This disclosure relates to a feedback and authentication system and method for vending machines. In one example system, the system includes a vending machine configured to dispense an item purchased by a user. The item contains identifying tag which, when scanned, allows the user access to information about the item. Such information may include the creation date of the item, the expiration date of the item, and/or tracking information. The user can thus make an informed decision as to the freshness of the item, which is particularly useful when the item is a perishable item, such as a salad. By offering access to this sort of information, food distributors gain credibility with their customer base.

Methods are provided for automatic cleaning of gripper belts and rollers within a self-service dispensing device. In an embodiment, a cleaning station located in a storage bin of the dispensing device is used to perform the automatic cleaning. The cleaning station is retrofitted into an existing storage bin of the dispensing device. In another embodiment, an interactive slot mechanism of the dispensing device is modified to hold a cleaning case and provide cleaning fluid to clean the belts and/or rollers. In another embodiment, a cleaning case contains a reservoir of cleaning fluid and a pad saturated with the cleaning fluid to clean the internal belts and roller. Furthermore the cleaning case may contain an automatic lid to maintain saturation of the pads and to keep debris from the cleaning case itself.

A system includes: a physical wallet configured to attach to a first mobile communication device and to physically store a first funding card and additional funding cards in a holding compartment; a non-transitory memory; and one or more hardware processors coupled to the non-transitory memory and configured to read instructions from the non-transitory memory to cause the system to perform operations comprising: associating a plurality of funding cards with the first mobile communication device, wherein the first funding card is not a member of the plurality of funding cards associated with the first mobile communication device; and detecting when the first funding card is physically removed from the holding compartment of the system; and transmitting a notification to a computer in response to the first funding card being physically removed from the holding compartment.

A vending machine system includes a body having a front panel and a back panel; an interactive display incorporated into the front panel to receive commands from a user; a payment system to receive a payment from the user; a delivery chute extending through the front panel and into an interior of the body; conveyer systems secured within the interior of the body, each of the conveyer systems having one or more brackets; a conveyer belt held via the one or more brackets; a control system to communicate with the interactive display; a motor engaged with the control system and to facilitate movement of the conveyer belt; the conveyer systems deliver products to the delivery chute based on commands received through the interactive display.

An electronic locker includes a plurality of cabinets, a measurement unit capable of measuring a dimension of an object, and a controller. The controller compares the dimension of the object measured by the measurement unit with a table of dimensions of the plurality of cabinets stored previously to select a cabinet suitable for the dimension of the object out of the plurality of cabinets.

Various embodiments of kiosks for purchasing mobile phones and other mobile electronic devices from users are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kiosks include an apparatus to turn a mobile phone over on an inspection surface. This apparatus can enable the kiosk to visually inspect both the front and back sides of the mobile device on the inspection surface with an inspection system (e.g., imaging devices, lighting devices, etc.) positioned above the inspection surface, and can eliminate the need to position a second inspection system below a transparent inspection surface to visually inspect, e.g., the back side of the mobile device through the transparent inspection surface. In some embodiments, the kiosk also includes a wireless mobile phone charging device that can be used for, e.g., phone charging and identification.

A self-sanitizing payment assembly comprising an enclosure assembly, a mounting assembly, a retractable lever assembly, a payment processor, a sanitizer and a plurality of sensors. The mounting assembly attaches the retractable lever assembly to a wall. The retractable lever assembly is disposable into and out of a plurality of expanded positions and a retracted position. The plurality of sensors may be configured with a processing unit to ascertain the position of the arm and/or hand of a user and automatically adjust the position of the payment processor and/or sanitizer to bring them closer to the user. The payment processor is configured to activate upon the sanitizer unit releasing or otherwise dispensing a sanitizer substance.

A method is performed at an electronic payment module with one or more processors, memory, a slave interface that couples the module with an unattended machine via a multi-drop bus (MDB), and one or more host interfaces that couple the module with at least one payment peripheral of the unattended machine. The method also includes: receiving, from a refund center, a request to issue an approved refund of a predetermined amount and one or more criteria that must be satisfied before dispensing the predetermined amount. In accordance with a determination that the one or more criteria are met, the method includes issuing (i) a signal to the unattended machine, via the slave interface, that the at least one payment peripheral is unavailable and (ii) a signal to the at least one payment peripheral, via the one or more host interfaces, to dispense the predetermined amount.

Various embodiments of kiosks for purchasing mobile phones and other mobile electronic devices from users are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kiosks include an apparatus to turn a mobile phone over on an inspection surface. This apparatus can enable the kiosk to visually inspect both the front and back sides of the mobile device on the inspection surface with an inspection system (e.g., imaging devices, lighting devices, etc.) positioned above the inspection surface, and can eliminate the need to position a second inspection system below a transparent inspection surface to visually inspect, e.g., the back side of the mobile device through the transparent inspection surface. In some embodiments, the kiosk also includes a wireless mobile phone charging device that can be used for, e.g., phone charging and identification.

A vending structure comprising: exterior walls, a roof and a floor all defining a main structure; at least one transaction window; at least one ATM; at least one sign; a safe room defined within the structure with heightened security features including a secure entry door; electronic systems including at least one camera, an internet connection, at least one point of sale system, and at least one power distribution system. The structure may include a second level removably mounted on top of the main structure, the second level serving as a customer lounge for consuming products vended on the main floor. The second level preferably includes a vent means for venting fumes from the second level comprising either floor grates up through which at least one fan blows air or a vent hood with a powered fan drawing fumes up and away from the second level.