Abstract: Data object information processing methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided. The data object information processing system includes a suspension chain conveyance subsystem. The suspension chain conveyance subsystem is deployed in an offline store including first operation regions and second operation regions. The suspension chain conveyance subsystem includes a control component and a conveying track. The conveying track is configured to connect the first operation regions and the second operation regions. The control component is configured to assign a second operation region according to the wave identifier after receiving a notification message from a first operation execution subsystem. First operation tasks of the wave correspond to the same second operation region. A conveyance instruction is sent to the conveying track according to the assignment result, for conveying the first operation container to the corresponding second operation region.

Abstract: A system for pickup of assembled grocery orders is described herein. The system includes a drive-through lane, a check-in unit associated with the drive through lane, a cashier workstation, an assembly line system configured to deliver grocery items to the cashier workstation, and a computing system. The computer system includes a processor programmed to operate the assembly line system to deliver grocery items to the cashier workstation by receiving first information from a main assembly line scanning device indicating the grocery items being transported by a main assembly line, receiving second information from the workstation scanning device indicating a corresponding grocery item included in a grocery order is adjacent to the cashier workstation, and displaying a notification message on a monitor display screen indicating the corresponding grocery item is adjacent to the cashier workstation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a price of one or more goods. The method includes assigning a readable identification tag to a good, applying one or more price-calculation factors to the good, identifying the good associated with the identification tag, and calculating, using a processor, a price of the good according to the one or more price-calculation factors.

Abstract: A kiosk management system may identify items with which to pre-stock a plurality of geographically distributed kiosks. The identified items may be delivered from a distribution center to one or more distribution agents, who then deliver the identified items to individual kiosks. When the kiosk management system receives a request for an item from a consumer who has been browsing items in, e.g., an electronic marketplace, the kiosk management system can determine whether the requested item is available at any kiosks in proximity of the consumer and provide a list of such kiosks to the consumer for selection. Following selection of a kiosk by the consumer, the kiosk management system can send the consumer a notification identifying the designated kiosk and including a generated code for use by the consumer in retrieving of the requested item from the designated kiosk.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for standardizing delivery of products in an online marketplace using one or more locker systems. In some embodiments, a system of lockers is presented. The locker system may be configured to store one or more products sold in an online marketplace. The locker system may also include a processor coupled to the one or more lockers and configured to generate access code information for a buyer to enable access to a locker storing the product. One or more sensors may be coupled to the one or more lockers and configured to examine the product for a level of product quality. A transmitter of the system may be configured to transmit the access code information to the buyer. The system can later accept the access code information inputted from the buyer and open the locker storing the product after receiving the access code information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for ensuring a controlled supply source of web material 34 to be dispensed through at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24.

Abstract: A system includes a device and software with a touchscreen, cash drawer, bar code scanner, and other point-of-sale peripherals. The device processes payments according to a method and can process a payment from multiple payment sources to multiple credit-card merchant accounts. Likewise, the system processes returns according to a method from multiple-merchant accounts. A scheduler is included with an appointment builder and manager that are especially useful in a beauty salon environment and other schedule-intensive service businesses.

Abstract: A restaurant greeter method includes storing a plurality of greeting messages in memory of a greeter, associating at least one greeting message with a specific time of day, playing the at least one greeting message from the memory of the greeter upon detection of an individual at the specific time of day, and playing a different message if an individual is detected and the time is not at the specific time of day. Messages and other data can be downloaded from a remote server or loaded at the greeter. The greeter can be interrupted by a base station. Each of the messages can be temporally assigned. In an example, a bypass circuit selectively connects the greeter intermediate to the menu post and the base station.

Abstract: A transaction monitor of an apparatus in one example is configured to determine an occurrence of a transaction between a vendor and a customer at a point of service location. The point of service location comprises a drive-up service location and is operated by the vendor. The transaction monitor comprises a camera component configured to record one or more images of the point of service location prior to, during, and/or after the occurrence of the transaction. The vendor collects a transaction tax for the transaction from the customer for payment to a tax authority. The transaction monitor is configured to maintain a record of the transaction tax that is separate from one or more records maintained by the vendor and/or the tax authority. The transaction monitor is configured to maintain the one or more images with the record of the transaction.

