Abstract: An electro-mechanical latching apparatus for an enclosure such as a vending machine and including an electronic lock controller for disengaging a latch assembly securing the door of the enclosure against the enclosure frame in a closed, locked position. Upon actuation, the lock controller disengages the latch assembly and enable the door of the enclosure to be moved to an open position for accessing the enclosure.

Abstract: A universal utility usage data gathering system that is capable of operating with any other read pad data gathering system, regardless of protocol. The universal system comprises of two components. One—a transponder which is the actual device that accumulates utility usage and will transfer accumulated usage to a reader/interrogator system. Two—the universal reader/interrogator, which will universally read any transponder for which the reader is programmed to accept from the transponder read pad. The universal reader/interrogator is based on standard micro-electronic chips and utilizes a multi-tapped antenna making the device capable of communicating with any transponder. The universal reader/interrogator will determine what protocol from any transponder.

Abstract: A universal utility usage data gathering system that is capable of operating with any other remote data gathering system, regardless of protocol, such as a standard Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system or an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system is disclosed. The universal system comprises of three major portions. One--the universal transponder or actual device that accumulates utility usage and will universally relay accumulated usage to any remote reader/interrogator system. Two--a Meter Interface Unit, which interfaces between the universal transponder and the remote data gathering system. Three--a universal data reader system, which will universally read its own transponder or any other transponder over the remote data gathering system and can take the form of a stand-alone system or be incorporated into the software of the main-frame controlling the remote data gathering system.

Abstract: A utility usage data gathering system that is universally capable of operating with any other portion of another usage gathering system is disclosed. The system comprises of major portions, the universal transponder or actual device that accumulates utility usage and will universally relay accumulated usage to any reader/interrogator, and the universal reader that will universally read its own transponder or any other transponder. The system is based on standard micro-electronic chips and uses the same chips and logic in both the reader/interrogator and transponder. Each portion of the system, when polled by a foreign device, will determine what communication protocol is required and will respond to collect or transmit utility usage data in the proper protocol. Both portions of the apparatus use switchable multi-tapped antennae, capable of universal matching in order to transceive the modulated electromagnetic wave which contains the utility usage data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low entry force connector socket having a cage with a wire basket formed within it by contact wires which are fixed to the cage in notches on the end rims thereof, and which wires are rotationally offset within the cage to form the wire basket for engaging a connector pin. The wires are mounted in the cage by being hooked on notches provided in the end rims of the cage, and are moved to their rotationally offset orientations in a series of stages, following which they are fixed in position and the external portions of the socket are mounted to enclose the cage while a tool pin is positioned in the wire basket to establish the desired connecting force of the socket.