Abstract: Technology is disclosed for detecting a malfunctioning electronic device. The technology can receive payment information for multiple successfully completed transactions, wherein the payment information includes card-present transactions and card-not-present transactions, and determine status of an electronic device based at least in part on the payment information for the successfully completed transaction.

Abstract: A method for crediting a customer account maintained by a vendor of services in response to payment received from a customer is disclosed herein. The method includes issuing, to the customer, a membership account number associated with at least the customer account. A membership account number and a payment corresponding to a requested amount of a service offered by the vendor are received from the customer at a point-of-sale. The method further includes generating, at the point-of-sale, an authorization message including at least the membership account number and embedded transaction information identifying the service offered by the vendor and the requested amount. The embedded transaction information is then communicated from the point-of-sale to a database server. The customer account is credited, in response to the embedded transaction information, based upon an amount of the payment.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for refueling a vehicle are discussed herein. According to one embodiment, a vehicle charging station includes a power distribution interface, a receiver component, and an authorization component. The power distribution interface is configured to electrically couple with and provide electrical power to a power receiving interface of a vehicle. The power distribution interface includes a power cable extending from the vehicle charging station and the power cable includes an outlet plug. The receiver component is located within the power cable and is configured to receive identification information that uniquely identifies the vehicle from an identification component of the vehicle. The receiver component is positioned to align with the identification component to allow electrical communication between the identification component and the receiver component when the power receiving interface is electrically coupled to the power distribution interface.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention may involve systems, methods, and computer readable medium. In an embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method for paying for usage of a pay per use device may be provided. The method may transmit device identification information from the device to a server. Device setup information and vend price may be received and the vend price may be displayed. User identification may be received and transmitted to the server. An account balance value may be received and displayed on the display. A start request may be received and transmitted to the server. The device may start and an updated account balance may be displayed.

Abstract: A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase or allocate to an account a product displayed in a vending area and carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The patron exits the vending area through a security portal. The kiosk, a bill acceptor, a computer monitor and/or a mobile device enables the patron to complete a purchase or allocate transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The portal includes RFID reading antennas for marking products stolen when transferred through the portal without a transaction. Alternatively, a smart shelf keeps track of products on the smart shelf and keeps a checkout tally of removed products. If the patron does not complete a purchase or allocate transaction, or returns the product to the smart shelf within a user-defined set of time, the smart shelf will mark the product as stolen. A security system responds to products marked as stolen.

Abstract: An archive apparatus is provided for storing and archiving laboratory samples including radio frequency identification means. The apparatus comprises a support structure or cabinet (4), a drawer (6) translatable in a translation direction (12) into and out of the support structure (4), and sample support means comprising ribs (8) associated with the drawer (6) for supporting an array (10) of samples or slides (20) spaced along the translation direction (12) for movement with the drawer (6). A radio frequency reader antenna (14) is connected to the support structure (4) adjacent to the drawer (6) and recording means (34, 38) are adapted to operatively communicate with the reader antenna (14) to store information obtained from the radio frequency identification means of laboratory samples or slides (20) supported by the drawer (6).

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of machines that operate responsive to data bearing records such as user cards (74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86). The machines operate to carry out financial transactions with associated host computers (90, 94, 100, 104) responsive to determinations that card data corresponds to computer stored data corresponding to authorized users or accounts. Marketing presentations are stored on and output from the machines responsive to messages exchanged with a market message server (110) which is connected to the machines. Systems can also distribute and activate instructions corresponding to states and screens logic on the machines to determine operation.

Abstract: A banking system machine is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader, a keypad, a cash dispenser, a cash outlet, a deposit accepting opening, and other transaction locations that may be susceptible to the installation of fraudulent devices adjacent thereto. Such unauthorized devices may include for example, a fraudulent card reading device, a fraudulent keypad input intercepting device, a cash outlet trap device, a deposit input diversion device, or other illegitimate devices. The machine includes an anti-fraud arrangement that is operative to deter the attachment of unauthorized devices to the machine. The arrangement can sense and/or dislodge an unauthorized device attached to the machine. The arrangement also allows for the machine's card slot bezel to be frequently exchanged for a differently contoured card slot bezel.

