Abstract: A rack assembly for use with an automatic retail device. The rack assembly includes a rack body comprising and a load bar configured to mount to the rack body. The rack body includes a fastening element configured to mount the rack body to a portion of the automatic retail device and a main shelf controller disposed within the rack body and in communication with a microcontroller of the automatic retail device. The load bar includes a weight sensor configured to sense a weight of products positioned on the load bar and a circuit board. The circuit board is disposed on the load bar and in electrical communication with the weight sensor and the main shelf controller. The circuit board transmits a signal corresponding to the weight sensed by the weight sensor to the microcontroller via the main shelf controller.

Abstract: A rack assembly for use with an automatic retail device. The rack assembly includes a rack body comprising and a load bar configured to mount to the rack body. The rack body includes a fastening element configured to mount the rack body to a portion of the automatic retail device and a main shelf controller disposed within the rack body and in communication with a microcontroller of the automatic retail device. The load bar includes a weight sensor configured to sense a weight of products positioned on the load bar and a circuit board. The circuit board is disposed on the load bar and in electrical communication with the weight sensor and the main shelf controller. The circuit board transmits a signal corresponding to the weight sensed by the weight sensor to the microcontroller via the main shelf controller.

Abstract: A rack assembly for use with an automatic retail device. The rack assembly includes a rack body comprising and a load bar configured to mount to the rack body. The rack body includes a fastening element configured to mount the rack body to a portion of the automatic retail device and a main shelf controller disposed within the rack body and in communication with a microcontroller of the automatic retail device. The load bar includes a weight sensor configured to sense a weight of products positioned on the load bar and a circuit board. The circuit board is disposed on the load bar and in electrical communication with the weight sensor and the main shelf controller. The circuit board transmits a signal corresponding to the weight sensed by the weight sensor to the microcontroller via the main shelf controller.

Abstract: A method of interacting with an automatic retail device, including receiving user identification information at the automatic retail device and receiving confirmation of the identity of the user from a source external to the automatic retail device.

Abstract: A method of interacting with an automatic retail device, including receiving user identification information at the automatic retail device and receiving confirmation of the identity of the user from a source external to the automatic retail device. The method further includes determining the contents of the automatic retail device at a first time, determining the contents of the automatic retail device at a second time, transmitting data regarding the determined contents of the automatic retail device to a server at both the first and second times, and prompting the user to respond to an inquiry.

Abstract: The present application describes methods and systems for processing transaction on a series of unattended self-service vending kiosks or machines.

Abstract: A method of interacting with an automatic retail device, including receiving user identification information at the automatic retail device and receiving confirmation of the identity of the user from a source external to the automatic retail device.

Abstract: A rack assembly for use with an automatic retail device. The rack assembly includes a rack body comprising and a load bar configured to mount to the rack body. The rack body includes a fastening element configured to mount the rack body to a portion of the automatic retail device and a main shelf controller disposed within the rack body and in communication with a microcontroller of the automatic retail device. The load bar includes a weight sensor configured to sense a weight of products positioned on the load bar and a circuit board. The circuit board is disposed on the load bar and in electrical communication with the weight sensor and the main shelf controller. The circuit board transmits a signal corresponding to the weight sensed by the weight sensor to the microcontroller via the main shelf controller.

Abstract: A system and method of stocking an automatic retail device including receiving seller identification information of a seller including financial institution information of the seller, receiving proposed product information of a product to be offered for sale by the seller, assigning a lease space in the automatic retail device for stocking of the product, determining whether the assigned leased space in the automatic retail device is available, acquiring product information of the product using the automatic retail device, and indicating a location of the leased space in the automatic retail device for stocking the product. The proposed information of the product may include a description of the product, a size of the product, or a weight of the product. The acquired product information may include an image of the product or a weight of the product.

Abstract: An automated vending system for retail locations can include: an exterior housing that houses a plurality of differently shaped items for purchase and return; a data processor that is disposed in the exterior housing and that is coupled to an external server having a database; a display device on a face of the exterior housing; a memory storing computer-executable instructions that cause the automated vending system to execute vending and returning of an item; a payment validation device that is configured to accept payment information; a storage area that holds a plurality of items; an item compartment that is disposed within the exterior housing and that is capable of opening to the user; an item dispenser that dispenses an item from the storage area to the item compartment; and a detector that is positioned to detect foreign activity within the item compartment.

Abstract: An automated vending system for retail locations can include: an exterior housing that houses a plurality of differently shaped items for purchase and return; a data processor that is disposed in the exterior housing and that is coupled to an external server having a database; a display device on a face of the exterior housing; a memory storing computer-executable instructions that cause the automated vending system to execute vending and returning of an item; a payment validation device that is configured to accept payment information; a storage area that holds a plurality of items; an item compartment that is disposed within the exterior housing and that is capable of opening to the user; an item dispenser that dispenses an item from the storage area to the item compartment; and a detector that is positioned to detect foreign activity within the item compartment.

Abstract: An interactive advertising application and complementary hardware/network product to provide a unique solution for potential clients, users, and consumers to interact to a specific network of supplied information (e.g., advertising, branding, interacting, etc.) via a secure or unsecured network.

Abstract: A wireless system for managing a plurality of remote vending machines includes an enterprise control center; and a two-way wireless network coupling the enterprise control center and the plurality of remote vending machines. A touch screen may be associated with each of the plurality of vending machines for selecting items to be vended therein, and means for displaying a plurality of advertisements on the touch screen. The touch screen may also include means for paying for the items to be vended within the plurality of vending machines.

Abstract: An automated vending system for retail locations can include: an exterior housing that houses a plurality of differently shaped items for purchase and return; a data processor that is disposed in the exterior housing and that is coupled to an external server having a database; a display device on a face of the exterior housing; a memory storing computer-executable instructions that cause the automated vending system to execute vending and returning of an item; a payment validation device that is configured to accept payment information; a storage area that holds a plurality of items; an item compartment that is disposed within the exterior housing and that is capable of opening to the user; an item dispenser that dispenses an item from the storage area to the item compartment; and a detector that is positioned to detect foreign activity within the item compartment.

Abstract: A wireless system for managing a plurality of remote vending machines includes an enterprise control center; and a two-way wireless network coupling the enterprise control center and the plurality of remote vending machines. A touch screen may be associated with each of the plurality of vending machines for selecting items to be vended therein, and means for displaying a plurality of advertisements on the touch screen. The touch screen may also include means for paying for the items to be vended within the plurality of vending machines.

Abstract: A wireless system for managing a plurality of remote vending machines includes an enterprise control center; and a two-way wireless network coupling the enterprise control center and the plurality of remote vending machines. A touch screen may be associated with each of the plurality of vending machines for selecting items to be vended therein, and means for displaying a plurality of advertisements on the touch screen. The touch screen may also include means for paying for the items to be vended within the plurality of vending machines.

Abstract: A wireless system for managing a plurality of remote vending machines includes an enterprise control center; and a two-way wireless network coupling the enterprise control center and the plurality of remote vending machines. A touch screen may be associated with each of the plurality of vending machines for selecting items to be vended therein, and means for displaying a plurality of advertisements on the touch screen. The touch screen may also include means for paying for the items to be vended within the plurality of vending machines.

Abstract: An interactive advertising application and complementary hardware/network product to provide a unique solution for potential clients, users, and consumers to interact to a specific network of supplied information (e.g., advertising, branding, interacting, etc.) via a secure or unsecured network.

Abstract: A vend sensing system (or “VSS”) 200 detects that a single vended product has dropped from one of the dispensing columns directly above the sensing system and has fallen into the customer delivery bin at the base of the vending system.