| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 235381000 | With vending | 67 |
| 20080217401 | Stored-value card with chemical luminescence - A stored-value card includes a housing and a glow article. The housing includes an account identifier adapted to link the stored-value card to a financial account or a financial record. The glow article is enclosed within the housing and is configured to be selectively removed from the housing and manipulated to initiate chemical luminescence of the glow article. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080272192 | ENERGY EXCHANGE EQUIPMENT - Energy exchange equipment is disclosed, which can sell batteries that have been recharged already. A user can buy a new battery from the energy exchange equipment by using a smart card. If a user has an old battery, he can put this old battery in an energy tank on the energy exchange equipment and then extract a new battery. If a user has no old battery, he can directly extract a new battery. The energy exchange equipment then deducts a corresponding amount of money in the smart card based on the electric capacity difference between the extracted new battery and the old battery. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080308628 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING RECEIPTS, ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, LOYALTY PROGRAMS, AND CONTESTS TO A CONSUMER VIA AN APPLICATION-SPECIFIC USER INTERFACE ON A PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Systems and methods for performing a consumer advertising transaction at a retail device are disclosed. According to one system and method, an identifier associated with the retail device is provided to a personal communication device. An application-specific user interface specific to the retail device is associated based on the identifier. A selection is received for the consumer advertising transaction made by a consumer interacting with the application-specific user interface executing on the personal communication device. The consumer advertising transaction is performed based on the received selection for the consumer advertising transaction made by the consumer interacting with the application-specific user interface. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090045255 | GAMING SYSTEM CARD READER/WRITER/DISPENSER HAVING PROVISION FOR CARD RECYCLING - An apparatus for processing cards bearing machine readable data is provided that includes a housing, a hopper in the housing for storing and dispensing cards capable of bearing machine readable data, mounted in the housing are also a card input receiver for receiving a previously used card in the apparatus, a card reader for reading data on the previously used card, and a card writer for writing data onto the previously used card or a card from the hopper. The apparatus further includes mounted in the housing a card dispenser for dispensing at least one of the previously used card or a card from the hopper to a user, a card recycler for erasing a previously used card for reuse, a card pathway from the card recycler to the hopper, and a plurality of additional card pathways to provide for movement of the card being processed among the card input receiver, the card reader, the card writer, the card dispenser, and the card recycler. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090045256 | WATER AND DRINK MIX VENDING MACHINE - A liquid and drink mix vending machine can vend both potable water and as an additional purchase option drink mixes (e.g., flavored drink mixes). The vending machine can include a liquid vending system and a drink mix vending system. The liquid vending system can vend different amounts of water, which can be delivered to a container provided by a user. The drink mix vending system can vend a variety of drink mixes, including drink mixes of different concentrations for a given quantity of water. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090050694 | Medicine management methods and apparatus - Methods and apparatus are shown for providing information on a pill. A patient specific delivery apparatus for medicine using information on a pill or pills is shown as well, and a database with patient specific information may be provided, resulting in an individualized pharmacopoeia for a patient. A dispenser and a method for dispensing pills are provided and may generate audible messages. The dispenser may be constructed with a protective barrier to maintain shelf-life and integrity of the pills. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090084843 | Method and System for Terminal Dispensed Lottery Ticket with Validation Mark - Lottery tickets are printed and validated (“branded”) at a point-of-sale terminal by providing a stock paper to the terminal, the stock paper having a first defined inkjet printing section, and a second defined section having a thermally sensitive ink composition applied thereto. At the point-of-sale terminal, the individual lottery tickets are printed on the stock paper, including printing game data and related indicia on the first section with an inkjet printer. For each ticket presented as a winning ticket, a validation mark is formed on the ticket by exposing the second section of the stock paper to a heat source to activate the thermally sensitive ink composition. