Abstract: A trigger circuit including a light source supplying a first beam of light having a first frequency, a frequency altering device positionable to receive the first beam of light. The frequency altering device receiving the first beam of light and transmitting a second beam of light having a second frequency. A frequency sensitive component operable in response to the second beam of light having the second frequency, the frequency sensitive component being positioned to receive the second beam of light and provide a trigger signal. A transmitter transmits an initiation signal upon receipt of the trigger signal, and a remote receiver receives the initiation signal and triggers the remote system.

Abstract: A trigger circuit including a light source supplying a first beam of light having a first frequency, a frequency altering device positionable to receive the first beam of light. The frequency altering device receiving the first beam of light and transmitting a second beam of light having a second frequency. A frequency sensitive component operable in response to the second beam of light having the second frequency, the frequency sensitive component being positioned to receive the second beam of light and provide a trigger signal. A trigger coupled to receive the trigger signal and, upon receipt of the trigger signal, triggering the system. A light filter can be included to transmit the light of the second frequency.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a photovoltaic vending actuator including a light source coupled to a currency collector, supplying a beam of light at a first wavelength when proper currency is inserted in the currency collector. A light modifying device is positioned to receive the beam of light from the light source and to transmit a beam of light at a second wavelength. A light detector is sensitive to light at the second wavelength and positioned to receive the beam of light from the light modifying device. A circuit is coupled to the light detector for dispensing an item when actuated by the light detector.

Abstract: Improvements in a snow cone making machine including a retaining collar which interacts with a cone cup to prevent relative movement with respect to each other; an automatic cone cup dispenser having opposing forceps for extracting cone cups singly from a cup canister; and a scanning activation system for reading a product code on the cone cup to activate the preparation of a snow cone.

Abstract: Improvements in a snow cone making machine including a retaining collar which interacts with a cone cup to prevent relative movement with respect to each other; an automatic cone cup dispenser having opposing forceps for extracting cone cups singly from a cup canister; and a scanning activation system for reading a product code on the cone cup to activate the preparation of a snow cone.

Abstract: A coin operated vending machine for automatically making and dispensing snow cones in accordance with a method of sequentially activating a cup delivery mechanism, depositing flaked ice from a self-contained ice making machine into the cup through an ice retainer collar, activating an ice capping device, depositing a selected flavoring syrup onto the capped ice, and dispensing the finished snow cone and readying the machine to repeat the sequence upon deposition of another coin.