.
In one preferred form of tne invention~ the two coupons 20, 27 carrying upwardly ~acing bar codes 23, 28 are en~ered in~o the machine 1 through inlel 3, and relalive to the bar code reader, in a substantially juxtaposed and a side-by-side position. This is however by ~a~ of e~ample only and the coupons and bar codes could for e~ample be entered into the machine and through the bar code reader longitudinally or end-on-end. For e~ample, rather than providing a slide insert plate ~ as described with reference to Fig. 1 of the drawings, appropriate feed rollers (no~ shown) could be provided ~o assist in feeding the coupons (be they located side-by-side or end-or.-end) through the inlet 3 and relative to the bar code reader (and/or security reader).
While the invention has been described by way of e~ample only ~ith reference to a predetermined number or amount of coins or cash being dispensed, such as on coupons ~eing accepted and verified, it should be appreciated ~hat this is by way of e~ample. If desired, the dispensing means could for e~ample dispense lottery tickets, monetary notes, vouchers, novelty gifts, or other matter. Thus, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited ~o the dispensing of coins.
It is envisaged that rather than burdening retailers ~ith the requirement to pay out money to purchasers and to then obtain refunds from suppliers or manufacturers, the presen~ method and/or machi~e can be employed in various outlets or loca-tio~s, without involving retailers in time and e~pense, as has been the problem up until this time. The party organizing the coupon redemption scheme can be responsible for main-taining the machines and maintaining the level of coins supplied. Further, the machines can be provided with approp-1~
3~
riate mode~s and associated electronics, the program~ed processor in one ~orm o~ the invention being programmed in such a way ~hat informa~ion relating to the number of coupons being redeemed, can be fed back into the au~iliary program which can be removed and ~ranslated by au~horised personnel.
In addit_on, or alternatively, appropriate modems can be provided and ~elephone lines and the like can be linked to the machines so that a regular update can be ob~ained as to the level of redemption and tne amount of coin remaining.
I0 This is however by way OL e~ample only.
It has been found that by requiring that at least two coupons be inser~ed into the machine (and be accepted by the reader prior to actuation o~ the coin release mechanism), the present invention provides a straight-forward and ef~icie~t way of validating and redeeming coupons, which overcomes and substantially eliminates the time consumption and cost invol-ved up until this time. The use of two ju~taposed coupons, each having an appropriate bar code, provides an additional security block to ~raudulent use o~ the machine, such as by ~ 20 copying or photocopying a plurality o~ bar code coupons, and - where in some forms of the invention the additional security means are provided, such as magnetic ink or strips, additio-nal security against fraudulent and unauthorised use is possible.
It should be appreciated that the present invention has bee~
described by ~ay o~ e~ample only and that improvements and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereo~ as defined by the appended claims.
~ VE`~ relates to a mernod and arrangement or machiner~ r use in the va`ida~lng ~r veri~lcation of coupons.
In th~s day and age i~ is verl popular ~or manuIacturers and re~ail ou~lets to dis~ribu~e indiv1dual or books of coupons which carry a product identi~y and an amount wnich will be credlted to the customer l~ and when ~he particular product is purcnased. For e~ample, newspapers or magazines may carry a number of coupons. Such coupons would usually be CUI out by a purc~laser and then taken to a local slore where tne product identified on the coupon would be purchased. 0n paying for the product, ~he purchaser will receive a credil for the amount s~ated on ~he coupon, in relation to that article purc~ased. This has been found to be a very time consuming and e~pensive system to operate~ in that it requires that sta~f in retail outlets and the like must collate coupons a~d keep records thereof so that the retailer can in due course return the coupons to the manufacturer to obtain an appropriate refund against the credits given to customers.
This procedure has been found to be labour-intensive and time consuming. As such Ihere is often retail resistance to involvement in such schemes. At the same time, many manufacturers are an~ious to have such schemes in operation, as an incentive to have their particular products purchased.
; 25 In other words, if the purchasing public are aware that a refund is likely to be given following purchase of a particular product, this is an ince~tive to purchase that particular product.
