Computationally implemented methods and systems include acquiring user information associated with one or more users for use in generating one or more customized food items that are customized specifically for the one or more users, the user information to be acquired including at least one or more user preferences related to integrity of one or more food ingredients to be included in the one or more customized food items; and directing generation of the one or more customized food items for the one or more users, the one or more customized food items having been customized to show one or more visual indicators that provide customized information that has been customized in accordance, at least in part, with the acquired user information. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.

Computationally implemented methods and systems include acquiring user information associated with one or more users for use in generating one or more customized food items that are customized specifically for the one or more users, the user information to be acquired including at least one or more user preferences related to integrity of one or more food ingredients to be included in the one or more customized food items; and directing generation of the one or more customized food items for the one or more users, the one or more customized food items having been customized to show one or more visual indicators that provide customized information that has been customized in accordance, at least in part, with the acquired user information. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.

A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images on transfer media to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images onto the media according to the spatial arrangement, then position the media onto a substrate. The products are automatically placed on the media proximate to their corresponding printed images. The apparatus manipulates the media to substantially surround the products and places at least one image onto each side of each product to be sublimated. One or more heating platens engage the media to sublimate the images. The heating platens are configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.

A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images on transfer media to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images onto the media according to the spatial arrangement, then position the media onto a substrate. The products are automatically placed on the media proximate to their corresponding printed images. The apparatus manipulates the media to substantially surround the products and places at least one image onto each side of each product to be sublimated. One or more heating platens engage the media to sublimate the images. The heating platens are configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.

An apparatus and method for providing one or more elongated coin souvenirs in a single payment transaction embossed with any or all available images. A user interface displays the available images and instructions on how to operate the apparatus. Once a user makes a selection and completes a payment transaction, the apparatus begins to press and emboss coins with chosen image or images. If multiple elongated coins are purchased, an electronic control system causes a delivery of a first coin and causes a pressing mechanism to elongate and emboss the first image onto the coin. Upon completion of this action, a delivery of a second coin to the pressing mechanism is impressed with the next image. These steps are then be repeated until all of the images purchased by the user are impressed onto coins and delivered to the user.

An apparatus and method for providing one or more elongated coin souvenirs in a single payment transaction embossed with any or all available images. A user interface displays the available images and instructions on how to operate the apparatus. Once a user makes a selection and completes a payment transaction, the apparatus begins to press and emboss coins with chosen image or images. If multiple elongated coins are purchased, an electronic control system causes a delivery of a first coin and causes a pressing mechanism to elongate and emboss the first image onto the coin. Upon completion of this action, a delivery of a second coin to the pressing mechanism is impressed with the next image. These steps are then be repeated until all of the images purchased by the user are impressed onto coins and delivered to the user.

An apparatus to realize a personalized cosmetic composition including a feeder to expose a base stored in a chamber, a dispenser to dispense a selected treatment mixture onto the base and form a treated base, a collector to collect the treated base from the chamber and depose the treated base onto a collection container, and a compacter to compact an accumulation of the treated base inside the collection container. The dispenser includes a plurality of reservoirs containing a plurality of additives to be selectively incorporated into the selected treatment mixture, wherein the plurality of additives includes a plurality of pigments to produce the selected treatment mixture in a selected of color.

A machine is disclosed for use in duplicating features of an existing key within a key blank. The machine may have an identification module configured to capture data associated with the features of the existing key, a fabrication module configured to cut the features in the key blank based on the data, a user input device, and a controller in communication with the identification module, the fabrication module, and the user input device. The controller may be configured to regulate operation of the identification module and the fabrication module, and to receive input from a user via the user input device. The input may be indicative of the user being a first type of user or a second type of user. The controller may also be configured to selectively implement one of a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation based on the input.

In one embodiment, a system includes: a robotic arm assembly; a plurality of components arranged around the robotic arm assembly and positioned within reach of the robotic arm assembly; and a controller configured to control operation of the robotic arm assembly within the system. Each of the plurality of components is configured to either: store ingredients under predetermined environmental conditions; store food preparation tools; dispense ingredients; blend, cook, or assemble ingredients into a completed food item; provide cleaning functionality to the system and/or components thereof; provide user access to completed food items; or display information relevant to a food item or preparation thereof to users. Methods of using such systems to prepare and dispense food items are also disclosed, and generally include translating recipes into instructions executable by the robotic arm assembly and/or components of the system, communicating such instructions to the robotic arm assembly, and executing such instructions.

A system and method for dispensing a kit of items from one or more vending machines includes a kit determination system with a kit analyzer to determine whether there is a specific kit or kits to recommend or assign to a user. A kit may be pre-assigned to the user by a third party. If there is no kit assigned to the user, a kit may be recommended to the user based on past history and a number of other factors. Also included is a vending machine kit dispensing system for dispensing a kit of items from one or more vending machines, the vending machines being interconnected on a network.