Abstract: Systems and elements are disclosed for creating a continuous, collimated detection zone for an automatically-actuated device or container, such as an automatic waste container, wherein the detection zone can be made to match the periphery of a defined area, such as the opening periphery of the container, is height adjustable and immune from ambient light fluctuations.

Abstract: Systems and elements are disclosed for creating a continuous, collimated detection zone for an automatically-actuated device or container, such as an automatic waste container, wherein the detection zone can be made to match the opening periphery of the container, is height adjustable, immune from ambient light fluctuations and relatively simple and inexpensive to produce.

Abstract: Systems and elements are disclosed for creating a continuous, collimated detection zone for an automatically-actuated device or container, such as an automatic waste container, wherein the detection zone can be made to match the opening periphery of the container, is height adjustable, immune from ambient light fluctuations and relatively simple and inexpensive to produce.

Abstract: A regenerative braking system provides braking by transmitting the spring force of a deforming elastic medium as a torque tending to oppose the forward rotation of a wheel being braked. A brake pad assembly, mounted concentrically with the hub of a ground-engaging wheel, is actuated upon braking to provide frictional engagement between the hub and a wrapping mechanism which reels in a cable attached to an elastic medium, thereby deforming the elastic medium and storing energy, while applying a decelerating torque to the wheel. The wrapping mechanism is engaged only upon braking, and does not interfere with wheel rotation during other vehicle operating modes. Energy is accumulated until the deforming elastic reaches a limit stop, at which point continued braking is provided by frictional slippage between the brake pad and the rotating hub.