A locker system for shipment delivery and pick-up comprising: a remote shipping system, a long distance communication network, and a locker bank communicating with the remote shipping system via the long distance communication network and comprising a processor with a digital storage and a series of single shipment compartments equipped with doors electronically controlled by the processor, a drop compartment comprising an aperture for shipment drop-offs and whose access is protected by a rotating locking protection electronically controlled by the processor, and a locking collection door electronically controlled by the processor and protecting access to the drop compartment, the rotating locking protection and locking collection door being in the same vertical plane as the doors of the single shipment compartments.

A locker system for shipment delivery and pick-up comprising: a remote shipping system, a long distance communication network, and a locker bank communicating with the remote shipping system via the long distance communication network and comprising a processor with a digital storage and a series of single shipment compartments equipped with doors electronically controlled by the processor, a drop compartment comprising an aperture for shipment drop-offs and whose access is protected by a rotating locking protection electronically controlled by the processor, and a locking collection door electronically controlled by the processor and protecting access to the drop compartment, the rotating locking protection and locking collection door being in the same vertical plane as the doors of the single shipment compartments.

One or more vending tracks (e.g., for strollers, carts, or other such vehicles) can be indirectly coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to a single kiosk managing the rental transaction. The kiosk does not store instructions or other data for operating the vending tracks. Rather, management of the vending tracks is handled by a controller that is external of the kiosk. The controller may be mounted to an exterior of the kiosk, to one of the tracks, or elsewhere. The controller connects (e.g., wirelessly couples) to a respective communications unit of each vending track.

One or more vending tracks (e.g., for strollers, carts, or other such vehicles) can be indirectly coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to a single kiosk managing the rental transaction. The kiosk does not store instructions or other data for operating the vending tracks. Rather, management of the vending tracks is handled by a controller that is external of the kiosk. The controller may be mounted to an exterior of the kiosk, to one of the tracks, or elsewhere. The controller connects (e.g., wirelessly couples) to a respective communications unit of each vending track.

A system for automatic filling of medication organizers comprises i) a storage unit for medication containers that is accessible from a first side thereof, ii) a plurality of medication organizer filling units, each having a temporary storage rack that is accessible from a side of the medication filling units that faces the storage unit, and iii) a container handling system that is positioned between the storage unit and the temporary storage racks and that is movable between the storage unit and each of the temporary storage racks for transferring selected medication containers therebetween. The system allows minimizing idle times by moving medication containers between the storage unit and temporary storage racks simultaneously to the filling process.

A system for automatic filling of medication organizers comprises i) a storage unit for medication containers that is accessible from a first side thereof, ii) a plurality of medication organizer filling units, each having a temporary storage rack that is accessible from a side of the medication filling units that faces the storage unit, and iii) a container handling system that is positioned between the storage unit and the temporary storage racks and that is movable between the storage unit and each of the temporary storage racks for transferring selected medication containers therebetween. The system allows minimizing idle times by moving medication containers between the storage unit and temporary storage racks simultaneously to the filling process.

A vending machine system for exchanging CO.sub.2 gas cylinders, the system including a controller in communication with a user interface, a payment system and an array of bin assemblies, wherein each one of the bin assemblies is shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO.sub.2 gas cylinder and includes a locking system for releasably securing therein a CO.sub.2 gas cylinder, said system for performing the steps of: (a) receiving user input through the user interface; and (b) if the user input represents a desire to conduct maintenance, then the system performs the steps of: (i) confirming that the user is authorized to conduct maintenance; (ii) unlocking an empty CO.sub.2 gas cylinder from a respective bin assembly for removal by the user; (iii) receiving a full CO.sub.2 gas cylinder in an emptied bin assembly; and (iv) securing the full CO.sub.2 gas cylinder received in the emptied bin assembly.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for an automated storage system. The container has a base which extends across an area that has a center point and an imaginary center axis that extends through the center point. The container also has a casing with a bottom end connected to the base and a top end opposing the bottom end and defining an opening for accessing the container. The casing extends from the base in a direction which has a component parallel to the center axis. A rim extends from the second end of the casing away from the center axis. A bottom-facing skirt extends from the rim, whereby a gripping space is formed between the casing, rim and skirt of the container.

A method for remotely controlling a CO.sub.2 gas cylinder vending machine system, the method including displaying a remote vending machine user interface on a display of a user device, receiving on the user device user input indicating a desire to engage with the vending machine system to perform at least one of the following operations (a) return a CO.sub.2 cylinder; (b) purchase a CO.sub.2 cylinder; or (c) exchange a CO.sub.2 cylinder. The method including transmitting the user input over a communications network to a communications interface of the vending machine system, receiving the user input at the communication interface of the vending machine system and controlling the vending machine system, by a controller, based on the received user input.

A vending machine system for exchanging CO.sub.2 gas cylinders, the system including a controller in communication with a user interface, a payment system and an array of bin assemblies, wherein each one of the bin assemblies is shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO.sub.2 gas cylinder and includes a locking system for releasably securing therein a CO.sub.2 gas cylinder, said system for performing the steps of (a) receiving user input through the user interface; and (b) if the user input represents a desire to exchange a CO.sub.2 gas cylinder, then the system performs the steps of (i) receiving payment from the user through the payment system for a replacement CO.sub.2 gas cylinder; (ii) receiving a CO.sub.2 gas cylinder in a first one of said bin assemblies; and (iii) the locking system releasing a full CO.sub.2 gas cylinder located in a second one of said bin assemblies for collection by the user.