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090121015 | Tradesmans card system - A Tradesman's Card system issues a Tradesman's Card to qualifying tradesman selected from the group consisting of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, masons, mechanics, repair shop professionals, contractors, or related construction or trade companies and professions upon payment of an initiation fee and payment of periodic maintenance fees. The card is issued by a bank or a credit card issuing authority that has contracted with pre-selected wholesalers, jobbers and businesses to provide pre-negotiated discount levels for tradesmen within the group. The tradesman's Card has unique identification features, which identify the card holder as a professional tradesman that is entitled to pre-negotiated discounts. A number visible on the Tradesman's card serves as the system identification number and a credit card number. Professional purchases by the tradesman are tracked by the system, analyzed and reported to sponsoring manufacturers of goods, jobbers or wholesalers for a fee. The purchasing information can be used by merchants for marketing purposes and generation of special discounts on future purchases by the tradesmen. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090152345 | Methods and Apparatus for Automated Order Delivery in Customer Service Applications - Systems and techniques for automated partial order delivery. After a customer has entered a self service order and presented payment, the customer is able to present a receipt at an automated dispensing station. An automated dispensing mechanism retrieves order information associated with the receipt and allows dispensing of products, such as drink cups at a fast food restaurant, whose purchase is reflected in the order. Upon release of all the authorized products, authorization for dispensing of products is revoked. If a predetermined time passes after the last release, authorization is temporarily revoked, renewable upon subsequent presentation of the receipt, if products that have not yet been dispensed are reflected in the order. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090152346 | Fraudulent fuel purchase detection system and method - In a fuel card monitoring system the vehicle associate with the fuel card is provided with a transmitter and possibly a memory for relaying information associated with a credit transaction, relating to one or more of the vehicle position, the number of miles driven, the amount of fuel taken in, and the turning off and on of the vehicle engine. Information gathering devices may be provided on the vehicle for monitoring the fuel amount, the timing information and the location of the vehicle. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090206156 | RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFIERS IN GAME TICKETS - Game ticketing systems and methods provide for the use of radio frequency identifiers (RFIDs). Game tickets such as instant lottery tickets include a substrate having game data and a removable mask covering the game data. A transponder is coupled to the substrate where the transponder stores a ticket RFID that defines a validation code of the game ticket. Game tickets can therefore be dispensed to consumers, validated and tracked using the ticket RFIDs. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090236417 | RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFIERS IN GAME TICKETS - Systems and methods of distributing, dispensing and validating game tickets provide for the use of radio frequency identifiers (RFIDS). Game ticket consumables may also be tracked with RFIDS. Ticket data such as game numbers, void if removed numbers, theme descriptions, place styles, price points and player account information can be stored to a memory of a game ticket, where the ticket is capable of transmitting the ticket data as an RF signal. Approaches also provide for the use of RFIDS in game sponsor/ticket printer facilities, ticket warehouse facilities and ticket destruction facilities. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090272799 | Method and Apparatus for Purchasing and Dispensing Products - A system for purchasing a product that does not need to be physically present at a point-of-sale includes a point-of-sale device, a product-selection device, a data-analyzing device, an inventory-managing device, and a dispensing machine. The point-of-sale device includes apparatus for scanning or otherwise inputting a first product that is physically present at the point-of-sale. The product-selection device includes apparatus for selecting a second product that does not need to be physically present at the point-of-sale by a characteristic other than by a standardized product identification number corresponding to the second product, controller and memory apparatus for retrieving a standardized product identification number corresponding to the second product, and communication apparatus for sending the standardized product identification number of the selected second product to the point-of-sale device. The data-analyzing device receives completed purchase transaction data from the point-of-sale device and identifies the selected second product from that data. The data-analyzing device thereafter sends instructions to the dispensing machine for dispensing the second product. The inventory-managing device communicates with the product-selection device, data-analyzing device, and dispensing machine to inform customers of product availability, reserve products for customers, and maintain inventory of products. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090289113 | System and Method for Autorizing Purchases Associated with a Vehicle - Disclosed is a system for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle for example at a service station, the system including an identification tag associated with the vehicle, a data storage device associated with the vehicle for storing vehicular data, at least one tag reader configured to read and transmit data from the identification tag and a station relay unit configured to receive the transmitted and to transmit an authorization signal. Disclosed is also a method of authorizing a purchase associated with a vehicle, for example at a service station, comprising associating with a first identifier and a second identifier with a vehicle, when requested to authorize a purchase associated with said vehicle, acquiring the first identifier and the second identifier, determining that the acquired first and second identifiers are correctly associated and if the first acquired identifier and said second acquired identifier are associated, authorizing the purchase. