Abstract: A system for dispensing media discs includes a kiosk including a storage system for storing a plurality of the media discs and a dispense system for dispensing the media discs to consumers. A plurality of dedicated user interface systems are operably connected to the kiosk so that multiple users can simultaneously interact with the kiosk.

Abstract: A system for dispensing media discs includes a storage system comprising a plurality of shelves for storing the media discs, a dispense system for dispensing the media discs to consumers, a disc transfer system for moving the media discs from the disc storage system to the dispense system, a control system operably connected to the disc transfer system to selectively activate the disc transfer system to move the media discs from the disc storage system to the dispense system, and a user interface system operably connected to the control system. The shelves are configured to store uncovered media discs.

Abstract: An Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator that transports medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes about a substantially aseptic admixing chamber. In a preferred implementation, a gripper assembly is configured to substantially universally grasp and retain syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes. In an illustrative embodiment, a gripping device may include claws configured to grasp a plurality of different types of IV bags, each type having a different fill port configuration. Embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate a transport assembly to place a fill port of the bag, vial or syringe into register with a filling port such as a cannula located at a filling station, or be equipped with carousel transport systems that are adapted to convey bags, vials, and syringes to the admixture system and deliver constituted medications in bags, vials or syringes to an egress area.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for planning an arrangement of beverage equipment on a virtual surface or counter. The system allows a user to create a virtual surface of chosen dimension (32) and then select one or more beverage machines (36) to place on that surface while verifying that there is sufficient open space for the selected beverage machine (38). Also disclosed is a method of determining projected profit (48) based on the selection of beverage machines, entered values related to costs, and entered values related to serving size and pricing. The system reports on projected profits and/or how long the equipment needs to be operated to pay off the equipment's cost.

Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes a plurality of medical item storage cabinets (878). Each cabinet includes a plurality of doors (888-894). The doors control access to shelves (902, 904) and support modules (1210). Shelves and support modules include user interfaces (938, 1214). Authorized users desiring to take medical items from storage locations in cabinets for use in treating patients are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) adjacent to cabinets and/or interfaces to indicate the taking of medical items. Storage cabinets include visual indicators so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, authorized users gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs through interfaces on the shelves the types and quantities of items being taken.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for selection of vendible products provides designated product reference areas at a refrigerated double glass front vending machine for making viewable product selections thereon by applying a light tap at its outer glass pane and sensing the tap location by three or more spaced apart resilient members each having its first portion attached at the inner glass pane. The resilient member's second portion suspends an inertia mass that reciprocates at a predetermined rate due to the inertia mass weight and the resiliency of the suspending member. A sensor senses the reciprocating movement in response to the light tap. The predetermined reciprocating rate is designed to be less than the natural rear to front movement of the inner glass pane but greater than most of the other vibration times that occur due to the tap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser apparatus for goods, said apparatus comprising a storage unit (1) for storing goods in a number of storage passages (7), a unit (8) for conveying one or more goods from the storage unit (1) to a conveyor unit (2, 20), said conveyor unit (2, 20) conveying, via an air pressure, goods to a dispensing station, wherein the storage passages (7) of the storage unit (1) forms an angle to the horizontal which is larger than or smaller than 90°, and wherein the unit (8) in the form of a fetcher mechanism comprises one or more ejectors for pushing one or more goods conveyed into one or more transfer chambers (19) into a conveyor pipe (2).

Abstract: A vending machine handles a purchase transaction by receiving a payment, receiving a product selection from the customer, and dispensing the product indicated by the product selection. As part of the same transaction, the vending machine offers an information item such as an audio recording or a video recording. The vending machine also receives from the customer a destination address, which may be an e-mail address. The vending machine or a system of which it is part transmits the information item to the received destination address.

