Abstract: A wave responsive electrical generator device having a buoyant member connected to an anchor by a tether line member, the line member passing through a sheave mounted within the buoyant member and descending to a counterweight, whereby vertical motion of the buoyant member results in rotation of the sheave, which in turn operates an alternator to produce electricity, wherein the line member is a plurality of belts mechanically interlocking with the sheave.

Abstract: A wave responsive electrical generator device having a buoyant member connected to an anchor by a tether line member, the line member passing through a sheave mounted within the buoyant member and descending to a counterweight, whereby vertical motion of the buoyant member results in rotation of the sheave, which in turn operates an alternator to produce electricity, wherein the line member is a plurality of belts mechanically interlocking with the sheave.

Abstract: A wave responsive electrical generator device having a buoyant member connected to an anchor by a tether line member, the line member passing through a sheave mounted within the buoyant member and descending to a counterweight, whereby vertical motion of the buoyant member results in rotation of the sheave, which in turn operates hydraulic cylinders to deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure to an hydraulic motor, which drives an electrical generator, wherein the line member is a plurality of belts mechanically interlocking with the sheave.

Abstract: A wave responsive electrical generator device having a buoyant member connected to an anchor by a tether line member, the line member passing through a sheave mounted within the buoyant member and descending to a counterweight, whereby vertical motion of the buoyant member results in rotation of the sheave, which in turn operates hydraulic cylinders to deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure to an hydraulic motor, which drives an electrical generator, wherein the line member is a plurality of belts mechanically interlocking with the sheave.

Abstract: A wave responsive electrical generator device having a buoyant member connected to an anchor by a tether line member, the line member passing through a sheave mounted within the buoyant member and descending to a counterweight, whereby vertical motion of the buoyant member results in rotation of the sheave, which in turn operates hydraulic cylinders to deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure to an hydraulic motor, which drives an electrical generator.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the management of books returned by patrons in a library or similar setting are disclosed. In various aspects, apparatus for receiving a book from a patron, conveying the book, and placing the book onto a book collector in a near vertical orientation as well as associated methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the management of books returned by patrons in a library or similar setting are disclosed. In various aspects, apparatus for receiving a book from a patron, conveying the book, and placing the book onto a book collector in a near vertical orientation as well as associated methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for the controlled distribution of media. The apparatus includes a plurality of compartments that releasably retain media. The distribution manager may issue a key to a patron. The patron may then take the key to one or more compartment containing media. The media are selectively releasable by the key from the compartments when the patron presents the key to a lock interface located generally proximate the compartments. The present inventions also include methods for the controlled distribution of media from a plurality of compartments.

Abstract: A bin for library articles and an automatic unloading system therefor includes a bin housing having a chamber defined by an uppermost housing plane and by opposing walls. A floor within the chamber has a top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of cable apertures. A plurality of cables suspend the floor within the chamber, and are fixed at one end to the walls. The cables pass through the cable apertures in the floor, and are secured to a reversible cable driver which is, in turn, secured to the bottom surface of the floor. Clockwise rotational motive force of the driver causes the floor member to climb upward on the cables to the uppermost housing plane, while counter-clockwise rotational motive force causes the floor to descend downward from the housing plane.

Abstract: A combination patron-supervisor library self-check-in/out workstation includes both a patron visual display and a supervisor visual display so that a supervisor can monitor patron initiated transactions so that the supervisor may in real-time have access to the patron visually displayed patron operational information as well supplemental information.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus transports materials along an incline. The apparatus includes an endless base conveyor belt that is tensioned between lower and upper end rollers and is aligned with the incline. A drive means drives the base belt at a selected speed and in a selected direction along the incline. An endless hanging overhead conveyor belt is provided above the base belt, and has a substantially flat conveyance surface for covering materials placed on the base belt. A drive roller of the hanging overhead belt is coupled to the upper end roller of the base belt so as to drive the hanging overhead belt at a speed and direction similar to that of the base belt. The hanging overhead belt extending toward and in proximity to an input transport conveyor for transporting articles at a speed slower than the speed of the hanging belt.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus transports materials along an incline. The apparatus includes an endless base conveyor belt that is tensioned between lower and upper end rollers and is aligned with the incline. A drive means drives the base belt at a selected speed and in a selected direction along the incline. An endless hanging overhead conveyor belt is provided above the base belt, and has a substantially flat conveyance surface for covering materials placed on the base belt. A drive roller of the hanging overhead belt is coupled to the upper end roller of the base belt so as to drive the hanging overhead belt at a speed and direction similar to that of the base belt. The hanging overhead belt extending toward and in proximity to an input transport conveyor for transporting articles at a speed slower than the speed of the hanging belt.