Abstract: A system and method provide for offering a consignment of a closed-loop card/code. The method includes presenting an offer associated with a closed-loop card/code to pay an offer amount, wherein the offer is triggered based on an occurrence of an event. The system receives an acceptance of the offer from a user and performs one of deactivating and suspending of the closed-loop card/code after receiving the acceptance. When the event occurs, the system notifies the user and pays an offer amount to the user after the event occurs.

Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) multiplexer, which may be in a network, interprets an RF signal from an RFED reader as RFE) tag interrogation data. A single cable directs an RF signal from the RFID reader and RF control signals and/or RF power through the multiplexer. An RF sampler may be coupled to the cable; and an RF detector detects the RF signal from the cable via the RF sampler. A data decoder decodes and interprets the RF signal as the RFID tag interrogation data and forwards the RFID tag interrogation data to a control logic circuit as a MUX channel-change command. The logic circuit and decoder may be combined in a microcontroller, and an RF backscatter modulator coupled to the cable enables reverse communication with the RFID reader to determine whether another RFID multiplexer is coupled to the RFID multiplexer.

Abstract: A registering and counting system operated in response to information included on data bearing records is used for maintaining inventory records related to narcotics items. Data corresponding to users is read through record reading devices. Authorized users are allowed access to a narcotics vault. Narcotics holding containers are removable from storage locations in drawers. Wireless transmitters on the containers operate in conjunction with wireless readers in the storage locations to enable a computer to track the use of the narcotics items and operating parameters of the registering and counting system.

Abstract: A secure card package including features such that an activable card disposed in the secure card package is activable only upon separation of a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are separably interconnected along a separation line such that upon separation of the first portion and the second portion a reference edge is defined. A machine-readable activation data field is disposed on one of the first portion or second portion with respect to the reference edge such that the machine-readable activation data field is only readable upon separation of the first portion and the second portion to define the reference edge.

Abstract: An RFID system has an active tag with one antenna inside, and one outside, an RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. The RFID reader is located outside the enclosure and uses a selected RF read frequency range. The RFID tag simultaneously transmits on a plurality of frequencies corresponding to respective wavelengths smaller than the selected shortest dimension, so that a respective beat frequency is defined between two of the frequencies. The beat frequency is within the selected RF uplink frequency range. The tag transmits a first signal at a first one of the plurality of frequencies using the interior antenna and a second signal at a second, different one of the plurality of frequencies using the exterior antenna.

Abstract: A payment device is disclosed. It includes a memory including payment data; and a display coupled to the memory. A processor is configured to execute one or more instructions for displaying the payment data on the display. The payment device is in the form of a card.

Abstract: Systems and processes may provide for commerce at a fuel dispenser. In one general aspect, a system and process at a fuel dispenser may have the ability to present a user interface including data regarding at least one merchant remote from the fuel dispenser's fueling facility and to determine if ordering data corresponding to the remote merchant has been received. If ordering data corresponding to the remote merchant has been received, the system and process may have the ability to present a user interface regarding payment data. The system and process may also have the ability to determine if payment data has been received and, if payment data has been received, generate a message regarding the ordering data for a remote merchant computer.

Abstract: A product package including a two-dimensional scannable code that when scanned with a handheld device provides access to a website with instructions and a training video describing proper use and/or safe use of the product.

Abstract: Retail point-of-transaction systems, program products, and related computer implemented methods to provide a customized set of identification data to facilitate a retail sales point-of-sale transaction which includes the use of one or more electronic coupons is provided. The retail point-of-sale system can include a computer having memory and configured to facilitate one or more transactions each of which include the use of one or more electronic coupons through a retail point-of-transaction terminal positioned remote from, and adapted to be in communication with, the computer. The computer can also include a set of instructions that when executed by the computer cause the computer to redeem one or more electronic coupons for one or more retail transactions responsive to a customized set of identification data provided by the computer responsive to a data profile derived from a set of personal data of at least one of a plurality of remotely positioned users.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing prescription medication from a medication-dispensing machine. In an embodiment, an identification of medication and patient information for an electronic prescription is received. A container of the identified medication is retrieved from a plurality of containers stocked within the machine. Each container comprises a first barcode. The first barcode is scanned, and a patient label is generated and applied to the retrieved container. An image of the retrieved container is captured and provided to a pharmacist over a network. After an approval is received over the network from the pharmacist, the retrieved container is released to a user.

