Abstract: An ice crusher is attached to an ice dispenser or to a combined ice and beverage dispenser. The ice crusher occupies minimal space in order to fit the dispenser into an existing space on a serving counter or in a beverage dispensing area. The ice crusher may also elevate the ice. In embodiments using this technique, the outlet of the ice from the ice crusher is higher than the ice inlet. As the ice flows from a source of ice, such as an ice bin, the ice is elevated while it is being crushed. The ice then flows from the outlet of the ice crusher down an ice chute or other outlet of the ice crusher, into a cup or container as desired. Other embodiments convey the ice without lifting it, and still other embodiments dispense either crushed or cubed ice, as the consumer may select. In one embodiment the selected crushed ice or cubed ice are both dispensed though the same ice dispensing chute.

Abstract: An ice crusher is attached to an ice dispenser or to a combined ice and beverage dispenser. The ice crusher occupies minimal space in order to fit the dispenser into an existing space on a serving counter or in a beverage dispensing area. The ice crusher may also elevate the ice. In embodiments using this technique, the outlet of the ice from the ice crusher is higher than the ice inlet. As the ice flows from a source of ice, such as an ice bin, the ice is elevated while it is being crushed. The ice then flows from the outlet of the ice crusher down an ice chute or other outlet of the ice crusher, into a cup or container as desired. Other embodiments convey the ice without lifting it, and still other embodiments dispense either crushed or cubed ice, as the consumer may select. In one embodiment the selected crushed ice or cubed ice are both dispensed though the same ice dispensing chute.

Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.

Abstract: System terminal integrated with biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor. Transaction terminal such as a point of sale system, automated teller machine (ATM) or other system. The system may include a touch screen display. Also, logic to process sales transactions may be included. The transaction terminal may include a cash drawer. The system authenticates users based on data from the sensor, and can regulate access, for example to a cash drawer, based on the authentication. Also described is a sensor module, security system, and method of operating a transaction terminal.

Abstract: A multiflavor beverage dispensing nozzle includes at least one water inlet; at least two syrup inlets; a main water flow path through the nozzle; and at least two syrup flow paths through the nozzle, one in fluid communication with each syrup inlet, each terminating in a syrup discharge port. In one aspect the water flow path is shaped to cause the water to discharge from the nozzle in a sheet form, preferably in an annular shape, and the syrup discharge ports include a syrup deflector shaped to cause the syrup to fan out as it exits the discharge port so that it impinges on the sheet of water. In another aspect the nozzle includes at least two secondary water flow paths that each divert water from the main flow path and discharge the diverted water through the at least two syrup discharge ports. A beverage dispenser utilizes a plurality of the multiflavor beverage dispensing nozzles incorporating one or both of the forgoing aspects.

Abstract: System terminal integrated with biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor. Transaction terminal such as a point of sale system, automated teller machine (ATM) or other system. The system may include a touch screen display. Also, logic to process sales transactions may be included. The transaction terminal may include a cash drawer. The system authenticates users based on data from the sensor, and can regulate access, for example to a cash drawer, based on the authentication. Also described is a sensor module, security system, and method of operating a transaction terminal.