The present invention sets out to provide a method and arra~gement whereby the problems outlined above are hopefully overcome or at leas~ minimized, while still allowing a coupon redemption scheme to successfully operate. In particular, the ~"~g~
presen~ lnventlon sets ouc to elimlna~e or ~ leas~ m1nimlze the invoi~.~ement of relailers.
According ~o one aspec~ of t~liS invention, there is provided a ~ethod of coupon verification and validation, wherein a~
leas~ two juxtaposed coupons each having a bar code printed or formeà thereon, are passed substan~iall~J simultaneously through or relative to bar code reader means, such ~hat sald juxtapos2d coupons i~ accepted by sa1d bar code reader means cause mal~er to be dispensed from a holding and dispensing mechanism.
According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a machine for verifying coupons, wherein said coupons each carry bar code markings; comprising a housing : having an inlet for said coupons; bar code reader means being provided at or adjacent said inlet and within said housing;
holding a~d dispensing means and a programmed processor being provided within said housing; the arrangement being such that on at least two coupons being passed substantially simultaneousl~J, into and through said bar code reader means>
and being accepted thereby, a predetermined or desired amount of matter will be dispensed from said holding and dispensing means~
According to a further aspect o~ this invention there is provided a coupon for use wilh a machi~e adapted to verify or valida~e at least two coupons, passed substantially simultaneously into said machine relative to bar code reader means; advertising matter or indicia appearing on a first face of said coupon; a second face of said coupon being provided with a bar code marking; a spacing or area being provided on said second face and adjacent said bar code marking, such as to permit a further coupon with a bar code marking thereon to be placed over or in juxtaposition with said spacing or area, such that said bar code markings are ~ ~ 9(~ 3 posltione~ in ju~aposltion one with the other to allow them to be passed subs~antially simulta~eously in~o said housing relative to said bar code reader means.
Throughou~ the specification reference is made to the term "coupon" as applying to a coupon carrying or incorporating a bar code ~arking. The term "coupon'' is defined and used throughou~ the specifica~ion as meaning a coupon carrying a bar code such as might be delivered by mail, cut from a magazine or newspaper, or provided by a manufacturer and also includes a part of a pac~age or container of product, as contains a bar code, and which may be removed, pulled or c~t 'rom such a container. The present invention provides that at least two such coupons carr~ing bar codes are used, and such coupo~s will carry product and/or identification codes, such as to allo~ for activation of the machi~e of the present inventio~, This inventiou will now be described by way oX e~ample only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a general arrange~eQt of a machine according to one form o~ the present invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic flow diagram o~ the components and operation according to one form of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a view of a f ront face of a coupon according to one form of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a view of a revers face of a coupon in ju~taposition with another coupon according to one aspect of the present invention.
As referred to hereinbefore, the present invention relates to a method and means for validating and verifying coupons. In ~,90~ 3 particular, the inven~on reLa~es to a me~hod and means for validating coupons such as may be distributed or co~tai~ed in ~ewspapers, or incorporated into, or forming a part o~
containers, packages and the like, to ena~le purchasers and members of the public to obtain refunds on articles o~
merchandise advertised by manufacturers. For e~ample, many manufacturers desire to encourage members of the public to purchase their products. ~ccordingly, they prepare coupons which are either delivered to residences, or alternatively are con~ained in ne~spapers, periodicals, magazines and the like. This is however by way of e.~ample. Such coupons are often associated ~i~h advertisements for a particular product and the advertisements indicate that i~ a particular product is pnrchased, there will be a refund of a certain amount o~
money. For e~ample, a number of cents (~or e3ample only thirty cents). Up until this time, it has been common for such coupons to be taken to retail outlets, and for the product to be purchased, such that when the product is presented ~or payment, the coupon is also presented and a credit is provided ~or the amount concerned. As indicated above, this in~olves the retailer in some amount of trouble and time in so far as bo~h money and time are concerned.
The present invention sets out to provide means and method, whereby such problems are overcome or minimized.
