Abstract: Systems and methods for improved perturbation generation are provided. A perturbation generation system can include a first rotor and a second rotor. The first rotor can be configured to hold a first magnet and a second magnet. The second rotor can be configured to hold a third magnet and a fourth magnet. The first rotor can be rotatably and proximately arranged with the second rotor, where the first and second magnets can be configured to interact with the third and fourth magnets to create a force between the first rotor and the second rotor as the first rotor rotates relative to the second rotor.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing price indication of articles selected for purchase prior to actual purchase embodies a system having a reader for reading article UPC indication and generating output signals indicative thereof, a comparator for receipt of the reader output signals and for providing at least first and second output signals upon respective determinations that such received signals are indicative of an article retailed by bulk weight pricing or an article retailed per piece pricing, a scale accessible to a customer for weighing the articles and generating output signals indicative of the weight thereof, a numeric entry unit accessible to a customer for entering the numbers of pieces of the selected articles and generating output signals indicative of such entered numbers, and a display accessible to the customer and responsive to the first and second comparator output signals respectively to provide indication to the customer for usage of the scale or the numeric entry unit.

Abstract: A system is provided for the operator-unassisted checkout of articles, inclusive of bulk articles, typically of the nature of produce or the like, wherein supermarket personnel or a customer applies a UPC label to the bulk articles upon selection, as distinguished from the normal instances wherein the article bears a "source-applied" UPC indication, e.g., as in the case of source-packaged goods. Price computation is effected for the bulk articles by scanning of the UPC indication and use of price per unit weight or price per piece derived from storage responsively to the scanning. The article measured weight or the numbers of the article are used respectively in computation of price for the selected bulk article.