Abstract: Bulk coins dispenser having a rotary dispensing member. Rotation of the rotary dispensing member being controllable to control dispensing of coins stored therein. The coins may be packaged into coin rolls and controllably dispensed from the bulk coin dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting pharmaceutical units is provided having a supporting deck assembly, a hopper, a cylindrical chamber and a transport ring positioned between the hopper and the cylindrical chamber, wherein the hopper has a tilted floor, which can be shaken or vibrated to discharge the units on to a transport ring, and the transport ring is sloped downward from its inner to outer perimeter, which brings the units into contact with the undulating surface of the walls of the cylindrical chamber to promote singulation prior to counting.

Abstract: A system for dispensing consumer products includes a product bin unit; a product ejector; a product trigger; and a controller. The product bin unit includes a product bin; an ejector aperture; and a trigger aperture. The product ejector is coupled to the product bin unit through the ejector aperture and adapted to drive the product package from the product bin upon receipt of a dispensing signal. The product trigger is coupled to the product bin unit through the trigger aperture. The controller is in communication with the product ejector and the product trigger and includes at least one memory and a processor. The memory stores a dispensing module. The processor is adapted to execute the dispensing module, and the dispensing module is operable when executed to receive a dispensing instruction and transmit the dispensing signal to the product ejector based, at least in part, on the dispensing instruction.

Abstract: An electronic device for the sale of intangible products through vending machines that includes an interface to communicate with external peripherals through the MDB protocol, an interface to communicate with external peripherals through the RS232 standard, an interface to communicate with external peripherals through the DEX protocol, an interface to communicate with users, a communications system which enables it to act as part of a network and communicate with a central system, and a controller, which articulates the communication among the above-mentioned components, so as to enable a central system to perform diverse actions on a vending machine.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.

Abstract: A candy vending machine that manufactures candy tablets from candy powder by a process that is visible to a customer. A feed tube is filled with candy powders of different flavors and colors from candy powder containers by the action of motorized augers. A tableting machine receives candy powder from the feed tube to compress the candy powder into candy tablets. One or more flavor selection buttons signal a computer system to activate the candy powder containers to transfer the candy powder to the feed tube, to deliver the candy powder from the feed tube to the tableting machine, and to deliver the candy tablets to a tablet chute. The tablet chute delivers the candy tablets to a candy tablet container provided to a customer. Sensing mechanisms determine the presence of the candy powder in the candy powder containers and in the feed tube.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, information about a product is communicated to at least one customer of a vending machine. It is determined whether to dispense a product from the vending machine, and the product is dispensed from the vending machine.

Abstract: A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage unites. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

Abstract: An oxygen vending machine receives payment from a user. The payment is validated for appropriateness and sufficiency. If a valid payment is made, then concentrated oxygen is provided to a nipple or coupling located in an accessible place. In addition, a packaged breathing device, such as a nasal cannula, is dispensed. The user retrieves the packaged nasal device and uses it to direct the concentrated oxygen from the nipple into the user's nose or mouth. The user may select the particular breathing device which is to be dispensed. The flow of concentrated oxygen to the nipple is ceased after a predetermined period of time has passed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a beverage product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the beverage product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product.

Abstract: A apparatus for moving an article that contains a first telescoping tube movably connected to a second telescoping tube, a suction cup connected to said first telescoping tube, and a drive assembly connected to the first telescoping tube.

Abstract: A system and method for offline vending of digital video discs is provided. The method comprises the step of receiving, at a vending location and at a first time, a request for a digital video disc from a user interface. The method also comprises the step of determining whether a vending controller is capable of being placed in communication with a transaction network. Transaction data is stored, wherein the transaction data is provided by the user interface. The transaction data is stored in a memory, and comprises a title of the requested digital video disc and financial information provided by the user interface. The method also comprises encrypting the transaction data, and generating a signal for vending the digital video disc from a vending apparatus.

