Abstract: A sealed container has inscribed on it a continuous portion of a calendar, which overlaps the time interval between the date of production of the contents and the expiration date thereof. This contributes to better quality control for the contents. The container can be selected by an automatic vending machine by which the consumer can select a container having the desired inscribed information.

Abstract: A calendar is provided on a telephone card to enhance its usefulness. A telephone set displaying the calendar allows a user to refer to it during a telephone call. A telephone card reader, a telephone card insertion slot, and a number-of-calls counting apparatus constitute a separate, unitary telephone card accepting apparatus. This improves handling characteristics and reduces the weight of the telephone set. A storage box within the telephone set provides a disposal system for used cards.

Abstract: A telephone card system comprises a telephone debit card having a continuous portion of a calendar printed on one or both sides. Additional information pertaining to a specific date or to a specific period can be provided on the card in addition to the calendar information. An automatic vending machine for the telephone card requires the customer to enter selections from two groups of choices, for example a selection from a group of telephone card values, and from a group of calendar periods. The public telephone with which the card is used is provided with a window through which the calendar information and other information can be viewed while the card is in place in the card reader associated with the telephone.