Abstract: A combination patron-supervisor library self-check-in/out workstation includes both a patron visual display and a supervisor visual display so that a supervisor can monitor patron initiated transactions so that the supervisor may in real-time have access to the patron visually displayed patron operational information as well supplemental information.

Abstract: A bin for library articles and an automatic unloading system therefor includes a bin housing having a chamber defined by an uppermost housing plane and by opposing walls. A floor within the chamber has a top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of cable apertures. A plurality of cables suspend the floor within the chamber, and are fixed at one end to the walls. The cables pass through the cable apertures in the floor, and are secured to a reversible cable driver which is, in turn, secured to the bottom surface of the floor. Clockwise rotational motive force of the driver causes the floor member to climb upward on the cables to the uppermost housing plane, while counter-clockwise rotational motive force causes the floor to descend downward from the housing plane.

Abstract: A check-out system for library-like materials includes a console-like housing having a materials receiving end and a materials output end. A transport system conveyor provides conveyance of the materials between the receiving and output ends of the housing. The housing also includes an identification means for providing cataloging identification of the materials being conveyed. Further, the housing includes a patron-operable means for providing selected responsive operation of the system in response to an initiating input to the system.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus transports materials along an incline. The apparatus includes an endless base conveyor belt that is tensioned between lower and upper end rollers and is aligned with the incline. A drive means drives the base belt at a selected speed and in a selected direction along the incline. An endless and freely hanging tension-less overhead conveyor belt is provided above the base belt, and has a substantially flat conveyance surface for conforming to and covering materials placed on the base belt. A drive roller of the tension-less overhead belt is coupled to the upper end roller of the base belt so as to drive the tension-less overhead belt at a speed and direction similar to that of the base belt.

Abstract: An access device for a materials depository includes a panel member having opposing front and rear faces with a return aperture disposed therethrough, a door having size dimensions capable of fully blocking the return aperture, and a door actuator coupled to the door for causing the door, in response to a command signal, to selectively slide between a blocking position where the return aperture is blocked by the door, and an unblocking position where the return aperture is not blocked by the door. The access device also includes a materials sensor for providing a materials alarm signal that is indicative of a presence of materials intended to be passed through the return aperture. The access device further includes a control system that is responsive to the materials alarm signal, for providing the command signal.

Abstract: A book binding orientation locator method and apparatus includes a pair of upper and lower platforms in pivotal arrangement. The lower platform has a plurality of vacuum suction cups connected to a vacuum line for adhering to an upper cover of a book. Upon lifting the upper platform relative to the book, and depending upon how the lower platform pivots relative to the upper platform, the book-binding side of the book may be determined.

Abstract: A cart loading system for placing library-like items onto a library cart is provided for a cart having a plurality of shelves between first and second cart end members. The loading system includes a cart tilting mechanism for receiving and tilting the cart so as to raise the second cart end member relative to a ground plane and relative to said first cart end member such that the shelves are at a selected angle relative to the ground plane. The loading system also includes a placer device having a rack member for supporting an individual item and a pusher element for pushing the individual item off of the rack member.

Abstract: An automatic library cart loading system includes a tilter for elevating a library cart at selected angle relative to a material placer. The placer is positioned in between a pair of library carts, and includes a pair of linear slide actuators for positioning a book rack along a selected shelf of a selected one of the pair of carts.