Abstract: A vending machine interface includes a front panel, a product selection panel, and a piezoelectric element. The front panel bends in a normal direction when being pushed by a user. The product selection panel is disposed facing the front panel. A detection element is attached to the product selection panel and configured to detect bending of the front panel.

Abstract: Tampon dispensing devices and methods for using the same are provided. In some embodiments, a tampon dispensing device includes a display that presents one or more codes for receiving a tampon, an actuator that is connected to a spindle structure that dispenses the tampon from a plurality of tampons stored in a storage unit, and a controller that is connected to the display and the actuator, where the controller is configured to: receive, from a server, a code for dispensing one of the plurality of tampons; present the received code on the display; receive, from the server, a request to dispense one of the plurality of tampons from the storage unit; and transmit an instruction to the actuator that causes the actuator to rotate a spindle structure such that the tampon is dispensed from the storage unit into a dispensing area.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine with a plurality of separate payment acceptors to keep funds received for different betting purposes separate.

Abstract: Disclosed are parking pay stations, media display caps for parking pay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms including a housing, wherein at least one side of the housing comprises at least one transparent window and at least one media display screen visible through the window, wherein the media display screen is configured to display media to parking users and others, including pedestrians. Also disclosed are methods of retrofitting existing parking pay stations to upgrade them to include media display capability.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein an apparatus with a transceiver coupled with a bus; and a plurality of interfaces coupled with a plurality of lighting devices, and lead through indicator (LTI) logic coupled with the transceiver and the plurality of interfaces. The LTI logic is operable to receive a signal via the bus with data for operating a selected one of the plurality of lighting devices. The LTI logic determines an interface and a channel for the selected one of the plurality of lighting devices. The LTI logic send a signal to the selected one of the plurality of lighting devices on the connector and channel corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of lighting devices to operate the selected lighting device in accordance with the data for operating the selected one of the plurality of lighting devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a first request for a service, wherein the first request is associated with a first rights package. The first rights package can be processed to determine access to the service. An evaluation key can be generated, wherein the evaluation key represents the determination of access relating to the processing of the first rights package. A second request for a service can be received, wherein the second request is associated with a second rights package. The second rights package can be processed using the evaluation key.

Abstract: A data center supporting a network system for vending products to customers and associated vending methods are provided. The network system includes a data center and a plurality of vending stores remotely located from the data center and connected to the data center through a network interface. The vending stores also include an automated dispensing mechanism for immediate dispensing of purchased products to the customers. The data center may include an enterprise resource planning module and the vending stores may contain user interfaces for collecting inventory and maintenance data during stocking and maintenance.

Abstract: A digital downloading jukebox system including a central server and a plurality of remote jukebox devices each provided with a local server that preferably mirrors the central server and enables selected songs to be immediately downloaded to the jukebox for reproduction. The local server and jukebox may also provide, through control of the central server, song download services to other jukebox devices, such as residential jukeboxes. The jukebox system may also act as a monitoring/management device for other coin operated equipment present in a location where the jukebox is located, thereby enabling the jukebox device to perform updates on other equipment under control of the central server.

Abstract: The invention provides a system to physically dispense an item, including tangible items and/or services or features, on-site from a dispenser whereby the item to be dispensed is selected by the system based on user-specific or item-specific information. In an embodiment, the system selects the dispensed item based on both user-specific and item-specific information. In another embodiment the invention comprises a system that activates gaming features in a gaming device based on user-specific information. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a system incorporated into an interactive amusement system to activate features of a playfield based on user-specific information.

Abstract: In the disclosed transaction processing system, a system and method are described that increase the ease of access and use of different currency networks by consumers using customizable transaction devices. The customizable transaction devices may be re-programmed prior to or during a currency transaction in accordance with the consensus protocol of the currency network associated with the currency transaction. The currency network further includes one or more host devices, each of which include an interface configured to communicate with a transaction device for the purposes of re-programming a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) of the transaction device according to one or more currency network consensus protocols. Optimizing the performance of transaction devices for proof-of-work or other consensus protocol processing decreases the latency associated with validating currency network transactions, thereby increasing the suitability of cryptocurrency for retail transactions.

Abstract: It may be beneficial in the case of an undesired lapse of external power to provide a back-up power supply to protect electronic components in an electronic equipment rack. This can frequently be difficult and/or costly due to the necessary addition of electronic infrastructure, such as cabling and/or logic. One means of overcoming this obstacle is to utilize unused or reserved conductors in an already utilized management cable to convey a loss-of-power signal to the components in tandem with the existing cable signals.

