Abstract: An electromechanical vending machine is adapted to dispense physical products and digital information content to a user. The machine includes a payment unit for processing a payment from the user; a user input device for enabling user selection of one or more items to be dispensed; a physical product dispensing unit for dispensing physical product; and a digital data dispensing unit for delivering digital information content to a locally situated user device in communication with the vending machine. The vending machine includes means for communicating with different types of user device, and for determining the correct format of digital information content required by the user device.

Abstract: A folding apparatus and method for folding a flat sheet so that an exact interior height is provided between the two folded portions is disclosed. The flat sheet is folded about a shim having a folding edge which is rounded and which has a thickness corresponding to the desired interior height. The flat shim is positioned on the flat sheet with the edge of the shim located along the line where the fold in the sheet is to be made. Initially, the portion of the sheet away from the shim is folded approximately 90.degree. by tangential bending on the folding edge of the shim. Next, a die having a facing edge mating with the folding edge of the shim is pushed onto the folding edge of the shim. The portion of the sheet which was folded 90.degree. is thus folded onto the top of the shim to approximately 180.degree.. With this two step folding, an exact interior height adjacent the fold is provided.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring a pallet from a first trackway to a second trackway is disclosed. Each trackway includes an inside track and an outside track. Preferably, the outside tracks of each trackway are connected by an arcuate connecting track. A transfer device moves the pallet from the end of the first trackway to the adjacent end of the second trackway. The transfer device includes a turntable having a track portion thereon, preferably, an inside track portion. By rotating the turntable, the track portion is first presented adjacent the end of the first trackway so that the pallet is received on the track portion. The turntable is then rotated and carries the pallet to the end of the second trackway to which the pallet is then transferred. The track portion can extend continuously around the turntable and the turntable rotated constantly so that a pallet is transferred as soon as the pallet reaches the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A conveying system for moving an object along a straight path on a pallet is disclosed. The conveying system includes a track on which the pallet is mounted for movement and a cylindrical drive shaft having a longitudinal axis parallel to the line of movement of the pallet disposed below the track. A drive roller support base is pivotally mounted on the pallet. The drive roller is rotatably mounted on a shaft extending from the support base at an acute angle with respect to the axis of the drive shaft. The drive roller tangentially contacts the drive shaft. Rotation of the drive shaft causes rotation of the drive roller and, depending upon the position of the drive roller in relation to the surface of the driveshaft, the pallet is driven forward, rearward, or remains stationary. The drive roller is resiliently urged into contact with the drive shaft and is pivotally mounted on the pallet so as to be easily movable between a forward drive position, a rearward drive position, and a stationary position.

Abstract: A folding apparatus and method for folding a flat sheet so that an exact interior height is provided between the two folded portions is disclosed. The flat sheet is folded about a shim having a folding edge which is rounded and which has a thickness corresponding to the desired interior height. The flat shim is positioned on the flat sheet with the edge of the shim located along the line where the fold in the sheet is to be made. Initially, the portion of the sheet away from the shim is folded approximately 90.degree. by tangential bending on the folding edge of the shim. Next, a die having a facing edge mating with the folding edge of the shim is pushed onto the folding edge of the shim. The portion of the sheet which was folded 90.degree. is thus folded onto the top of the shim to approximately 180.degree.. With this two step folding, an exact interior height adjacent the fold is provided.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for applying an adhesive laminate to a plate are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a cylindrical drum having a circular periphery of a porous material and a vacuum applied to the interior thereof and an assembly for supplying an adhesive laminate, adhesive side outward, to the periphery of the drum where it is securely retained in place by the vacuum. A walking beam conveyor comprised of two, spaced apart beams conveys the plates between positions on a centrally located, stationary rail. The walking beam conveyor also positions the forward end of the plate into contact with an end of the laminate segment. The walking beam conveyor then deposits the plate and attached laminate onto the central rail. A roller assembly, mounted on the walking beam conveyor, rolls the laminate onto the plate as the walking beam conveyor moves backwardly to the starting position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying an adhesive laminate to a plate are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a cylindrical drum having a circular periphery of a porous material, a connection for applying a vacuum to the interior of the drum, and a laminate supplying assembly to supply an adhesive laminate, adhesive side outward, to the periphery of the drum where it is securely retained in place by the vacuum. A cutter assembly cuts the laminate into a segment having a desired length which is then positioned in place by a rotation of the drum. A walking beam conveyor conveys individual plates onto a vertically movable platform located at an operating station. The platform is then raised to contact an end of the plate with an end of the positioned laminate segment and then is lowered to an intermediate position so as to remove only the end of the segment adhering to the plate from the drum. A roller assembly then rolls the laminate segment onto the plate.