Abstract: A wireless hoist system including a first hoist device having a first motor and a first wireless transceiver and a second hoist device having a second motor and a second wireless transceiver. The wireless hoist system includes a controller in wireless communication with the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless. The controller is configured to receive a user input and determine a first operation parameter and a second operation parameter based on the user input. The controller is also configured to provide, wirelessly, a first control signal indicative of the first operation parameter to the first hoist device and provide, wirelessly, a second control signal indicative of the second operation parameter to the second hoist device. The first hoist device operates based on the first control signal and the second hoist device operates based on the second control signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing treats is presented. A vending machine for building custom ordered treats includes an enclosed housing with windows. A robot is inside the housing and first and second user interfaces are attached to the housing. The first and second user interfaces accept inputs from first and second users respectively. The robot has left and right arms as well as a simulated head to make it appear somewhat human like. The left and right arms work together to assemble a single treat when only one treat has been requested at the vending machine. However, when two different treats have been requested the left arm can work independently, at least sometimes, of the right arm on a custom treat for the first user. Similarly, the right arm can, at least sometimes, work independently of the left arm on a custom treat for the second user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously.

Abstract: A frozen confectionary vending machine employs robotics and other features to provide a customized frozen confectionary product, with or without toppings, in an entertaining environment. At least portions of the vending machine interior are visible to customers as the machine assembles a frozen confectionary product according to specifications selected by the customer. A robotic arm moves a product receptacle between various dispensing stations that dispense measured amounts of a frozen confectionary and one or more optional toppings into the receptacle. After assembly, the product is moved by the robotic arm to a product delivery port that provides customer access to the product in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides metal ion/bisphosphonate complexes that are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of urinary calculi. Preferred bisphosphonates include etidronate, pamidronate (APD), methylene diphosphonate (MDP), and imidodiphosphonate (IDP). The metal ion is preferably a quadrivalent metal ion such as Sn.sup.+4.

Abstract: Communications vehicle including a roof-mounted satellite dish that is effectively and efficiently supported by a combination of structural components so as to allow for the maximization of operator compartment space in the vehicle without a concomitant increase in vehicle dimensions. A plurality of racks for housing electronics, access to which is required from the vehicle operator compartment, are designed as structural supports, in combination with other structural components, for the satellite dish and aimer assembly. The combination transmits the satellite dish and aimer assembly load through the structure and finally to the ground.

Abstract: An article of improved wear characteristics and composed of a relatively low wear resistant base metal coated by a particulate refractory metal having a melting point of at least 1490.degree. C. deposited within the near-surface region thereof comprising a base metal or alloy of relatively low wear resistance, a refractory metal deposited within said near-surface region, said refractory metal being selectively deposited in the form of discrete particles, and the particles being idiomorphic or blocky or equiaxial or spheroidal or acicular or dendritic and a plurality of these particles having dimensions of less than 10 micrometers, a plurality of the particles being contiguous to form clusters of the particles that are spaced from each other. The clusters of particles may form microscopic regions of refractory metal which in turn may produce macroscopic regions of refractory metal having the appearance of a continuous coating.

Abstract: The process of providing protective coatings of refractory metals and alloys on to any metallic base such as: iron, aluminum, chromium, cobalt, copper, nickel, magnesium, tin, titanium, or on to any metallic alloy base such as: steels, cast irons, brasses, bronzes, and solders at temperatures as low as ambient or below, including selecting an electrolyte material capable of dissociation into ions, such that at 25.degree. C the equivalent conductance of 0.1 normal solution of electrolyte divided by that of the electrolyte solution at infinite dilution is between 0.13 and 0.93, providing a particulate refractory metal having a melting point of at least 1490.degree. C, to be deposited within the near-surface region of the base metal, admixing 99 to 50 percent by weight of said refractory metal and 1 to 50 percent by weight of said electrolyte, the refractory metal having a nascent surface capable of producing ions in solution, ionizing said refractory metal to a concentration of about 1 to 20,000 mg.