Abstract: A docking module for use in a modular locking system includes a locking daughter board configured to selectively operate a locking mechanism into locking and unlocking positions. The docking module further includes an ID daughter board configured to interact with an identifier incorporated into a latching body of a tangible item in order to generate identification information regarding the tangible item. The ID daughter board is configured to transmit the identification information to a remote computer. The locking daughter board is configured to receive instructions from the remote computer regarding whether to selectively move the locking mechanism into the locking and unlocking positions.

Abstract: A system for receiving and auditing objects according to an embodiment of the invention includes a housing having a front panel, a receiving area, an auditing area, and a drop chute, wherein the receiving area includes a shelf, the front panel includes an opening, a door assembly having a pushing wall and a second pushing wall and assembly moveable between an open position in which an object can be inserted through the opening and into the receiving area, and a closed position in which the door assembly prevents access to the receiving area, wherein the pushing wall moves the object from the shelf into the auditing area as the door assembly closed; and a control system coupled to a camera and switch, wherein the door assembly activates the switch when it is in the closed position, the control system images the object with the camera in response to switch activation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a locker bay system. Specifically, in some embodiments the locker bay includes a catch loop coupled to the locker door and a locking mechanism that releaseably secures the catch loop to lock and unlock the locker bay. The locking mechanism, in some embodiments, includes a lock bar that pulls and pushes the catch loop in and out of the lock bar to lock and unlock the locker bay.

Abstract: An automated retail system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a front and/or rear product rack, each rack having a plurality of bins, each of which has a product door, the system further including a basket moveable along an x-y plane on a rail system to selectively open a product door of a product bin to permit the product within the bin to fall into the basket, the basket movable to a product delivery position to release the product from the basket. Such a system may include sensors and/or scanners to determine contents of each bin, such that any product may be placed in any bin, and inventory of each bin or all bins may be determined at any time. The basket may be configured to move in x and y but not z directions, and may also serve as the sole actuation mechanism for opening the doors.

Abstract: A system for receiving and auditing objects according to an embodiment of the invention includes a housing having a front panel, a receiving area, an auditing area, and a drop chute, wherein the receiving area includes a shelf, the front panel includes an opening, a door assembly having a pushing wall and a second pushing wall and assembly moveable between an open position in which an object can be inserted through the opening and into the receiving area, and a closed position in which the door assembly prevents access to the receiving area, wherein the pushing wall moves the object from the shelf into the auditing area as the door assembly closed; and a control system coupled to a camera and switch, wherein the door assembly activates the switch when it is in the closed position, the control system images the object with the camera in response to switch activation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a modular system for facilitating automated transactions. Specifically, in some embodiments a modular system includes a plurality of lock modules that are controlled by one or more primary lock control boards. The lock modules control access to products or services through one or more daughter boards.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a modular system for facilitating automated transactions. Specifically, in some embodiments a modular system includes a plurality of lock modules that are controlled by one or more primary lock control boards. The lock modules control access to products or services through one or more daughter boards.

Abstract: A system for receiving and auditing objects according to an embodiment of the invention includes a housing having a front panel, a receiving area, an auditing area, and a drop chute, wherein the receiving area includes a shelf, the front panel includes an opening, a door assembly having a pushing wall and a second pushing wall and assembly moveable between an open position in which an object can be inserted through the opening and into the receiving area, and a closed position in which the door assembly prevents access to the receiving area, wherein the pushing wall moves the object from the shelf into the auditing area as the door assembly closed; and a control system coupled to a camera and switch, wherein the door assembly activates the switch when it is in the closed position, the control system images the object with the camera in response to switch activation.

Abstract: An automated retail system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a front and/or rear product rack, each rack having a plurality of bins, each of which has a product door, the system further including a basket moveable along an x-y plane on a rail system to selectively open a product door of a product bin to permit the product within the bin to fall into the basket, the basket movable to a product delivery position to release the product from the basket. Such a system may include sensors and/or scanners to determine contents of each bin, such that any product may be placed in any bin, and inventory of each bin or all bins may be determined at any time. The basket may be configured to move in x and y but not z directions, and may also serve as the sole actuation mechanism for opening the doors.

Abstract: An automated retail system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a front and/or rear product rack, each rack having a plurality of bins, each of which has a product door, the system further including a basket moveable along an x-y plane on a rail system to selectively open a product door of a product bin to permit the product within the bin to fall into the basket, the basket movable to a product delivery position to release the product from the basket. Such a system may include sensors and/or scanners to determine contents of each bin, such that any product may be placed in any bin, and inventory of each bin or all bins may be determined at any time. The basket may be configured to move in x and y but not z directions, and may also serve as the sole actuation mechanism for opening the doors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a locker bay system. Specifically, in some embodiments the locker bay includes a catch loop coupled to the locker door and a locking mechanism that releaseably secures the catch loop to lock and unlock the locker bay. The locking mechanism, in some embodiments, includes a lock bar that pulls and pushes the catch loop in and out of the lock bar to lock and unlock the locker bay.

Abstract: A system for receiving and auditing objects according to an embodiment of the invention includes a housing having a front panel, a receiving area, an auditing area, and a drop chute, wherein the receiving area includes a shelf, the front panel includes an opening, a door assembly having a pushing wall and a second pushing wall and assembly moveable between an open position in which an object can be inserted through the opening and into the receiving area, and a closed position in which the door assembly prevents access to the receiving area, wherein the pushing wall moves the object from the shelf into the auditing area as the door assembly closed; and a control system coupled to a camera and switch, wherein the door assembly activates the switch when it is in the closed position, the control system images the object with the camera in response to switch activation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a modular system for facilitating automated transactions. Specifically, in some embodiments a modular system includes a plurality of lock modules that are controlled by one or more primary lock control boards. The lock modules control access to products or services through one or more daughter boards.

Abstract: A sorting system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a housing, a tray tiltably coupled to the housing and having a top surface configured to receive an object, an actuator configured to tilt the tray to at least a first position at which the object rolls or slides off of a first end of the tray, and a second position at which the object rolls or slides off of a second end of the tray opposite the first end, and an object recognition system configured to determine whether the object is a first type of object or a second type of object, wherein the actuator is configured to tilt the tray to the first position when the object is the first type of object, and wherein the actuator is configured to tilt the tray to the second position when the object is the second type of object.

Abstract: An automated retail system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a front and/or rear product rack, each rack having a plurality of bins, each of which has a product door, the system further including a basket moveable along an x-y plane on a rail system to selectively open a product door of a product bin to permit the product within the bin to fall into the basket, the basket movable to a product delivery position to release the product from the basket. Such a system may include sensors and/or scanners to determine contents of each bin, such that any product may be placed in any bin, and inventory of each bin or all bins may be determined at any time. The basket may be configured to move in x and y but not z directions, and may also serve as the sole actuation mechanism for opening the doors.

Abstract: A steering assembly particularly adapted for incorporation into a remote controlled toy car is disclosed. The steering assembly includes a pair of kingpins which fixedly mount two steered wheels of the toy car. The kingpins are pivotably mounted on axles attached to a chassis of the toy car. The kingpins are also moveable on their respective axles in a substantially vertical direction relative to the chassis of the toy car. A mechanism is provided to simultaneously pivot both kingpins about their respective axles in a proportional response to a steering input by a player so that the steered wheels of the cars are turned to a desired extent. Each kingpin is in an operative camming relationship with at least one member fixedly attached to the chassis of the toy car so that the kingpin located on the inside of a turn is caused to move downward and the other kingpin located on the outside of the turn is caused to move upward.