A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To avoid theft and tampering of the portable electrical energy storage devices, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is locked in and operably connected to the vehicle to which it provides power unless the vehicle comes within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device such as that in a service center. Once within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device a locking mechanism in the vehicle or within the portable electrical energy storage device unlocks and allows the portable electrical energy storage device to be exchanged or serviced.

Aspects of the invention may involve systems, methods, and computer readable medium. In an embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method for paying for usage of a pay per use device may be provided. The method may transmit device identification information from the device to a server. Device setup information and vend price may be received and the vend price may be displayed. User identification may be received and transmitted to the server. An account balance value may be received and displayed on the display. A start request may be received and transmitted to the server. The device may start and an updated account balance may be displayed.

The present application provides an automated device, including a corresponding network system, that dispenses and receives shared/rental equipment such as umbrellas, sporting equipment, safety accessories and consumer electronics. The device preferably has a mechanical guide that is used to hold the shared/rental equipment or its packaging by using an anchoring structure. A tracking system can be used to track the return and rental processes. Ideally, the device utilizes a central database which can be accessed through internet for administrating the transactions (e.g. rental and return processes) with the device as well as tracking the users, inventory and locations.

An activation system includes an interactive device that requires activation, an activation device configured to authorize the activation the interactive device based on received user input, and a user input device communicatively coupled to the interactive device and the activation device configured to receive the user input, submit the user input to the activation device, receive an activation authorization signal from the activation device, and activate the interactive device. Example interactive devices include arcade games, a gambling machines, coin-operated devices, door locks, etc. A user input device such as a tablet based computer connected with a legacy or dated interactive device and communicatively coupled to the activation device allows for such a legacy or dated interactive device having a legacy activation input interface to be activated with more flexible techniques.

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 charger vending assembly includes a housing that may be positioned on a support surface. A vending unit is movably positioned within the housing and the vending unit contains a plurality of chargers. The vending unit selectively dispenses a selected number of the chargers outwardly from the housing. In this way the selected number of chargers may be used to charge an electronic device. A control unit is coupled to the housing and the control unit is selectively manipulated. The control unit is electrically coupled to the vending unit such that the control unit controls operational parameters of the vending unit. The vending unit dispenses the selected chargers in accordance with commands from the control unit.

The invention is a system including a network of portable vending containers configured to provide on-site storage and vending services.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Locations of collection, charging and distribution machines having available charged portable electrical energy storage devices are communicated to or acquired by a mobile device of a user, or displayed on a collection, charging and distribution machine. The locations are indicated on a graphical user interface on a map on a user's mobile device relative to the user's current location. The user may use their mobile device select particular locations on the map to reserve an available portable electrical energy storage device. The system nay also warn the user that the user is near an edge of the pre-determined area having portable electrical energy storage device collection, charging and distribution machines. Reservations may also be made automatically based on information regarding a potential route of a user.

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.

Aspects of the invention may involve systems, methods, and computer readable medium. In an embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method for paying for usage of a pay per use device may be provided. The method may transmit device identification information from the device to a server. Device setup information and vend price may be received and the vend price may be displayed. User identification may be received and transmitted to the server. An account balance value may be received and displayed on the display. A start request may be received and transmitted to the server. The device may start and an updated account balance may be displayed.