Abstract: A container deposit return system having a housing, a crushing assembly and a control system. The crushing assembly is positioned within the housing and has a first crushing wall and a second crushing wall spaced apart from the first crushing wall defining a crush cavity, and, a crushing wall movement assembly structurally configured to move the first crushing wall relative to the second crushing wall to direct the first crushing wall toward and away from the second crushing wall. The two crushing walls are configured crush a container that is positioned within the crush cavity. The control system having at least one imaging sensor, the imaging sensor configured to record an image the container before crushing and after crushing.

Abstract: A container deposit return system having a housing, a crushing assembly and a control system. The crushing assembly is positioned within the housing and has a first crushing wall and a second crushing wall spaced apart from the first crushing wall defining a crush cavity, and, a crushing wall movement assembly structurally configured to move the first crushing wall relative to the second crushing wall to direct the first crushing wall toward and away from the second crushing wall. The two crushing walls are configured crush a container that is positioned within the crush cavity. The control system having at least one imaging sensor, the imaging sensor configured to record an image the container before crushing and after crushing.

Abstract: A unitary system for an electric-assist bicycle generates signals indicative of power input to a drive system of the bicycle when a rider pedals the bicycle, considering torque applied by the rider, as well as the cadence or speed of the rider's pedaling. Direction of pedaling is also measured using the system. The system utilizes fixed, hard-wired, contactless electronics, namely first and second inductance coils that are non-equally-spaced circumferentially around a first axis, and which generate a first electrical signal indicative of torque based on lateral movement of a conductive or otherwise magnetically permeable rotatable member relative to the coils, and which generate second and third electrical signals indicative of pedaling cadence and direction based on eccentric relative rotational movement of the conductive or otherwise magnetically permeable rotatable member relative to the first and second inductance coils.

Abstract: A unitary system for an electric-assist bicycle generates signals indicative of power input to a drive system of the bicycle when a rider pedals the bicycle, considering torque applied by the rider, as well as the cadence or speed of the rider's pedaling. Direction of pedaling is also measured using the system. The system utilizes fixed, hard-wired, contactless electronics, namely first and second inductance coils that are non-equally-spaced circumferentially around a first axis, and which generate a first electrical signal indicative of torque based on lateral movement of a conductive or otherwise magnetically permeable rotatable member relative to the coils, and which generate second and third electrical signals indicative of pedaling cadence and direction based on eccentric relative rotational movement of the conductive or otherwise magnetically permeable rotatable member relative to the first and second inductance coils.

Abstract: A gift box with a self-inflating balloon is designed to be shipped to a recipient through the mail. A lid of the box is configured to be opened and may display a personalized message relating to a special occasion of the recipient. The box includes the balloon, which may be hidden from view in a compartment of the box. The box includes a switch that is configured to be actuated by the recipient. Upon actuating the switch, an inflation device is activated and begins to inflate the balloon, which emerges from the compartment of the box. A vibrating motor inside the box may synchronously cause the box to vibrate. After a pre-determined amount of time, the inflation device and motor deactivate, and a valve seals the air inside the balloon. Once the balloon is inflated, the gift box and balloon may be displayed for the recipient.

Abstract: A gift box with a self-inflating balloon is designed to be shipped to a recipient through the mail. A lid of the box is configured to be opened and may display a personalized message relating to a special occasion of the recipient. The box includes the balloon, which may be hidden from view in a compartment of the box. The box includes a switch that is configured to be actuated by the recipient. Upon actuating the switch, an inflation device is activated and begins to inflate the balloon, which emerges from the compartment of the box. A vibrating motor inside the box may synchronously cause the box to vibrate. After a pre-determined amount of time, the inflation device and motor deactivate, and a valve seals the air inside the balloon. Once the balloon is inflated, the gift box and balloon may be displayed for the recipient.