Thus, in the one preferred form o~ the invention, coupons are delivered or supplied to purchasers such as through the mail, by newspapers or by home delivery. Such coupons are indivi dually printed coupons, sheets o~ coupons or alternatively coupons which are incorporated into pages o~ papers, maga-zines and the like. The coupons include, or have mar~ed thereon, appropriate bar codes. The advertisement associated with the coupon indicates that the coupon will be redeemable for an appropriate amount of cash or goods, if a corres-ponding or complementary bar code is obtained from the goods ~30~
concerned. Yor e~ample, if tlle advertisement relates to a packet OI potato crisps, ~he coupon ~ill relate to ~hat product and will have marked on it a bar code. At the same time, the matter or advertisemen~ associated ~i-th the coupon in the ne~spaper, hand-out, magazine or the like, will indi-cate tha~ a complementar~ or corresponding coupon will be found on a packet of the goods concerned, for e~ample potato crisps. Thus, on the purchaser buying a pac~et of potato crisps, i~ will be found that the package thereof includes or incorporates a coupon, or carries on it a bar code ~hich can be removed or cut from the package. This will then form a second coupon carrylng a bar code.
It should be appreciated that the reference to potato crisps is by way of e~ample only and that the re~erence can be to lS any particular package or container carrying goods or products.
Thus, when the bar code is removed or cut from the package, the purchaser will have the bar code ~rom the coupon and the bar code from the package, the bar code from the package pre~erably being a product identifying bar code.
Both the advertisement and the package will pre~erably carry directions to the effect that once both coupons have been obtained, they are capable of being redeemed for an amount of money or the like, preferably for e~ample an amount of cash being thirty cents.
Thus, the invention of the present application provides that the two coupons are then taken to an appropriate machine or apparatus, which is adapted to verify the bar codes and thereafter to cause appropriate means to dispense to a customer an appropriate amount of cash, discs or the like. It is however envisazed, that while it is preferred to dispense 9(~85i0 cash, suc as in the ~orm of coins, discs, products or the like could also be dispensed.
The machine of the present invention includes an ou~er housing 2 which incorpora~es an inlet means 3 ~or e~ample in the form of a slot through whlch appropriate coupons are inser~ed. Inwardly of, adjacen~ to, and associated with the inlet means 3, is a bar code reading means adapted such that, at least ~o coupons, each having a bar code printed thereon~
must pass through the inlet 3 and relative to the bar code reader be~ore the bar code reader will actuate or cause to be actuating appropriate mechanisms (as will hereinafter be described) to result, ~or e~ample, in coins being ~ispensed ~rom the housing).
The bar code reader is, in one form o~ the invention, so ~ormed as to be adapted to read multiple bar codes passed therethrough or relative thereto. The bar code reader can be a reader adapted to process and read a plurality of bar codes at one time, or substautially simultaneously, or alterna-tively ca~ be ~ormed ~rom a plurality of ju~aposed bar code readers, each being adapted and programmed to read a specific bar code substantially simultaneously. Any other appropriate bar code readi~g means can also be used.
Within or in association wi~h the housing 2, and adjacent the i~let means 3, are preferably provided means such as a plate slide 4 which is adapted to house aud locate the coupons and to pass the coupons substantially simultaneously, side by side or e~d on end, in~o the housing through the inlet 3. The slide 4 preferably has a base which slides or moves on rollers, or slide rails, to allow the juæ~aposed coupons to pass into the housing and relative to the bar code reader means and if present security reader means. In one form of the invention means can be provided within the housing and in association with the slide 4, so that once the coupons have gLX ~3~) 8 r,~
been read and accepted by a~ least t~le bar code reader means, the coupons will be released ~rom the inlet slide ~ to prevent further nse. For e.Yample, the sLide plate l may move on slide members ~hlch are capable of pivo~ing such as about a horizontal a.~is, so that when ~he slide plate 4 is pushed fully in~o the housing, it will pivot about a ~orizontal a~is to deposit the used coupons into an appropriate receptacle within the housing. It is envisaged that in at least one form of the invention such a pivotal moun~ing can be con~rolled from the programmed processor, so that once the programmed processor acknowledges that the coupons have been read and accepted, it will cause a release mechanism to be actuated thereby causing and allowing the slide plate 4 to pivot, in the manner referred to, so as to place the coupons i~to the appropriate co~tainer or receptacle. This is however by way of e~ample only and other means can be used if desired for retaining coupons ~ithi~ the housing following use and accepta~ce by bar code reader mea~s.
