Abstract: A transportable system for dispensing and boxing items is mounted to and enclosed by a truck. The system comprises at least two dispensing carts. Each cart includes a body, a set of wheels disposed on a bottom surface of the body, a set of bearings disposed on the top surface of the body, and an outlet defined by the body. At least one of the at least two dispensing carts is adapted to store a first set of items vertically and dispense the first set of items using an unpowered escapement and at least another one of the dispensing carts is adapted to store items horizontally. The system further comprises a box dispenser configured to dispense boxes and a conveyor system disposed beneath the outlets of the at least two dispensing carts. The conveyor system defines a continuous path for boxes from the box dispenser to an end location.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing operations, for instance making orders and fulfilling orders, using one or more computing devices. In accordance with an example embodiment, an operations management system can include a self-order system, a self-payment system, and an order-fulfillment system. The self-order system, the self-payment system, and the order-fulfillment system can communicate with each other via a communication system that connects the systems, such as a wireless network for example. Using the operation management system, orders can be placed and fulfilled efficiently and with minimal personal interaction.

Abstract: A method for purchasing goods or services with incentive rewards program currency within in an airport terminal or other business environment includes image capture of a voucher into a data processing system, typically configured as a tablet computer. In the illustrative embodiment, the voucher is a boarding pass. The passenger's name or other identifying information is extracted from the image, and the tablet presents, in its display, a menu from which the passenger can select food (or other goods) for purchase from purveyors thereof (e.g., airport concessions or street restaurants or retailers in other business environments) using rewards currency. Once items are selected, the tablet determines, from a balance inquiry and response, whether the passenger has sufficient rewards currency for the purchase. If sufficient, the tablet approves the transaction, transmitting the order and the tablet's location to the appropriate purveyor for order fulfillment.

Abstract: A rewards-based gaming system includes, in some embodiments, a gaming server, a rewards server, and a database server and integrates with the existing food or merchandise sales system of a business establishment. Patrons of the business have the opportunity to play a game, on an appropriately configured computing device, from a selection of games. Playing a game provides the player-patron with a chance to win rewards points, which can be electronically redeemed for prizes, using the same computing device. Game credits for playing games that are not free can be purchased for cash, cryptocurrency, or obtained in exchange for rewards miles or third-party loyalty points. The system also provides customers the ability to remotely order food and drink (e.g., using periodic reminders) delivered to the customer at an identified location, while playing a game on an electronic device that is fixed at a location or a handheld device.

Abstract: A transportable system for dispensing and boxing items is mounted to and enclosed by a truck. The system comprises at least two dispensing carts. Each cart includes a body, a set of wheels disposed on a bottom surface of the body, a set of bearings disposed on the top surface of the body, and an outlet defined by the body. At least one of the at least two dispensing carts is adapted to store a first set of items vertically and dispense the first set of items using an unpowered escapement and at least another one of the dispensing carts is adapted to store items horizontally. The system further comprises a box dispenser configured to dispense boxes and a conveyor system disposed beneath the outlets of the at least two dispensing carts. The conveyor system defines a continuous path for boxes from the box dispenser to an end location.

Abstract: A rewards-based gaming system includes, in some embodiments, a gaming server, a rewards server, and a database server and integrates with the existing food or merchandise sales system of a business establishment. Patrons of the business have the opportunity to play a game, on an appropriately configured computing device, from a selection of games. Playing a game provides the player-patron with a chance to win rewards points, which can be electronically redeemed for prizes, using the same computing device. Game credits for playing games that are not free can be purchased for cash, cryptocurrency, or obtained in exchange for rewards miles or third-party loyalty points.

Abstract: A transportable system for dispensing and boxing items is mounted to and enclosed by a truck. The system comprises at least two dispensing carts. Each cart includes a body, a set of wheels disposed on a bottom surface of the body, a set of bearings disposed on the top surface of the body, and an outlet defined by the body. At least one of the at least two dispensing carts is adapted to store a first set of items vertically and dispense the first set of items using an unpowered escapement and at least another one of the dispensing carts is adapted to store items horizontally. The system further comprises a box dispenser configured to dispense boxes and a conveyor system disposed beneath the outlets of the at least two dispensing carts. The conveyor system defines a continuous path for boxes from the box dispenser to an end location.

Abstract: A method for incorporating game play into a transaction for the sale of a product or service using a point-of-sale system. The system includes a tablet computer that accepts an order placed by a patron and offers the patron a chance to play a game to earn a discount off of the purchase price. The system includes at least one computer having a memory and processor. The memory includes gaming software that provides game logic for playing and determining an outcome of the game and a database that stores information including games played and patron's performance. The processor accesses the gaming software, transmits to the tablet information pertaining to the game, and adjusts difficulty of winning the game based on patron's performance. The processor determines an outcome and a discount is applied to the purchase price of the product when the outcome is winning.

Abstract: A transportable system for packaging items in a container is mounted to and enclosed by a truck. The system includes an item tote having a base and at least one sidewall extending from the base. The system also includes a conveyor configured to transport the item tote within the truck. The conveyor has an actuatable portion that is configured to tilt the item tote. The system also has dispensing carts located above the conveyor and removable from the truck for loading items into the dispensing carts while the dispensing carts are outside of the truck. The system also has a container chute. In operation, items are dispensed from the dispensing carts into the item tote and transported by the conveyor to a container disposed in the container chute.

Abstract: A method for optimizing seating capacity at a business establishment using a data processing system. Patrons of the establishment can request reservations using a computing device. Once the request has been made, the system determines whether one or more floor plan configurations have an available table capable of satisfying the request and reservation requirements. If the request can be satisfied, the reservation is confirmed and the table is assigned within the selected floor plan configuration and recorded within the reservation requirements. Walk-in patrons may also request a table. The system will produce floor plan configurations having an available table to accommodate the request in accordance with reservation requirements and business information. Business information includes data received from table activity, kitchen activity, and server activity, as well as patron requirements. The system can also predict a patron's wait time based on floor plan configuration and business information.

Abstract: A rewards-based gaming system includes, in some embodiments, a gaming server, a rewards server, and a database server and integrates with the existing food or merchandise sales system of a business establishment. Patrons of the business have the opportunity to play a game, on an appropriately configured computing device, from a selection of games. Playing a game provides the player-patron with a chance to win rewards points, which can be electronically redeemed for prizes, using the same computing device.

Abstract: A method for purchasing goods or services with incentive rewards program currency within in an airport terminal or other business environment includes image capture of a voucher into a data processing system, typically configured as a tablet computer. In the illustrative embodiment, the voucher is a boarding pass. The passenger's name or other identifying information is extracted from the image, and the tablet presents, in its display, a menu from which the passenger can select food (or other goods) for purchase from purveyors thereof (e.g., airport concessions or street restaurants or retailers in other business environments) using rewards currency. Once items are selected, the tablet determines, from a balance inquiry and response, whether the passenger has sufficient rewards currency for the purchase. If sufficient, the tablet approves the transaction, transmitting the order and the tablet's location to the appropriate purveyor for order fulfillment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for containing a pre-packaged food container within an outer container having a lid component. The pre-packaged food container has a flange on an upper most portion and a food product contained within. The outer container has a container wall defining a shoulder positioned radially within and a rim located radially on an upper most portion of the container wall. The shoulder is configured to retain the flange of the pre-packaged food container. The lid component is configured to attach to the rim of the outer container.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing operations, for instance making orders and fulfilling orders, using one or more computing devices. In accordance with an example embodiment, an operations management system can include a self-order system, a self-payment system, and an order-fulfillment system. The self-order system, the self-payment system, and the order-fulfillment system can communicate with each other via a communication system that connects the systems, such as a wireless network for example. Using the operation management system, orders can be placed and fulfilled efficiently and with minimal personal interaction.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing operations, for instance making orders and fulfilling orders, using one or more computing devices. In accordance with an example embodiment, an operations management system can include a self-order system, a self-payment system, and an order-fulfillment system. The self-order system, the self-payment system, and the order-fulfillment system can communicate with each other via a communication system that connects the systems, such as a wireless network for example. Using the operation management system, orders can be placed and fulfilled efficiently and with minimal personal interaction.

Abstract: A transportable system for dispensing and boxing items is mounted to and enclosed by a truck. The system comprises at least two dispensing carts. Each cart includes a body, a set of wheels disposed on a bottom surface of the body, a set of bearings disposed on the top surface of the body, and an outlet defined by the body. At least one of the at least two dispensing carts is adapted to store a first set of items vertically and dispense the first set of items using an unpowered escapement and at least another one of the dispensing carts is adapted to store items horizontally. The system further comprises a box dispenser configured to dispense boxes and a conveyor system disposed beneath the outlets of the at least two dispensing carts. The conveyor system defines a continuous path for boxes from the box dispenser to an end location.