Abstract: A modular power source comprises a middle block having a housing, comprising a connector for receiving power from a supply of electricity, and at least one electrical socket on a face of the middle block, at least one wing assembly, comprising at least one connector on a face of the wing assembly, the connector configured to form an electrical connection between the wing assembly and the inner block, and at least one controllable electrical socket, and at least one computing device configured to connect or disconnect the at least one controllable electrical socket from the power source, wherein the at least one wing assembly is configured to rotate about an axis with respect to the middle block when electrically connected to the middle block via the electrical connection. Alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular power source comprises a middle block having a housing, comprising a connector for receiving power from a supply of electricity, and at least one electrical socket on a face of the middle block, at least one wing assembly, comprising at least one connector on a face of the wing assembly, the connector configured to form an electrical connection between the wing assembly and the inner block, and at least one controllable electrical socket, and at least one computing device configured to connect or disconnect the at least one controllable electrical socket from the power source, wherein the at least one wing assembly is configured to rotate about an axis with respect to the middle block when electrically connected to the middle block via the electrical connection. Alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital media rental and return kiosk includes a store arranged to store physical digital media items. The kiosk further includes a user interface (i) having a dispense and return slot, and (ii) arranged to enable a customer to interact with the kiosk to either rent a digital media item or return a digital media item through the slot. The kiosk also includes a delivery system arranged to (i) transport a digital media item to be rented from the store to the slot, and (ii) transport a digital media item to be returned from the slot to the store. The kiosk further includes a gate mechanism including a gate which is (i) movable from a closed position to a first opened position to allow a digital media item to be rented to be dispensed through the slot to a customer, and (ii) movable from the closed position to a second opened position which is different from the first opened position to allow a digital media item to be returned to be inserted through the slot by the customer.

Abstract: A convertible barcode reader which includes different configurations for self-service operation and assisted-service operation. An example convertible barcode reader includes a first housing portion including a first barcode reader engine, and a second housing portion including a second barcode reader engine. The second housing portion is moveable between a first position recessed within the first housing portion and a second position extending from the first housing portion.

Abstract: A hybrid optical code scanner and system are presented for improving an operators scanning performance. The scanning performance is improved by providing a visual indicator to the operator that identifies the optimal location for presenting an optical code to an imaging scanner in the hybrid optical code scanner.

Abstract: A hybrid optical code scanner and system are presented for improving an operators scanning performance. The scanning performance is improved by providing a visual indicator to the operator that identifies the optimal location for presenting an optical code to an imaging scanner in the hybrid optical code scanner.