Abstract: A method of conducting a transaction at fuel dispenser comprises the steps of providing a fuel dispenser having a fuel dispensing apparatus, control electronics operatively connected to the fuel dispensing apparatus, at least one display mounted in the housing and operatively coupled to the control electronics, a nozzle operatively coupled to the fuel dispensing apparatus, and an input device having a laser configured to display a virtual keypad, monitor the virtual keypad for user entry and a scanner for detecting user selections made on the virtual keypad, wherein the user selections are transmitted to the control electronics. The method further comprising receiving at least one piece of information from the user, displaying the virtual keypad onto a surface apart from the fuel dispenser, detecting user inputs on the keypad, and starting a transaction based on the user inputs and the at least one piece of information.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser comprises a housing, a fuel dispensing apparatus mounted within the housing, the fuel dispensing apparatus having control electronics, at least one touch display mounted in the housing and operatively coupled to the control electronics, the touch display being configured to allow a user to make selections for conducting a transaction, a nozzle operatively coupled to the fuel dispensing apparatus and a camera operatively coupled to the fuel dispensing apparatus control electronics. The at least one of the camera and the touch display being configured to detect the presence of a user without the user physically touching the fuel dispenser, and in response to detecting the presence of the user, the fuel dispenser control electronics activates the at least one display so that instructions are presented to the user.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser comprising a housing having at least one display, a fuel dispensing apparatus mounted within the housing, the fuel dispensing apparatus having control electronics, and at least one directional speaker operatively coupled to the fuel dispensing apparatus control electronics and configured to project a directed cone of sound over a limited area proximate the fuel dispenser housing to prevent users of adjacent fuel dispensers from hearing communications projected over the at least one directional speaker.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel dispenser comprising receiving an input signal to activate the fuel dispenser, detecting vehicle specific information regarding at least one of a required fuel grade, a capacity of the vehicle fuel tank, volume of fuel necessary to fill the vehicle fuel tank and data necessary to identify a user and authorize a transaction and pumping a volume of fuel equal to or less than the volume of fuel necessary to fill the vehicle tank.

Abstract: An imaging and workflow method, system, computer readable medium and user interface for processing information efficiently for the processing of medical prescription orders. The system includes support for document scanning, automated rules-based order processing, statistical reporting, document generation and document storage and retrieval. The present invention takes advantage of imaging technology to assist the user in scanning information into the system and software modules to improve the processing of orders. The present invention also includes database tables that identify to application processing logic the types and sequences of actions to be implemented for orders.

Abstract: A vending machine system and its associated method of operation. In the vending machine system, customers are provided with identification cards having statistical information regarding the identity of the card owner. Also contained on the card is a digital data code corresponding to a biometric characteristic of the card owner. Vending machines are provided that contain card readers and biometric characteristic scanners. When a customer wants to use the vending machine, that customer inserts their identification card into the vending machine. That customer also subjects themselves to a biometric scan from the biometric characteristic verifier contained within the vending machine. The vending machine reads both the identification data and the biometric characteristic data from the card. A systems processor in the vending machine compares the biometric characteristic data on the identification card with the biometric characteristic data just gathered.

Abstract: The preset invention relates to an automatic vending machine that provides novel services so as to attract the interest of purchasers to promote use of the automatic vending machine. An automatic vending machine (1) is provided with a vending machine main unit (10), with a play device (20) including a stuffed toy (21) on which a user can ride and a drive mechanism (24) for driving the stuffed toy (21), and with a control device that controls the vending machine main unit (10) and the drive mechanism (24) in the play device (20), wherein the vending machine main unit (10) and the play device (20) are interconnected via the control device.

