Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for managing a processing load of a processing module and thermal energy produced by the processing load. In one example, a method includes identifying a hot water profile that contains usage information of hot water from a hot water tank that serves as a heat sink for the thermal energy. A determination may be made as to whether it is economically desirable to increase or decrease the processing load based on factors such as an economic value generated by the processing load, a cost of energy needed to support the processing load, and an economic value of the thermal energy transferred to the hot water tank based on the hot water profile. The processing load may be dynamically modulated by a local or remote controller in response to the economic desirability of increasing or decreasing the processing load as well as other possible parameters.

Abstract: A computing device retrieves a stabilized weight and a weight-based item count for one or more items to be purchased. Responsive to retrieving the stabilized weight, the computing device retrieves an image-based item count and an expected weight based on the image-based item count for the one or more items to be purchased. The computing device selects between authorizing and blocking checkout of the one or more items based on the weight-based item count, the image-based item count, the stabilized weight, and the expected weight.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing a frictionless shopping experience. The method includes detecting that an item was removed from a first area and detecting, by a camera, a light signal emitted from a cart. The method also includes identifying the cart based on the light signal and determining, based on the identified cart, a shopper linked to the cart. The method further includes determining, based at least in part on a location of the camera in the space, that the shopper removed the item from the first area and assigning the item to the shopper.

Abstract: A tool assembly designed to couple to a torsion spring and torsion rod to wind and unwind the torsion spring on the torsion rod. The tool assembly includes a variety of components in mechanical communication with one other to rotate the torsion spring. Specifically, the assembly includes a worm gear in mechanical communication with a ring gear and a set of brackets securable to a torsion spring. Between the ring gear and the brackets are a series of plates arranged and assembled on a base, providing a singular device within the assembly that a user can grip to manipulate a torsion spring in a safer manner than possible in the prior art. A drill or other device can couple to attachment points in mechanical communication with the worm gear to rotate the worm gear at a greater rate, thereby reducing the winding and unwinding time of the torsion spring.

Abstract: A tool assembly designed to couple to a torsion spring and torsion rod to wind and unwind the torsion spring on the torsion rod. The tool assembly includes a variety of components in mechanical communication with one other to rotate the torsion spring. Specifically, the assembly includes a worm gear in mechanical communication with a ring gear and a set of brackets securable to a torsion spring. Between the ring gear and the brackets are a series of plates arranged and assembled on a base, providing a singular device within the assembly that a user can grip to manipulate a torsion spring in a safer manner than possible in the prior art. A drill or other device can couple to attachment points in mechanical communication with the worm gear to rotate the worm gear at a greater rate, thereby reducing the winding and unwinding time of the torsion spring.

Abstract: A freestanding conveyor personnel gate includes a support or base portion and a conveyor portion, which is pivotable and movable relative to the support between a closed position and an open position. The gate includes a latch mechanism which is operable to latch the gate in both the open and close positions. The latch mechanism is operable via a handle which is movable in either direction to disengage the latch mechanism and to raise or lower the conveyor portion toward its open or closed position. The conveyor portion is balanced and supported via a strut member which is pivotally mounted at the conveyor portion and the support portion. A biasing member is provided to bias the conveyor portion toward its closed position when the conveyor portion is moved past a neutral point between the open and close position. The biasing member is further operable to bias the conveyor portion toward its opened position when the conveyor portion is moved past the neutral position toward the open position of the gate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bi-directional transfer mechanism which is driven by the drive shaft of a conveyor system. The transfer mechanism includes a pair of vertically displaceable lift tables with a conveying member reeved thereon such that the conveying member is driven in one direction on the first lift table and in a different direction on the second lift table. By selectively displacing the first and second lift tables between an engaging position whereby the conveying member is displaced above the conveying surface of the conveyor system and a non-engaging position whereby the conveying member is displaced below the conveying surface of the conveyor system, the transfer mechanism can transfer articles in two directions.