Abstract: Mobile product dispensers for storing and dispensing products to consumers at various locations. A mobile product dispensers may include a product dispensing system, a user interface, a powertrain system, and a control unit. The mobile product dispenser may freely roam or follow a predetermined path within its environment of operation, and may engage with and service consumers along its route. A consumer may also summon the mobile product dispenser to a location using a user device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or the like. The control unit may enable the mobile product dispenser to autonomously travel within its environment of operation and/or to navigate to the location of a consumer.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage dispenser includes: detecting a user in proximity to the beverage dispenser; prompting the user to provide a first input, wherein the first input is audible; retrieving a user profile for the user based on the first input; receiving a second input from the user, wherein the second input comprises information about a beverage selection of the user, and wherein the second input is provided in a different manner than the first input; and dispensing the beverage.

Abstract: A computer system is provided that includes one or more processors configured to store a plurality of software interfaces that define explicit interaction contracts between network connected devices and software services. The one or more processors are configured to execute a plurality of software services. Each software service defines one or more software interfaces operated on by that software service. The one or more processors are configured to receive, from a network connected device, a list of one or more software interfaces implemented by the network connected device, select one or more software services based on a match between the one or more software interfaces implemented by the network connected device and the one or more software interfaces operated on by the plurality of software services, and process data received from the network connected device using the selected software services.

Abstract: An electric double-layer ultracapacitor configured to maintain desired operation at an operating voltage of three volts, where the capacitor includes a housing component, a first and a second current collector, a positive and a negative electrode electrically coupled to one of the first and second current collectors, and a separator positioned between the positive and the negative electrode. At least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode can include a treated carbon material, where the treated carbon material includes a reduction in a number of hydrogen-containing functional groups, nitrogen-containing functional groups and/or oxygen-containing functional groups.

Abstract: A computing system includes a logic subsystem and memory storing instructions executable by the logic subsystem. The instructions are executable by the logic subsystem to store, in the memory, a plurality of software models that each describe aspects of a network connected device or a software service, the plurality of software models comprising a first version of a selected software model. The logic subsystem is configured to receive a second version of the selected software model and validate the second version of the selected software model via validation logic by applying one or more versioning rules to the second version of the selected software model. Based on the application of the one or more versioning rules, the logic subsystem is configured to execute a versioning action on the selected software model.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for mitigating fluid loss or leakage from a fluid pump with a rotating shaft driving a pumping mechanism. A one-piece, combined packing gland-bushing component can have an internal seal that allows for use of lubricants at higher pressures. Further, the combined packing gland-bushing component can be configured with a removal component that allows for easier removal of the packing gland-bushing component from a pump shaft, and shaft packing box.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for automated emergency arterial cannulation. The device comprises a hand-held automated emergency arterial sheath placement device having a body with a handle and an actuator, and an arterial sheath placement head at the distal end of the handle body configured for placement against the patient's skin. The arterial sheath placement head includes an arterial sheath insertion device configured to advance an arterial needle, guide wire, and arterial sheath into a patient's artery upon sequential operation of the actuator. The arterial sheath placement head also includes a non-invasive artery locator configured to locate an artery into which the arterial sheath is intended to be placed. The arterial sheath placement head also preferably includes a Doppler gel and antiseptic needle, a local anesthetic needle, and a scalpel, all of which are likewise configured to advance from the upper body portion upon sequential operation of the actuator.

Abstract: An electric double-layer ultracapacitor configured to maintain desired operation at an operating voltage of three volts, where the capacitor includes a housing component, a first and a second current collector, a positive and a negative electrode electrically coupled to one of the first and second current collectors, and a separator positioned between the positive and the negative electrode. At least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode can include a treated carbon material, where the treated carbon material includes a reduction in a number of hydrogen-containing functional groups, nitrogen-containing functional groups and/or oxygen-containing functional groups.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for mitigating fluid loss or leakage from a fluid pump with a rotating shaft driving a pumping mechanism. A one-piece, combined packing gland-bushing component can have an internal seal that allows for use of lubricants at higher pressures. Further, the combined packing gland-bushing component can be configured with a removal component that allows for easier removal of the packing gland-bushing component from a pump shaft, and shaft packing box.

Abstract: A rubberized food-grade device temporarily attaches to a beverage receptacle, preventing insects from entering the beverage but allowing individuals to drink from the receptacle freely. Different devices are contemplated for attachment to bottles, cans, or drinking glasses and are shaped in novel ways.

