Abstract: Method and apparatus for stocking a vending device are disclosed. The vending device is structured to receive a product selection from a user via a user input device. The vending device then dispenses the selected product and determines if the inventory associated with the selected product has fallen below a predetermined threshold. If the inventory of the selected product has fallen below the predetermined threshold, the vending device may communicate with a remote host device. Alternatively, or in addition, the vending device may communicate with the remote host periodically.

Abstract: A dedicated electronic catalogue device (150) and a dedicated system for providing goods/services ordered by the electronic catalogue device (150) from a remote location stores in memory (400) a catalogue database which can be accessed by a user by actuation of an appropriate input interface (500) for the user to select a particular product or service to be provided by a provider. A host device (300) at the location of the provider communicates with the electronic catalogue device (150) and obtains transaction information relating to the user's order. The provider then fills the order and provides the appropriate product or service. The dedicated electronic catalogue devices (150) can be provided at any convenient location such as a public location, for example. Any product or service is available which can be supplied by the provider. The catalogue can be updated remotely from the host (300) to update product or service information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus adapted to promote the recycling of complex articles, such as, in particular, printer cartridges, toner cartridges and other complex office items. The invention provides an apparatus having storage space arranged to store a number of such complex articles for recycling. Access to the storage space is controlled by a data processor which interacts with a user by way of a visual display unit and control panel. If the user wishes to store an item, he indicates this by way of the control panel and the apparatus is then operable to open a receptacle to receive the used item. When the used item is placed in the receptacle, in preferred embodiments means are provided to determine that the used item is an article of an appropriate type to be stored. These means preferably employ shape recognition. The article will be rejected if it is not of the correct type and accepted and retained in a storage space if it is of the correct type.