Abstract: A mounting base for supporting and rotating an instrument about two perpendicular axes is disclosed. The mounting base includes a vertical column; a rotatable platform attached to the column by a revolute joint; a rail around the column; at least one rod, an end of the at least one rod connecting with the revolute joint; at least one sliding mechanism, connecting with the other end of the at least one rod, the sliding mechanism sliding on the rail. The mounting base is light and easily controlled with arbitrary azimuth.

Abstract: Method and automatic beverage-dispensing unit (“ABU”) capable of automatically preparing beverage in accordance with an order via a communications network are included. In one aspect, ABU includes a communication device, a beverage preparing device, and a beverage dispenser wherein the communication device communicates with a user via a wireless communications network. The beverage preparing device, in one example, includes a pod mixer and a liquid receptacle, wherein the pod mixer is configured to select a first pod from multiple pods in accordance with the order from a user. The liquid receptacle prepares liquid substance such as water based on the pod selected. The beverage dispenser mixes the pod and the liquid substance to produce a beverage which is stored in a temperature controlled dispensing compartment for pickup.

Abstract: A mounting base for supporting and rotating an instrument about two perpendicular axes is disclosed. The mounting base includes a vertical column; a rotatable platform attached to the column by a revolute joint; a rail around the column at least one rod, an end of the at least one rod connections with the revolute joint; at least one sliding mechanism, connecting with the other end of the at least one rod, the sliding mechanism sliding on the rail. The mounting base is light and easily controlled with arbitrary azimuth.

Abstract: Method and automatic beverage-dispensing unit (“ABU”) capable of automatically preparing beverage in accordance with an order via a communications network are disclosed. In one aspect, ABU includes a communication device, a beverage preparing device, and a beverage dispenser wherein the communication device communicates with a user via a wireless communications network. The beverage preparing device, in one example, includes a pod mixer and a liquid receptacle, wherein the pod mixer is configured to select a first pod from multiple pods in accordance with the order from a user. The liquid receptacle prepares liquid substance such as water based on the pod selected. The beverage dispenser mixes the pod and the liquid substance to produce a beverage which is stored in a temperature controlled dispensing compartment for pickup.