Abstract: A system for dispensing one or more products can include one or more product containers, each with a port for dispensing a product, a housing with one or more product cavities for removably receiving the product containers, one or more quantity sensors for detecting a quantity of product within one or more product containers, one or more actuators for dispensing product from one or more product containers, and a controller configured to monitor or control one or more aspects of the system.

Abstract: A system for dispensing one or more products can include one or more product containers, each with a port for dispensing a product, a housing with one or more container cavities for removably receiving the product containers, one or more quantity sensors for detecting a quantity of product within one or more product containers, one or more actuators for dispensing product from one or more product containers, and a controller configured to monitor or control one or more aspects of the system.

Abstract: A system for dispensing one or more products can include one or more product containers, each with a port for dispensing a product, a housing with one or more container cavities for removably receiving the product containers, one or more quantity sensors for detecting a quantity of product within one or more product containers, one or more actuators for dispensing product from one or more product containers, and a controller configured to monitor or control one or more aspects of the system.

Abstract: A system for an automated dispensing and retrieval kiosk for recorded media includes a kiosk having a plurality of vertical racks arranged in a circular formation, each vertical rack configured for storing a plurality of recorded media. A customer interface allows a customer to select or return a recorded media. A robotic element delivers the selected recorded media from the vertical racks to a media output, at the customer interface. The element also delivers a returned recorded media from a media input at the customer interface to the vertical racks. A computer controls operation of the kiosk, and an internet interface connects the kiosk to the Internet. The kiosk may communicate with a central server and/or other kiosks of a group, to locate a requested recorded media within a kiosk of the group. Once located within the group, the requested media may be reserved for customer pick-up.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable, multi-use, human-powered cart for comfortably transporting substantial loads. A cargo basket is defined between upper and lower subframes forming a rigid, low-profile frame at the middle of the trailer. The frame rear terminates in a pair of articulated forks supporting a large wheel that bears most of the cargo weight. An adjustable and pivoted yoke assembly at the front of the frame supports an articulated harness assembly worn by the user. The yoke assembly preferably comprises an upwardly angled yoke tube slidably coupled and pivoted to the frame front at the tube's lower end. Height adjustments are facilitated by the slidably adjustable yoke tube relative to the frame to accommodate various user heights. The device folds for storage or for carrying on the users back while crossing challenging terrain.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable, multi-use, human-powered cart for comfortably transporting substantial loads. A cargo basket is defined between upper and lower subframes forming a rigid, low-profile frame at the middle of the trailer. The frame rear terminates in a pair of articulated forks supporting a large wheel that bears most of the cargo weight. An adjustable and pivoted yoke assembly at the front of the frame supports an articulated harness assembly worn by the user. The yoke assembly preferably comprises an upwardly angled yoke tube slidably coupled and pivoted to the frame front at the tube's lower end. Height adjustments are facilitated by the slidably adjustable yoke tube relative to the frame to accommodate various user heights. The device folds for storage or for carrying on the users back while crossing challenging terrain.

Abstract: A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical media using an interconnected central server, through an Internet Service Provider. The central server has databases and processing capabilities and is connected to a credit verification system. The databases collect inventory administration information and customer data (e.g., credit card information and email addresses) from the kiosks. The central server initiates credit verification, sends receipts to customers via email and maintains databases for remote inventory-control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk may identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. The kiosk may provide publishing-on-demand or act as a portal for remotely served advertisements. The kiosk preferably includes a rotatable carousel with a selection of DVDs. A digital camera captures a digital image of a disk barcode and internal software rotates the image to “read” the barcode, to control inventory and access issues.

Abstract: A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical media using an interconnected central server, through an Internet Service Provider. The central server has databases and processing capabilities and is connected to a credit verification system. The databases collect inventory administration information and customer data (e.g., credit card information and email addresses) from the kiosks. The central server initiates credit verification, sends receipts to customers via email and maintains databases for remote inventory control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk may identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. The kiosk may provide publishing-on-demand or act as a portal for remotely served advertisements. The kiosk preferably includes a rotatable carousel with a selection of DVDs. A digital camera captures a digital image of a disk barcode and internal software rotates the image to “read” the barcode, to control inventory and access issues.

Abstract: A floppy disk drive incorporates a cantilevered arm carrying at its free end a floppy disk positioning and clamping cone, the arm being pivotally mounted along the rear edge of the disk drive base frame. A longitudinal control shaft, rotatable by a control lever on the front panel of the drive, includes a cam riding in contact with a cam surface in a central region of the arm. The rear extremity of the control shaft is journaled in a variable height bearing block mounted on the base frame. A single screw controls the height of the bearing block and thus the clamping pressure exerted by the positioning and clamping cone on the floppy disk, which pressure may thereby be precisely and quickly adjusted. The invention is especially advantageous in half-height, direct drive floppy memory apparatus in which height and spindle torque limitations impose substantial design, fabrication and servicing constraints.