Abstract: A novel retail system with a purchase check-out mechanism enabling customers to pick up pre-ordered purchases is provided. The retail system comprises at least one purchase check-out facility having multiple purchase pick-up points, and an assignment arrangement for assigning the purchase pick-up points to the customers. A customer is provided with information identifying a purchase pick-up point assigned to that customer. A request for collecting a purchase pre-ordered by a customer is issued simultaneously with assigning a purchase pick-up point for that customer. The collected purchase is delivered to the assigned purchase pick-up point.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for selling merchandize. The method includes receiving an order from a customer for a product desired to be picked up by the customer at a given location, readying the product for customer pickup at the given location after receiving the order, detecting the arrival of the customer, and moving the product to a loading station at the given location for customer pickup.

Abstract: A novel retail system is provided with an advance ordering system that enables a customer to order a purchase in advance. At least one storage facility is arranged for storing goods available for ordering. Multiple retail facilities remote with respect to the storage facility enable a customer to obtain the ordered purchase after a time period sufficient to deliver the ordered purchase from the storage facility to a retail facility selected by the customer. At least one of the retail facilities has a drive-through check-out arrangement that enables a customer sitting in a vehicle to pick up the ordered purchase without leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for evaluating customer service performance is implemented by a computer software application. Customers are presented with transaction specific questions to evaluate particular employees. A customer's response to a survey question is stored on a computer. Different performance indicators are calculated for the employee based on the responses to the customer surveys. The employee is evaluated based on these performance indicators.

Abstract: The present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a system, method and process for delivery of classified goods and serviced items through a vehicle drive-thru facility, the facility having a plurality of vehicle drive-thru pick-up portals for goods or services orderable via an electronic or computer medium. The present invention comprises, in another embodiment, a process for operating a multi-lane, drive-thru, consolidated retail or commercial supercenter mall featuring specialized facility designs, high-speed order processing, warehouse management, order consolidation and delivery system of amalgamated classified goods or services. The present invention is adapted to apply a blend of shared staffing and shared services provision, information technology and enterprise management tools, and integrated process designs to meet the needs of a variety of tenant businesses operating within a single unit.

Abstract: A merchandise order receiving method, a program, and a first-order type drive through system in which an order receiver can trace an orderer's position during movement of the orderer of a merchandise and which stops the acquisition of position information of the orderer on an order receiver side at the time of merchandise transfer completion to protect orderer's privacy.

Abstract: A system for providing cash to users in a merchandise delivery environment such as a fast food drive-through environment. The system includes a customer request station (212, 262, 288, 300, 322, 378) at which the customer is enabled to input a request for merchandise as well as an input corresponding to a request to receive cash. The customer is further enabled to input to the customer request station information corresponding to a source of monetary value which the customer may charge against for ordered merchandise or for the amount of cash requested. The customer may then move to a cash delivery station (216, 338) to receive a portion or all of the requested cash. The customer is enabled to receive the ordered merchandise at a merchandise delivery station (222, 292, 304, 316, 324, 342).

Abstract: A parking control system for managing a covered or non-covered parking facility comprises entrance control means (10, 30) which are able to co-act with an issued access means (1) to register and optionally facilitate entry to the parking facility. Charging means and payments means (40) are further provided for associating a parking fee to a presented access means after expiry of a certain parking period and for transacting payment thereof. The payment means are coupled to data storage means (2, 20) in which a parking credit associated with the access means can be registered. A parking fee associated with the access means can be deducted from this parking credit, wherein different users of the system are able to register and top up the parking credit in the data storage means.

Abstract: A low-cost paging based order fulfillment method, system, and apparatus that allows customers to easily indicate their arrival at a place of business without entering the business or using voice based communications and which is able to simultaneously transmit specifically identifiable information to relevant employees for purposes of expediting delivery of customer purchases. Customers arriving at the place of business in a vehicle are allowed to remain in the vehicle during the entirety of the notification and delivery process. The business may designate specific employees for receipt of customer notification and identification data for quick payment processing and delivery of customer purchases.

