The present disclosure describes apparatus, systems and methods in which a first data storage is maintained for a first group of authorization codes, for example those associated with a local POS system, and second data storage, logically separate from the first data storage, is maintained for a second group of authorization codes, such as those associated with a remote or online sales system. Access control is achieved by checking a received authorization code for validity against one or both groups of authorization codes, without needing to integrate different code assignment systems or different sales systems with one another. The technology has particular utility for automated car wash systems, although it is not limited thereto, and embodiments of the technology may be retrofit to existing car wash control interfaces.

A fulfilment centre for fulfilling an order of one or more items, wherein the fulfilment centre includes: for storage of the storage; iii) a dispatch system having a plurality of lockers with an interior space for storing items, the interior space being accessible through a first opening exterior of the fulfilment centre and a second opening interior of the fulfilment centre; iv) a door mechanism operable to selectively close the first opening(s) of the lockers exterior of the fulfilment centre and the second opening(s) of the lockers interior of the fulfilment centre; and a locking mechanism configured to lock and unlock the door mechanism.

A system incorporating a fluid dispenser for dispensing chemicals includes at least one sensor for sensing fluid flow and a dispenser management unit. The dispenser management unit includes a processor and corresponding storage memory for storing firmware, at least one input for receiving sensor data from the or each sensor, a data transfer device comprising storage memory for storing the received sensor data, and a power source for powering at least the processor. The system further incorporates a portable terminal configured to receive data from the dispenser, and a remote server configured to receive the data from the portable terminal.

A novel food station comprises first and second pluralities of cubbies, each sized to enclose a food portion container, and a food collection hatch that is selectively externally accessible. A heating system can controllably heat one or more of the first plurality of cubbies independently of the first plurality of cubbies, and a cooling system can cool one or more of the second plurality of cubbies independently of the first plurality of cubbies. An internal transport system including an end effector that temporarily couples to the portion container carrier of a selected cooled cubby of the second plurality of cubbies and can controllably move the food portion container carrier to a selected heated cubby or to the food collection hatch.

A method of presenting product information in a vending machine may include detecting audio information from a consumer and converting the audio information to a text string. The method may include identifying a keyword in the text string, and determining products from a product database associated with the keyword. The method may include returning a list of the products that correspond to the keyword.

A controlled dispensing fixture including a display screen, a scanning device, and one or more processors is configured to: obtain via the display screen or remote scanner a selection of one or more controlled products; update a user interface on the display screen based on the selection; determine whether the one or more controlled products meet a purchase limit associated with the one or more controlled products for dispensing; obtain via the scanning device consumer identification information; determine whether the consumer identification information meets an age threshold and/or an identity requirement associated with the one or more controlled products; and in accordance with a determination that (i) the one or more controlled products meet the purchase limit for dispensing, and (ii) the consumer identification information meets the age threshold and/or the identity requirement, transmit a dispensing instruction to the dispensing fixture to dispense the one or more controlled products.

A system is provided that authenticates the identity and age of a user, that offers at least one age-restricted product for sale to the user, that enables the user to purchase the at least one product via a mobile application, that provides the at least one purchased product at a physical product locker at a location convenient to the user to travel to, that again authenticates the identity and age of the user at the physical location of the product locker prior to dispensing the product, and that, upon authentication of the user’s identity and age, releases the product to the user.

Methods and systems for managing a wagering system may receive a stream of state information of a live sporting event in real time and determine initial and possible future states of a first performance parameter of the event based on the stream. After a beginning of the game and before the start of the event, a probability of occurrence is calculated for possible future states of the first performance parameter, based on historical data. During an initial state of the first performance parameter, a signal operative to open a first market for betting on the possible future states based on the probability of occurrence is transmitted. Before an end of the initial state, a signal operative to close the first market is transmitted, and then an outcome of the first performance parameter is determined based on the stream. Payouts of the first market are resolved based on the outcome.

Methods and systems for managing a wagering system may receive a stream of state information of a live sporting event in real time and determine initial and possible future states of a first performance parameter of the event based on the stream. After a beginning of the game and before the start of the event, a probability of occurrence is calculated for possible future states of the first performance parameter, based on historical data. During an initial state of the first performance parameter, a signal operative to open a first market for betting on the possible future states based on the probability of occurrence is transmitted. Before an end of the initial state, a signal operative to close the first market is transmitted, and then an outcome of the first performance parameter is determined based on the stream. Payouts of the first market are resolved based on the outcome.

A method for remotely controlling a CO.sub.2 gas cylinder vending machine system, the method including displaying a remote vending machine user interface on a display of a user device, receiving on the user device user input indicating a desire to engage with the vending machine system to perform at least one of the following operations (a) return a CO.sub.2 cylinder; (b) purchase a CO.sub.2 cylinder; or (c) exchange a CO.sub.2 cylinder. The method including transmitting the user input over a communications network to a communications interface of the vending machine system, receiving the user input at the communication interface of the vending machine system and controlling the vending machine system, by a controller, based on the received user input.