One or more example embodiments provide a vending machine (105) that detects refrigerant leaks. The vending machine includes a main cabinet (605), a sensor circuit (615), and control equipment (830). The sensor circuit is configured to detect a refrigerant leaked in the main cabinet. The control equipment is configured to operate a component (620) of the refrigerated vending machine based on the detected refrigerant.

A shelving assembly is provided for a container. The shelving assembly includes a first shelf movably positioned in the container and configured to support a first stock. The shelving assembly further includes a plurality of first support members configured to support the first shelf and displace the first shelf between a first position and a second position in the container based on a weight sensed by at least one first weight sensor to maintain the first stock at an opening of the container. Additionally, the shelving assembly includes a second shelf positioned adjacent within the container and configured to support a second stock. The first shelf is configured to be removed at the second position to facilitate the first stock descending onto the second stock on the second shelf. Accordingly, the shelving assembly facilitates first in first out stock rotation.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for collection of products, the system comprising: at least one carrier (8) for carrying products (40); a collection point (14), at which collection point a user (10) of the system can remove products from the carrier; and a transporter arrangement (16, 20) for transporting the carrier to the collection point; wherein the system is arranged to physically inhibit (42) removal of the carrier by the user from the collection point.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for collection of products, the system comprising: at least one carrier (8) for carrying products (40); a collection point (14), at which collection point a user (10) of the system can remove products from the carrier; and a transporter arrangement (16, 20) for transporting the carrier to the collection point; wherein the system is arranged to physically inhibit (42) removal of the carrier by the user from the collection point.

An automated dispensing system that releases a selected quantity of an edible or non-edible bulk product is provided. Using a digital interface or a dispense button, consumers select a specified amount of bulk product to be dispensed (by weight, mass, or cost). The product is then dispensed into a receptacle container and the system calculates the quantity and corresponding cost that was dispensed into the receptacle container. Using an identification key system, consumers can activate the automatic dispensing system. The identification key may be used to track and store the user's dispensed bulk products. This information may be uploaded to a database that is later called upon at the time of checkout to tabulate the users total cost of dispensed bulk products. The system can also update an inventory database of the bulk products.

An automated dispensing system that releases a selected quantity of an edible or non-edible bulk product is provided. Using a digital interface or a dispense button, consumers select a specified amount of bulk product to be dispensed (by weight, mass, or cost). The product is then dispensed into a receptacle container and the system calculates the quantity and corresponding cost that was dispensed into the receptacle container. Using an identification key system, consumers can activate the automatic dispensing system. The identification key may be used to track and store the user's dispensed bulk products. This information may be uploaded to a database that is later called upon at the time of checkout to tabulate the users total cost of dispensed bulk products. The system can also update an inventory database of the bulk products.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to determining an action to be performed based on vibrations detected on a product display unit. In some embodiments, a system for determining an action to perform based on vibrations comprises the product display unit, one or more vibration sensors, the one or more vibration sensors affixed to the product display unit and configured to detect vibration of the product display unit and transmit an indication of the vibration of the product display unit, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the one or more vibration sensors and configured to receive, from the one or more vibration sensors, the indication of the vibration, estimate, based on the indication of the vibration a characteristic of at least one item on the product display unit, and determine, based on the characteristic, the action to be performed.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to determining an action to be performed based on vibrations detected on a product display unit. In some embodiments, a system for determining an action to perform based on vibrations comprises the product display unit, one or more vibration sensors, the one or more vibration sensors affixed to the product display unit and configured to detect vibration of the product display unit and transmit an indication of the vibration of the product display unit, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the one or more vibration sensors and configured to receive, from the one or more vibration sensors, the indication of the vibration, estimate, based on the indication of the vibration a characteristic of at least one item on the product display unit, and determine, based on the characteristic, the action to be performed.

Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.

Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.