Abstract: A power pack vending system comprises a plurality of kiosks including a magazine having a plurality of slots, and a plurality of rechargeable power packs. Each power pack has a unique identifier and is sized to be received within one slot. Each kiosk includes a computer for receiving and storing the unique identifier of each power pack received within the magazine, the specific slot the power pack is in, and current power pack information. The kiosk computer controls a charging unit for charging the power packs. The system includes a central management operation comprising a central computer and central database. The management operation communicates with each kiosk and the central database includes a database storing power pack information for every power pack and a database storing customer information. The central management operation receives, stores and processes information received from the kiosks and sends information to each of the kiosks.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a flowable food product from a reservoir is provided. A wall of the reservoir defines an aperture therethrough allowing the flowable food product to exit the reservoir. The system includes a valve having a base member having a first passageway extending therethrough and a moving member having a second passageway extending therethrough, the moving member configured to slide relative to the base member between a closed position in which the first passageway and the second passageway do not overlap and an open position in which the first passageway and the second passageway overlap. When the moving member is in the open position, an axis extending through the first passageway and the second passageway extends through the aperture in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a consumer comparative pricing data from at least two merchants is discussed. In one aspect of the invention a customer of a merchant queries a database containing time and location specific pricing data for competitors of the first merchant. If the query shows that the customer could have purchased the same item or items for a lower price at a competitor, the first merchant awards the customer an on-line credit that is redeemable at the merchant. In another aspect, a consumer uploads an image of a competitor's receipt. The item specific data on the receipt is converted to UPC codes on an item by item basis. These UPC codes are then compared against the merchant's pricing database and the consumer is provided data set comparing the prices the consumer paid to the prices the consumer would have paid had the consumer shopped at the merchant.

Abstract: A knife and chopping attachment assembly for chopping food products comprises a knife and a chopping attachment. The knife has a blade portion and a handle portion. The blade portion has a cutting edge and a spine disposed on a top side of the blade portion generally opposite the cutting edge. The chopping attachment is disposed over a portion of the spine of the knife. The chopping attachment is movable along the spine from a proximal end of the blade portion to a distal end of the blade portion.

Abstract: A knife for cutting food products comprises a blade portion, a handle portion, and a bolster. The blade portion has a cutting edge and a spine. The spine is disposed on a top side of the blade portion. The bolster has at least a first thickness and is positioned between the blade portion and the handle portion. The bolster comprises a first generally curved-shape proximal boundary and a second generally curved-shaped distal boundary. The bolster has a first lateral sidewall and a second lateral sidewall. A surface depression is disposed between the first generally curved-shape proximal boundary and the second generally curved-shape distal boundary of at least one of the first lateral sidewall and the second lateral sidewall. The first generally curved-shape proximal boundary is spaced a distance from the second generally curved-shape distal boundary to receive a thumb of a user on the bolster.

Abstract: A storage apparatus is disclosed. The storage apparatus comprises a mounting mechanism, a hoist system and a storage member. The hoist system, which is attached to the mounting mechanism, comprises at least one pulley. A hoist wire is disposed within each of the at least one pulleys. A hoist wire mount receives a first end of each of the hoist wires and also includes a power source. Finally, the storage member is affixed to a second end of each of the hoist wires.

Abstract: A rotary food cutting device is provided. The rotary food cutting device comprises a handle assembly and a removable blade assembly. The removable blade assembly has a blade, a first blade mounting member, and a second blade mounting member. The blade is positioned between the first blade mounting member and the second blade mounting member. The first blade mounting member and the second blade mounting member interact with the handle assembly to removably secure the blade.