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090294528 | STORED-VALUE CARD WITH EMBOSSED INDICIA - A transaction card includes a substrate having embossed indicia configured, for example, to emulate a license plate. The substrate defines a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is opposite the first surface. The substrate includes embossed indicia defined by regions projecting in relief with respect to the first surface and/or the second surface. The embossed indicia may, for example, emulate a license plate or the like. The substrate further includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. Stored-value cards, methods of providing a stored-value card, and other embodiments of stored-value or transaction cards and associated combinations are also disclosed. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090302105 | Automated dry cleaning delivery system - An automated, self-service dry cleaning delivery system accepts and records items dropped off through a kiosk for cleaning, and returns cleaned items to the same kiosk for customer pick-up. A computer software program operates the conveyors, the loading doors, and material transporting equipment. To facilitate maximum customer satisfaction, numerous customer feedback choices are displayed to maximize system dexterity. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090321514 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING COMPUTER MEDIA IN A SECURE ENVIRONMENT - The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for handling CD, USB media storage, etc. within a secure environment like the FBI, various intelligence agencies, the military, and so forth. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090321515 | Vending Machine for Alcohol with Means to Verify - A system for a vending machine for alcoholic or restricted items is equipped to verify the legality of the transaction through the acceptance of driver licenses through use of electronic means to scan and temporarily store age, height, gender, and weight, picture and other biometric data such as but not limited to fingerprint with the intent and purpose of using such biometric data to verify that the user is purchasing the restricted item through the application of facial recognition software or but not limited to fingerprint scanning or other secondary verification processes. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090321516 | Face panel assembly with an RFID module - A face panel assembly is disclosed having a mounting flange for detachably fastening to a bill/coin acceptor in an automatic vending machine, a slot for the insertion of a bill/coin into the bill/coin acceptor, and a RFID module, which has a sensor for sensing a RFID stored-value card for enabling the RFID module to fetch stored data from the RFID stored-value card and to transmit the fetched data to the automatic vending machine, and a transmission interface (wired or wireless type) for communication between the RFID module and the automatic vending machine. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100044433 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO REMOTELY ISSUE PROXIMITY PAYMENT DEVICES - Pursuant to some embodiments, methods, apparatus, systems, devices, and means for issuing a payment device from a remote dispensing device are provided which include receiving a request to purchase a payment device from the remote dispensing device, the request including a load amount. Device information is read from a pre-personalized payment device in the remote dispensing device, and a request is made to an issuer of the pre-personalized payment device, for personalization data to personalize the pre-personalized payment device. In some embodiments, the request is sent over a secure authenticated session established between a module of the dispensing device and the issuer. The personalization data is loaded in the pre-personalized payment device to create a personalized payment device, and the personalized payment device is dispensed for use by a consumer. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100065627 | Recharge electrical apparatus and method for electric vehicles - An apparatus and method for providing a public or private electric charging station or device. In the case of a public station, a user can approach an outlet station in an electric car, plug the car into the station similar to using a gasoline pump, present a credit card to the system, and be provided with either standard line voltage of sufficient wattage to charge the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle. After the vehicle is charged, the credit card debited for the correct amount for the power dispensed, or other arrangements to pay can be accommodated such as debiting a prepaid account. Optionally, the user can also inject reverse-flow power back into the grid for credit and receive credit for the power injected. The present invention can take advantage of dynamic power rates and cause an optional delay in charging until a favorable power rate. Several users can share the same private or semi-private station, and can identify themselves to the station by key access, card swipe, biometrically, or by a card containing an RFID chip that contains their identity. Service provided could then be billed to a prepaid or subscriber account. A central computer can manage several remote power dispensing stations over a network. