Abstract: A braking member for rotatable mounting on a wheel axle of a hand-driven wheeled vehicle such as a shopping cart has a first part having an opening for mounting on a wheel axle, and a second part releasably secured to the first part and having a braking surface adapted to engage the ground when the braking member is in an operative position. When the braking member becomes worn, the entire member does not have to be removed from the wheel or caster, but instead the second part is released from the first part while the first part remains on the wheel. The second part can only be released using a special tool which is provided to store personnel.

Abstract: A system ensures payment for the purchase of merchandise carried through a checkout aisle on the lower tray of a shopping cart. For that purpose, the system includes a controller with an embedded program for identifying a virtual structure substantially equivalent to the physical structure of the tray. Further, the system includes a sensor that determines when a cart is positioned at the checkout aisle. The system also includes a camera for creating an image of the physical structure of the tray and transmitting the image to the controller. The controller includes a means for activating the embedded program to compare the image with the virtual structure. As a result of the comparison, the controller determines whether merchandise is on the physical structure of the tray. During the comparison, the controller removes the virtual structure from the image.

Abstract: A system provides on-demand operation of a mobile electronic device mounted on a vehicle such as a shopping cart. The system includes a detector for sensing movement of the vehicle and device. Further, the system includes a controller electronically connected to the detector and to the device. With this interconnection, the controller may switch the device between an operating state and a resting state. Specifically, the controller establishes the operating state upon initiation of movement of the device. Also, the system is provided with a timer that is connected to the controller for switching the device to the resting state after expiration of an uninterrupted pre-determined time interval.

Abstract: A braking member for rotatable mounting on a wheel axle of a hand-driven wheeled vehicle such as a shopping cart has a first part having an opening for mounting on a wheel axle, and a second part releasably secured to the first part and having a braking surface adapted to engage the ground when the braking member is in an operative position. When the braking member becomes worn, the entire member does not have to be removed from the wheel or caster, but instead the second part is released from the first part while the first part remains on the wheel. The second part can only be released using a special tool which is provided to store personnel.

Abstract: A system prevents non-payment for goods carried through a checkout aisle in a shopping cart. In the system, a scale determines the end-weight of the cart after all goods are presumably removed. Further, a controller compares the end-weight and the tare weight of the cart. When theft is suspected, a camera captures an image of the cart while an indicator at the checkout location alerts the cashier to inspect the cart for unremoved goods. Specifically, the controller creates a signal when the end-weight exceeds the tare weight to instruct the camera to capture the image and to activate the indicator to alert the cashier. The controller may include or be integrated into a network accessible by store management or outside security advisors to examine the performance of cashiers and to determine possible patterns or profiles for theft.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing push-out theft includes a network of electronic devices that are collectively operable in either a “safe restart” mode” or in an “operational” mode. The network is installed in a shopping area and prevents shopping cart removal from the area when in the “operational” mode. It does this by initially issuing egress permits to every shopping cart. The network then selectively removes egress permits when a shopping cart enters a selected section of the shopping area. Another egress permit is issued when the shopping cart successfully passes a cashier location. Otherwise, a sentry beacon will disable a shopping cart with no egress permit, before it can leave the shopping area. The network defaults to a permit issuing mode whenever a component of the system becomes inoperable.

Abstract: A locking system for stopping a shopping cart includes a caster that can be selectively disabled when the cart encounters an electronic barrier. The caster includes a brake that is mounted on the frame of the caster. Also mounted on the frame are two receivers for separately receiving different signals from an electronic barrier. Respective decoders on the frame decipher lock commands in the signals, and a controller selectively activates the brake to prevent further movement of the cart in response to the lock commands. The electronic barrier can include an underground loop antenna and an above-ground RF beacon.

Abstract: A locking system for stopping a shopping cart includes a caster that can be selectively disabled when the cart encounters an electronic barrier. The caster includes a brake that is mounted on the frame of the caster. Also mounted on the frame are two receivers for separately receiving different signals from an electronic barrier. Respective decoders on the frame decipher lock commands in the signals, and a controller selectively activates the brake to prevent further movement of the cart in response to the lock commands. The electronic barrier can include an underground loop antenna and an above-ground RF beacon.