Abstract: Two-way exchange vending can be performed by a two-way exchange based vending machine. The two-way exchange based vending machine can vend rechargeable batteries. The two-way exchange based vending machine can include different modules to perform different functionalities. The two-way exchange based vending machine can include a communications module, a dispensing module, a rejection module, and a receiving module. The communications module can communicate information to and receive inputs from a user. The dispensing module can dispense one or more rechargeable batteries or other requested products to a user. The receiving module can receive one or more rechargeable batteries from a user.

Abstract: A method for determining the fill level of at least one coin tube comprises capturing at least one spatially resolved image of an upper side of the at least one coin tube using a spatially resolving optical sensor disposed at a defined distance above the at least one coin tube. Transmitting the at least one spatially resolved image to an evaluation unit configured to evaluate the at least one spatially resolved image using image processing to determine a fill level of the at least one coin tube.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet provides controlled access to medications and supplies stored in it. The cabinet may include at least one lockable storage compartment, and a controller that controls access to the at least one lockable storage compartment. The cabinet may include multiple printers integrated into the cabinet. The cabinet may include a camera operably coupled to the controller. The cabinet may include a set of cabinet electronics, and a power distribution and communications circuit board. The cabinet may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, wherein the controller conditions access to the at least one lockable storage compartment on receipt of information from the RFID reader. Data may be stored in the controller according to an implementation of RAID technology. The controller may include multiple electronic communications network interfaces, and may include an out of band network communication channel. A dispensing cabinet may facilitate printing of labels for medications.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station network server which manages a plurality of charging stations receives subscriber notification message preferences for a subscriber (e.g., electric vehicle operator) which indicate one or more events of interest that the subscriber wishes to receive notification messages for. A set of one or more contact points associated with the subscriber is also received. The server authorizes the subscriber to use one of the plurality of charging stations. The server receives data associated with the subscriber from that one of the charging stations which indicates that a charging session has been established for an electric vehicle associated with the subscriber. The server detects an event of interest for the subscriber and transmits a notification message for that event to at least one of the set of contact points associated with the subscriber.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a storage compartment, an inner door which comprises an opening having a size corresponding to a size of the storage compartment, a plurality of door guards, and an outer door which open and close the storage compartment, wherein the inner door comprises a control unit may control an internal environment of the storage compartment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a first request for a service, wherein the first request is associated with a first rights package. The first rights package can be processed to determine access to the service. An evaluation key can be generated, wherein the evaluation key represents the determination of access relating to the processing of the first rights package. A second request for a service can be received, wherein the second request is associated with a second rights package. The second rights package can be processed using the evaluation key.

Abstract: A settlement apparatus includes a case body; a coin inserting slot, provided at the case body, which receives a deposited coin; and a concaved shape money placement portion, arranged at the case body, which has a money placement surface on which the deposited coin which is received by the coin inserting slot is temporarily placed at the bottom surface portion thereof, wherein the money placement surface is connected to the coin inserting slot in a width direction of the case body and the money placement portion is located across a center of the case body in the width direction thereof to slide the deposited coin on the money placement surface toward the coin inserting slot.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a parcel terminal that may include a shelving unit comprising a plurality of shelves that are separated by respective predetermined distances along a dimension of the unit. In an embodiment, the plurality of shelves may be evenly spaced. The parcel terminal may further include a receptacle for receiving a parcel from a user, a loader configured to transfer the parcel from the receptacle to a shelf on the shelving unit, and an electronic controller in electronic communication with the loader. The electronic controller may be configured to determine a number of open shelves required to accommodate the parcel based on a size of the parcel and on the respective predetermined distances, to select a set of shelves having at least the required number of open shelves, and to initiate movement of the loader so as to place the parcel within the selected set of shelves.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a battery, the apparatus including a first power transfer coupling arranged to selectively couple to the battery to charge at a high power transfer rate and a second power transfer coupling arranged to selectively couple to the battery to charge at a lower power transfer rate, wherein the second power transfer coupling comprises a pickup pad electrically coupled to the battery, wherein power is transferred to the pickup pad from a charging pad by inductive power transfer.

Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatuses, components, methods, and techniques for navigating a vehicle to a recommended parking area are provided. A method of navigating a vehicle to a parking space includes determining a destination, determining a best available parking space, and routing the vehicle to the best available parking space. Available parking spaces are determined by accessing data for parking facilities, parking meters, and GPS data of other vehicles. The best parking spaces are determined by user preferences that include one or more of distance from destination, cost of parking, and availability of particular types of parking spaces. The method further includes providing media content in the vehicle during navigation to the best available parking space.

Abstract: An upper parking meter outer housing component that includes a parking meter cap is provided. The parking meter cap includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining an interior cavity, and a lower edge portion defining an opening into the interior cavity. The lower edge portion is configured to be coupled to a lower housing component of single space meter such that a meter mechanism may be enclosed within the interior cavity of the upper meter dome. The meter cap includes a vehicle sensor coupled to the inner surface of the upper meter dome. The meter cap includes a solar panel coupled to the inner surface of the upper meter dome and configured to supply power to the vehicle sensor.

Abstract: A system is provided to output video data sets at a venue. The system includes a video catalog that stores a plurality of video data sets available for display at the venue and which is remotely located from the venue. The system also includes a server system in electronic communication with the video catalog and remotely located from the venue. The server system receives association requests from mobile devices of users which are used to associate the respective mobile devices with the venue. The venue has one or more venue controllers communicatively coupled to the server system. The mobile devices are remotely located from the server system. The server system transmits a listing of the plurality of video data sets to the associated mobile devices and receives selections of one or more of the plurality of video data sets to be played at the venue.

Abstract: In a banknote handling apparatus capable of dealing with a depositing/dispensing process by a banknote cassette and a manual depositing/dispensing process, the banknote handling apparatus enables a depositing process without dispensing a reject banknote, which has been deposited from the banknote cassette, to the outside.

Abstract: A reject storage box is provided with a sufficiently thick cover body above a second storage space that stores banknote bundles W that a user has forgotten to take, and a guide space is provided penetrating the cover body in an oblique direction. In the reject storage box, when a banknote bundle falls into an intake hole from above, a lower face of the banknote bundle immediately contacts a position toward the top of a main guide face, and the banknote bundle W travels downward through the guide space with the lower face of the banknote bundle W sliding against the main guide face. The reject storage box thereby enables the banknote bundle dropping downward through the guide space to be maintained in a substantially uniform orientation, and ultimately enables the banknote bundle to be stacked neatly inside the second storage space.

Abstract: An article dispensing machine capable of performing an inventory audit of a portion of the inventory and automatically pausing the inventory audit in response to a customer transaction request and method for performing the same are shown. After completing the customer request, the article dispensing machine resumes the inventory auditing process. The article dispensing machine thereby remains available for customer use during the inventory auditing process.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a power supply system which effectively utilizes a power storage unit and also limits degradation of the power storage unit. [Solution] A power supply system (1) is provided with: a power storage unit (2) for charging supplied electric power and supplying the charged electric power by means of discharge; and a power storage unit controller (3) for controlling the discharging of the power storage unit (2). The power storage unit controller (3) sets a discharge period during which the power storage unit (2) can be discharged. Furthermore, during the discharge period, the power storage unit controller (3) determines the electric energy to be supplied by means of the discharging of the power storage unit (2) during the remaining discharge period on the basis of the remaining discharge period and the electric energy that can be discharged by the power storage unit (2).

Abstract: Two-way exchange vending can be performed by a two-way exchange based vending machine. The two-way exchange based vending machine can vend rechargeable batteries. The two-way exchange based vending machine can include different modules to perform different functionalities. The two-way exchange based vending machine can include a communications module, a dispensing module, a rejection module, and a receiving module. The communications module can communicate information to and receive inputs from a user. The dispensing module can dispense one or more rechargeable batteries or other requested products to a user. The receiving module can receive one or more rechargeable batteries from a user.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a controller with an interface to control vending machine peripherals including an integrated LED lamp assembly having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a DC power connector to connect to a source of DC power within the vending machine. A power regulating circuit adjustably controls the amount of power provided to the LEDs in response to vending machine control signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for automatic billing, managing, scheduling and power consumption controlling of charging process of electronic vehicle. The system is comprised of: street light poles which include: an electronic node, unique communication adapter and electronic socket for vehicles charging, a feeder pillar in the street comprising a concentrator for controlling and scheduling the power consumption of each street light pole in relation to charging process and a operation control center (OCC) for controlling and billing the power consumption of each street pole.