Abstract: An advertising system for encouraging impulse purchases of non-prescription products or services at a drive-thru window. The system comprises a drive-thru window, having an interior and an exterior, where customers pick-up prescription products. One or more advertising signs with changeable advertising copy promoting one or more non-prescription products or services are visible from a vehicle waiting in line at or approaching the exterior of the drive-thru window. A set of storage devices is positioned in close proximity to the interior of the drive-thru window and readily accessible by an operator of the drive-thru window. Each storage device contains one of the non-prescription products or items related to one of the non-prescription services corresponding to the changeable advertising copy.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic drop off and pick up of merchandise on which service is desired. The system includes a processing device for input of data related to merchandise to be dropped off, a drop off section for receiving the merchandise being dropped off and retaining the merchandise for performing the desired service and a pick up section for storing the merchandise after the desired service has been performed and returning the merchandise to the customer upon receipt of payment by the means for receiving the claim ticket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport system for refrigerated products such as mineral water cans or bottles, comprising a supply device and a discharge device, wherein the supply device is located, e.g., in a store and the discharge device is located, e.g., in sales premises, where the system also comprises a transport arrangement between the suply device and the discharge device. The invention is characterized in that the system further comprises a cold storage plant for the products.

Abstract: A system for providing cash to users in a merchandise delivery environment such as a fast food drive-through environment. The system includes a customer request station (212, 262, 288, 300, 322, 378) at which the customer is enabled to input a request for merchandise as well as an input corresponding to a request to receive cash. The customer is further enabled to input to the customer request station information corresponding to a source of monetary value which the customer may charge against for ordered merchandise or for the amount of cash requested. The customer may receive the cash directly at a customer request station. Alternatively, a computer may operate to correlate an identifying input associated with the customer or the transaction, and the request to receive the amount of cash. The customer may then move to a cash delivery station (216, 338). In response to the customer providing the identifying input at the cash delivery station, the customer receives a portion or all of the requested cash.

Abstract: The information of sales items is transmitted from a cash register 1 to a sensing device 2 and stored in a sales items memory 26. In the sensing device 2, a commodities information memory 25 stores the information relating to a nominal weight of each commodity as well as a nominal weight of a package. A weight sensor 24 measures an actual overall weight of all of the sales items including the package. A controller 23 compares the measured overall weight with a sum of their nominal weight values, to detect any error in the packing operation.

Abstract: For automated retail product delivery to drivers, a retractable apparatus linked to a retail product dispenser brings the dispensed retain products within reach of the drivers. The apparatus delivers the retail products to vehicle occupants while they are seated in the vehicle. It may be activated electrically or pneumatically or mechanically by the weight of the retail product itself.

Abstract: A pneumatic product vending and delivery system is provided which preferably uses an existing product vending machine as a storage and loading device for use in a pneumatic vending and delivery system along with an interface unit in place of the vending machine door. A product dispensing terminal is provided that is connected by the delivery tube of a pneumatic conveyor from the storage and loading device, which has a loading mechanism configured to load a product dispensed by the dispensing mechanism into the delivery tube. The pneumatic conveyor includes a back pressure source operable to apply reverse pressure to a product in the delivery tube to gently slow a product approaching the product dispensing terminal through the tube. A gate is selectively moveable into and out of the path of a product proximate the outlet end of the delivery tube to stop a product slowed by the back pressure source and to release the stopped product for delivery to a customer at the product dispensing terminal.

Abstract: The invention provides an island transaction terminal having a receiver for requesting purchases of fuel at a specified dispensing fuel pump, a receiver for receiving payments for such fuel purchases in the form of money or money equivalent and a signal emitter for emitting a first payment signal containing information regarding the amount of payment received, the form of payment and the specified dispensing pump for which each fuel purchase is requested. The island transaction terminal has a vertical bore so that the island transaction terminal can be securely affixed to a rigid post by attaching the island transaction terminal around the post, such that the post is disposed within the bore.

Abstract: An arrangement for feeding sheets from a sheet store to either one of a plurality of stations includes a movable carriage which receives sheets fed from the store and which has driving cogwheels for coaction with a fixed cog railway outside the carriage.The fixed cog railway includes a path selection slide that includes cog segments that can fit into the cog railway. The selector slide can be switched to either one of two possible positions by means of a processor-controlled, motor-driven arm.

Abstract: A convenient and safe drive-up vending machine is provided including a housing with a front face, a rear face, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a pair of side faces formed therebetween defining an interior space. A dispensing chute is situated on the front face of the housing. Also included is a money exchanger situated on the front face of the housing. The money exchanger serves to accept and account for money in the form of bills and coins and further dispense change in the form of coins. A selection panel is situated on the front face of the housing and includes a plurality of buttons each having indicia indicative of a consumable product. The selection panel is adapted to effect the delivery of one of the consumable products upon the acceptance and accounting for a proper amount of money and subsequent depression of one of the buttons which correspond to one of the consumable products. Finally, a dispensing pan is coupled to the front face of the housing below the chute.

