Abstract: In some embodiments, a light fixture may include a lighting enclosure having two sides, two ends, and a top and bottom section that define a channel. The light fixture may further include a light module disposed that may include a first and a second core section. The first core section may have a first retention element. The second core section may have a second retention element. The first retention element may be configured to engage the second retention element, releasably coupling the first and second core section together. The light fixture may also include a light source operatively coupled the second core section.

Abstract: A visual time clock comprises a set of vertically stacked or adjacent chambers, each of the at least two chambers having interior-located, connected LED strips which are electronically controlled and selectively powered by being turned on or off or dimmed or brightened as time passes. Each chamber is meant to visually show an amount of elapsed time, e.g., seconds, minutes, hours and days (and years and century, if desired). When one chamber visually fills with the timed illumination of the LEDs, it will void and reset its LEDs and simultaneously illuminate one or more of the LEDs of the adjacent chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for measuring and indicating time with light. The device includes an elongated housing member with at least one chamber having a defined volume for lighting elements embedded therein. Each chamber is configured to represent a different unit of time such that a first chamber represents a first unit of time and the next adjacent chamber represents a next or a previous unit of time. The lighting elements illuminate each chamber based at least partially on the unit of time such that the rate in which each chamber illuminate can differ.

Abstract: A linear array of electric lights is housed in a wooden rod with one side having a light diffuser and the light being otherwise contained in the housing. The bulb or LEDs are wired along with a switch to an AC power supply. A base plate having a small preferably rectangular footprint and an asymmetric located aperture secures and holds one end of the rod therethrough and at an angle to the floor. The aperture of base plate is shaped and of slightly greater dimensions as the cross sectional shape and dimensions of the housing. The rod is held in the aperture to provide a linear array of angled light. The aperture is lined with a plastic snap-in insert. A knuckle is provided to hold several housings. Male and female jacks are provided to electrically connect components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for consuming beverages. One embodiment includes a first beverage container that can be removably attached to a second beverage container, each of the containers in fluid communication with a double straw, wherein the double straw includes a first straw and a second straw that are bonded together via a sleeve, the first straw inserted into the first beverage container and the second straw inserted into the second beverage container. Each of the beverage containers contains a different substance such that as a user draws the substances via the double straw, the substances do not mix until they are consumed.

Abstract: A vending system comprising numerous remote vending machines, retail displays, and automated retail stores connected to a communication network access a central database so that each remote machine provides and responds to personalized customer information. Each machine comprises a display containing products to be vended and a plurality of touchable product viewing areas for initiating a vend. A computer recognizes customer data derived from peripheral inputs. Software communicates with the database for establishing customer profiles and either recognizing customers or registering customers by generating a global unique identifier. Subroutines initiate the dispensing of items in response to preselected conditions associated with each GUID.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deconstructed computer that operates as multifunctional headphones having an ornamental appearance. In one embodiment, the headphones include a plurality of modular beads that are connected by a wire in an open necklace configuration. The wire and the modular beads are distributed and shaped so that they can be comfortably draped and counter-balanced around a wearer's body, such as in the manner of jewelry. Additionally, the wire and the modular beads can be adjusted in multiple configurations without falling off or slipping into unwanted positions. Each of the modular beads include various types of input and output devices to communicate with one another and/or other external electronic devices paired thereto.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.

Abstract: Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with a computer controlled, activation system that senses either the gesture of a customer proximate product display tubes or a touch-screen selection on a computer screen. Item-based lighting produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks associated with each display tube are controlled by the activation system Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LEDs off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.