Abstract: Provided is a money processing device whereby it is possible to alleviate a deterioration in security when a storage unit is extracted. A money processing device comprises: a deposit/withdrawal part which is disposed upon one end side of a device main body in the longitudinal direction which faces a customer, and whereby money is either deposited or withdrawn; and storage units which are disposed to be removable with respect to the device main body and which store money. The storage units are extracted from the device main body at a location which is removed from the customer. The storage units are disposed to be removable with respect to the device main body from the other end side in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A digital downloading jukebox system including a central server and a plurality of remote jukebox devices each provided with a local server that preferably mirrors the central server and enables selected songs to be immediately downloaded to the jukebox for reproduction. The local server and jukebox may also provide, through control of the central server, song download services to other jukebox devices, such as residential jukeboxes. The jukebox system may also act as a monitoring/management device for other coin operated equipment present in a location where the jukebox is located, thereby enabling the jukebox device to perform updates on other equipment under control of the central server.

Abstract: The present invention has the purpose of providing a coin processing device capable of performing a coin reception test while being connected with a vending machine. When a response command from the vending machine is received while a test mode is executed, a response is carried out to the response command based on device information present immediately before the test mode is executed, reception of a coin thrown during the test mode is stored, and the coin is paid out based on the storage when the test mode is released.

Abstract: A solar-powered waste compactor comprises a waste container for housing waste, a compactor ram actuated by a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly for compacting the waste in the waste container, and a hydraulic power unit operably associated with the hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly for powering the compactor ram. The hydraulic power unit comprises a motor/pump assembly including a pump unit, a single-phase electric motor driving the pump unit and a flow control valve operating the motor/pump assembly at first or second flow rate depending on an operating pressure. The hydraulic power unit further comprises a battery unit, a solar panel to charge the battery unit, a DC-to-AC inverter, a single-phase AC power inlet connectable to a source of a single-phase electrical power grid, and a reversing contactor providing the electric current only from the inverter or the power inlet at any given time.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter mechanism is provided. The electronic meter mechanism includes an inner housing, an electronic display screen and a wireless communication subsystem configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system. The electronic meter mechanism includes a first processor configured to control the electronic display screen, and a second processor configured to control communication of data by the wireless communication subsystem.

Abstract: Meters and meter covers comprising: a removable cover housing configured to accommodate the upper portion of the internal components of an existing meter, the cover housing engageable with the housing base of the existing meter to cover and enclose the internal components of the existing meter; a sensor affixed to the cover housing, the sensor configured to collect environmental information pertaining to the local external environment of the existing meter; a wireless radio affixed to the cover housing, the wireless radio configured to transmit the environmental information to the existing meter or to a remote server in communication with the existing meter; and a power unit affixed to the cover housing, the power unit supplying power to the sensor and the wireless radio.

Abstract: A process of facilitating cash collection deposits and deposit tracking includes identifying by a retailer an amount of cash collected by that retailer, including respective amounts of currency by denomination of the collected cash, creating a deposit ticket containing at least a unique identification code associated therewith, depositing the created deposit ticket and the collected cash into a deposit bag, transporting the deposit bag to a cash processing facility, and counting at the cash processing facility the collected cash contained in the transported deposit bag to verify that the amount previously identified by the retailer corresponds to the counted amount.

Abstract: An electronic safe which incorporates consumer programmable buttons, along with an on-board central processing unit.

Abstract: A parking meter comprises a meter base (50), a meter cover (60), and a meter mechanism (10). A coin path (20) is provided at a lower section of a front panel (11) of a shell of the meter mechanism (10), the lower section of the front panel (11) comprising a first panel (111) and a second panel (112) in a step form, the first panel (111) protruding relative to the second (112). The parking meter further comprises a slider (30) comprising an slider upper section (31) and a slider lower section (32) in a step form. A through hole (114) facilitating passing through of the slider (30) is provided on a joint wall (113) of the first panel (111) and the second panel (112) and below the coin path (20); a sliding groove (40) facilitating upward and downward sliding of the slider (30) is provided on the second panel (112).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle, including: a connector configured to receive a charging plug; and an ejection mechanism positioned with respect to the connecter, configured to eject the plug under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A single space electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into an outer parking meter housing is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure supported by the inner housing and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism also includes a wireless communication subsystem supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system and an electronic meter control system controlling the electronic display and the wireless communications subsystem. The mechanism includes a memory device receiving port externally accessible through the inner housing and a read-write removable memory device physically accessible from outside of the inner housing and configured to be coupled to the memory device receiving port. The removable memory device including operation mode information that is read by the electronic meter control system to select an operation mode of the meter mechanism.