Abstract: A system for transacting fuel purchases. A plurality of fuel dispensing pumps are interconnected to an island transaction terminal through a central master terminal. Each fuel dispensing pump comprises an independent fuel dispensing nozzle. Storage is provided for storing fuel dispensing pump reservations. A processor determines whether one of the plurality of fuel dispensing pumps is already reserved. A money acceptor and a money equivalent acceptor receive payment of money and a money equivalent, respectively. The central master terminal verifies the payment. An enabler enables the requested fuel dispensing pump to dispense fuel using a remote signal to the requested fuel dispensing pump upon verification of the payment by the central master terminal.

Abstract: A flexible drive tape conveyor system for conveying items between at least two spaced apart stations includes a carrier member and at least one tape guide track having a tape guide. The drive tape is substantially inflexible in a direction transverse to its width, and is at least partially housed in the tape guide. At least a portion of a tape guide track and tape guide are twisted about their longitudinal axis so that the drive tape and its affected carrier member can be turned in a direction transverse to the width of the drive tape. A drive mechanism is used to selectively reciprocate the drive tape and the carrier member between the spaced apart stations.

Abstract: Merchandising apparatus and method wherein there is provided an upstanding hollow structure which is multi-sided and has grid walls defining a series of compartments. The structure has vertical columns surrounding it and guiding robot carriages carrying robots which can reach into the compartments, withdraw articles and place them onto a descent conveyor. The descent conveyor lowers the articles onto a transfer conveyor which transfers them to a packing station. The requirements of a customer are determined at an order station by examination of a visual display unit. The order station can be operated from within a vehicle and the customer need not leave his vehicle until the order has been packed at the packing station. Loading of the compartments of the structure is effected from a storage basement by an elevator moving through a floor opening and upwardly within the hollow structure.

Abstract: An automated drive-up vending facility (10) and method utilizes a plurality of automatic transaction machines (12) located around the periphery of a storage building (14), whereby customers can drive their vehicles along side the building, insert an account/debit card into a card reader (16), and make product selections via a touch screen display terminal (18). The products are stocked within building (14), and an automated picking/sorting subsystem (20) retrieves the selected products for deposit into a dispensing chute (22). Selection and product information is provided at the display terminals (18) via an interactive menu driven program. Selection of products subject to sales restrictions automatically actives video conferencing equipment (26) so that a sales attendant can confirm customer authorization to purchase the selected product.

Abstract: A Vendors' Structural Complex that provides products and services to consumers in an efficient and cost effective manner comprises a central warehouse having facilities for several separate vendors to store their goods, prepare their goods and perform their services, customer order stations separate and remote from the central warehouse and accessible to consumers in their vehicles enabling the consumers to order the goods and services of the vendors housed in the central warehouse, and several pick-up station locations separate and remote from the central warehouse and accessible to consumers in their vehicles enabling the consumers to receive their ordered goods at the pick-up stations.

Abstract: A single stop shopping facility that comprises a plurality of customer stations, each including a vehicle parking space, which are arranged around the exterior of a circular building containing goods for sale. The customer stations and building rotate relative to one another. The building includes a loading station for delivering selected goods ordered at the customer stations. Fuel dispensing stations located around the exterior of the building permit a customer, located in a vehicle parking space, to receive a selected quantity of fuel as the relative rotation proceeds. The walls of the building support merchandise display sections which are viewable by persons located at the customer stations, the displays being cyclically exposed to the parked vehicles as a result of the relative rotation, permitting the selection and payment for merchandise as the relative rotation continues.

Abstract: There is provided a conveyor system for conveying items and including a carrier for such items to be moved between at least two spaced-apart stations and a first guide track extending between the spaced apart stations. A flexible drive tape having a leading edge and a trailing edge is reciprocably mounted within the first guide track for moving the carrier between the spaced-apart stations, wherein the flexible drive tape is attached to the carrier adjacent the leading edge by a plurality of connectors. At least one of the connectors allows controlled relative movement between the tape and the carrier. A toothed cog wheel is preferably provided around a substantial portion of the periphery of which the drive tape is wound within a cog surround which at least partly encloses the cog wheel and the wound drive tape. The surround further includes a pair of tape peeler tips oppositely disposed adjacent the cog wheel to peel the tape away from the cog wheel as the wheel is rotated in use.

