Abstract: An imaging optical system including a plurality of imaging optical sub-systems, each having at least one optical element and receiving light from a source, and a plurality of spectrometer optical sub-systems, each spectrometer optical sub-system receiving light from at least one of the imaging optical sub-systems, each imaging optical sub-system and spectrometer optical sub-system combination having a spatial distortion characteristic, each spatial distortion characteristic having a predetermined relationship to the other spatial distortion characteristics.

Abstract: Mobile vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers at various locations. A mobile vending machine may include a product storage system, a user interface, a powertrain system, and a control unit. A consumer may view a list of products in the mobile vending machine using a mobile device, such as a smart phone. The consumer may summon the mobile vending machine to a location using the mobile device, and the mobile vending machine may automatically complete a transaction with the consumer, where the consumer receives a product from the mobile vending machine. The control unit may enable the mobile vending machine to autonomously travel to the location of the consumer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical system. In one aspect, the optical system includes a plurality of imagers configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation, a plurality of optical sensors configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the imagers, and a beam splitting device disposed at an optical path between the imagers and the optical sensors. In one example, the beam splitting device is a multi-way beam splitter configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from one of the imagers and separate the received electromagnetic radiation into a plurality of portions, each separated portion of the received electromagnetic radiation being directed to one of the optical sensors.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair apparatus includes a chair component, a power base component and a wheelchair control system. The wheelchair control system includes a processor and a user input device communicatively coupled to the processor. A display is communicatively coupled to the processor. A memory module is communicatively coupled to the processor that stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to receive user instructions from the user input device and display a message on the display based on the user instructions. The display is on a back of the chair component.

Abstract: An array (166, 184, 194, 230, 256) of multiple light heads (170, 186, 194, 236) for a vehicle (100) has a primary Controller Area Network (CAN) serial data bus (108, 224) to carry first serial communications among spaced-apart CAN nodes (112, 118, 130, 136, 140, 154, 220, 260, 288) communicatively coupled thereto. The first serial communications initiate a flash sequence from the array via second serial communications provided to the multiple light heads communicatively coupled to a nested CAN serial data bus (180, 190, 200, 238). An array controller (130, 136, 140, 220, 260) segregates the nested CAN serial data bus from the primary CAN serial data bus while providing a communications bridge between nodes of the two buses. Accordingly, light heads on the nested bus provide self-identification and diagnostic information to other nodes such as a computer (288) configuration utility (290) featuring a graphical user interface (292).

Abstract: A powered wheelchair apparatus includes a chair component, a power base component and a wheelchair control system. The wheelchair control system includes a processor and a user input device communicatively coupled to the processor. A display is communicatively coupled to the processor. A memory module is communicatively coupled to the processor that stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to receive user instructions from the user input device and display a message on the display based on the user instructions. The display is on a back of the chair component.

Abstract: A reflective relay spectrometer design based on reflective optical relay systems, which is more compact in physical size and superior in spectral imaging quality than previous designs, is disclosed.

Abstract: Optical connectors that substantially preserve alignment and are easy to manufacture. The alignment system using the optical connectors disclosed herein include a first housing, a second housing and an alignment component, the said alignment component configured to provide optical alignment between the optical components.

Abstract: An array (166, 184, 194, 230, 256) of multiple light heads (170, 186, 194, 236) for a vehicle (100) has a primary Controller Area Network (CAN) serial data bus (108, 224) to carry first serial communications among spaced-apart CAN nodes (112, 118, 130, 136, 140, 154, 220, 260, 288) communicatively coupled thereto. The first serial communications initiate a flash sequence from the array via second serial communications provided to the multiple light heads communicatively coupled to a nested CAN serial data bus (180, 190, 200, 238). An array controller (130, 136, 140, 220, 260) segregates the nested CAN serial data bus from the primary CAN serial data bus while providing a communications bridge between nodes of the two buses. Accordingly, light heads on the nested bus provide self-identification and diagnostic information to other nodes such as a computer (288) configuration utility (290) featuring a graphical user interface (292).

Abstract: Reflective imager sub-systems that have a non-circular entrance pupil and provide substantially increased throughput to a detecting component of a system are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an imaging optical system. In one aspect, the imaging optical system includes, among other things, a light bending element configured to substantially separate electromagnetic radiation into at least two portions, and configured to redirect the at least two portions of said electromagnetic radiation into substantially different directions.

Abstract: Modular vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers. A modular vending machine may include a product storage system, a user interface, and a control unit. Several modular vending machines may be stacked and/or arranged together in various configurations. Several modular vending machines may be linked electronically and may communicate with each other and/or with a user mobile device over a network. A modular vending machine may automatically complete a transaction with the consumer, where the consumer removes a product from the modular vending machine. A consumer may access and purchase products from several modular vending machines in one transaction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optoelectronic module. In one aspect, the optoelectronic module includes an insertion member including a housing insert and an imager disposed in the housing insert, and a receiving member including an interposer, a housing disposed on the interposer, and an optoelectronic device electrically connected to said interposer. The housing of the receiving member is configured to engage and receive the housing insert of the insertion member. The optoelectronic device of the receiving member is configured to align with the imager of the insertion member.

Abstract: A vending machine with a reduced vertical height and footprint has a horizontal roller surface system for delivering vending products. The horizontal roller system includes actuated rollers and trays that move on top of the rollers. The products are present on top of the trays; the rollers actuate to deliver the trays, and the products, to a delivery portal. Some embodiments of the vending machine have a transparent top to allow the interior of the vending machine, and particularly the roller surface, to be visible from the exterior of the vending machine. The reduced height and size of the vending machine enables it to be placed in locations that are unavailable to conventional vending machines.

Abstract: A vending machine has an interactive customer experience. Some embodiments of the vending machine include a transparent front wall with a plurality of display units located behind the front wall. Each of the display units may contain an example of a product available for vending. Based on input received from a customer and other information, the vending machine may provide a recommendation for a product or products to select for purchase. The vending machine may highlight the recommendation by selectively illuminating the product display units that contain the recommended products.

Abstract: A mattress support includes a first section and a second section configured to be coupled to the first section. Each of the first section and the second section includes a base plate configured to be positioned on a box frame of a bed. A top plate is pivotable relative to the base plate. A bladder structure is positioned between the base plate and the top plate and inflatable to adjust a height of the top plate.