Abstract: An information collecting system includes a central management computer for collecting and managing information and information collection target machines from which information is to be collected and has a PHS terminal apparatus. Some of the target machines are master units to which outside line telephone numbers and extension telephone numbers are assigned. Each master unit can perform outside line radio communication with the PHS base station and extension radio communication with other target machines belonging to the master unit. The remaining target machines are subsidiary units to which extension telephone numbers are assigned. Each subsidiary unit can perform extension radio communication with only a specific master unit.

Abstract: A document dispensing system comprising a companion document data transfer device and a document dispenser having a document variables data input terminal, a document printer, a digital data input port coupled to the companion document data transfer device, a companion document data memory, an operational program memory, and a digital controller programmed to store new companion document data in the companion document data memory and to control the document printer in accordance with the document variables data, the new companion document data, and the operational program data. Replacement companion document data is downloaded from the data transfer device to the companion document data memory via the digital data input port.

Abstract: An Artcard distribution system is disclosed for the distribution of image manipulation cards for utilization in camera devices having a card manipulation interface for the insertion of the image manipulation cards for the manipulation of images within the camera devices, the distribution system including a plurality of printer devices for outputting the image manipulation cards; each of the printer devices being interconnected to a corresponding computer system for the storage of a series of image manipulation card data necessary for the construction of the image manipulation cards; the computer systems being interconnected via a computer network to a card distribution computer responsible for the distribution of card lists to the computer systems for printing out corresponding cards by the printer systems.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (12) is operative to conduct transactions in response to HTML documents and TCP/IP messages exchanged with a local computer system (14) through an intranet (16), as well as in response to messages exchanged with foreign servers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 96) in a wide area network (18). The banking machine includes a computer (34) having an HTML document handling portion (76, 80, 82). The HTML document handling portion is operative to communicate through a proxy server (88), with a home HTTP server (90) in the intranet or the foreign servers in the wide area network. The computer further includes a device application portion (84) which interfaces with the HTML document handling portion and dispatches messages to operate devices (36) in the automated banking machine. The devices include a sheet dispenser mechanism (42) which dispenses currency as well as other transaction devices.

Abstract: The system and method of controlling the olfactory stimuli release a specified aroma-causing agent from a first specified location in environment. In order to simulate the movement of the released aroma-causing agent in space, the same aroma-causing agent is released from a second specified location in the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with the recent trend in turning fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is or is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.

Abstract: A vending status reporting system for use with vending machines in a facility utilizing an AC power system, a telephone communication system, and a collection office. The system includes a plurality of slave units, each connectable to an associated vending machine to be monitored and to the facility's AC power system, and a master unit connectable to the facility's AC power system and to a telephone communication system. The master unit retrieves vending status information by signaling each slave unit using unique addresses in dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) code format and waiting for a response. Each slave unit includes a mechanism for retrieving information on the status of vending items of its associated vending machine and for transmitting the retrieved vending status information. A slave unit controller of the slave unit receives the transmitted vending status information and processes the transmitted information.

Abstract: A medicine storage apparatus includes a cassette having an inlet-outlet opening for delivering/receiving items of medicine therethrough and adapted to store items of medicine arranged in array while a force is applied to the items of medicine toward the inlet-outlet opening; a support mechanism for supporting the cassette while the inlet-outlet opening is exposed; and a counting mechanism for counting the number of items of medicine stored in the cassette. A user takes out items of medicine stored in the cassette from the inlet-outlet opening in an arrayed sequence when the medicine is to be used. Among the delivered items of medicine, unused items of medicine are pushed back into the cassette from the inlet-outlet opening.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors a plurality of remote product dispensers. Vends are detected indicating that products have been dispensed from the dispenser during a given time period. Vend data indicative of the products dispensed is stored. The vend data is communicated to a base unit and a base unit provides a display indicative of products dispensed and a service schedule based on the vend data received.

Abstract: A liquid medication dispenser apparatus which provides for user-friendly medication measurement and compliance. The apparatus measures and dispenses liquid medication doses and records the time and dose sizes for up to one year. The recorded information can then be downloaded to a personal computer for evaluation of patient compliance. A disposable, motor driven pump is used to provide a very wide range of medication dispensation volumes, while maintaining full accuracy and reducing the risks of patient errors as might occur with a manual dispense system.

Abstract: A system and method to more efficiently exchange information between a service provider, such as a semiconductor company, and its remote equipment units. The system capable of immediately handling a number of information items, each belonging to a different remote equipment unit is disclosed. The system includes a central controller configured for interfacing with a plurality of remote equipment units via a wireless network. The central controller is configured to receive information from each remote equipment unit via a wireless network. This information includes alarm conditions and corresponding requests for repair. Each of the remote equipment units is identified by a unique code which is included in the information transmitted to the computer to identity the source (i.e., identity of the transmitting remote equipment unit). The central controller uses the code of the transmitting remote equipment unit to retrieve the corresponding data record stored in its memory.

Abstract: Parallel organized unit-by-unit manufacturing and assembly systems and methods for computer systems and other products advantageously integrate into a build-to-order environment. Responsive to orders received, kit trays are prepared that each hold parts and components needed to build an ordered product. The kit tray is transferred to a work cell where a team builds the product. The product is then tested and repaired, with information regarding any problems provided to the responsible work cell.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatically testing, monitoring and managing the pricing and other sales information associated with products sold by vending machines. A price or other sales information associated with a product is initially adjusted at one or more initial vending machines, before automatically and progressively expanding the new price or other sales information to additional vending machines, upon verification of a successful change. Successful test results are thus automatically propagated to additional vending machines for further testing in the market. The sales information that can be tested includes price, product placement instructions, new advertising or promotional instructions, and packaging instructions for the sale of a group of products at a single price.