Abstract: A wide area radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes: a first RFID cell and a second RFID cell. The first RFID cell and the second RFID cell each include a reader and tags. The readers access the tags using ultra-wide band signaling. The RFID cells each include: a communications interface operable to communicate with a network operations center, and a communications gateway which supports direct communications between RFID cells. The method includes accessing the second RFID cell from the first RFID cell, and the accessing is performed using the communications gateway that can cover a range of at least five hundred meters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for generating a gift code. The system receives an indication from a first user identifying a closed loop card, receives a confirmation of an amount of money in an account associated with the closed loop card, offers to purchase the closed loop card at an amount less than the amount of money in the account associated with the closed loop card, and upon acceptance of the offer, deactivates the closed loop card. The system then offers to sell the amount of money at a discount rate to a second user, receives acceptance of the offer to sell the amount of money at the discount rate, and associates a gift code with the amount of money for use by the second user. Gift codes can have no expiration date. A multi-process secure gateway can confirm the amount of money.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for generating a gift code. The system receives an indication from a first user identifying a closed loop card, receives a confirmation of an amount of money in an account associated with the closed loop card, offers to purchase the closed loop card at an amount less than the amount of money in the account associated with the closed loop card, and upon acceptance of the offer, deactivates the closed loop card. The system then offers to sell the amount of money at a discount rate to a second user, receives acceptance of the offer to sell the amount of money at the discount rate, and associates a gift code with the amount of money for use by the second user. Gift codes can have no expiration date. A multi-process secure gateway can confirm the amount of money.

Abstract: Systems and methods for issuance, use, and replacement of multi-purpose devices are disclosed. A method for providing a multi-purpose device for use with a plurality of systems may include (1) a first party assigning a first account number to the multi-purpose device, the first account number associated with a first account with the first party for use in a first system; (2) the first party assigning a second account number to the multi-purpose device, the second account number associated with a second account with a second party for use in a second system; and (3) the first party issuing the multi-purpose device to a customer.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for securely monitoring a balance of a payment account include storing, in a first database, ledger data and storing, in a second database, wallet data. Wallet data includes a wallet balance value for the payment account. When a transaction is initiated using the payment account, an access operation is performed on the wallet table. Illicit or improper modifications can be detected by deriving a ledger comparison value from the ledger data and comparing the derived ledger comparison value to a wallet comparison value from the wallet data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1), comprising a memory for storing icons (72), said icons (72) being divided into at least two menu level groups (73, 76, 78), whereby each icon (72) indicates a selectable menu function of the machine (1). The machine (1) further comprises a display (10) for displaying: in a first operation mode a first group (73) of icons adjacent a main portion (75) of the display (10); and in a second operation mode one group (73, 76, 78) of icons (72) as currently selectable icons (72) on said main portion (75) of the display (10). A touch pad (10, 22) is adapted to accept a touch operation for switching between the first and second operation mode.

Abstract: The CoinCard System described in this patent application is designed to replace coins associated with retail cash transactions as well as stand-alone vending machines. The System is comprised of software and hardware components that function together as a system. CoinCards used in the System are issued by the appropriate federal agency with both visual and encoded information to assure authenticity and have an initial value of one dollar (in the U.S.). CoinCards would be distributed to banks and then to retailers and vending machine operators for use with equipment supported by the System. A computer program is included to demonstrate the processing involved in various usage scenarios. Benefits include reduced costs to the federal government, banks and retailers.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transactions and includes a user interface (15). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad (404, 438, 458) through which users input confidential data. Covers (400, 422, 430) prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Alternatively, movable panels (462, 464) are movable to prevent unauthorized viewing of confidential inputs. Alternatively a keypad cover is selectively collapsible to prevent digit access. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted. Disinfecting techniques may be used to disinfect manual contact surfaces of the machine.

