Abstract: A method for creating a ready-to-use product from a concentrated form comprises providing a source of locally supplied diluent to a dispenser having a fill station, providing a container of first concentrate at a remote site, providing a first product container, identifying the container by the dispenser, placing indicia with the fill date on the first product container and filling the container with the diluent and the concentrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A container release assembly is positioned at the end of the vend queue to vend a container upon activation. The container release assembly acts on the first-in-line container to be vended and on the second-in-line container, by retaining the second-in-line container while the first is being released. The container release assembly acts on the containers from two opposite sides of the containers.

Abstract: A vending machine with a cabinet for articles having a long dimension and a short dimension. A multiplicity of shelves are supported in cabinet. Helical feeder coils rest within slots on each shelf. Each helical feeder coil is adapted to receive articles in its convolutions with the articles slidably supported by the shelf along the long dimension. The articles are separated, but unsupported, by the helical feeder coil. Motors, rotatably drive the helical feeder coils for moving the articles to be vended.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A container release assembly is positioned at the end of the vend queue to vend a container upon activation. The container release assembly acts on the first-in-line container to be vended and on the second-in-line container, by retaining the second-in-line container while the first is being released. The container release assembly acts on the containers from two opposite sides of the containers.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A container release assembly is positioned at the end of the vend queue to vend a container upon activation. The container release assembly acts on the first-in-line container to be vended and on the second-in-line container, by retaining the second-in-line container while the first is being released. The container release assembly acts on the containers from two opposite sides of the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating ready-to-use products from a concentrated form of the products is disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises a source of one or more concentrated products. These concentrated products are delivered to a point of use which typically may be a small, consumer-sized container. The apparatus dilutes the concentrated product to an appropriate level. The final, ready-to-use product can be a wide variety of cleaning products. A method is also disclosed for creating this ready-to-use product.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations without dropping or subjecting the vended product to damaging impact forces are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A robotic carriage assembly using rack and pinion assemblies moves in positive non-vibratory manner along an X-Y plane in the machine, captures the selected product from its queue and smoothly transports the product to a product delivery port conveniently located close to hip level. The carriage assembly uses unique product escapement and capture mechanisms to smoothly slide the related product from its queue into the carriage. Power door and safety lock features at the delivery port are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations without dropping or subjecting the vended product to damaging impact forces are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A robotic carriage assembly using rack and pinion assemblies moves in positive non-vibratory manner along an X-Y plane in the machine, captures the selected product from its queue and smoothly transports the product to a product delivery port conveniently located close to hip level. The carriage assembly uses unique product escapement and capture mechanisms to smoothly slide the related product from its queue into the carriage. Power door and safety lock features at the delivery port are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations without dropping or subjecting the vended product to damaging impact forces are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A robotic carriage assembly using rack and pinion assemblies moves in positive non-vibratory manner along an X-Y plane in the machine, captures the selected product from its queue and smoothly transports the product to a product delivery port conveniently located close to hip level. The carriage assembly uses unique product escapement and capture mechanisms to smoothly slide the related product from its queue into the carriage. Power door and safety lock features at the delivery port are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adaptor for using a tape cartridge in a standard VHS videotape machine. The adaptor includes a thumb operated winder and a take up reel. The take up reel includes a clutch to minimize drag on the winder.

Abstract: A cartridge adaptor for converting a cartridge for use in a conventional video cassette machine. The adaptor has a motor to move tape connection structures onto the take-up reel prior to use in the videotape machine. The motor and associated mechanisms also return the tape to the cartridge at the conclusion of use.

Abstract: An adaptor for using a tape cartridge in a standard VHS videotape machine. The adaptor includes a thumb operated winder and a take up reel. The take up reel includes a clutch to minimize drag on the winder.

Abstract: A removable tape cartridge (14) for insertion into a carrier (12) in order to form a two-piece videocassette (10) comprises a housing (20) with a tape reel assembly (30) therein. The tape reel assembly (30) includes a length of tape (56) with a connector (64) at one end which, upon insertion of the cartridge (14), mates with an associated connector (15) in the carrier (12) to establish connection with a tape-up reel (17). The tape reel assembly (30) is supported within the housing (20) for limited floating movement between up and down positions, but is normally biased toward the down position by a hold down ring (74). A clutch (66-70) provides controlled tape slippage within the tape reel assembly (30), which is normally secured against unwinding by a brake assembly (102-116) until the cartridge (14) has been inserted into the carrier (12).

Abstract: A videotape cartridge and adaptor having an internal ratchet brake mechanism to engage the cartridge tape supply reel for preventing tape spillage and having an external shape which cooperates with the adaptor to locate and protect tape interconnection mechanisms.