Abstract: Apparatus and methods associated with an enclosure or structure including two sections that are adapted with a snap-fit interlocking structure. Various embodiments of the enclosure or structures are formed with various case hardening or embrittlement processes to increase embrittlement or hardness of the enclosure or structure so as to create a structure or enclosure which has a desired fragmentation capacity while still maintaining sufficient material properties to permit snap-fit insertion of one section into another section and withstand substantial impacts. Embodiments also provide an interlocking structure that minimizes differences in fragmentation or fracturing capacity as contrasted with other portions of the structure or enclosure. An embodiment of the invention includes an enclosure where one section of the enclosure or structure has a first thickness and the second section has a second thickness, wherein the first and second thicknesses are different.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods associated with an enclosure or structure including two sections that are adapted with a snap-fit interlocking structure. Various embodiments of the enclosure or structures are formed with various case hardening or embrittlement processes to increase embrittlement or hardness of the enclosure or structure so as to create a structure or enclosure which has a desired fragmentation capacity while still maintaining sufficient material properties to permit snap-fit insertion of one section into another section and withstand substantial impacts. Embodiments also provide an interlocking structure that minimizes differences in fragmentation or fracturing capacity as contrasted with other portions of the structure or enclosure. An embodiment of the invention includes an enclosure where one section of the enclosure or structure has a first thickness and the second section has a second thickness, wherein the first and second thicknesses are different.

Abstract: A kiosk or machine for buying media discs includes a dispense/receive system for dispensing the media discs to consumers and receiving media discs from customers, a disc identification system for identifying the media discs, a disc transfer system for moving the media discs within the kiosk, a control system operably connected to dispense/receive system, the disc transfer system, and a user interface system. The user interface includes a buy-back indicator or prompt which can be selectively activated by the customer. In response to activation of the buy-back indicator, the controller activates the dispense/receive system to receive a media disc for buy-back, activates the disc transfer system to move the media disc to the disc identification system, activates the disc identification system to identify the media disc, determines a buy-back price for the media disc, and activates the user interface system to display the buy-back price.

Abstract: A system of receiving prerecorded media discs from users is disclosed. The system may include a control system having a processor capable of accessing a library associating a native bar code with the content of a prerecorded media disc and receiving the identification of a native bar code of a media disc from an optical disc identification system. The system may also include a user interface system having a buy-back activator and being adapted to receive a media disc from a user, where the user interface is capable of communicating a buy-back price to the user. An optical disc identification system may include a disc holder, a light source, a sensor capable of capturing a digital image of the hub of a media disc including a native bar code, and an image processor capable of reading the native bar code from a digital image.

Abstract: A kiosk or machine for buying media discs includes a dispense/receive system for dispensing the media discs to consumers and receiving media discs from customers, a disc identification system for identifying the media discs, a disc transfer system for moving the media discs within the kiosk, a control system operably connected to dispense/receive system, the disc transfer system, and a user interface system. The user interface includes a buy-back indicator or prompt which can be selectively activated by the customer. In response to activation of the buy-back indicator, the controller activates the dispense/receive system to receive a media disc for buy-back, activates the disc transfer system to move the media disc to the disc identification system, activates the disc identification system to identify the media disc, determines a buy-back price for the media disc, and activates the user interface system to display the buy-back price.

Abstract: An anchor rod cap and method for protecting an anchor rod/bolt/lower flange assembly are provided. An anchor rod is provided having upper and lower tubular elements connected by a shoulder. The upper element is disposed about the anchor rod threads and has an interior surface defined on a radius smaller than an anchor rod thread outer radius. The lower tubular element has an interior radius larger than an anchor rod bolt outer dimension and is configured to define an air gap between the lower tubular element inner surface and an anchor nut encompassed thereby. A lower tubular element bottom edge is configured to form a physical barrier interface with the anchor rod base flange. At least one of the upper tubular element interior surface and the lower tubular element bottom edge are configured to form a sealing interface with anchor rod thread outer surfaces or an upper flange surface.

Abstract: A portable clothes dryer has a frame (10) comprising a spine (15) and clothing support arms (20). One or more frame components are electrically heated through the use of resistive heating elements (25). A hook (45) or other connector at the upper end of the dryer allows it to hang from a shower curtain rod or wall protuberance. For portability, one or more components of the frame either telescopically collapse or rotate into a more compact configuration. Clothing draped over the arms or enveloping the frame is locally heated, wicking moisture away from other parts of the clothing, facilitating the drying of the entire garment.