Abstract: A processor is disclosed that may be configured to receive a status report for a vehicle in a container yard and/or a status reporting device configured to monitor the vehicle. The processor may respond to the received status report by creating a system action request and/or a system log. The system action request may include a fault condition problem report and/or a maintenance schedule request for the vehicle and/or the status reporting device. The processor automates generating responses to the received status reports, providing a fundamental tool to reduce down time for vehicles and improve their support of container transfer operations in the container yard. The system action request, system log and/or system action may be products of the processor's operation. A computer readable memory and/or a server may be configured to deliver a report, program system and/or an installation package to the end user.

Abstract: Tracking information in a note handling facility, such as an amusement gaming facility, involves, in some implementations, communications between components of the system to facilitate tracking the location and movement of note acceptors and cassettes for storing notes. Such components can include host machines, note acceptors, cassettes for storing notes, databases, and/or note counting machines. RF tag chips can be embedded in or mounted to some of the components to facilitate the communications. RF tag readers can be provided at appropriate locations within the facility to facilitate reading information from and writing information to the RF tag chips.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to initiate, facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers. One such method includes receiving a request for a transfer pair verification from a vendor location (360), and verifying that the transfer pair is associated with a valid transfer pair record (362). The method includes sending the transfer pair verification to the vendor location (368), receiving a money transfer request (370) associated with the transfer pair from the vendor location, and authorizing a money transfer (372) to at least one of a first and second customers associated with the transfer pair. In this manner, a vendor location, which may include a point-of-sale device and may be a retail outlet (e.g., grocery store, gas station, or the like), can be used to facilitate a money transfer between two customers.

Abstract: When a recognition result matches with a denomination stored by the storage unit and the number of the moneys for the denomination counted by the recognition unit has not yet reached the number of the moneys for the denomination stored by the storage unit, the transport unit transports the moneys to the dispense unit. When a recognition result matches with a denomination stored by the storage unit and the number of the moneys for the denomination counted by the recognition unit has already reached the number of the moneys for the denomination stored by the storage unit, the transport unit transports the moneys to the plurality of storing and feeding units. When a recognition result matches with no denomination stored by the storage unit, the transport unit transports the moneys to the plurality of storing and feeding units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for issuing a payment device from a remote dispensing device are provided. In an embodiment, a dispensing device receives a purchase request including a load amount, to purchase a proximity payment device. The dispensing device reads proximity payment device information from a stored pre-personalized proximity payment device, establishes a secure communications channel with a security terminal, encrypts a personalization data request, transmits it to the proximity device issuer server, and receives an encrypted personalization message. The dispensing device then decrypts the encrypted personalization message to obtain personalization data, writes the personalization data and the load amount to the pre-personalized proximity payment device, and then dispenses the personalized proximity payment device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for presenting a bunch of items of media to a user of a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The method comprises individually removing at least one item of media from at least two respective media item containers in a predetermined sequence responsive to at least one common predetermined characteristic of each item of media, providing the removed items of media as a bunch of items of media, and presenting the bunch of items of media to a user.

Abstract: A fuel authorization program based on equipping fuel station, fuel pumps, and vehicles with components to enable automatic fuel authorization for enrolled vehicles. The program includes fuel pumps including a pump transmitting sensor that automatically emits a pump ID. As a vehicle pulls in next to the pump a vehicle coupling receiving sensor detects the pump ID signal and a proximity link is created. The vehicle sensor passes the pump ID via hardwire or Bluetooth to vehicle fuel authorization processor (which can be part of a telematics device). The vehicle processor transmits the pump ID (and any fuel authorization credentials needed, such as a PIN or VIN) via WI-FI to a Station processor for fuel vendor authorization. If approved, the pump is enabled. As the vehicle moves away the coupling sensor link is broken and the vehicle transmits a “disconnect” message via Wi-Fi and the pump is disabled.