Abstract: An automated article dispensing device for dispensing articles to a plurality of users, the device comprising: a) a plurality of storage compartments configured for storage of a vertical stack of cloth articles, the storage compartments arranged in a plurality of tiers; b) a plurality of cloth articles deployed in at least some of the storage compartments in vertical stack configurations; c) at least one dispensing outlet; d) an article delivery system configured to retrieve a top-most article from at least one the stack and deliver the article to the dispensing outlet, the article delivery system including a plurality of article retrieval systems equal in number to the number of tiers of the storage compartments; e) a user interface unit accessible to the users; and f) an on-board processing unit configured to control the article delivery system, the on-board processing unit being in electrical communication with the article delivery system, and the user interface unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described related to the assignment and management of patient-specific bins. A dispensing device at a healthcare facility includes a number of bins for storage of medical supplies, with some of the bins designated as patient-specific bins allocated to be assigned to patients for storage of their medications or certain other supplies. A central server computer system, in communication with a computer of the dispensing device, may monitor and assign current and future patient-specific use of the bins for the dispensing device. The assignment and management of patient-specific bins may be performed by devices distributed through the system.

Abstract: An interactive feeding device and method for animals. The device (10) includes an actuator (12) activatable by an animal, a container (18), a chute (20), a motor (14), a delivery mechanism (16) driven by the motor (14) to control passage of food from the food container (18) to the chute (20), and a controller device to operate the motor (14) subsequently to the actuator (12). The food delivery mechanism (16) preferably includes an upper (42) and lower (46) plates having upper and lower openings centered about the chute axis (48), and a disc (50) having an aperture (56) and being pivotally mounted between the plates. The aperture (56) of the disc (50) controls the passage of food from the container (18) to the chute (20) upon pivoting of the disc (50). The method includes the steps of receiving a request from an animal, providing a value of a parameter concerning the animal, retrieving a profile based on the value; and generating a command to the delivery mechanism using the profile.

Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes a plurality of medical item storage cabinets (878). Each cabinet includes a plurality of doors (888-894). The doors control access to shelves (902, 904) and support modules (1210). Shelves and support modules include user interfaces (938, 1214). Authorized users desiring to take medical items from storage locations in cabinets for use in treating patients are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) adjacent to cabinets and/or interfaces to indicate the taking of medical items. Storage cabinets include visual indicators so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, authorized users gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs through interfaces on the shelves the types and quantities of items being taken.

Abstract: A method of controlling the functioning of a portable medicament dispenser, said portable medicament dispenser being for use with a refill container, said method comprising: (a) providing a memory for storing one or more parameters relating to the functioning of said dispenser; (b) storing authentication data for authenticating data for controlling a function of said dispenser; (c) receiving control data for said dispenser; (d) performing authentication of the control data using said stored authentication data; (e) in dependence on a result of the authentication, activating one or more parameters in said memory to control functioning of said dispenser in accordance with said control data, characterized in that the step (d) of performing authentication of the control data is performed by said refill container.

Abstract: The car wash system delivers not only the car wash selected by the customer but also provides a bonus product when a premium car wash selection is made. A second feature of this invention is the timing of the deliver of the bonus product. It must be delivered before the car wash cycle begins.

Abstract: Automatic flower-selling equipment comprises a housing including a casing having a selecting partial unit situated thereon and defining a storage space suitable for storing and protecting flowers, a bearing unit situated in the storage space for displaying flowers, a moving unit connected to the bearing unit, and a control unit connected to the moving unit. The control unit is connected to the selecting partial unit, and the bearing unit has a supporting column rotatably attached to the housing and supporting structures attached at different vertical positions to the supporting column. The supporting structures have a supporting tray suitable for supporting flowers and several separating sheets dividing the supporting trays into parts, and at least one delivery door each delivery door being connected to a delivery outlet for removing chosen flowers.

Abstract: A method for selling an inflated bedding material to a consumer in an automated manner includes receiving payment from the consumer, manufacturing an inflated bedding material and releasing the bedding material to the consumer. The device configured to manufacture the inflated bedding material includes a first roller with a sheet of a first material, a source of compressed air, a heat sealer, and a controller. The sheet is configured to extend from the roller, and be sealed in a first location to form a pouch with an open end, and a closed end. The source of compressed air fills the pouch with air through the open end. The inflated pouch is sealed at the closed end by the heat sealer to form the sealed inflated bedding material. The method may also be carried out without receiving funds, and in response to an emergency, or humanitarian operation.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing restricted goods such as pharmaceuticals by an pharmacist to a purchaser with a prescription includes a cabinet containing an inventory storage system, a purchaser transaction module, a reject system and a control system. The inventory storage system includes product storage in rows and columns. The purchaser transaction module including an audio communication link from the dispenser to the pharmacist, a payment transaction system in the dispenser to verify payment for the product and an issue tray in the dispenser that is locked until the pharmacist releases the product to the purchaser. The reject system securely removes product to a reject hopper at any time after the product is held by the product selection device but prior to the pharmacist releasing the product from the issue tray. The control system includes means to enable the pharmacist to view the prescription and the purchaser.

Abstract: Protective shoe covers have been widely used in health care settings and some manufacturing environments such as semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries. An automatic system that dispenses shoe covers to user's feet is disclosed. The system includes the micro control unit, the embedded software and the control algorithm, the electro-mechanical operational apparatus and physical and biophysical sensors. The methods that perform shoe cover fetching, stretching, extension and deployment are also presented in this application.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a vending machine or other device receives, from a customer, a request for a product to be dispensed by a vending machine. It is determined that a customer service issue exists with the vending machine. It is also determined whether to provide a resolution to the customer service issue, and the resolution is provided to the vending machine customer.

Abstract: An automated drug dispensing system includes a cabinet adapted to store a variety of prepackaged pharmaceuticals in a plurality of bins for filling patient prescriptions. Each bin stores a particular variety of packaged multiple-dose pharmaceutical. Each variety of pharmaceutical is associated with a particular code. A controller receives request signals and in response generates dispense signals. Each bin includes a dispenser coupled to the controller for dispensing the packaged pharmaceuticals therefrom in response to a dispense signal sent from the controller. After a package is dispensed, a code reader determines the code of the dispensed package and verifies whether the code on the dispensed package matches the code of the requested package.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of bins with a plurality of lids associated therewith. Each of the bins has a lock assembly that includes a catch operable to lock the lid in its closed position and a mechanical indicator responsive to the catch. Another aspect of the invention relates to an automated dispensing cabinet that includes a control computer and a plurality of drawers having a plurality of row assemblies therein. Each row assembly has bins that include a tabbed lid, a lock assembly with a catch operable to engage and disengage the tab, and an indicator responsive to the lock assembly. Methods for dispensing from and restocking the remote dispensing systems are also given, as well as a method for indicating which item is to be dispensed from one of a plurality of bins.

Abstract: A portable dispensing system comprising a vending machine including an upper snack-holding portion, an intermediate beverage-holding portion, a lower refrigeration portion, contained within a housing that fits within the basket of a golf cart. The snack-holding portion and the beverage-holding portion occupy a common cabinet being separated by an insulating wall, allowing a refrigeration mechanism within the refrigeration portion to refrigerate the beverage-holding portion without refrigerating the snack-holding portion. The cabinet is disposed above the basket within the golf cart, and may be provided with a pair of belts for fastening the dispensing system to the golf cart. Within the snack-holding portion, snacks are held in a plurality of snack-holding bins, with similar snacks being stored in a single bin, separated from one another by sliding platforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated system for pharmaceutical singulation, counting and dispensing, whereby a bulk of stored pharmaceutical units are singulated into a single file line for counting and dispensing. With reference to the drawings, the pharmaceutical singulation, counting and dispensing system comprises generally, a deck assembly (A), a cylindrical chamber (B), a rotatable transport ring (C), a plurality of adjustable fingers (D), an adjustable reciprocating member (E), an adjustable rotatable member (F), a counting system (G), a hopper (H), and a control system (I).