The machine of the present i~vention iurther includes an appropriate programmed processor such as a computer, mini computer, micro-processor, or similar processor or computer.
This is programmed in a~ appropriate ma~ner, so as to allow for the functions of the machine to be carried out. This will be further described hereinafter.
If the coupons are not accepted by the bar code reader (for e~ample if they are i~correct coupons), the coupons will not be retained within the housing and will be retur~ed to the operator. In a preferred form of the invention, the egterior of the housing 2 adjacent the inlet 3 carries appropriate directions, and instructions (such as at 5), as to the parti-cular and required location and positioning of the coupons.
If for e~ample, the coupons are inserted through the i~let 3 relative to ~he bar code reader, and the bar code reader indicates to the programmed processor tha~ they are incor-rectly posi~ioned, the processor will send a message to a screen lO, such as a VDU screen, on the ~ront 7 of the housing 2, which wlll in turn show a message to the user to the e~fec~ that the coupons have been incorrec~ly positioned or alterna~ively to the e~fect ~hat incorrec~ coupons are being used.
It is pre~erred that the processor of the present invention, and as located within t~e housing 2 and connected to the various components, is permanently programmed as to the basic operations o~ the machinery.
.
Given however that the invention sats out to provide a means for validating coupons relating to specific products, the nature of the products and the amounts o~ re~u~ds may well vary ~rom time to time (for e~ample ever~J week or two weeks or months). Thus, au au~iliary program in the ~orm o~ a cartridge or ~loppy disk may be entered into or associated with the processor, ~or predetermined periods. Such an au~i-liary program will hold, ~or the period concerned, data and information relating to the refunds available and the products concerned, and ~or which the various coupons will be inserted into the machine. For e~ample, if over a one week period there are five or si~ different items of product, in respect o~ which the coupons are o~ered, the au~iliary program will have that in~orm~tion entered onto it and the appropriate cartridge or ~loppy dis~ will be mounted into the programmed processor. The au~iliary disk can be replaced or varied (i.e. the in~ormation thereon can be varied or altered) as desired by a user or operator.
In use there~ore, where at least two ju~taposed coupons, each having a bar code thereon, are passed through and accepted by the bar code reader, this will send a message to the program-med processor, which in turn will activate appropriate means associated with the inlet so that the coupons are retained ~ ~9~.5(~
within a coupon hopper. At the same -time, if the coupons are accep~ed, the processor will Lor~ard a ~ur~her signal to the screen 10 or VDU associated with th~ housing 2, and using the in~`orma~.on or data contained on the auxiliary program, will e~tract product information from one or both of ~he bar codes o~ the coupons, so ~hat on ~he screen 10 or the video display uni~, information relating to the pxoduct in respect of which the user is seeking a re~und, will appear. Simultaneous ~herewith, the programmed processor will ~orward a signal to a coin holder and release or dispensing mechanism, whereby the prede~ermined number or a~nount of coins will be released through a coin outlet 12, at a position e~terior the housing, for collection by the user.
By way of e3ample, a purchaser or user may cut out ~rom a newspaper or magazine (or may have delivered to a household) a coupon relating to a packet o~ food stuf~s. The matter associated therewith might indicate that on production o~ the coupo~(s) a refund of some thirty cents is available. ~t the same time, the matter will indicate that a further coupon carrying a product bar code will have to be removed from a packet of the food-stu~fs concerned. Thus, the purchaser will purchase a packet or container of that food-stuff and will remove or cut a portion o~f the packet, said portion including the bar code. The two coupons (being the basic coupon and th~ additional matter removed from or cut from the pac~age or container) are then passed into the machine 1 through the inlet 3, relative to the bar code reader which in tur~ the coupons are accepted by the bar code reader) uill activate the processor to retain the coupons, place in~ormation on the scree~ 10, relating to the product concerned, and at the same time ~ctivate the coin holding, dispensing and release mechanism so that substantially simul-taneously with the appearance o~ information on the screen 10, the predetermined number or value of coins will pass out .~
~L~90~
of the mac~ine through a coin outle~ or a dispensing slot 12, or the li~e.