Abstract: An animal feedlot management system for uniformly delivering assigned feed rations to feedbunks associated with animal pens in a feedlot, in which discretion and direct control over the various suboperations of the feed ration assignment and delivery process are distributed among the individual operators in the system while the feedlot manager is capable of indirectly monitoring the performance of the various suboperations through use of a satellite based global positioning system.

Abstract: A pre-charged multi-variable rate crop input applicator implement comprising a plurality of crop input storage reservoirs located on the implement. The reservoirs on the implement are charged with crop inputs from a remote source. The crop inputs are released from the reservoirs on the implement to the field. Since the reservoirs are pre-charged with crop inputs, the time it takes for a crop input to reach the ground is negligible, making the implement particularly suited to precision farming applications. An accompanying control system controls the rate of discharge of crop inputs at each dispensing point on the implement allowing multiple crop inputs to be applied at a variable rate and at the desired prescriptive mix.

Abstract: A device which can reduce the workload on operators during replenishment and stocktaking of drugs stored in a drug dispenser. The drug dispenser has a memory for storing data on the initial number of drugs in each of the drug feeders, a processor for calculating the number of drugs currently remaining in each drug feeder by subtracting the number of drugs discharged from each feeder from the initial number of drugs in each drug feeder, and a display for displaying the name of drugs if the number of drugs currently remaining in any drug feeder is smaller than a predetermined value. With this arrangement, an operator can easily see which drug feeders are short of drugs without directly checking the respective feeders by removing them from shelves. The workload on operators for drug replenishment is thus reduced.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser having a server is disclosed. The fuel dispenser server is adapted to dynamically or periodically create electronic documents reflecting fuel dispenser data for viewing remote to the fuel dispenser. A network connection provides connectivity of the server to remote clients. The fuel dispenser with a server is relatively inexpensive to produce and is ideally suited for remote troubleshooting and for interaction with a dispenser customer.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and delivering fuel to vehicles, consisting of at least three levels of control and data storage. Each vehicle using the system has a key that stores transactional data and data concerning the vehicle and its fuel requirements, which key is received by a fuel delivery control device associated with a fuel pump. The control device may independently validate and authorize fuel transactions upon receipt of such key, and may maintain and transfer transactional and key parameter data. A central control unit gathers transactional data from any number of control devices and communicates updated information to the devices to facilitate their independent operation. A fourth level of control and data storage may be provided with a telecommunications link between a number of central control units and a master management system.

Abstract: A vending machine and distribution management system is provided which stores and sells merchandise to customers. The system includes a host computer for receiving actual sales data from the vending machine in order to track inventory and sales preferences, and to notify suppliers to restock the machine. The vending machine provides a variety of signals which are intended to entice potential customers to approach the machine and purchase merchandise. A questionnaire is provided for obtaining consumer preferences in the machine and the data is sent to the host computer for analyzing.

Abstract: An automatic lubricating oil feeding system is disclosed which can centralistically control a plurality of dependent terminals to feed lubricating oil to required machine elements, such as bearings, at proper times by receiving the operation state information from the respective terminals. The system includes a host controller which utilizes a personal computer programmed to supervise, check, and display terminal state information, and an RF section, coupled to the personal computer via an interface, for transmitting command data of the personal computer and receiving the terminal state information data through a radio communication network.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system for providing dual-stage preconditioning and authentication for enhancing a fueling transaction. The system includes a fuel dispenser associated with a control system and a receiver adapted to receive signals, including a first indicia, from a remote communications unit of a customer. The receiver is operatively associated with the control system and enables the control system to retrieve the first indicia and precondition the dispenser for fueling. The control system is adapted to receive second indicia subsequent to receiving the first indicia, and authenticate a transaction involving the remote communications unit by determining the requisite authentication data based on the first indicia and correlating the authentication data with the second indicia. Authentication occurs when the second indicia and the requisite transaction indicia correlate. Various security and encryption techniques may be used when receiving the first and second indicia.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with efforts to turn fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.

Abstract: A vending machine capable of communicating with a central station using any one of multiple cellular carriers includes a telemetry device. The telemetry device includes a cellular transceiver, a digital signal processor-based modem, and memory storing software corresponding to protocols for each of the cellular carriers. The telemetry device can be reconfigured, in response to signals received from the central station using a first one of the cellular carriers, to transmit and receive signals subsequently using a second one of the cellular carriers. Software code residing in memory associated with a sub-unit of a vending machine can also be upgraded or otherwise modified by transmitting segments of software code from a remote station to a telemetry device in the vending machine using a cellular carrier, assembling the segments of software code in the telemetry device, and routing the assembled software code to a designated one of the sub-units of the vending machine.

Abstract: An animal feedlot management system is disclosed, wherein each feed delivery vehicle employed therein uses real-time virtual reality (VR) modelling and coordinate acquisition techniques supported upon an Internet-based (i.e., Cyberspace) communications platform in order to carry out various types of feedlot operations. Each feedlot vehicle has an on-board computer system which includes a VR subsystem, for accessing a VR database maintaining information representative of a VR model of the feedlot and the objects present therein (eg., tagged animals, pens, alley ways, feedbunks, buildings, vehicles, etc.