Abstract: A fee collection apparatus and methods defines a secure manner of collecting fees with electronic payments where there is no form of communication from the location of the fee collection apparatus such as telephone lines, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks, and where typically there is no source of grid power supply. Data from users is collected and stored in a remotely located kiosk, then securely transferred to a remote device operated by an operator such as a campground employee. The remote device is then transported to a location where telecommunications services are available (such as Wi-Fi, cellular networks) and is securely transmitted to a processing system (cloud or otherwise). Payment card data are transmitted to a financial transaction processor pursuant to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

Abstract: A fee collection apparatus and methods defines a secure manner of collecting fees with electronic payments where there is no form of communication from the location of the fee collection apparatus such as telephone lines, W-Fi, or cellular networks, and where typically there is no source of grid power supply. Data from users is collected and stored in a remotely located kiosk, then securely transferred to a remote device operated by an operator such as a campground employee. The remote device is then transported to a location where telecommunications services are available (such as W-Fi, cellular networks) and is securely transmitted to a processing system (cloud or otherwise). Payment card data are transmitted to a financial transaction processor pursuant to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus comprises a base module for movement along a surface and a plenum. The base module comprises a base housing enclosing a fan for moving air through the housing from the interior of the housing to the exterior of the housing through an exhaust outlet in the housing. The plenum fluidly communicates at one end with the exhaust outlet and at another end with at least one plenum outlet opening adjacent the surface to direct air exhausted from the housing interior along the surface.

Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus comprises a base module for movement along a surface, the base module having a front portion, an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module, a cleaning liquid dispensing system for applying a cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned, an agitation assembly associated with the base module, and a vacuum inlet associated with the base module, the improvement comprising a blower assembly associated with one of the base module and the upright handle for blowing air tangentially across the surface to dry the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flexibly processing, storing, and retrieving audio data. The present invention enables producers of music to take audio data that has been generated within a commercially available Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and then, by applying the method and apparatus of the present invention, to create an Adaptable Music File. This Adaptable Music File may then be transmitted over communications channels, stored in devices, and used by the present invention to generate music for users of music in a manner that solves the problems noted above.

Abstract: The present invention enables producers of music to take audio data that has been generated within a commercially available Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and then apply the method and apparatus of the present invention to create an Adaptable Music File. This Adaptable Music File may then be used to produce suitable music mixes based on user specified values for descriptive parameters that are tailored to users without music expertise, for example foreground, background, intense, light, dense, and sparse. The Adaptable Music File created by the present invention may be used with other Adaptable Music Files to create new suitable music mixes based on user specified values for descriptive parameters that are tailored to users without music expertise.

Abstract: A spot cleaning apparatus comprises a housing, a fluid distribution system, a fluid recovery system, an agitation system, and a controller system to automatically monitor and control inputs and outputs to said systems for removal of spots and stains from a surface without attendance by a user. A suction nozzle and agitation device are mounted to the housing for movement over the surface to be cleaned relative to a stationary housing. Optionally, the spot cleaning apparatus can be operated in a manual mode.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a machine and process that generates music given a set of simple user-specified criteria. The present invention enables music generation wherein a user may specify the duration and tempo of the music to be generated that may then be played or stored for retrieval and use at a later time and does not require the user to be a skilled composer of music. The present invention allows the user to generate music in a very short period of time wherein the music generated by also has beginnings and endings that occur in a manner that is esthetically appropriate. In addition, transitions within the generated music occur in a manner that is esthetically appropriate. Music generated by the present invention also has unique qualities that are desirable to users that use music in their own products or works.

Abstract: A portable extraction surface cleaner apparatus wherein a surface to be cleaned is heated to an elevated temperature and a cleaning fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned sequentially or simultaneously. The cleaning fluid is removed from the surface by suction from a vacuum source. Power is applied alternatively or simultaneously to a heating element and to the vacuum source for recovering the deposited cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before use of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism.

Abstract: A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before actuation of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism. Furthermore, the stapler mechanism contains means for obstructing the flow of insufflation gasses or bodily fluid from the surgical site through the instrument during endoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before use of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism.