Abstract:
System for making and delivering a customized beverage product to a consumer having a user interface (102), a customization director (104) in communication with a customization data store (106) and the user interface (102), wherein the customization director (104) includes executable instructions for determining a user's customized formulation; and a beverage delivery system (109) in communication with the customization director (104), wherein the beverage delivery system (109) includes executable instructions for delivering a customized beverage product. Method for delivering a customized beverage product to an individual including the steps of obtaining consumer preference data; determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data; and providing the consumer a customized beverage corresponding to the customized beverage formulation, utilizing one or more of delayed dilution, delayed mixing, and delayed filtering, in any order.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for reducing vandalism and minimizing damage from liquids injected into apertures of a vending machine is described. An anti-salting module (1), having a housing with an integral tray (2) for collecting liquids, is connected beneath a bill validator (100) in a vending machine. A rubber fillet (5) is connected to the rear of the bill validator and directs injected fluids to the tray. A moisture sensor (4) integral to the tray is connected to detection and control circuitry. When moisture is detected, the detection and control circuitry operates to interrupt power and control signals to the bill validator. After moisture has been detected, vending machine power and control signals can be restored only when moisture is no longer present, and a set switch (84) is depressed by service personnel.
Abstract:
A self service system (11A) for vending small customized documents (251-260), includes an input device (17) for receiving and storing customized input information from a customer for producing and vending a customized document (230) according to the requirements of the customer. In response to the receipt of the customized input information, a device (11A) generates and supplies cost information to the customer. Responsive to signals indicative of the correct payment being received from the customer, a device (22) produces the customized documents.
Abstract:
An envelope (10) for carrying a transaction card (18) is provided A transaction card (18) is a gift certificate or the like redeemable for additional goods from a retail store or the like The envelope (10) includes a planar surface (12) having a first side (20) and a second side (22) A slot (28) is cut into the planar surface (12). and an adhesive is superimposed on the second side of the planar surface (12) When the envelope (10) is affixed to an object, a pocket forms between the planar surface and the object The object is in communication with the slot The transaction card (18) can then be inserted into the slot to securely dispose the transaction card in the envelope (10) The envelope further includes a concealed promotional material assembly (32) for advancing promotion of the retail store The concealed promotional material assembly (32) includes promotional material such as a coupon, a scratch-off game (42), or a scratch-and-sniff sheet (40), a label (34) concealing the promotional material and an adhesive (44) removably securing the label concealing the promotional material The label (34) is a single thickness opaque sheet with a front side and an underside and variable indicia written on at least one side of the opaque sheet
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for a credit card and debit card transaction terminal including a processor, a display and a memory. A card reader is configured to read data stored on a portable memory medium. An operator interface is produced by an operator interface program and executable by the processor. The operator interface being displayable on the display in an operator language. A customer interface is produced by a customer interface program and executable by the processor. The customer interface being displayable in a customer language. A language identification module is stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The language identification module is configured to select the operator language and to select a customer language in which displayable for the operator and customer, respectively. The operator and customer languages are selected from a plurality of languages stored in the module. The operator and customer languages are different.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for a credit card and debit card transaction terminal including a processor, a display and a memory. A card reader is configured to read data stored on a portable memory medium. An operator interface is produced by an operator interface program and executable by the processor. The operator interface being displayable on the display in an operator language. A customer interface is produced by a customer interface program and executable by the processor. The customer interface being displayable in a customer language. A language identification module is stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The language identification module is configured to select the operator language and to select a customer language in which displayable for the operator and customer, respectively. The operator and customer languages are selected from a plurality of languages stored in the module. The operator and customer languages are different.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a solution to the needs described above through a system and method for a wireless universal mobile product interface (WUMPI): Generally, products/objects have their own interface, or man-machine-interface (MMI). Technically, the wireless universal mobile product interface of the present invention (WUMPI) innovates this space by replacing the product's MMI by implementing reverse software control via wireless transmission channel and or Bluetooth wireless technologies to control the mobile device's screen - replacing the local software component on the mobile device which controls what is shown on the screen in terms of a man-machine-interface (MMI). This enables a product/object whithin the area of the mobile device to take over control via the wireless transmission channel or other wireless capability of the mobile device and to "extend" the product interface to the mobile device that came withinn it's control range, or the product/object's personal area network (PAN).
Abstract:
A self-service kiosk enables customers to conduct rental transactions for carpet cleaning machines without the need of assistance from store personnel. The kiosk comprises a housing having several stalls or bays that hold and display carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories for rental. The kiosk controls whether such carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories can be removed from or returned to the kiosk. The kiosk also optionally includes a control panel for conducting a rental transaction. The self-service kiosk may also include automatic dispensing of cleaning products purchased by the customer at the kiosk. Still further, the self-serve kiosk may include shelving for holding cleaning products that can be purchased separately at a checkout counter.