If the bar codes are ~ot accep~ed by the bar code reader (for e.Yamp1e, 4he~ may be the wrong way around or alternatively may be incorrect coupons), this will be transmitted to the programmed processor, and there will be no ac~ivation of the retaining means. In other words, the user will be ~ree to remove the coupons. The coupons will not ~herefore be retained in the housing and ~ill not find their way in~o the hopper. A~ the same time, ~he programmed processor will transmit tO the screen or VDU l0 information relating to the ac~ivitiesO In other words, the processor will transmit information such as "incorrect coupons entered" or "coupons entered incorrect way".
Referring speci~ically to Figure l of the accompanying drawings, the housing will be seen to be in the form oi a dispensing machine l, having a general body portion 2 with an inlet 3 i~to which the coupons can be inserted, and an outlet 12 through which predetermined numbers or amounts of coin ca~
be dispensed. Preferably, the front 7 of the machina l is also provided with an appropriate screen or video display ; unit l0 so that information relative to the activities of the user or relative to products in respect of which a refund is being sought, can be displayed.
It should be apyreciated that while the invention has been described by way of e~ample to using t~o such coupons, each containing a bar code~ this is by way of e~ample only. ~ore than two such coupons can be used if desired.
In one preferred form o~ the invention, security means of an additional nature may be provided. That is, in addition to bar code reader means. Thus, OQe or both of the coupons can be provided with some additional form of security information 1~9~)~3.rj~) or inser~, such as ~or e.~ampLe magnetic in~, magnetic tape or the like. Such information is pre~`erabLy incorporated into the coupons adjacent to the bar code. If desired, such informa~_on can be inser~ed into only one coupon.
In such a form of the invention the machine 1 is also provided ~ith appropriate security reading means, for e~ample a magnet c reader. The bar code reader means and security reader means may if desired, be combined into one component or alternatively can be separate adjacent and ju2laposed componen~s~
In one preferred form of the invention, at least one (and i~
desired both) coupons are provided with some security insert, such as for e~ample magnetic ink. In such a case a magnetic reader can be provided, so that the two coupons will only be accepted through the bar code reader and security reader, if the magnetic reader correctly reads the mag~etic ink. In alternative forms of the iuvention, the security reader reads one or more appropriate security markirgs. If there is no appropriate reading, then a message will be forwarded to the programmed processor, which in turn will forward a message to the screen or video display unit 10, ~hich will indicate that the coupons are unacceptable. If the coupons are passed through both the bar code reader aad the security reader (i,e. magnetic reader), the process will proceed as outlined above.
Referring now to Figs. 3 and ~ of the accompanying drawings, these show examples of a coupon 20 that can be used in association ~ith the present invention. Fig. 3 shows the top or upper side 21 of a coupon 20, such as might be fou~d in a magazine, or in a sheet of coupons that might be delivered to households and the like. The top face 21 of the coupon 20 carries appropriate advertising matter and in~ormation, for e.~ample the period during which the coupon is valid. It also ~ 3 preferabiy includes an indication as to the product(s) to which the coupon rel~tes.
Referring ~o Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings, this shows the reverse or underside 22 of a coupon 20 and it will be seen that in the preferred form of the invention, at least one side portion of the reverse side or face 22 is provided with a bar code 23. The reverse ~ace 22 is also provided with an area or space 25, outlined by a dot~ed line or border 26.
In use and when it is desired to present coupons to a machine according to one form of the present invention, a coupon 20 such as that shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings is take~ and placed upper face 21 down with the bar code 23 facing upwardly. In addition, a further coupon 27 incorporating a bar code 28 and relating to the same product, is taken a~d placed over or adjacent the area 25 at one side of the reverse or rear face 22 of the coupon 20 so that the two bar codes 23, 28 are substantially ju~taposed or side by side.