Abstract: A compact, portable art case is contemplated with (1) an area within the case to store blank sheets for artwork, (2) an exterior surface of the case with a mechanism for holding the artwork in place and serving as a backdrop while coloring, drawing or painting, and (3) a tray interlocking with the case to hold colored pencils or other art supplies necessary to create the art.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for automated emergency arterial cannulation. The device comprises a hand-held automated emergency arterial sheath placement device having a body with a handle and an actuator, and an arterial sheath placement head at the distal end of the handle body configured for placement against the patient's skin. The arterial sheath placement head includes an arterial sheath insertion device configured to advance an arterial needle, guide wire, and arterial sheath into a patient's artery upon sequential operation of the actuator. The arterial sheath placement head also includes a non-invasive artery locator configured to locate an artery into which the arterial sheath is intended to be placed. The arterial sheath placement head also preferably includes a Doppler gel and antiseptic needle, a local anesthetic needle, and a scalpel, all of which are likewise configured to advance from the upper body portion upon sequential operation of the actuator.

Abstract: Modular vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers. A modular vending machine may include a product storage system, a user interface, and a control unit. Several modular vending machines may be stacked and/or arranged together in various configurations. Several modular vending machines may be linked electronically and may communicate with each other and/or with a user mobile device over a network. A modular vending machine may automatically complete a transaction with the consumer, where the consumer removes a product from the modular vending machine. A consumer may access and purchase products from several modular vending machines in one transaction.

Abstract: A computer system is provided that includes one or more processors configured to store a plurality of software interfaces that define explicit interaction contracts between network connected devices and software services. The one or more processors are configured to execute a plurality of software services. Each software service defines one or more software interfaces operated on by that software service. The one or more processors are configured to receive, from a network connected device, a list of one or more software interfaces implemented by the network connected device, select one or more software services based on a match between the one or more software interfaces implemented by the network connected device and the one or more software interfaces operated on by the plurality of software services, and process data received from the network connected device using the selected software services.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a gear pump for low speed transfers of viscous liquid slurries promotes growth of suspended particles, such as sugar crystals, by avoiding crushing of the particles. The pump includes a rotor gear in mesh with an eccentrically mounted idler gear supported on a boss of a pump head that includes a crescent seal extending into an opening resulting from the eccentricity of the idler gear relative to the rotor gear. The idler gear contains a radially extending land on each tooth profile, symmetrically oriented on adjacently spaced pairs of teeth. The lands, configured to minimize crushing of crystals passing through the pump, engage mating rotor teeth for sealing between inlet and outlet ports of the pump. To promote crystal growth, the lands cover only 10% to 30% of profile surface area of each tooth. To minimize gear tooth wear, the lands are axially staggered between successive adjacent pairs of teeth.

Abstract: A gear pump for low speed transfers of viscous liquid slurries promotes growth of suspended particles, such as sugar crystals, by avoiding crushing of the particles. The pump includes a rotor gear in mesh with an eccentrically mounted idler gear supported on a boss of a pump head that includes a crescent seal extending into an opening resulting from the eccentricity of the idler gear relative to the rotor gear. The idler gear contains a radially extending land on each tooth profile, symmetrically oriented on adjacently spaced pairs of teeth. The lands, configured to minimize crushing of crystals passing through the pump, engage mating rotor teeth for sealing between inlet and outlet ports of the pump. To promote crystal growth, the lands cover only 10% to 30% of profile surface area of each tooth. To minimize gear tooth wear, the lands are axially staggered between successive adjacent pairs of teeth.

Abstract: An electric double-layer ultracapacitor configured to maintain desired operation at an operating voltage of three volts, where the capacitor includes a housing component, a first and a second current collector, a positive and a negative electrode electrically coupled to one of the first and second current collectors, and a separator positioned between the positive and the negative electrode. At least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode can include a treated carbon material, where the treated carbon material includes a reduction in a number of hydrogen-containing functional groups, nitrogen-containing functional groups and/or oxygen-containing functional groups.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage dispenser includes: detecting a user in proximity to the beverage dispenser; prompting the user to provide a first input, wherein the first input is audible; retrieving a user profile for the user based on the first input; receiving a second input from the user, wherein the second input comprises information about a beverage selection of the user, and wherein the second input is provided in a different manner than the first input; and dispensing the beverage.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering food products using an autonomous distribution vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a first distribution vehicle that is configured to carry food products and at least one autonomous distribution vehicle. While the first distribution vehicle delivers food products, the autonomous distribution vehicle may depart the first distribution vehicle and deliver its own set of food products. The autonomous distribution vehicle can then return to the first distribution vehicle.

Abstract: A compact microscope including an enclosure, a support element, a primary optical support element located within the enclosure and supported by the support element, at least one vibration isolating mount between the support element and the primary optical support element, an illumination section, an objective lens system, a sample stage mounted on the primary optical support element, an illumination optical system to direct an illumination light beam from the illumination section to the sample stage, and a return optical system to receive returned light from sample stage and transmit returned light to a detection apparatus, wherein the illumination optical system and return optical system are mounted on the primary optical support element.