Abstract: A vending machine is disclosed which may include a level sensor to ensure proper positioning of the vending machine, and which can be used in an anti-theft alert scheme. The machine may also include an XY mechanism having an X-axis motor in a product area and a Y-axis motor in a transaction area. The machine may also include individually lockable doors between the product area and a delivery bin and between the delivery bin and the outside of the machine. The machine may also include quick release racks, trays and gates for easy removal and replacement. The machine may also include a controller which allows programming of product size or product price by rack or column. The machine may also include a refrigeration cassette which can be quickly removed and replaced. The machine may also include anti-theft legs or an anti-theft underside mechanism.

Abstract: An assisted service terminal is described. The terminal comprises a currency dispenser; and an operator computer coupled to the currency dispenser. The operator computer includes: (i) an agent arranged to communicate status information to a remote management system, and (ii) a dashboard application. The dashboard application is arranged to (a) receive status messages from the currency dispenser indicative of a fault in the currency dispenser, (b) present the received status messages to an operator, and (c) notify the agent to issue a request to create an incident on the remote management system in response to the operator indicating that the fault cannot be resolved without a visit from a service engineer.

Abstract: An automated retail facility and system with accompanying methods comprising customer interfacing modules, payment receiving modules, product storage and distribution modules, and computer components in communication with device actors that automate connected components of the facility and system in an Internet of Things configuration. The configuration advantageously allows for remote operation of that facility, while maintaining required levels of customer service and supervisory actions within the facility, as needed. To service the system remotely or on location, a handheld inventory management device and inventory management vehicle are provided. To enhance available services, an automatic package receiver/distributor service module is integrated in some embodiments.

Abstract: There is provided an adaptive access-control and monitor system that comprises at least one portable communication device, further comprising, a transceiver that is adapted to receive and transmit communication signals via a telecommunication link, at least one imaging sensor that is adapted to provide image data to an image processor and a rechargeable energy source and a user interface. The system further comprises at least one first remote actuator that is actuatable by said communication signals and/or electromagnetic energy; at least one control station that is manned by at least one operator and which is adapted to receive and process said image data and monitor and/or control said at least one first remote actuator and said at least one portable communication device via said telecommunication link.

Abstract: Active packaging for supplying power, data, or both power and data to an electronic media device while the device is housed within the active packaging is provided. The active packaging may include one or more electrical traces in-molded or printed onto the packaging that couple to a suitable connector on the device. Power may also be provided via one or more wireless power techniques. Multiple active packages may be conductively stacked to transmit power, data, or both power and data to a row or stack or devices. POM sensors integrated with or attached to the device (or the active packaging itself) may detect various movement events. Coordinated and synchronized display effects may be presented while the devices are housed within the active packaging.

Abstract: A playing card game machine with an anti-cheat device includes a shuffling machine and a robotic arm. The shuffling machine includes a drive mechanism to drive a movable board having a through hole to move left and right. The robotic arm is provided with a suction cup. The suction cup passes through the through hole of the movable board to suck playing cards. The movable board is provided with a sensing seat. The periphery of the sensing seat is provided with infrared receivers arranged in at least three directions. The infrared receivers of the sensing seat can sense an external infrared ray and prevent the playing cards from being marked, so that the player is unable to know the suit and numeric of the playing card passing through the through hole to bring a fair competition in the game. An infrared transmitter is provided to achieve a self-check.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices attached to a host machine (e.g., vending and gaming machines). The techniques include using long spacers that are designed to be close to the rear of a machine so that in the event of a vandalism attack on the front of the machine, a peripheral device attached to the machine, such as a bill acceptor, transfers the external force to the back of the machine. Once the force is transferred, the force is distributed over a robust surface. The techniques also include use of a cradle assembly and a fixed housing to mount peripheral devices in machines that also minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices mounted to machines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weighing apparatus for weighing coins accumulated in a coin hopper using a load cell and automatically taking a periodic readings of the number of coins accumulated in the hopper. By periodically monitoring the hopper and automatically calculating the number of coins in the hopper, theft of coins and other irregularities can be easily and timely detected. The unauthorized removal of coins during an actual or purported maintenance procedure can be detected by automatically determining a count of coins before a hopper access door is opened, automatically counting the number of coins once the door is closed, and using those two counts to determine the change in the number of coins in the hopper at the time of the change.

Abstract: A banknote selector comprises an aperture obstructed by a balance rotary shutter, the angular position of which is insensitive to the vibrations of the selector.

Abstract: A coin operated timing mechanism for a parking meter and the like including a time display, a microprocessor for controlling the setting and operation of the display, a battery or similar self-contained power source, and a power regulation sub-system designed to minimize power consumption during operation of the mechanism. The power regulation system provides, on demand, voltage of either 3.5 or 5 volts. The higher power consumption 5-volt supply is available when necessary for short periods to read a NOVRAM device which stores operational parameters. The 3.5 volt mode is used during normal coin handling and timekeeping and during periods of communication wiht the microprocessor for changing the operating parameters or for auditing of the system. The mechanism includes coin actuated switches which are adjustable to insure most efficient operation including screening of spurious coins.

Abstract: A vending machine antirock mechanism is disclosed which is a safety feature for a soft drink vending machine to prevent rocking of the vending machine. The antirock ratchet mechanism prevents oscillatory rocking of a vending machine by a potential pilferer until a sufficient forward tilt of the machine is attained to possibly allow soft drink products to be pilfered from the machine through the product dispensing chute. A safety problem has been incurred here as the vending machines are very heavy, and can possibly fall on top of and injure the person rocking the machine or other persons in the proximity thereof.

Abstract: A jamming mechanism for a coin-operated vending machine has a first slide member movable between a normal checked position in which the vending machine is locked out of service and a coin-activated operative position in which the vending machine is placed in service. A second slide member engageable by a user of the vending machine is releasably interconnected by a breakable element to the first slide to prevent relative movement therebetween in the absence of predetermined force applied to the second slide to break the breakable element. The second slide can thus normally be used to control the movement of the first slide from the checked position to the operative position when the proper coins are inserted. If excessive force is applied, the breakable element breaks and a spring-loaded stop pin extends from the first slide to engage the body of coin mechanism to prevent movement of the first slide.