Abstract: A fuel authorization program based on equipping fuel station, fuel pumps, and vehicles with components to enable automatic fuel authorization for enrolled vehicles. The program includes fuel pumps including a pump transmitting sensor that automatically emits a pump ID. As a vehicle pulls in next to the pump a vehicle coupling receiving sensor detects the pump ID signal and a proximity link is created. The vehicle sensor passes the pump ID via hardwire or Bluetooth to vehicle fuel authorization processor (which can be part of a telematics device). The vehicle processor transmits the pump ID (and any fuel authorization credentials needed, such as a PIN or VIN) via WI-FI to a Station processor for fuel vendor authorization. If approved, the pump is enabled. As the vehicle moves away the coupling sensor link is broken and the vehicle transmits a “disconnect” message via Wi-Fi and the pump is disabled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a financial transaction are provided. A representative system of processing a financial transaction comprises a product dispensing device that encodes and outputs public transaction data related to a purchasable item. A portable computing device receives the public transaction data and encodes a payment data with the received public transaction data. A payment processing server receives and processes the encoded data, and determines whether a transaction can be completed based on the encoded data. Responsive to determining that the transaction is completed, the payment processing server generates and transmits an authentication data based on the encoded data. The portable computing device receives and outputs the authentication data. The product dispensing device receives the authentication data, verifies payment based on the received authentication data, and provides the purchasable item to a customer who is operating the portable computing device.

Abstract: A self-service terminal for reading wireless tags incorporated into media items is described. The terminal comprises a media acceptor for receiving media items, such as banknotes incorporating an RFID tag, and a wireless tag reader for reading received media items incorporating wireless tags. The terminal may also include a wireless tag reader for reading wireless tags in media items that are being transported to determine if multiple superimposed media items are present. The terminal may include a wireless tag reader for reading wireless tags in media items presented as a bunch, and subsequently retracted, to determine if any of the presented media items had been removed.

Abstract: Cash demand for a cash dispensing device is forecasted for individual days, weeks and multi-day load periods. In one embodiment, an expected value of withdrawal for any particular period, as well as an upper limit on expected withdrawals for a given confidence level, are computed. The technique facilitates the creation of a daily and multi-day withdrawal forecast for a given ATM. The forecasts are also used to compute an optimum load amount for a given load period (the period between loading operations) for a given ATM, subject to given parameters (such as courier cost, interest rate, transit time, desired confidence level, cost of run-out, and the like) and given constraints (bundle size, maximum capacity, possible delivery days, and the like). The forecasts are also used to determine an optimal load period length and schedule.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for redeeming a closed loop card/code funded with an amount of money. The system receives from a merchant point of sale an indication of use of a closed loop card/code not issued by the merchant and presented by a consumer, queries and receives a confirmation of an amount of money in an account associated with the closed loop card/code, presents the consumer with an offer to buy the closed loop card/code at a discount price, and upon accepting the offer, closes out the closed loop card/code and pays the discount price to the consumer. Paying the discount price can include applying the discount price to a purchase by the consumer at the merchant. The merchant can provide cash back to the consumer for excess value of the discount price over the consumer's purchase. Merchants can apply more than the discount price.

Abstract: A payment system and method using a mobile telephone network for charging and settlement, which comprises a user's cell phone being associated with a payment account, and the user's cell phone accessing the international payment and settlement center. The international payment and settlement center generates a payment code according to the amount of payment, which is transmitted to the user's cell phone. The user uses said payment code to pay the merchant's POS machine. The POS machine reads said payment code and requests authorization for the transaction from the international payment and settlement center. The international payment and settlement center authorizes said transaction after verifying the correctness. During settlement, the international payment and settlement center collects the money of said transaction from the payment account of the user, and pays the money that should be charged by the merchant in this transaction to the receipts account of the merchant.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The machine includes a printer for printing paper records of transactions conducted at the machine. The printer receives paper from a shared paper path. The shared paper path can be supplied by a first paper supply and a second paper supply. A controller is operative to switch between the paper supplies in providing paper to the printer. Based on signals received from paper sensors in the machine, the controller can determine whether the first paper supply has reached a predetermined low level. In response to a low level determination, the controller acts to cause a paper drive to begin moving paper from the second paper supply to the shared paper path and then to the printer.