Abstract: A paper-type detection device comprises a sensor unit, a storage unit and a control unit. The sensor unit is used for detecting a transmission state of a paper according to a fixed clock period, and carrying out binaryzation on detected signals to indicate the presence-absence state of the paper. The storage unit is used for acquiring the signals detected by the sensor unit, acquiring paper information in the signals, and storing the paper information in sequence. The control unit comprises a first state counter and a second state counter. The control unit controls the two state counters for carrying out zero clearing and starting operations for counting in conjunction with the sensor unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for setting a price for a multi-vending machine and a method thereof. The apparatus includes a price setting unit for inputting a price setting function, selecting a price setting column and inputting price information about the selected column; a control unit for controlling a price display of the selected column when the column is selected and the price information is input through the price setting unit; and a price display unit for displaying prices of products exhibited in a column according to a price display control of the control unit.

Abstract: A method for exchanging coins, the method including the acts of receiving in a self-service coin exchange machine a plurality of coins, processing the plurality of coins to determine a total value of the plurality of coins, and dispensing currency to the patron from a currency dispenser, the currency having a value related to the total value.

Abstract: A banknote handling apparatus recognizes and handles banknotes. The banknote handling apparatus includes a depositing unit, a dispensing unit, a plurality of banknote storing units, a transport unit, a recognition unit, and a control unit. The banknote handling apparatus further includes a portion for an optional attachment to which an escrow unit temporarily storing the banknotes in a process of the handling is selectively attachable. The control unit includes an option control unit performing control corresponding to an attached state of the escrow unit and control corresponding to an unattached state.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and associated methods for counting and sorting coins are described herein. In one embodiment, a coin processing machine can include a coin input region, a coin counting portion, and a coin sorting portion. The coin counting portion can include a first hopper that receives coins from the coin input region, and a coin discriminator that receives the coins from the first hopper and discriminates the coins to determine their value. The coin sorting portion can include a second coin hopper that receives the coins from the coin discriminator, and a coin sorter that receives the coins from the second hopper and sorts the coins into individual denominations.

Abstract: The money handling apparatus of the present invention includes: a control unit configured to calculate a total amount of money having been put into an inlet by a customer so as to be taken into an apparatus body; and a medium outlet configured to dispense a medium outside the apparatus body, the medium storing or recording information enabling a value corresponding to the total amount of money having been calculated by the control unit to be specified. Based on a dispensing instruction given to the control unit, the money stored in storing units is dispensed, as much as needed, outside the apparatus body from an outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for setting a price for a multi-vending machine and a method thereof. The apparatus includes a price setting unit for inputting a price setting function, selecting a price setting column and inputting price information about the selected column; a control unit for controlling a price display of the selected column when the column is selected and the price information is input through the price setting unit; and a price display unit for displaying prices of products exhibited in a column according to a price display control of the control unit.

Abstract: A single space electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into an outer parking meter housing is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure supported by the inner housing and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism also includes a wireless communication subsystem supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system and an electronic meter control system controlling the electronic display and the wireless communications subsystem. The mechanism includes a memory device receiving port externally accessible through the inner housing and a read-write removable memory device physically accessible from outside of the inner housing and configured to be coupled to the memory device receiving port. The removable memory device including operation mode information that is read by the electronic meter control system to select an operation mode of the meter mechanism.

Abstract: A money handling mechanism 110 has a first port P1 for connection to a machine controller 130 and a second port P2 to which further money handling mechanisms can be connected. Different types of mechanism, such as a card acceptor 70 or a bill validator 100, can be connected to the second port P2 over a bus B. The first port P1 may be connected to one of several interface adapters 410 to 416, and the communications protocol used is selected accordingly. If the first port P1 uses the same protocol as the second port P2, signals are passed transparently between the first port P1 and the second port P2. Signals from the additional mechanism may be modified to be recognisable by the controller 130. The money handling mechanism 110 may convert between the denominations of currencies represented in the protocols over the first and second ports P1 and P2.