Abstract: A unit retraction device has a hook member which engages with an engaged portion provided on a unit, and a retraction force generating mechanism which exerts a retraction force on the unit. The retraction force generating mechanism includes a first rotary member which is rotatably disposed on a first rotation pivot and to a rotating end part of which the hook member is coupled, a biasing member of which one end is hooked to the first rotary member and which biases the first rotary member in such a direction that the hook member retracts the unit into the apparatus body, and a second rotary member to which another end of the biasing member is hooked and which is rotatably disposed on a second rotation pivot. The second rotary member rotates in the same direction as the first rotary member as the latter is rotated by the biasing member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an inventory condition of objects based on captured images are described. An exemplary inventory control system or method utilizes a highly efficient and economical approach to apply suitable imaging parameters for capturing images of a storage drawer being accessed by a user, or for manipulating the captured images of the drawer. An inventory condition of the drawer is determined based on the captured images or manipulated images.

Abstract: A cash register alarm system for sounding an alarm to the police without delay. The cash register alarm system includes a cash drawer having a bottom wall and a back wall, and also includes a tray having a bottom wall and a back wall and plurality of partitions spaced apart and forming compartments therebetween, and further includes a plurality of sensors disposed in the compartments in the bottom wall of the tray, and also includes a plurality of electrical current contact members disposed upon the back walls of the cash drawer and the tray. More than one compartment without paper money will expose the sensors to light which will acutate the alarm system to the police.

Abstract: A mailbox operated signal device has a motion detector that is attached to the inside of a conventional mailbox and activates a light and a speaker to alert residents that the mail has been delivered to their mailbox. A wireless transmitter is electrically connected to the motion detector. The wireless transmitter is capable of transmitting a motion detected signal. A wireless receiver is capable of receiving the transmitted motion detected signal. A light is electrically connected to the wireless receiver. The light is for indicating when the motion detected signal is received by the wireless receiver.

Abstract: An object insertion and separation sensing apparatus and method is provided for detecting the insertion or separation of a predetermined object into or from a main body. Included is a tactile switch installed on a circuit board provided in the main body, an elastic plate installed spaced a predetermined distance from the tactile switch and elastically pressing the tactile switch by an external force, an elastic member installed to face the tactile switch with respect to the elastic plate where the elastic plate is interposed between the elastic member and the tactile switch, one end of the elastic member is contacting the elastic plate, and a button having one end thereof contacting the other end of the elastic member and the other end thereof pressed by the object being inserted in the main body, so that the elastic member and the elastic plate are consecutively pressed to operate the tactile switch.

Abstract: A media holding apparatus includes a tray having a support surface configured to receive media and a media stop carried by the tray. The media stop is movably supported for continuously adjustable positioning relative to the tray to conform dimensionally with media received in the tray. The apparatus also includes a position-detecting sensor associated with the tray and the media stop which is operative to generate a unique electrical pattern corresponding with a detected position of the media stop relative to the tray. The unique electrical pattern is indicative of the size of the media detected in the tray. A method is also provided.