Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: A secure computer system is shown and described. The computer system includes (1) a network power controller that has slots and (2) removable cards that are inserted into the slots. The computer system may also include peripheral devices that are coupled to the network power controller through a digital current system. Through the digital current system, the network power controller is able to power and control the peripheral devices remotely. Various embodiments of the disclosed invention provide a computer system that is faster, more reliable, and more secure than conventional systems.

Abstract: A system for bidirectional data and power transmission is shown and described. In an embodiment, a network power controller provides power to a node and communicates bidirectionally with the node. In an embodiment, the network power controller is coupled to an AC power source and provides both AC and DC power to the node. In an embodiment, the network power controller and node are coupled via a conduit comprising three wires, wherein the first wire carries DC power and communications, the second wire carries AC power, and the third wire is the neutral/ground line. In another embodiment, the network power controller and node are coupled via a conduit comprising two wires, wherein the first wire carries AC power and communications and the second wire is the neutral/ground line. In an embodiment, AC power having one phase or more can be controlled at the network power controller and the node.

Abstract: A system for bidirectional data and power transmission are shown and described. In an embodiment, the system includes a network power controller that protects the network against over-current conditions by disconnecting system power when high current is detected at the power input. In an embodiment, power and data are transmitted between the network power controller and nodes on the network via a conduit having at least three wires. In an embodiment, an optical fiber is used to transmit data between the network power controller and the nodes. The use of a third wire or an optical fiber offers advantages over other systems for bidirectional data and power transmission in that they reduce the EMI effects on the system and allow for an increased duty cycle for power transmission.

Abstract: A method and system for bidirectional data and power transmission are shown and described. An exemplary embodiment comprises a current receiver, including a microprocessor and a driver, and a plurality of nodes connected to the current receiver through a plurality of wires that allow both power supply and bidirectional data transfer between the current receiver and the plurality of nodes. The use of the plurality of wires for both power and data transmission offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of weight reduction and system modularity.

Abstract: A dual capacity washing machine includes an outer tub having an open end. A first wash basket having a first capacity is mounted within the outer tub, and can be interchanged with a second wash basket having a second capacity. A first tub cover is detachably mounted over the open end of the outer tub and includes a transition surface into and out of the first wash basket. A second tub cover can be interchanged with the first tub cover and includes a transition surface extending toward the second wash basket. The combination of the first wash basket and the first tub cover provide a first wash capacity and the combination of the second wash basket and second tub cover provide a second washing capacity.