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.

A parking management system includes: a mobile terminal including a user information storage unit configured to store user information, a reading unit configured to read identification information of a parking section from a code correlated with the parking section, a time identifying unit configured to identify a parking start time or a parking end time of a vehicle based on a predetermined input, and a transmission unit configured to transmit parking information including the stored user information, the read identification information, and the identified time to a server; and a server including a parking information storage unit configured to store reservation information for the parking section, a reception unit configured to receive the parking information from the mobile terminal, and a determination unit configured to determine whether parking of the vehicle in the parking section matches reservation details based on the reservation information and the parking information.

A system for vending consumer goods in a vehicle includes a container for storing consumable units of at least one sort of consumer goods, a sensor system including at least one first sensor configured to detect removal of a consumable unit from the container by a consumer, and a computer system connected to the sensor system via a data network. The computer system includes a user database storing a user account assigned to the consumer and a service database storing a price for each consumable unit. Each user account comprises a service payment account listing services and a corresponding amount of money due for each service. The computer system is configured to retrieve from the service database a price for the removed consumable unit and to charge the service payment account of the consumer with an amount of money corresponding to the price of the removed consumable unit.

The present invention comprises a method of managing car wash membership programs that uses unique vehicle identifiers that can be read directly from a vehicle's onboard computer. This method works with vehicles that possess an onboard computer (i.e., “connected cars”) that collects data on the vehicle itself (e.g. vehicle identification number (VIN), oil life, fuel level) and exposes an interface that makes it possible for external systems to request and read this data. An example scenario utilizing this method involves a customer who installs a software application (app) for the car wash on their smartphone. The customer then selects their desired subscription car wash package within the app and the app initiates a communication link directly with the vehicle that will be associated with this membership account. Once the communication link is established between the smartphone app and the vehicle, a unique identifier will be requested from the vehicle's onboard computer, such as the VIN, and this vehicle identifier will be linked to the customer's membership account which is stored in an external system, typically in a cloud-based server and database. When the customer arrives at the car wash to request wash services under their membership, they will first use the smartphone app to “check in” to the car wash location by verifying that the vehicle associated with the customer's membership account is physically within a predefined distance of the car wash. The smartphone app may then establish a communication link with the vehicle to request its unique identifier and then pass this data to the external server and database to verify if the customer and vehicle are registered, active, and authorized to receive the requested service(s). If the request is deemed valid, then the smartphone app will provide a means of activating the requested car wash service(s), such as through a unique numeric code entered into the pay station kiosk, a barcode or QR code to be scanned and recognized by the pay station kiosk, a wireless signal sent directly or indirectly to the pay station kiosk or car wash controller for activation, or other equivalent methods. The service(s) rendered will then be logged and stored in the external system for future reference to ensure any limits on wash usage are not exceeded by the customer's account.

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. By default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from accepting a charge unless it receives authentication information from an authorized collection, charging and distribution machine, other authorized charging device, or other authorized device that transmits the authentication credentials. Also, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from releasing energy unless it receives authentication information from an external device to which it will provide power, such as a vehicle or other authorization device.

Various prison services are rendered more efficient by providing inmates access to portable electronic devices in a controlled and regulated manner. A dispenser is employed to control and monitor the checking out and return of portable electronic devices and to communicate with such devices during use by inmates to monitor inmate use and ensure the portable electronic devices are only used by inmates as authorized.

A system and method for dispensing sporting equipment sticks is provided. Embodiments have a controller generating a release signal in response to completing a purchase of a selected sporting equipment stick that is secured within the sporting equipment stick vending machine; a plurality of securing latches each defining a lockable compartment that receives a portion of a shaft of a sporting equipment stick, and wherein each one of the plurality of securing latches open to release its respective sporting equipment stick in response to the release signal received from the controller; and a stick guide system with a plurality of restraining apertures that are configured to receive a portion of a handle of the sporting equipment stick, wherein a size of reach restraining aperture is sized to receive a proximal end of the sporting equipment stick. The securing latch and corresponding restraining aperture cooperatively secure the sporting equipment stick.

An apparatus for replacing a used battery pack of a portable device with a charged battery pack. The apparatus is configured to receive a portable device with the battery pack housed therein, unlock the battery pack by automation means and extract it from the housing, insert and lock another battery pack into the housing. In another aspect, the invention relates to a portable device comprising a battery pack and battery pack housing, which is configured to be inserted into the housing, locked therein and provide electrical charge either to the housing or to devices that are electrically connected to the housing. The battery pack may be unlocked and retrieved from the housing and, in turn, replaced with another battery pack (e.g. a charged battery pack).

Various prison services are rendered more efficient by providing inmates access to portable electronic devices in a controlled and regulated manner. A dispenser is employed to control and monitor the checking out and return of portable electronic devices and to communicate with such devices during use by inmates to monitor inmate use and ensure the portable electronic devices are only used by inmates as authorized.

Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with computerized item rental using beacons are described. In one embodiment, a method includes maintaining a data structure mapping user identifiers to beacon identifiers associated with rental items being rented by corresponding users. The example method may also receiving a beacon signal from a beacon device associated with a rental time. The example method may also include querying the data structure using a beacon identifier extracted from the beacon signal to determine if the rental item is rented or available for rent. The example method may also include creating an entry within the data structure to indicate that the rental item is now being rented.