Abstract: An automated banking machine can operate to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that can read a user identifier from a magnetic stripe of the user's card. Financial transfers are carried out responsive to machine communication with a transaction host computer. The machine also sends the read user identifier to a remote marketing computer. The marketing computer uses the user identifier to determine the next marketing presentation in a marketing campaign that is to be presented to the user. Responsive to a message received from the marketing computer, the machine operates to display the determined next marketing presentation to the user. The marketing campaign includes a sequence of presentations to be output in a predetermined order to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dispensing at least one item of media from one of a plurality of possible media dispensing ports. The apparatus includes a user interface comprising a user display, an intermediate display adjacent to the user display and a port location display adjacent to the intermediate display and adjacent to a plurality of possible media dispensing ports. Each display is arranged to selectively display a visual cue to direct a user to a selected one of the possible media dispensing ports.

Abstract: In order to control the status and the operation of a dispensing machine assembly comprising one or more modules or sub-assemblies, at least one of modules or sub-modules is provided with an electronic tag and the machine is provided with a tag controller device for interacting with said tag by reading, writing and transmitting information data comprising initialization data on or through said tag and operating said dispensing machine according to the information gathered from said tag or tags.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes systems, methods, and computer readable media for utilizing one or more preferred application lists in a wireless device reader. A transaction terminal designates compatible application identifiers, where each of the compatible application identifiers is respectively associated with a transaction application that is compatible with the transaction terminal. A proximity payment system environment (PPSE) application is configured to store user preferred application identifiers, where each user preferred application identifier is respectively associated with a to transaction application stored on the mobile wireless device. A wireless device reader for receives the compatible application identifiers from the transaction terminal, and stores the compatible application identifiers in preferred applications lists (PALs).

Abstract: The invention describes how a consumer can hold their NFC enabled device in proximity to an NFC enabled point-of-sale terminal and with a single “wave” or “tap” to automatically redeem coupons, pay for a purchase using a default payment card or a selected card, view receipts view reward point balances, and receive relevant coupons and other digital artifacts both before and after the purchase. The NFC enabled device includes a secure element with a payment application, payment credentials, and other digital artifacts such as coupons. The secure element can be internal to the mobile device, externally affixed to the mobile device, or inserted into a slot within the body of the mobile device.

Abstract: A detection unit positioned on a package includes a magnet, a first magnetic switch, a second magnetic switch, a processor, and a clock. The first magnetic switch outputs a first control signal or a second control signal according to magnetic flux density of the magnet. The second magnetic switch outputs a third control signal or a fourth control signal according to the magnetic flux density of the magnet. The first control signal is the same as the third control signal; the second control signal is the same as the fourth control signal. When the processor receives the first control signal and the third control signal at the same time, the processor reads a first real-time clock (RTC) signal from the clock. When the processor receives the second control signal and the fourth control signal at the same time, the processor reads a second RTC signal from the clock.

Abstract: A medium process apparatus is provided. The medium process apparatus comprises a state detection unit configured to detect a state of a transferring medium and a support unit configured to support the transferring medium. The support unit comprises a plurality of support parts successively disposed in a transfer direction of the medium. The plurality of support parts comprise a second support part facing the state detection unit and a first support part disposed at a front or rear side of the second support part in the transfer direction of the medium.

Abstract: Methods and devices for enabling a user to obtain item information relating to an item (10), the item having associated therewith an item identification means (12) and an RFID response means (14) arranged to provide a predetermined response on being subjected to a currently applicable trigger signal; the method comprising steps of: establishing from the item identification means (12) item identification information; using the item identification information to determine from an item information source (30) a currently applicable trigger signal for the RFID response means (14); subjecting the RFID response means (14) to the currently applicable trigger signal; receiving a predetermined response from the RFID response means (14); and using the predetermined response to obtain item information from the item information source (30); wherein the RFID response means (14) is arranged to generate a new currently applicable trigger signal and a new predetermined response associated therewith following subjecting of th

Abstract: A locker system includes one or more banks of electronic lockers. Each locker has a door lock that releasably retains the door in the closed position. The locker system also includes at least one barcode scanner selectively unlocks the door of at least one of the lockers. A locker manager is coupled to each of the electronic lockers via an electronic network. The locker manager stores a list of unique barcodes that are each associated with a locker rental plan including at least one locker account. Each locker account includes an activation indication, a use indication, a locker type indication, and a duration. The unique barcodes are printed or otherwise included on wristbands, which may be scanned at the barcode scanner to gain access to one or more of the lockers.