Abstract: A tax stamping machine includes an input system that transfers incoming cartons of cigarettes into a conveyor. The input station positions the upper surfaces of the cartons at a predefined height, and the conveyor retains the cartons at the predefined height as the cartons pass through the stamp applicating device. The stamp applicating device includes an opening station, a stamping station, and a closing station. The conveyor includes resilient pulleys that hold the cartons at a predefined height as the cartons move through the opening station, the stamping station, and the closing station such that the upper surfaces of the individual packs of cigarettes are always at the same predefined height regardless of the size of the cartons entering the machine.

Abstract: A system for dispensing, receiving, and tracking towels or other items includes a cabinet structure having first and second interior spaces. An access door provides access to the first interior space, and a return door permits items to be returned to the second interior space. An RFID system conducts read operations to determine how many items having RFID tags are disposed in the first and second interior spaces. The system determines what items have been removed from the first interior space, and associates removed items with specific users. The RFID system conducts read operations as items are returned to the second interior space and credits the user.

Abstract: A tax stamp apparatus applies labels to individual packages of cigarettes, and prints tax information on the labels after they are applied to cartons of cigarettes. The apparatus may include a digital scanner that scans and decodes two-dimensional bar code information printed on the labels. The tax information may be supplied to the apparatus from a remote location, and the scanned data may be compared to the tax information supplied to the apparatus to verify that the tax indicia have been applied to the cartons of cigarettes.

Abstract: A stamp applicator includes a sizing feature that measures the size of a carton of cigarettes entering the machine. The sizing feature may include sensors that determine both the height and width of a carton of cigarettes. The applicator includes a stamping head and other features that may be adjusted to accommodate cartons of different sizes. The stamp applicator may include sensors that determine if a carton of cigarettes is properly positioned prior to moving the cartons through the machine for further processing.