Abstract: The module is a prefabricated free-standing structure with a floor 9 of reinforced concrete and, secured to the floor, a unitary body of reinforced concrete comprising a roof 5 and side walls 4 integral with the roof. There is an unimpeded approach to the structure such that an automobile 15 can be parked alongside the side wall, and the structure includes an enclosed secure repository accessible through the side wall, such that a driver seated in the driver's seat of the automobile parked alongside the side wall can either deposit articles into the repository through the wall, or conduct a secure transaction such that a selected article or articles (such as a supply of cash) stored in the repository can be dispensed to the driver.

Abstract: A single stop shopping facility that comprises a plurality of customer stations, each including a vehicle parking space, which are arranged radially around the exterior of a circular building containing goods for sale. The customer stations and building rotate relative to one another. The building includes a loading station for delivering selected goods ordered at the customer stations. Fuel dispensing stations located around the exterior of the building permit a customer, located in a vehicle parking space, to receive a selected quantity of fuel as the relative rotation proceeds. The walls of the building support merchandise display sections which are viewable by persons located at the customer stations, the displays being cyclically exposed to the parked vehicles as a result of the relative rotation, permitting the selection and payment for merchandise as the relative rotation continues.

Abstract: A single stop shopping facility that comprises a plurality of customer stations, each including a vehicle parking space, which are arranged around the exterior of a circular building containing goods for sale. The customer stations and building rotate relative to one another. The building includes a loading station for delivering selected goods ordered at the customer stations. Fuel dispensing stations located around the exterior of the building permit a customer, located in a vehicle parking space, to receive a selected quantity of fuel as the relative rotation proceeds. The walls of the building support merchandise display sections which are viewable by persons located at the customer stations, the displays being cyclically exposed to the parked vehicles as a result of the relative rotation, permitting the selection and payment for merchandise as the relative rotation continues.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided for use from an open window of a stationary vehicle. The position of the open window is optically or acoustically sensed and a data input and dispensing component is moved by a carriage mechanism in response to the sensed signals to a position adjacent to the open window. Input of data can also cause the component to be moved between this window position and an at rest position at which material may be collected and/or dispensed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an establishment designed to facilitate dispensing food or other commodities to customers in automobiles from drive-up stations or windows. The establishment has two of its sides joined in a curved segment with one dispensing window on the curved segment, and dispensing windows on adjacent sides. Multiple egress lanes are disposed such that at least one lane is accessable from each dispensing window even while automobiles are parked at the other windows. The use of a curved segment rather than the typical corner arrangement facilitates using multiple egress lanes to significantly increase traffic flow.

Abstract: A method of ordering and an order entry system which includes a display showing, pictorially, the elements or items to be selected from a menu. An aiming selector is used to make the selections desired. Each item on the menu contains a light-responsive detector which is selected by aiming the aiming selector at the desired item. A first light signal from the selector falling on the detector of the desired item causes the item about to be selected to "flash" on the display, and a switch on the selector, when actuated, causes a second light signal to fall on the associated detector for the item to make the selection. A control element having a similar detector is similarly used to enter a command like "Total Up Order" which is used by the system to calculate the monetary value of the order.

Abstract: A typical embodiment of the invention described herein discloses a prepared and packaged food delivery system that permits one attendant to serve several car ports. An electrically driven carrier for transporting a gimballed tray for money and foodstuffs has a dynamic brake that permits the carrier and tray to coast to a stop and, if desired, reverse direction after a brief delay. This feature prevents spillage. An additional feature of the invention provides advertising space illumination on the carriage with adjustable illumination time.

Abstract: A vehicular drive-thru food ordering and delivering system and method are provided. The system includes a lot, a drive-thru lane and a building for receiving and filling drive-thru orders. The building has a primary food delivery window for passing ready orders to drive-thru customers, and a downstream in-line parking area for drive-thru vehicles having a delayed order. Proximate to and downstream from the primary food delivery window is a doorway for attendant access from the primary food delivery window to the downstream in-line parking area. An attendant runway is proximate and downstream of the doorway and proximate to the in-line vehicle waiting area. A customer with a delayed order can be directed to wait in the downstream in-line waiting area. When the delayed order is ready for delivery, an attendant can deliver the ready order via the proximate doorway and proximate attendant runway to a vehicle waiting in the in-line vehicle waiting area.

Abstract: A method for operating an aggregated web service to display location-based items and services and allow for their remote purchase and pick-up or delivery. Algorithms provided to vendors allow for automated pricing adjustments to encourage purchase in competitive geographical locations.