Abstract: An anti-tilt device for impeding tilting or tipping of a hand-driven, wheeled vehicle has a rigid bracket for attachment to a selected wheel yoke or axle on an outer side of the wheel and a resilient brake shoe attached to a lower portion of the bracket and projecting downwardly from the bracket. The brake shoe has a lower surface for engaging the ground and providing a braking action if the vehicle is tilted or tipped. The brake shoe has a braking portion extending inwardly from the inner surface towards a wheel when the bracket is mounted on the wheel. The braking portion will engage the wheel and resist rotation of the wheel when the cart is tilted or tipped.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace having a cuff formed as a single piece from bendable sheet material comprises a generally U-shaped: frame having a center segment and two extensions projecting from the ends of the center segment in a common direction. The center segment has a reduced stiffness as compared to the extensions to permit the center segment to be more readily shaped to conform to the body part of a wearer. A molded one-piece covering, such as a thermoplastic material, forms a continuous covering surrounding portions of the cuff. The cuff may be fabricated by stamping it from a sheet of metal, such as aluminum, or a composite material. By forming the sheet such that it has a variable thickness along one edge thereof, the center segment may be formed by the portion of the sheet having reduced thickness, while the extensions may be formed from the remainder of the sheet.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace having a cuff formed as a single piece from bendable sheet material comprises a generally U-shaped frame having a center segment and two extensions projecting from the ends of the center segment in a common direction. The center segment has a reduced stiffness as compared to the extensions to permit the center segment to be more readily shaped to conform to the body part of a wearer. A molded one-piece covering, such as a thermoplastic material, forms a continuous covering surrounding portions of the cuff. The cuff may be fabricated by stamping it from a sheet of metal, such as aluminum, or a composite material. By forming the sheet such that it has a variable thickness along one edge thereof, the center segment may be formed by the portion of the sheet having reduced thickness, while the extensions may be formed from the remainder of the sheet.

Abstract: A cost-effective, high heat capacity thermal therapy device is described. The therapy device includes a plurality of discrete hydrophilic absorbers hydrated with a liquid containing a substantial amount of water. The water-retention mechanism of the discrete hydrophilic absorbers allows the water to freeze under normal freezer conditions (-20.degree. F.), to 32.degree. F., increasing the heat capacity of the therapy device. At the same time, the therapy device remains highly pliable when frozen as a result of reduced water flow out of the absorbers during the freezing process. The therapy device also remains highly pliable through repeated freezing/melting cycles because the discrete absorbers do not lose their discrete forms when thawed.

Abstract: A method is provided for prefitting a stiffened member to a curved body having a geometry approximatable by a cone. Two points are initially selected on the surface of the body which also lie on two different planes passing through the body, such that the intersection of the surface and the planes defines two closed curves. A cone is approximated based on parameters relating to the curves and the selected points. A three-dimensional pattern of a stiffened member is then superimposed onto the conical surface at a modeling position corresponding to the desired placement position of the member on the body. The geometry and dimensions of the pattern are mathematically specified relative to the conical surface and the specifications provide a model for fabricating the prefitted stiffened member.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for an orthopedic brace having a rotatable hinge and a detent mechanism to automatically, yet releasably, lock the hinge in a fixed position of rotation. The hinge includes two rotatably attached members and the detent mechanism includes an indentation formed in the attached end of one member and a block pivotally mounted on the other member. The block has a locking projection that is biased toward the indentation and cooperates therewith to provide three positions of operation, a locked position, a release position, and an activated position. In the locked position, the locking projection fittingly engages the indentation, thereby substantially preventing rotation of the hinge. The release position displaces the locking projection a radial distance away from the indentation, thereby permitting the hinge to rotate freely.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace for supporting a joint has a plurality of compliant support components, including a hinged shell of stiffened elastic material and at least one supple support strap engaging the brace at two points on opposite sides of the hinge to stabilize the weakened joint throughout its range of motion, The shell has a pair of cuffs adapted to engage the body adjacent to the joint and connected to one another across a rotatable hinge by arms integrally extending from the cuffs, The support strap is adjustable in length enabling the user to modify the support strap tension, and consequently the degree of support the brace provides to the joint.