Provided is a computer-implemented method for predicting payment transactions using a machine learning technique that includes receiving transaction data, generating a categorical transaction model based on the transaction data, determining a plurality of prediction scores including determining, for one or more users, a prediction score in each merchant category of a plurality of merchant categories for each predetermined time segment of a plurality of predetermined time segments, where a respective prediction score includes a prediction of whether a user will conduct a payment transaction in a merchant category at a time associated with a predetermined time segment associated with the respective prediction score, determining a recommended merchant category and a recommended predetermined time segment of at least one offer, generating the at least one offer, and communicating the at least one offer to the one or more users. A system and computer program product are also disclosed.

A method for dispensing a beverage container to a consumer. The method includes receiving in a beverage container dispenser a first beverage container that contains a beverage corresponding to a beverage selection of a user. The method further includes dispensing a second beverage container containing the beverage from a temperature-regulated compartment of the beverage container dispenser. The second beverage container that is dispensed from the temperature-regulated compartment corresponds to the beverage selection of the user.

The invention relates to a method and a system for beverage preparation according to a person-specific, individual recipe. The method for preparing a beverage according to an individual recipe takes place by using a preparation device comprising a positioning device for a drinking vessel and a receiving device for an identification feature. The method includes creating an individual recipe, storing the individual recipe in a recipe pool of a data storage unit, whereby the data storage unit can be reached via an EDP network, linking the identification feature to the recipe pool, positioning the drinking vessel into the preparation device, receiving the identification feature, retrieving the recipe pool that is linked to the identification feature, preparing the beverage according to a recipe from the recipe pool, and filling the beverage into the drinking vessel by the preparation device.

A outdoor large item vending system for large items such as propane tanks, liquid petroleum gas cylinders of various sizes and other items that must be stored in and dispensed from a hazardous location compliant system (i.e. a Class I, Division 2 compliant system). The vending system can be placed on a store front, parking lot, campsite, or park, and comprises a main housing having compartments to hold large items such as propane container, which are dispensed from the compartments when a payment is made through a credit card reader interface located in the main housing. The large item vending system of the invention is powered by AC current which is turned to DC power by a power supply, or DC batteries charged by AC power and/or solar power, or by other power means.

An improvement is made to a funnel used in connection with a conveyor belt to increase the scanning speed of barcodes on items moving through the funnel and onto the conveyor belt. The funnel includes a funnel protrusion that provides mechanical support and optical access to a bottom-facing barcode on the container. The increased field of view for the barcode created by the funnel protrusion allows for increased scanning speed. Further, a camera system may be used with the funnel to increase scanning speed. The camera system may include a plurality of cameras and a plurality of mirrors to obtain multiple perspectives of the container and provide different images for faster processing.

The present disclosure provides an orienting system for orienting a beverage cans. The system includes a cradle for horizontally receiving a beverage can, mounted on a support frame. The cradle includes an open receiving portion extending towards and between a top end direction and a bottom end. The support frame is provided with a mechanism for enabling a tilting movement to the cradle supported thereon, thereby releasing the beverage can. The system further includes a sensing unit for sensing a top portion of the beverage can. Additionally, the system includes a control unit for receiving a sensing information from the sensing unit and accordingly provide a movement instruction to the support frame such that the beverage can is released in a top upright position.

Methods and systems are disclosed including a semi-automated canister distribution system comprising a first and a second cabinet system having a first and second door, respectively; a remote controller device configured to: receive information indicative of a transaction from a user for a return of a first canister and pickup of a second canister stored in the second cabinet system; and transmit signals to change the first and second doors from the locked state to the unlocked state; unit detection device(s); and a remote display configured to receive a real-time visual feed from the unit detection device(s).

The present application provides an intake mechanism for a product into a merchandiser. The intake mechanism may include an input tray, a reciprocating assembly to maneuver the input tray, an identification module, and an input control system. The input control system permits access to the merchandiser as the input tray is maneuvered by the reciprocating assembly if the product is identified by the identification module.

A device for singulation of used beverage or food containers received in bulk into individual objects, including: a first receiving area arranged for simultaneously receiving and keeping a plurality of containers; a second receiving area positioned at a higher vertical level than the first receiving area, wherein the device further includes a transporting device comprising a container elevating member for transporting a container from the first receiving area to the second receiving area wherein the elevating member is attached to said transporting device, moves along and is locked to a circumferential path around a first axis upon activation of the transporting device, and the first axis is inclined at an angle of 1 to 45 relative the horizontal plane.

Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.