Abstract: A coupling for connection of a tube comprises a coupling housing which includes a first end into which the tube is inserted, a clamping ring which is positioned in the coupling housing against a first conical surface, a sealing ring which is positioned in the coupling housing, and a return ring which is positioned in the coupling housing between the clamping ring and a second end of the housing adjacent a second conical surface that is tapered opposite to the first conical surface. The return ring is expandable and comprises a central aperture which is smaller than the external diameter of the tube. Accordingly, when the tube is pushed into the coupling housing and forced through the return ring, the return ring will expand and move along the second conical surface.

Abstract: A method of video surveillance may include performing on input video at least one of the operations selected from the group consisting of motion detection and change detection, recording a motion pattern based on a result of said at least one of the operations, and analyzing the motion pattern to detect periodic motion in the video. A video surveillance apparatus may include a change detector, a motion detector, and/or a combination motion/change detector, a pattern analyzer, and a periodic motion detector.

Abstract: A back-up portable power supply for operating a multiplicity of electronically locking systems on vending machines or similar enclosures. The power supply can include optional access control, control actuator for saving power, a boost circuit, recharge capability and status annunciation. It preferably is operational along with a wireless electronic key and a management system.

Abstract: A method of video surveillance may include pre-processing video data to obtain foreground edge information for at least one frame of said video data. The method may perform line segment detection on said foreground edge information to obtain one or more line segments. The line segment detection may be performed by means of an algorithm in which edge pixels are searched and line segments found are checked for validity. It may detect and track one or more targets based on said one or more line segments and may determine if at least one predetermined event is present in said at least one frame of said video data based on the detecting and tracking of said one or more targets.

Abstract: A bayonet locking system for vending machines or the like is provided for locking and unlocking the machine preferably with a remotely controlled electronic operating device. The lock system includes at least one axially and rotationally movable bayonet that can be mounted selectively on the door of the machine and at least one receptacle receiving device disposed within the interior of the machine and positioned for engagement by the bayonet when the door is moved between an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position. When the door is manually moved from the open position to the intermediate position, the bayonet advances into the receptacle and rotates to capture it in the receptacle. Then the bayonet axially retracts to pull the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the vending machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus serving either as a retrofit kit or new sign front for beverage vending machines to allow the display of product contained in the machine by means of significantly larger product identification indicia than the existing product identification indicia and the display windows are specifically correlated to selection mechanisms associated with the larger windows and may also include numbers, letters, symbols, connecting lines and/or colors. The existing selection operatives are deactivated and a vandal panel corner is optionally applied to the machine to eliminate product selection switches. A circuit board is added that enables increasing the number of product selections and it is adapted to be used with different manufacturer's machines. Reinforcement bar means is optionally provided for the signage panel. A holder may be provided for flavor label cards that is exclusively attached to the rear of the signage. Alternatively, audio and/or visual effects are added to the machine.

Abstract: An electronic locking system for vending machines or the like is provided for locking and unlocking the machine preferably with a remotely controlled electronic cam operating device. The lock system includes at least one axially and also preferably rotationally movable cam that can be mounted selectively on the cabinet or in the body of the machine and at least one slotted receiving device disposed either on the door or within the interior of the machine and positioned for engagement by the cam when the door is moved between an open position, an intermediate and closed position. When the door is manually moved from the open position to the intermediate closed position, the cam advances into the receiver slot and moves to draw in the door. The cam movement pulls the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the vending machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery.

Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and hook mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for cubed or crushed ice is presented in a self contained modular design that can be used for commercial and consumer applications. A two-motor system is provided for the auger and ice crusher and features a motor driven bypass gate system with a worm drive to bypass the ice crusher when cubed ice is selected. A flexible bladed paddle at the end of an auger exerts a positive force to push ice into the crusher and touches the wall of a containing duct for reduction of ice jams. The ice crusher employs a unique roller chain sprocket or timing belt and pulley system for greater flexibility in mounting and maintaining compactness. There is also provided an ice chute with two inlet paths and all of the operations are managed by electronic controls which includes monitor means sensing motor current draws to detect an ice jam and programmed control means to rotate said drivers to free an ice jam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reversible motor to drive a slide and hook locking mechanism. The motor can drive the slide via a worm gear, in which case the worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft-type connection. Alternatively, the slide is gear-driven or connected using a push-pull cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface controls the motor and may be operated by a keypad or by a remote wireless device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a latching device that can function as a hinge or a latch. A door incorporating this latching device can be operated as a left hand (front) or right hand (rear) opening device. The device can be used for car-top carriers, tool storage boxes, merchant displays, truck storage boxes, and other applications that need to open from two sides. The device can have multiple locking, latching, and hinging elements. The latches can be locked using conventional key-operated handles, cam locks, or electronically. The device features direct visual and audible user feedback to confirm proper latching and locking operation. When used for car-top box carriers that attach to automotive roof racks, the device can use an “L”-shaped clamp with a safety catch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved latching device that functions as a self-contained, electrically controlled rotor latch. The latch allows the rotor to be released when a load is placed on it towards the open condition. The latch rotor is released by a typical solenoid with a specialty designed end that acts as a plunger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold drink fountain machine extensively made from aluminum materials including, but not limited to, its frame, exterior panels, and ice agitator. Lighting can be provided by a self-contained cold cathode, neon, or LED lighting module.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a mesh cleansing device, generally known as a pouf. The pouf comprises a mesh body that encases a tulle pouch, wherein the tulle pouch further encases pelletized soap. The pouf also comprises a lanyard that acts as a means for securing the shape of the pouf, maintaining the tulle pouch within the pouf, facilitate holding the pouf by a user, and providing a means to hang the pouf during non-use. The pouf also comprises a secondary string to maintain the shape of the pouf. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the shape of the pouf comprises a round elongated body about a horizontal plane, having a generally flat upper and lower region, or, 37 pumpkin” shape.

Abstract: A method of video processing may include analyzing input video information to determine if a current video frame is directed to a same view as a previous video frame; determining whether a new view is present; and indicating a need to use video processing information pertaining to the new view if a new view is determined to be present.

Abstract: A mobile electronic control device, such as an electronic key, is used to access or otherwise control the operations of a field device, such as an appliance, power tool, shipping container, etc. In a control event in which the mobile control device interacts with the field device via wired or wireless communications, the control device obtains the current location and the field device ID. The communications between the mobile control device and the field device may be secured with encryption. The location information is used by the mobile control device to determine whether the field device should be accessed or enabled. Alternatively, the location information may be stored separately in a location sensing device, and the control event data recorded by the key and the location information recorded by the location sensing device are later combined when they are downloaded into a management system for auditing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for use with a vending machine having a cabinet for containing product to be dispensed, and a door for closing the cabinet. The door has a vertical column with two sides and a front face, the front face having openings that permit customer interface devices to be accessed by a customer. A continuous integral panel is secured to the vertical column and extends across a width of the front face and side of the vertical column.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use with a vending machine or the like having a cabinet for containing product to be dispensed, and a door for closing the cabinet. The door is hinged at one side with a hinge pin and socket at least at the lower corner. A protective plate fastens to the machine at the lower corner adjacent the hinge and protects against prying the door open at the hinge location.

Abstract: A video tripwire system may enable a user to enter a video tripwire by drawing it on a video image or on a snapshot from a video stream. This drawing may be enabled by a graphical user interface.