A gas cylinder counting apparatus that has a cage or rack with aligned parallel rows or bins of industrial gas cylinders stored in the cage or cage having upright posts with gas cylinder movement detectors. Gas cylinders in each bin are separated from each other to form an x-y cylinder array. Sensors attached to posts count cylinder removals by changes of state of the cylinder array and report removal of a cylinder from the bin to a local server. When gas cylinders are removed from cages, local servers report to a remote server that may be in a cloud having management software for gas cylinder delivery using orders from each local server.

A method for encoding orders and expediting order processing across a distributed network that enables expedited processing of orders, and expedient fulfillment of repeatable orders, by use of a code in lieu of particular order data, wherein a code input into a merchant point of sale effects communication with a remote server hosting a unique customer account whereby particular order data, associated by the customer with the specific code, is retrievable to effect expeditious fulfillment of the order by use of the code as proxy.

A method for producing a preferably cosmetic item. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for producing preferably cosmetic items, and to a packing unit, in particular a capsule (33), for producing preferably cosmetic items. According to the invention, it is provided that the cosmetic ingredients (12) preferably required for production are available to a final consumer in precisely pre-measured units, in order for the final consumer to produce a domestic quantity of the preferably cosmetic item.

A computer-implemented method includes generating on a user terminal a merchant web site associated with a merchant with code for a merchant web page, transmitting a product selection request for the user to a remote open payment system that is separate from the merchant, and displaying purchase information responsive to the product selection request using the code for the merchant web page.

An order management device is connectable to a store station device and order receiving servers operated by an order receiving agent for sending customer orders to a store. A processor of the order management device acquires first order data in different formats from the plurality of order receiving servers then generates corresponding second order data in a format matching a data format used by the store station device. The second order data is then transmitted to the store station device via a communication interface. The processor also sends a preparation completion notice to an order receiving server after receiving a notice of completion of preparation work from the store station device.

Disclosed is a method of facilitating placement of an order at a restaurant. The method may include receiving at least one message comprising the order from a user device. Further, the method may include transforming the at least one message into a structured order. Furthermore, the method may include detecting at least one location of the user device based on a communication between the user device and at least one transceiver. Further, the at least one transceiver may be configured to perform one or more of transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves. Additionally, the method may include transmitting the order to the user device and receiving a confirmation of the order from the user device. Further, the method may include performing at least one action on the at least one message based on the at least one location of the user device and the confirmation of the order.

A computer implemented method for processing products listed in a landscaping project, includes the steps of: collecting and capturing open format raw data of a material list; translating the captured data into text format data; mapping the text format data to generate a matched material list with associated procurement information; generating a smart spreadsheet including an array of smart cells; wherein at least one smart cell corresponds to a particular itemized plant name or landscaping supply to display a content match indicator. When the content match indicator is less than a target value, search for a substitute; forwarding to the client device, the smart spreadsheet for user's selections or modifications to the contents according to user's preference; in response to a user's modifying the content of the smart cell, updating the smart spreadsheet; and displaying a total cost estimate for bidding or for procurement for the landscaping project.

An Menu Advertising system is disclosed which presents menu items to a user and that allows a user to input menu selections in connection with making purchases while using an electronic device. In connection with inputting user characteristics gleaned from a history of user purchase history, menu selection, demographic data, etc., menu items may be tailor to a particular user or what's determined to be a particular type of user. In addition, advertisements may be presented to a user during the user interaction with the electronic device. The advertisement may be a video or a number of still images presented in accordance with analytic data determined from prior purchases and an volunteered information from the user.

A system and method for predictive restaurant table request fulfillment with concurrent food choice preparation has been developed. The invention makes use of multiple factors such as type of restaurant, time of day, menu items ordered and previous eating speed characteristics to predict when table within a restaurant will become vacant. This capability is used to predict table vacancy at given future time points allowing patrons to make very short notice, next table available requests remotely and be notified with pre-specified lead time when their table becomes available. Food preparation time tracking enables menu item delivery at time of patron seating.

A system and method for predictive restaurant table request fulfillment with concurrent food choice preparation has been developed. The invention makes use of multiple factors such as type of restaurant, time of day, menu items ordered and previous eating speed characteristics to predict when table within a restaurant will become vacant. This capability is used to predict table vacancy at given future time points allowing patrons to make very short notice, next table available requests remotely and be notified with pre-specified lead time when their table becomes available. Food preparation time tracking enables menu item delivery at time of patron seating.