Preferably the bar codes 23, 28 both ~ace upwardly.
In a pre~erred ~orm of the invention, the further coupon 27 is provided by removing it such as by tearing or cutting, ~rom a packet, such as for e~ample a packet of the product to which the first coupon 20 relates. For e~ample, if the coupon 20 sho~n in Fig. 3 of the drawings relates to a particular - brand of sof~drink, this will be shown on the upper face 21 of the coupon 20. Further J the label or container of the softdrink when purchased will carry an additional coupon 27 incorporating a bar code 28, which can be removed or cut from the label or container. This can then be placed in ju~taposition with and preferably substantially side by side ~ith the bar code 23 on the underside 22 of the coupon 20 (as sho~n in Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings). In a further form of the invention, the upper face 21 of the coupon could for e~ample show a particular brand of toothpaste, the second ~.X9~8~5~
coupon 2. incorpora~ing a bar code can be cu~ from the package con~aining the toothpaste. These are however, by way of e~ample only.
In one preferred form of tne invention~ the two coupons 20, 27 carrying upwardly ~acing bar codes 23, 28 are en~ered in~o the machine 1 through inlel 3, and relalive to the bar code reader, in a substantially juxtaposed and a side-by-side position. This is however by ~a~ of e~ample only and the coupons and bar codes could for e~ample be entered into the machine and through the bar code reader longitudinally or end-on-end. For e~ample, rather than providing a slide insert plate ~ as described with reference to Fig. 1 of the drawings, appropriate feed rollers (no~ shown) could be provided ~o assist in feeding the coupons (be they located side-by-side or end-or.-end) through the inlet 3 and relative to the bar code reader (and/or security reader).
While the invention has been described by way of e~ample only ~ith reference to a predetermined number or amount of coins or cash being dispensed, such as on coupons ~eing accepted and verified, it should be appreciated ~hat this is by way of e~ample. If desired, the dispensing means could for e~ample dispense lottery tickets, monetary notes, vouchers, novelty gifts, or other matter. Thus, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited ~o the dispensing of coins.
It is envisaged that rather than burdening retailers ~ith the requirement to pay out money to purchasers and to then obtain refunds from suppliers or manufacturers, the presen~ method and/or machi~e can be employed in various outlets or loca-tio~s, without involving retailers in time and e~pense, as has been the problem up until this time. The party organizing the coupon redemption scheme can be responsible for main-taining the machines and maintaining the level of coins supplied. Further, the machines can be provided with approp-1~
3~
riate mode~s and associated electronics, the program~ed processor in one ~orm o~ the invention being programmed in such a way ~hat informa~ion relating to the number of coupons being redeemed, can be fed back into the au~iliary program which can be removed and ~ranslated by au~horised personnel.
In addit_on, or alternatively, appropriate modems can be provided and ~elephone lines and the like can be linked to the machines so that a regular update can be ob~ained as to the level of redemption and tne amount of coin remaining.
I0 This is however by way OL e~ample only.
It has been found that by requiring that at least two coupons be inser~ed into the machine (and be accepted by the reader prior to actuation o~ the coin release mechanism), the present invention provides a straight-forward and ef~icie~t way of validating and redeeming coupons, which overcomes and substantially eliminates the time consumption and cost invol-ved up until this time. The use of two ju~taposed coupons, each having an appropriate bar code, provides an additional security block to ~raudulent use o~ the machine, such as by ~ 20 copying or photocopying a plurality o~ bar code coupons, and - where in some forms of the invention the additional security means are provided, such as magnetic ink or strips, additio-nal security against fraudulent and unauthorised use is possible.
It should be appreciated that the present invention has bee~
described by ~ay o~ e~ample only and that improvements and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereo~ as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (12)
1. A method of coupon verification, wherein at least two juxtaposed coupons each having a bar code printed or formed thereon are passed substantially simultaneously through or relative to bar code reader means, such that said juxtaposed coupons if accepted by said bar code reader means cause matter to be dispensed from a holding and dispensing means.
