Abstract: An information interface and method for finding, collecting and acting upon information which has been arranged in hierarchical form. In its best mode of implementation, the interface has a display area with four components: a content area for showing units of information at a particular level in a hierarchy, a context area for showing the information node which is parent to the displayed level of units, an identity area for showing the sequence of such parents in the user's navigation history through the information relative to the currently displayed level, and a desire area for the user to collect and act upon desired units of information. The method of the invention provides two functions: one for clarification, for navigating the hierarchy of information, moving forward and backward through the nodes and branches; and a second for memorization, for collecting desired units of information and then acting upon them.

Abstract: An information interface and method for finding, collecting and acting upon information which has been arranged in hierarchical form. In its best mode of implementation, the interface has a display area with four components: a content area for showing units of information at a particular level in a hierarchy, a context area for showing the information node which is parent to the displayed level of units, an identity area for showing the sequence of such parents in the user's navigation history through the information relative to the currently displayed level, and a desire area for the user to collect and act upon desired units of information. The method of the invention provides two functions: one for clarification, for navigating the hierarchy of information, moving forward and backward through the nodes and branches; and a second for memorization, for collecting desired units of information and then acting upon them.

Abstract: An information interface and method for finding, collecting and acting upon information which has been arranged in hierarchical form. In its best mode of implementation, the interface has a display area with four components: a content area for showing units of information at a particular level in a hierarchy, a context area for showing the information node which is parent to the displayed level of units, an identity area for showing the sequence of such parents in the user's navigation history through the information relative to the currently displayed level, and a desire area for the user to collect and act upon desired units of information. The method of the invention provides two functions: one for clarification, for navigating the hierarchy of information, moving forward and backward through the nodes and branches; and a second for memorization, for collecting desired units of information and then acting upon them.

Abstract: A device for efficient storage, measuring, and dispensing of several powdered and/or particulate materials holds these materials in a side-by-side array of compartments. Each compartment has a storage chamber and a measuring chamber. Dispensing is prompted by gravity and agitation, for orderly flow of each material through its two chambers as their drain gates are selectively opened. Simultaneously with the opening of the gate under either chamber, a dc eccentric motor acts on that chamber to break up any clumps of material that might impede free flow. Each of the two chambers has its own motor. The storage chamber array is structurally separate from the measuring chamber array, so that the two chambers can vibrate separately, further improving free flow.

Abstract: An automatic spice and herb dispenser including a plurality of separate independent compartments, each compartment including an upper spice and herb storage chamber and a lower dispensing chamber. A vibrator is disposed in each upper chamber for breaking up any spices and herbs therein. A measured dispenser is provided at the bottom of each lower chamber for receiving broken up herbs and spices therein.

Abstract: A combination tea dispenser and brewer wherein a variety of different teas are provided in individual dispensers which are located in a position to dispense tea into an area where the dispensed tea is contacted by boiling water to brew the same. The brewed tea falls into a pot on the dispenser and is ready to be served.

Abstract: A multi-compartmented pill dispenser having a plurality of vertical compartment modules. Each module has a sloping floor to facilitate the removal of pills from the dispenser. The dispenser is resiliently supported at its base to provide vibratory motion when tapped. A locking mechanism includes a bar adjacent the doors of the compartment modules. The bar is movable between a locked position in which the doors are engaged and a released position in which the doors are free to open.