A document handler system and method includes timed operation functionality in which the manufacturer of the document handler may input coded information in the document handler to establish a timed operation of the document handler which may be contingent on continued payments for use of the document handler. Alternatively, or in addition, the timed operation may be used to establish an appropriate warranty period during which the manufacturer is obligated to provide repairs, modification and/or support for the document handler.

Identity information can be stored in a decentralized structure. The identity information may include age verification information for the purchase or operation of certain tobacco products, such as an electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) device, which may include aerosol delivery devices. The tobacco products or devices may have an age verification requirement or other identity requirements needed to authenticate a user and that information must be stored. A decentralized structure for storing the identity information may improve the security of that identity information while also providing a mechanism for accessing the information for verification or authentication purposes.

The method includes: after obtaining an image of a to-be-operated device by using a target application, the electronic device may send the image of the to-be-operated device to a server corresponding to the target application. Then, the server may obtain an operation model of the to-be-operated device based on the image of the to-be-operated device, and the server sends the operation model of the to-be-operated device to the electronic device. Next, the electronic device may display a user operation interface corresponding to the operation model, and the user may perform an operation on the user operation interface. The electronic device sends an operation event corresponding to the second operation of the user to the server, and the server processes the operation event corresponding to the second operation.

In an apparatus for dispensing, a dispenser includes a housing, a reservoir housed within the housing, a chute in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the chute is adjacent to the reservoir, a user input device, a power source housed within the housing, a logic housed within the housing, wherein the power source powers the logic, a motor housed within the housing, wherein the power source powers the motor, wherein the logic controls the motor, a gear train housed within the housing, wherein the motor drives the gear train, a first platform defining an opening, wherein a portion of the first platform abuts a bottom portion of the chute when the dispenser is in a non-dispensing state, and a second platform including a well, wherein the gear train is configured to rotate the second platform relative to the housing, and wherein when the logic sets the dispenser to a dispensing state a position of the well is adjustable relative to the housing via the user input device, such that the well substantially aligns with the chute.

Modular vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers. A modular vending machine may include a product storage system, a user interface, and a control unit. Several modular vending machines may be stacked and/or arranged together in various configurations. Several modular vending machines may be linked electronically and may communicate with each other and/or with a user mobile device over a network. A modular vending machine may automatically complete a transaction with the consumer, where the consumer removes a product from the modular vending machine. A consumer may access and purchase products from several modular vending machines in one transaction.

The present teachings contemplate a dispensing apparatus for cosmetic samples, the apparatus comprising a retail point of sale dispenser; a carrier including a plurality of mounts and a plurality of containers removably attached to the carrier via the plurality of mounts; with vertical and horizontal translational components; one or more information retrieval devices; a user interface including a data interface adapted to store information on the one or more information retrieval devices; a transparent panel covering at least a portion of the dispensing apparatus and wherein the one or more information retrieval device are adapted to be maintained in the possession of a user; and wherein the apparatus dispenses cosmetic samples based on user input.

Provided are a method for calibrating sensors in a vending machine and a vending machine. input values of first input terminals and input values of second input terminals of sensors are determined through level 1 calibration and level 2 calibration, respectively, which may greatly increase the number of adjustable grades of the luminous intensity of an optical generator of each sensor, and may further greatly improve the success rate of calibration on the sensors.

Provided are a method for calibrating sensors in a vending machine and a vending machine. input values of first input terminals and input values of second input terminals of sensors are determined through level 1 calibration and level 2 calibration, respectively, which may greatly increase the number of adjustable grades of the luminous intensity of an optical generator of each sensor, and may further greatly improve the success rate of calibration on the sensors.

There is provided a device for automatic asset management as well as a method for dispensing items from said automatic asset management device. The device comprises an enclosure, a shelving unit within the enclosure configured to store at least one item, a delivery hatch on the enclosure configured to allow access to the enclosure, and a dispensing unit within the enclosure. The dispensing unit comprises a front gate comprising an open portion and a closed portion, wherein the front gate is configured to control access through the delivery hatch and an elevator module configured to receive the item from the shelving unit, move to the front gate to link with the front gate, while linked with the front gate, move with the front gate to align the open portion with the delivery hatch to allow access to the item within the elevator module; and upon removal of the item from the elevator module, release the front gate to align the closed portion with the delivery hatch to restrict access to the delivery hatch.

A piece of hygiene equipment includes a transmitting section configured to transmit an outbound radio signal carrying transmission payload data; a receiving section configured to receive an inbound radio signal carrying reception payload data; a processing section configured to transmit an outbound radio signal carrying specific transmission payload data and/or to receive an inbound radio signal carrying specific reception payload data for determining a communication partner to which outbound radio signals are to be transmitted and from which inbound radio signals are to be received; and a memory section. The processing section is configured to determine said communication partner and to store information on the determined communication partner in said memory section.