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100102126 | Container security system - An improved mail depository type container ( | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100108759 | VOICE DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC VENDING MACHINE - A voice device for use in an automatic vending machine is disclosed to include a card reader for reading a voice file from an inserted electronic card, an input/output module for receiving a control signal from the automatic vending machine, a voice module, and a microprocessor for converting the voice file into a voice signal for output through a voice output device of the voice module subject to the control signal from the automatic vending machine. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100116882 | PAYMENT PROGRAMS FOR HEALTHCARE PLANS - The invention is a computer-implemented method and system to facilitate a purchase utilizing a tax-advantaged account. A request for payment for an item is received from a requester. A determination is made whether the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment. If the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment at least a partial payment amount for the item is determined. The tax-advantaged account is debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment authorization; and the at least partial payment amount for the item is transmitted to an account of the requestor. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100116883 | CONTACTLESS SMARTCARD BEZEL - A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100155471 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM - An automated access control system and method in one embodiment includes a storage rack comprising a plurality of storage compartments, a user port, a memory including program instructions for placing a key within one of the plurality of storage compartments, associating the key with the one of the plurality of storage compartments, identifying a user, associating the user and the stored key, removing the stored key from the one of the plurality of storage compartments, and making the removed key accessible to the user at the user port, and a processor operably connected to the memory for executing the program instructions. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100176197 | BILL ACCEPTOR HAVING A RFID RECOGNITION FUNCTION - A bill acceptor for use in an automatic vending machine to accept both cash payment and RFID stored-value card payment is disclosed to include a face panel that has a RFID sensing zone for sensing a RFID value-added card, a bill insertion slot for the insertion of a bill, a display for displaying data and operating buttons for operation by the user, and a bill acceptor body that has a bill passage connected to the bill insertion slot, a bill-transfer roller set for transferring an inserted bill from the bill insertion slot through the bill passage to a bill box and a control circuit module consisting of a microprocessor, a RFID chip, a sensor, a memory, a surveillance device and a clock. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100230488 | Dual Tendering for Chair Massages on Academic Campuses - The accessibility of chair massages on an academic campus is improved by modifying an electronic currency acceptor to interface with a multi-drop bus (MDB) card reader. The electronic currency acceptor so-modified with the MDB card reader is then installed on a vending massage chair to thereby form an updated vending massage chair. The updated vending massage chair is placed at a location in a building on an academic campus. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100276486 | ISSUING A VALUE-BEARING CARD ASSOCIATED WITH ONLY NON-PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION - Issuing a debit card associated with only non-personally identifying information includes communicating among an input device, a network coupling, and a card dispenser. The input device is configured to receive a new account request. The new account request includes only non-personally identifiable information. The network coupling is configured to send the new account request to an acquirer processor and to receive an approval response from the acquirer processor. The card dispenser is configured to dispense a debit card to the user based on the approval response received from the acquirer processor. The debit card includes only non-personally identifiable information. The non-personally identifiable information includes the account number. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100308107 | CARD DISPENSING APPARATUSES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF OPERATION - Apparatuses and methods for dispensing magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, other cards, and/or other items from kiosks and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least a first card hopper and a card transport assembly. The first card hopper is configured to hold a stack of cards that includes at least a first card stacked on a second card. The card transport assembly includes a card carrier moveable between a first position proximate to the first card hopper and a second position spaced apart from the first card hopper. The card carrier is configured to lift the first card off the second card when the card carrier is in the first position. The card carrier is further configured to release the first card toward an outlet when the card carrier is in the second position. In one embodiment, the card carrier can move the first card past a card reader/writer for reading information from, and/or writing information to, the card as it carries the card from the first position to the second position. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110042458 | BEVERAGE DISPENSER, IN PARTICULAR BUT NOT EXCLUSIVELY FOR WINES - An equipment for automatic delivery of beverages, with extraction of liquid from at least one bottle (B) in an up-right position by injection of an inert gas, the apparatus comprising a frame ( | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110101094 | Fuel Distribution Management System - A fuel delivery system configured to reduce occurrences of fuel theft comprises an at-the-pump information retrieval system for retrieving information from a consumer. An authorization signal generator is operable to generate an authorization signal when one of at least two conditions relevant to the information retrieved from the consumer exists: i) sufficient funds are available for fuel; or ii) sufficient identification information has been provided. A fuel dispensing system is operable to dispense fuel upon generation of the authorization signal. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110147453 | VENDING MACHINE MEMORY KEY AND/OR CARD READER | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110168775 | AUTOMATED BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM - An automated system for dispensing of beverages to customers which allows self-dispensing of beverages while maintaining accurate accounting of purchases by a number of individual credit card holders. A self service station includes a card reader to collect payment information from a user. The station also includes an RFID tag reader to collect a distinctive code from an RFID tag on the beverage container issued to the user desiring to purchase beverages at the self service station. A processor within the station links the payment information with the particular RFID tag on the user's beverage container and records the information in a memory coupled to the processor. The processor enables a dispensing mechanism to dispense a fixed quantity of beverage into the container associated with the particular RFID tag. In another embodiment, a point of sale station may collect the payment data and link it to the RFID tag on the user's beverage container. A dispensing station equipped with an RFID tag reader collects RFID code from a container brought into proximity of the dispensing station and then interrogates the point of sale station to determine if dispensing of beverage is to be permitted. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110233275 | Gas pump bill & change acceptor - The present invention provides means for customers who prefer to pay with cash to pay for their gasoline at the pump. The Gas Pump Bill & Change Acceptor is a specially designed electronic moneychanger, incorporated into the design of existing or newly manufactured gasoline pumps. Similar in appearance and function to traditional gasoline pumps, the Gas Pump Bill & Change Acceptor is a two sided pump configured with a single or multiple dispenser tanks, offering consumers various grades of gasoline, and/or diesel fuel, with operational buttons for each appropriately positioned on the unit's control panel. Most notably, incorporated into the design of this panel is an alphanumeric keypad, programmed to accept coins, dollar bills and credit cards, as opposed to merely credit cards alone. An LCD (liquid crystal display) panel is also included and is programmed to display specific directional prompts for customer use. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110259958 | VENDING MACHINE MEMORY KEY AND/OR CARD READER - A memory key and/or card reader, which can be fitted to an outer casing of a vending machine, and has a memory key and/or card electronic read circuit, in turn having an internal electric connector connectable to an external electric connector of a communication cable. The reader also has a housing housing the electronic read circuit; and a cable-clamping device which has a click-on fastening mechanism for fixing the cable clamping device firmly, but in easily removable manner, to the housing to maintain connection between the external connector and the internal connector, and a semicylindrical portion for housing an end portion of the communication cable. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20120031970 | RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFIERS IN GAME TICKETS - Systems and methods of distributing, dispensing and validating game tickets provide for the use of radio frequency identifiers (RFIDS). Game ticket consumables may also be tracked with RFIDS. Ticket data such as game numbers, void if removed numbers, theme descriptions, place styles, price points and player account information can be stored to a memory of a game ticket, where the ticket is capable of transmitting the ticket data as an RF signal. Approaches also provide for the use of RFIDS in game sponsor/ticket printer facilities, ticket warehouse facilities and ticket destruction facilities. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120061467 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS USING A COMMUNICATION DEVICE - An apparatus for effecting commercial transactions with a server using a transaction card via a communication device is provided. The apparatus includes a transaction device coupled with the communication device for capturing information from the transaction card and a controller for converting the captured card information into an encrypted audio signal and for transmitting the audio signal to the communication device. The communication device delivers the audio signal to the server for processing the commercial transaction. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120067950 | Self Service Coin Redemption Card Printer-Dispenser - A method of transferring funds to a personalized portable storage medium using a kiosk includes the acts of receiving funds comprising a batch of loose mixed coins in a coin receiving area of the kiosk, processing the coins in a coin processing module, determining a total value of the funds using a controller, displaying the total value of the funds to a user of the kiosk, and permitting the user to select a desired graphic from amongst a plurality of available graphic selections using a user input device. The method also includes the acts of printing the user-selected graphic on a portable storage medium print area, the portable storage medium bearing data to which a value relating to the total value is associated, and dispensing the portable storage medium bearing the user-selected graphic to the user, the portable storage medium having a value relating to the total value. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120160914 | TAMPER RESISTANT RFID TAG CIRCUIT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A tamper pool RFID tag apparatus, system and method for keying the RFID tag in association with an object. An oscillator circuit configured on an RFID tag substrate enables the RFID tag to be keyed with respect to the object. One or more capacitors that are operatively connected in association with the RFID tag substrate via a substrate vias determine an oscillator frequency pulse when placed on the object. A comparator compares the oscillator frequency pulse with a predetermined pulse count stored in a latch/storing unit. The RFID tag circuit can accept the object in, for example, a vending machine, if the frequency pulse matches the predetermined pulse count in order to effectively handle object returns in a wide range of commercial applications. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120223138 | Data-Encoded Lottery Ticket Device - A method of use of a scraper for scraping a scratchcard obtaining a scratchcard scraper comprising a machine readable code system, wherein said machine readable code system is associated with unique end-user-identification-specific data, interacting with at least one commercial institution by using said machine readable code system,positioning the scratchcard scraper near an opaque coating on a surface of the scratchcard, and rubbing the scratchcard scraper across said opaque coating. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120248183 | Vending Machine For Rental Services - System for renting a cellphone, ipad or other electronic device for temporary use. Plurality of cellphones, ipads or other electronic devices are categorized and barcoded. A vending machine that receives a credit card information and request to rent one of the cellphones/ipads or other electronic devices from a user, releases the cellphone/ipad or other electronic device to a bar code reader which send the barcode information to a central processing unit that creates a user account and associates it with the credit card information and initiates timer. The timer is stopped when the same barcode is received by the processing unit and the user account is retrieved, then the credit card is charged with a calculated usage by the central processing unit. A rented cellphone, ipad or other electronic device may be authorized to access a remote central server for multimedia content. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120261468 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING VERIFICATION OF AGE OR OTHER ATTRIBUTES IN AN ALCOHOL SERVING ENVIRONMENT - The present invention generally relates to an age, identity and other attribute verification system. Specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for providing a verification system and method for use, primarily, at locations and venues serving alcoholic beverages. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120286038 | SANITARY DISPENSING DEVICE WITH REMOVABLE DISPLAY - A sanitary dispensing device for dispensing and storing products is disclosed. The sanitary dispensing device comprises a product display area for displaying products or pictures of products, product selection switches for selecting a product for purchase, a payment exchange area for receiving payment, and a product retrieval area for retrieving purchased products. The sanitary dispensing device further comprises a removable display for displaying information such as product information, instructional information, or dynamic advertising. The sanitary dispensing device further comprises an ultraviolet light module for performing sterilization procedures on the products, product packages, and currency. The sanitary dispensing device further comprises a hands sterilization module for sterilizing a user's hands. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20130043304 | BEVERAGE PREPARATION MACHINE COMPRISING A CARD READING ARRANGEMENT - The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine ( | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130043305 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECEIVING COMPENSATION FOR USING MOBILE PAYMENT SERVICES - Provided are methods and systems for receiving compensation for using mobile payment services. A customer may register with a mobile payment service provider and provide customer payment information. Based on the customer payment information, the customer may receive a unique code which may be scanned by a scanner of a merchant to transfer payment for products. Additionally, to encourage the customer to further use mobile payment services, the customer may receive a compensation which may be provided according to predetermined criteria. Based on the compensation, the customer may receive a free mobile device from the mobile payment service provider. A high amount of the compensation may entitle the customer to receive free insurance services and free bank services from a bank of the mobile payment service provider. Furthermore, the mobile device received from the mobile payment service provider may be also repaired or exchanged free of charge. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130119129 | LOCKER SYSTEM USING BARCODED WRISTBANDS - 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. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130146660 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATING JURY ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION AND SERVICE PAYMENT - Systems and methods of automating jury attendance verification and service payment are provided. A juror may report to for jury duty at the date/time identified on his/her jury summons and may be asked to provide the jury summons to check in for jury duty. The juror may present his/her summons to a juror-interaction machine that may read a personal identifier included on the summons. The machine may validate the personal identifier and confirm that the juror has checked in for jury service. At the conclusion of jury service, the machine may read the juror's summons containing a personal identifier and confirm that the juror has completed jury service. The machine may then dispense a cash payment to the juror. The machine also may capture a video clip or still image of the juror using the machine for verification and/or security. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130284805 | Kiosk For Providing Customized Transaction Cards To Customers - A system for incentivizing purchases by consumers comprises a kiosk configured to appraise an item. A composition of the item is determined using an evaluating device. A cash value is associated with the item using data obtained by the evaluating device and market data obtained over a network, and an exchange value of the item is determined by subtracting a processing fee from the cash value. At least one of the cash value and the exchange value is relayed to the consumer on an output device. The consumer is asked to select via an input device between at least a first offer and a second offer in exchange for the item. A kiosk or mall booth for buying and receiving credit transaction cards, debit transaction cards, gift transaction cards, or coupons is also disclosed. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130292467 | System and Method for Automatic Visitor Check-In and Access Card Issuance - A method and apparatus are disclosed for accessing a secure area. The method includes the steps of preregistering a plurality of visitors with an access control system, the access control system receiving a request for a single instance of access to the secure area through a communication system from one of the plurality of preregistered visitors, the requesting preregistered visitor authenticating himself or herself to a kiosk that dispenses access cards, the kiosk dispensing an access control card to the requesting preregistered visitor and the access control system establishing the access control card within the access kiosk based upon the request and dispensing the established access control card in response to authentication of the requesting preregistered visitor. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130292468 | LOCKER SYSTEM USING BARCODED WRISTBANDS - 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. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130341395 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHILLING AND DISPENSING BEVERAGE - A beverage circuit for cooling a beverage when the beverage flows through inside the circuit, the circuit comprising a hollow tube allowing the beverage to enter into or exit from the circuit; wherein the tube being wounded to form a plurality of multi-layered coiled columns, all of which being arranged substantially in parallel to each other and stacked together column-by-column, each of the coiled columns comprising a plurality of layers; wherein the tube having a cross-sectional width not exceeding 6 mm; and wherein each of the coiled columns having a layer-width not exceeding 60 mm; thereby allowing an entirety of the coiled columns to occupy a compact space while providing a substantial amount of external surface area for the portion of the tube along the coiled columns to allow rapid cooling of the beverage. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140021253 | UNIVERSAL LABEL AND VERIFICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FILLING CUSTOMER ORDERS OF MEDICAL ITEMS - Label and verification systems and methods to assist with manual labeling and verification of various types of products including medical items that may be filled as part of a customer order, including boxes, cards, bottles, and many other known types of containers. The label and verification system prompts a user to scan a product label on a product, determines whether the product label corresponds to one of the medical items in the customer order, and then prints a patient label for the product. After prompting the user to affix the patient label to the product and rescan the product, the system verifies that the correct patient label and product label are on the product from the customer order. The system and method may be operable to label more than 90% of containers commonly used to hold medications and medical items with increased speed and accuracy. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140110476 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF VENDING A PRODUCT INTO A REUSABLE CONTAINER - A method of vending a product from a vending machine into a reusable container adapted to receive the product from the vending machine, the method comprising: receiving user account information from a computer readable means disposed on the reusable container by the vending machine, said user account information corresponding to a user account comprising credit information; receiving an identifier from a mobile device; comparing the received identifier with a selected identifier associated with the user account; authorising deduction of credit from said user account by the vending machine in response to the received identifier matching the selected identifier; accessing said user account by the vending machine; deducting said credit corresponding to a credit value of said product from said user account based on said credit information to purchase the product; and subsequently vending said product to be received by the reusable container. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140166749 | Providing Electronic Receipts For Vending Machine Transactions - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing an electronic receipt for a vending machine transaction. Upon conclusion of a vending machine transaction a screen on the vending machine displays an optically encoded electronic receipt. The optically encoded electronic receipt may encode a transaction identifier and may additionally encode details of the transaction. The vending machine may also transmit transaction data to a server. A user computing device may scan the optically encoded electronic receipt and retrieve a transaction identifier. Using the transaction identifier, the user computing device may request transaction data from the server either directly or by way of a server owned or controlled by a different entity. Additional content, such as advertisements may be transmitted with or for display with transaction data. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140191030 | AUTOMATIC AUTHENTICATION FOR SERVICE ACCESS FOR FUELING OF VEHICLES - 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. The authorization component is configured to allow flow of electrical power to the vehicle in response to authorization based on the received identification information. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140203076 | LOCKER SYSTEM USING BARCODED WRISTBANDS - 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. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140263628 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FUEL ISLAND AUTHORIZATION FOR TRUCKING INDUSTRY USING PROXIMITY SENSORS - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140263629 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FUEL ISLAND AUTHORIZATION FOR TRUCKING INDUSTRY USING PROXIMITY SENSORS - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140263630 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING A FINANCIAL TRANSACTION - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140291395 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO REMOTELY ISSUE PROXIMITY PAYMENT DEVICES - 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. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140319214 | Simple CoinCard System - 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. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140361076 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION USING A MEDICATION DISPENSING MACHINE - 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. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20150041535 | SECURE SELF-CHECKOUT STATION - 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. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150060542 | VENDING APPROVAL SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS USING CARD READERS - Methods, systems, and apparatus for obtaining application data using a card reader having a pass-through mode and an automatic polling mode are disclosed. Application data may be obtained by enabling the pass-through mode of the card reader, instructing the card reader to poll for an exchange event, identifying the exchange event, identifying a subject of the exchange event, and obtaining application data from the subject when the subject of the exchange event is a predefined application. The pass-through mode may be disabled and the automatic polling mode may be enabled after the application data is obtained. An account number from the subject of the exchange event may also be obtained for use in authorizing a vending transaction. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150076226 | CREDIT CARD TERMINAL - An upgrade card system capable of replacing a prior art credit card terminal system is disclosed. The upgrade card system provides for expanded functionality compared to the prior art credit card terminal system for accepting fleet card payments and providing for additional reports, alerts and different delivery mechanisms. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150310692 | RETAIL AUTOMATION PLATFORM - A platform for retail automation may be provided. The platform may comprise methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable medium configured to perform a method. The method may comprise displaying, to a customer via a touchscreen display disposed at a lounge of a retail station, information regarding a plurality of products stored in a storage area of the retail station; receiving, from the customer via the touchscreen display, input corresponding to selection of a selected product of the plurality of products; reading, by a card reader disposed at the retail station, a card provided by the customer; effecting payment for the selected product utilizing the read card; and automatically effecting movement of, via robotic apparatus, the selected product from the storage area to a dispensing area of the retail station. | 10-29-2015 |
