Abstract: An item storage system includes a shelving portion and a replenishment portion. The shelving portion includes: a first shelf having a toroidal shape with a center axis; and a second shelf having a toroidal shape that is spaced apart from the first shelf along the center axis. The replenishment portion includes: an elevator portion configured to deliver items to the first shelf and the second shelf, wherein at least part of the elevator portion is positioned in the center of the shelving portion and is surrounded by the shelving portion; and a storing portion configured to load items into the elevator portion, wherein the storing portion is positioned above or below the shelving portion.

Abstract: Approaches are described for storing, managing, and dispensing products from automated multi-user kiosks. For example, a multi-user kiosk may include interface sides alternating with non-interface panels including at least one storage door for loading products. Products are stored in a shared storage within the kiosk. The shared storage may be a plurality of carousels stacked as a single column Each carousel can rotate independently of each other. Users are verified and authorized prior to purchasing products or accessing storage for loading products. A first carousel containing a first product may be rotated in a first direction to dispense the first product to a first user at a first side of the kiosk at substantially a same time as a second carousel containing a second product rotates in a second direction to dispense the second product to a second user at a second side of the kiosk.

Abstract: A vending machine with a curved exterior shape is disclosed. Some embodiments of the vending machine are circular in design, and include a transparent upper housing that allows customers to see into the interior of the vending machine. Products for vending may be stored in a non-transparent lower housing. A centrally-located product delivery system transports products for vending from the lower housing to delivery portals located on the upper housing. The product delivery system is able to move along a vertical line and rotate through the horizontal plane and can deliver products from any portion of the lower housing to any delivery portals located on the upper housing.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for processing a merchandise return transaction. A system for processing a merchandise return transaction comprising: a user interface for allowing direct entry of information by a customer without assistance from a worker; a database; and a control circuit coupled to the user interface and the database, the control circuit configured to execute the return transaction by: obtaining from the customer identifier relating to a purchase transaction in which at least one item was previously purchased; identifying a product item from the purchase transaction to be returned; obtaining from the customer a reason for the product item to be returned; obtaining from the customer a preferred tender for the return transaction; authorizing the return; and providing instructions to the customer for returning the product item to a retail facility.

Abstract: An access and storage system including a storage component configured to store items therein or thereon in an associated storage position, wherein the storage component is configured to provide a user direct manual access to the items in the storage positions. The system further includes a sensor system configured to track at least one of the user's removal of an item from the associated storage position or replacement of an item to the associated storage position and an identification system for identifying the user. The system also has an authorization database operatively coupled to the identification system for tracking which of the items a particular identified user is authorized to access.

Abstract: An access and storage system including a storage component configured to store items therein or thereon in an associated storage position, wherein the storage component is configured to provide a user direct manual access to the items in the storage positions. The system further includes a sensor system configured to track at least one of the user's removal of an item from the associated storage position or replacement of an item to the associated storage position and an identification system for identifying the user. The system also has an authorization database operatively coupled to the identification system for tracking which of the items a particular identified user is authorized to access.

Abstract: A retrieval assembly (22) for moving storage media (16) within a media library (10), the media library (10) including a rack assembly (20) having a first rack (20A) and a spaced apart second rack (20B), comprises a picker system (32), an assembly base (30), a first mover (28A), a second mover (28B), and a control system (26). The picker system (32) selectively engages the storage media (16). The assembly base (30) supports the picker system (32). The first mover (28A) is secured to the assembly base (30), and selectively moves along the first rack (20A). The second mover (28B) is also secured to the assembly base (30), and selectively moves along the second rack (20B). The second mover (28B) is spaced apart from the first mover (28A). The control system (26) controls independent movement of the first mover (28A) and the second mover (28B) to position the assembly base (30) relative to the storage media (16).

Abstract: An apparatus including a secure kiosk capable of containing products and a consumer access device to unlock and retrieve a product from the kiosk is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a secure return policy of supply chain for digitally stored products. The method and system verifies whether each product for return originated within the supply chain. If the product did originate within the supply chain and qualifies for return under the supply chain's return policy, the data existing on the physical media is securely rendered unusable. A record of the destruction allows for a reversal of the entire transaction within the supply chain.

Abstract: An automatic renting apparatus performs on-line trade utilizing a credit card, which includes a processing mechanism for processing a rented article not returned after expiration of a returning period. The automatic article renting apparatus effects sale process for the rented article not returned even after expiration of the renting period and the sale charge is automatically deducted from an account of the credit card. Thus, non-returned article can be automatically processed without requiring manual operation.

Abstract: A vending machine for selling encased recording media such as CDs comprises a control unit and a plurality of vending units connected in tandem. Each vending unit is comprised of holders for holding encased CDs. The encased CDs are held in a way that allows them to be pivoted to left and right about the edge on the opposite side to the edge containing information about the contents. A person wishing to purchase a CD can directly touch the case and swing the case to either side, making it possible to read information on both sides and confirm the contents. An advantage of the configuration of this vending machine is that the number of vending units that are linked together can be adjusted to fit the available installation space or the number of CDs involved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically processing returned video cassettes to determine that the appropriate tape cartridges are matched with the appropriate cases, to assure that the tape cartridges are fully rewound, to check the video cassettes back into inventory and then to sort the cassettes by selected entertainment categories for reshelving. A feed chute is provided for receiving the cassettes and passing them to a size sorter for detecting the sizes of the cassettes. Cassettes of inappropriate sizes are then ejected from processing and placed in an unprocessed return staging bin. Cassettes of the appropriate size are then passed through an orientation detection and orientating section in which the video cassette cases are oriented in a particular alignment for presenting to a rewind and bar code reading system. The video cassettes are then automatically checked for an appropriate match between the tape cartridges and the cases.

Abstract: A vending apparatus and system for storing and automatically dispensing magnetic or optical disks. A user interface allows a user to enter a dispensing request corresponding to the selection of a desired disk and includes for receiving user identification information, such as credit or debit card information, or other information stored magnetically on a bank card, driver's license, school identification card, or library card. Once a disk selection has been entered and user identification information has been received and verified, the selected disk is dispensed from the vending unit. The disks to be dispensed by the vending unit may have a region of magnetic recording media formed on one surface, and the vending unit may be equipped to write information relevant to the transaction onto the region of magnetic media.