Automated cold storage unit and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other products in compliance with regulatory requirements are provided. Such units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more controlled temperature zones fitted with temperature sensors. The units include a reader to track product information and status. Product movement within the unit is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with secure access to the contents of the unit and associated product data and information.

An electronic commerce system comprising an electronic commerce platform for looking at items and preparing an order from a computer connected to the server of the platform via a computer network. At least one piece of equipment for providing an order comprising at least one area equipped with a counter that is controlled by the local computer and means for conversing with a code reader. The area comprises a plurality of mobile compartments configured to be related by said counter allowing the items to be removed and/or put into said compartment. Means for allowing the registration of a code corresponding to the compartment containing the items of an order, the secure transmission of said code is the form of an electronic identification and means to present said code to activate the movement of the compartment under consideration opposite the counter and opening of said counter to remove items corresponding to the order.

An electronic commerce system comprising an electronic commerce platform for looking at items and preparing an order from a computer connected to the server of the platform via a computer network. At least one piece of equipment for providing an order comprising at least one area equipped with a counter that is controlled by the local computer and means for conversing with a code reader. The area comprises a plurality of mobile compartments configured to be related by said counter allowing the items to be removed and/or put into said compartment. Means for allowing the registration of a code corresponding to the compartment containing the items of an order, the secure transmission of said code is the form of an electronic identification and means to present said code to activate the movement of the compartment under consideration opposite the counter and opening of said counter to remove items corresponding to the order.

Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for modular vending systems utilizing reloadable product dispensing modules, including, but not limited to, vertical product dispensing modules comprising a vertical conveyor and a mounting structure for releasably engaging with module holder structures of modular vending machines, and a central controller device for communicating with a plurality of modular vending machines.

Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for modular vending systems utilizing reloadable product dispensing modules, including, but not limited to, vertical product dispensing modules comprising a vertical conveyor and a mounting structure for releasably engaging with module holder structures of modular vending machines, and a central controller device for communicating with a plurality of modular vending machines.

Automatic dispenser (10) of portable terminals (100), comprising a vertical body (11) having a fully closed storage area (20) including a plurality of compartments (50) for storing a corresponding plurality of portable terminals (100) to be taken by authorised users. At least one access door (25) is arranged on said vertical body (11) at said storage area (20) to provide for a selective access within the storage area (20). The dispenser (10) comprises a wireless charging unit arranged within said storage area (20) at each compartment (50) and an air conditioning system (200) configured to control temperature and humidity of each compartment (50).

Automatic dispenser (10) of portable terminals (100), comprising a vertical body (11) having a fully closed storage area (20) including a plurality of compartments (50) for storing a corresponding plurality of portable terminals (100) to be taken by authorised users. At least one access door (25) is arranged on said vertical body (11) at said storage area (20) to provide for a selective access within the storage area (20). The dispenser (10) comprises a wireless charging unit arranged within said storage area (20) at each compartment (50) and an air conditioning system (200) configured to control temperature and humidity of each compartment (50).

An article dispensing machine capable of performing an inventory audit of a portion of the inventory and automatically pausing the inventory audit in response to a customer transaction request and method for performing the same are shown. After completing the customer request, the article dispensing machine resumes the inventory auditing process. The article dispensing machine thereby remains available for customer use during the inventory auditing process.

An article dispensing machine capable of performing an inventory audit of a portion of the inventory and automatically pausing the inventory audit in response to a customer transaction request and method for performing the same are shown. After completing the customer request, the article dispensing machine resumes the inventory auditing process. The article dispensing machine thereby remains available for customer use during the inventory auditing process.

A beverage dispenser for dispensing one or more products is disclosed. The beverage dispenser may include a housing having a dispensing port, a shaft disposed within the housing, and a tray rotatably attached to the shaft. The tray may be tilted towards the dispensing port relative to the shaft. The tray may rotate the one or more products disposed thereon to the dispensing port via gravity after one of the one or more products disposed on the tray is dispensed.