2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein at least one of said coupons includes security means, provided thereon or incorporated thereinto, and wherein said juxtaposed coupons are passed, substantially simultaneously, through or relative to said bar code reader means and security sensor means.
3. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein acceptance of said coupons causes one or more coins to be dispensed from said holding and dispensing means.
4. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein one face of a first coupon has a bar code printed or formed thereon, together with an adjacent area or spacing; a second coupon having a bar code printed or provided thereon being positioned adjacent, on or within said spacing, so that said bar codes are juxtaposed relative to each other in a side-by-side or end-on-end orientation.
5. A machine for verifying coupons, wherein said coupons each carry bar code markings; comprising a housing having an inlet for said coupons; bar code reader means being provided at or adjacent said inlet and within said housing; holding and dispensing means and a programmed processor being provided within said housing; the arrangement being such that on at least two coupons being passed substantially simultaneously, into and through said bar code reader means, and being accepted thereby, a predetermined or desired amount of matter will be dispensed from said holding and dispensing means.
6. A machine as claimed in Claim 5, and further including security sensor means at or adjacent said inlet and within said housing; wherein at least one coupon carries or incorporates security means, the arrangement being such that at least one coupon must pass relative to and be accepted by said security means before said dispensing and holding means dispenses matter.
7. A machine as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said housing includes a screen and the arrangement being such that on said coupons being accepted, said programmed processor will cause product information relative to at least one of said coupons to appear on said screen at substantially the same time as matter is dispensed from said holding and dispensing means.
8. A machine as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said housing includes a screen, the arrangement being such that on said coupons being rejected, said programmed processor will cause information or directions relative to said rejection to appear on said screen.
9. A machine as claimed in Claim 5, wherein means are provided to retain said coupons within said housing following acceptance of said coupons.
10. A machine as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said inlet means allows for at least two juxtaposed coupons to be passed therethrough, substantially side-by-side.
11. A machine as claimed in Claim 5, wherein an ancillary program is provided in association with said programmed processor to provide updated and refund information for a predetermined period of time.
12. A coupon for use with a machine as claimed in Claim 5, wherein advertising matter or indicia appears on a first face of said coupon; at least a second face of said coupon being provided with a bar code marking; a spacing or area being provided adjacent said bar code marking such as to allow a further coupon with a bar code marking thereon to be placed over or in juxta-position with, said spacing or area, such that said bar code markings are positioned in juxtaposition one with the other.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPI5296 | 1987-11-06 | ||
| AUPI529687 | 1987-11-06 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1290850C true CA1290850C (en) | 1991-10-15 |
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ID=3772564
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000581871A Expired - Lifetime CA1290850C (en) | 1987-11-06 | 1988-11-01 | Method and arrangement for validating coupons |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4839507A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0315611B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH0648516B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE78356T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1290850C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3872830D1 (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ226490A (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA887597B (en) |
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-
1988
- 1988-03-17 US US07/169,576 patent/US4839507A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-10-11 EP EP88850338A patent/EP0315611B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-10-11 DE DE8888850338T patent/DE3872830D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-10-11 AT AT88850338T patent/ATE78356T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1988-10-12 ZA ZA887597A patent/ZA887597B/en unknown
- 1988-10-13 NZ NZ226490A patent/NZ226490A/en unknown
- 1988-11-01 CA CA000581871A patent/CA1290850C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-11-04 JP JP27758288A patent/JPH0648516B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ZA887597B (en) | 1989-07-26 |
| EP0315611A3 (en) | 1990-03-07 |
| NZ226490A (en) | 1990-11-27 |
| DE3872830D1 (en) | 1992-08-20 |
| JPH02110686A (en) | 1990-04-23 |
| EP0315611B1 (en) | 1992-07-15 |
| US4839507A (en) | 1989-06-13 |
| JPH0648516B2 (en) | 1994-06-22 |
| EP0315611A2 (en) | 1989-05-10 |
| ATE78356T1 (en) | 1992-08-15 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |