Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for continuously optimizing the profile of an aqueous culture comprising microorganisms. The systems and methods comprise a controlled environment comprising a housing enclosing a lighting device and controlled temperature environment, and sensor modules for measuring culture and environment parameters. The sensor modules may be in communication with an automated computer control system to continuously optimize the microorganism culture profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for continuously optimizing the profile of an aqueous culture comprising microorganisms. The systems and methods comprise a controlled environment comprising a housing enclosing a lighting device and controlled temperature environment, and sensor modules for measuring culture and environment parameters. The sensor modules may be in communication with an automated computer control system to continuously optimize the microorganism culture profile.

Abstract: A currency validator operates by comparing measured properties of inserted articles with acceptance criteria. A set of acceptance criteria can be either enabled or disabled automatically. Some sets of acceptance criteria can be considered after an acceptance/rejection decision, and if they are met they are automatically enabled during a subsequent validation operation.

Abstract: An automatic transaction machine bezel (150) for attachment to the front panel of the machine (1) that is durable and versatile, and that advantageously provides for at least two forms of payment is disclosed. The face (151) of the bezel fits through an industry-standard size opening in the front panel of the automatic transaction machine. In one embodiment, the bezel contains one aperture to accept banknotes, coins and cards in payment for a vend item.

Abstract: A method of testing coins comprising at least taking two measurements of an unknown coin: and accepting said unknown coin as corresponding to a first coin type if the point defined by the measurements lies, in the space defined by the axes of the measurements, on a first side of a discriminant surface at which the Mahalanobis distances of the centers of the distribution of said first coin type and a second coin type are in a predetermined relationship, characterized in that said relationship corresponds (at least approximately) to equality of the sums of the respective Mahalanobis distances with respective predetermined constants at least one of which is non-zero.

Abstract: An automatic transaction apparatus, such as a vending machine, containing a current inventory of products for purchase and including a display unit. The current product inventory stored in the apparatus is monitored and representations of products appearing on the display unit are changed in response to monitoring the current product inventory. Methods of operating the automatic transaction apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vending machine bezel for attachment to the front panel of a vending machine that is durable and versatile, and that advantageously provides at least two apertures for the insertion of money. The face of the bezel fits through an industry-standard size bill validator opening in the front panel of the vending machine. In one embodiment, the bezel contains three apertures to accept banknotes, coins and cards in payment for a vend item.