A self-service kiosk is disclosed. The self-service kiosk may have a housing, including a user interface. The user interface may receive from a user a selection of an item. The user interface may also receive from the user a payment for a purchase of the item. The self-service kiosk may include a fabrication system disposed within the housing. The fabrication system may fabricate the item selected by the user. The self-service kiosk may also include a packaging system. The packaging system may sealingly enclose the item in a package. Further, the self-service kiosk may include a bin that may dispense the package, including the item, to the user.

Provided is a management system (1) which allows a machine tool (101) to be installed in any region and which can charge a use fee corresponding to usage of the machine tool (101) efficiently. The management system (1) includes at least one machine tool (101) having attached thereto a use monitoring device (110) having a communication function for connecting to Internet (2), and disposed at a location available to a specified or unspecified user, and a management device (10) connecting to the Internet (2) and communicating with the use monitoring device (110). The use monitoring device (110) transmits information on usage of the machine tool (101) to the management device (10), and the management device (10) calculates, as a use fee, a cost corresponding to the usage of the machine tool (101) received from the use monitoring device (110), and then executes a processing of charging the calculated use fee to the user.

A medical system includes a medical apparatus, a computer, a user input device, and at least one feature in communication with and controlled by the computer. The computer is in communication with the user input device, which is configured and arranged to allow a user to purchase the use of the feature. The computer is configured to enable the use of the feature after the user purchases use of the feature.

A system and method for vending digital video discs is provided. A request is received from a user to complete a rental transaction for a first digital video disc. A database is queried to determine whether a quantity of a set of second digital video discs in a vending inventory exceeds a predetermined threshold. A discount offer notification is presented to the user to rent one of the set of second digital video discs, upon determining that the quantity of the set of second digital video discs exceeds the predetermined threshold. A second request from the user to rent one of the second set of digital video discs is received, and one of the set of second digital video discs is vended to the user.

Kiosk systems and methods for vending mobile phones and other electronic devices to, and/or for purchasing mobile phones and other electronic devices from, consumers are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, such systems can include subsystems for transferring data from, e.g., a purchased phone to a vended phone.

Assembly for giving access to at least one wheelchair (1) comprising a frame (2) supported by wheels (5, 7) and provided with a seat (3), the assembly comprising a docking station (100) having a structure (201) delimiting at least one docking point designed to receive the chair such that, when the chair is in the docking point, the chair rests on its wheels and the seat of the chair is disposed so as to be usable by a user who wishes to sit down.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. The charging and distribution machines may distribute portable electrical energy storage devices of particular performance characteristics and other attributes based on customer preferences and/or customer profiles. The charging and distribution machines may provide instructions to or otherwise program portable electrical energy storage devices stored within the charging and distribution machines to perform at various levels according to user preferences and user profiles.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices. To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source. As demand at individual collection, charging and distribution machines increases or decreases relative to other collection, charging and distribution machines, a distribution management system initiates redistribution of portable electrical energy storage devices from one collection, charging and distribution machine to another collection, charging and distribution machine in an expeditious manner. Also, redeemable incentives are offered to users to return or exchange their portable electrical energy storage devices at selected collection, charging and distribution machines within the network to effect the redistribution.

Described are methods and systems for accessing shared communal objects. A physical object container holds and protects the objects, keeping them secure and protected for future use. The object container senses the state and status of the objects contained within it. The object container is only openable by authorized users. An information infrastructure backend coordinates the scheduling and usage of objects stored within the object container.

Embodiments relate generally to a system having one or more computerized kiosks (102, 150, 160, 180, 192) operable to associate a personal protection device (104) to a worker's personal information. In some embodiments, the kiosk (102, 150, 160, 180, 192) can use the worker's personal information to custom configure the personal protection device (104), so that the device (104) will better suit the needs of the specific worker.