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing fraud by a customer at a fuel dispenser within a retail fueling environment are disclosed. According to one method, an authorization to access programming mode (AAPM) signal is received at the fuel dispenser from an authorization terminal coupled to the fuel dispenser. A request is received at the fuel dispenser to enter a programming mode of operation (PMO). The PMO is entered at the fuel dispenser to allow fuel dispenser settings of the fuel dispenser to be changed after receiving the AAPM signal and the request to enter the PMO.

Abstract: A computer based system, method, and computer program product for performing verification between two parties. The system generates buyer and seller sample data from data stored on buyer and seller systems based on a determined transaction time and the account numbers. The system sends the generated sample data to an administrator system, if a comparison between the generated buyer and seller sample data is positive. The administrator system completes the transaction, if the sent data compares positively to data previously stored in the administrator system.

Abstract: A vending machine for lottery tickets includes an exterior housing for access by a purchasing customer and a secure interior within which is mounted a plurality of dispensing containers to dispense the one or more tickets as selected by the purchasing customer. A plurality of separate holders for printed ticket information are arranged in an array, each with a purchase switch and an information switch actuable by the customer. Graphic information is provided on a video display screen controlled by a control unit within the housing arranged to control the dispensing of the selected tickets and to display on the video display screen graphic information relating to a ticket in response to information switches actuated by the customer. The graphics on the screen can be actuated in response to a motion sensor detecting the presence of a customer. The screen serves also as a display screen for the authorized operator and thus can be moved to be viewed from outside or inside a door.

Abstract: An oil supply apparatus includes an oil supply setup apparatus for setting the oil supply in order for clients himself or herself to carry out the oil supply operation; an oil supply mechanism for controlling the oil supply operation on the basis of the oil supply setup content set by the oil supply setup apparatus; and a change payer for settling the oil supply charge in cash due to setting of the oil supply by the oil supply mechanism in one main body case, a change payer has a bill processor for receiving a money by a bill and disbursing the cash when the change is needed of the bill and a coin processor for receiving the money by a coin and disbursing the cash when the change is needed of the coin.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine for fruit juice and a control method thereof.

Abstract: An automatic manufacturing-vending machine for sandals according to the present invention comprises a sole housing portion housing a plurality of soles for sandals according to a plurality of sizes, an upper housing portion housing a plurality of uppers for sandals according to a plurality of sizes, a size selecting portion for a user to select a desirable size of soles and uppers, a size selecting portion for a user to select a desirable size of soles and uppers, a compensation paying portion for a user to pay compensation for manufacturing and vending desirable sandals, an attaching mechanism portion for attaching uppers desired by a user to soles desired by the user, and a sandal ejecting portion for ejecting sandals formed by attaching the uppers to the soles by the attaching mechanism portion into a takeout opening from which a user can take out the same, and these are housed in a housing.

Abstract: A system for dispensing pill- or capsule-form medications (61) in desired doses (60). The system comprises a dispensing device (35), which includes a cartridge (20, 40) rotatable relative to a housing or frame (10) and provided with discrete dosage compartments (27, 47) for desired doses of medication. The cartridge (20, 40) is manipulated by elements (18, 18a, 18b; 14a, 14b, 15, 18, 19), whereby each separate dosage compartment (27, 47) is rotatable relative to the housing or frame (10) to a dispensing point (4, 12) for the dose of medication (60). A signalling device (75, 76) producing a sound and/or light signal activates at pre-programmed times. An electronics unit (19, 55) containing a dispensing program is reprogrammable by means of an external programming device (36, 66, 101, 102).

Abstract: A vending machine having promotional features, wherein a secured token is associated with a subset of all the items that can be vended, and validation of the token limits the items offered to the patron for his selection to only that subset of items. A first vending machine promotes a new product by the manufacturer of the new product distributing secure promotional tokens good for a free vend or a discount on the price of the new product. In a second vending machine, products from multiple manufacturers are separately promoted using distinct secure promotional tokens for each brand. In a third vending machine providing a plurality of time-metered services, a secure promotional token provides only a limited economy subset of services for the patron's selection from among the plurality of services.