Abstract: Top-of-rack (TOR) switches are connected to a network fabric of a data center. Each TOR switch corresponds to a rack of the data center, and is configured to provide access to the network fabric for computing devices mounted in the rack. In one method, a TOR switch is mounted in a rack. The TOR switch is connected to a network fabric of a data center. A lock is used to control physical access to the rack. A request to physically access the rack is received from a computing device (e.g., a badge implementing a security token, or a mobile device). The request includes authentication credentials. The computing device is then authenticated. In response to authenticating the computing device, the lock is configured to provide physical access to the rack.

Abstract: Techniques for calibrating measuring devices are provided. A universal serial bus (USB) drive is inserted into a USB port on a device of a checkout system. A key in the USB drive initiates a calibration sequence on one or more weighing devices (measuring devices) of the checkout system. Audit information is captured during the calibration and usage of the weighing devices. When a command is recognized to communicate the audit information, the audit information is audibly communicated from speakers associated with the checkout system.

Abstract: A trash receptacle with foot pedal actuated vented shoes that eliminate the vacuum created from a full flexible trash liner. Closeable side vents are actuated mechanically and are connected via linkages to the foot pedal mounted near the bottom of the receptacle. The foot pedal which is located at the bottom of the container is used to open side vents when pressure is applied. The opening vents allow air to flow freely into the receptacle and close when not in use to prevent liquid and odors from escaping. The receptacle has a closed bottom and a open top. A removeable lid is provided to close the top. In addition, the manually actuated foot pedal serves to keep trash receptacle in place while trash liners are being inserted or removed. Various alternatives of the present waste receptacle are disclosed featuring different configurations of the shape of the receptacle and the connecting linkages.

Abstract: Techniques for calibrating measuring devices are provided. A universal serial bus (USB) drive is inserted into a USB port on a device of a checkout system. A key in the USB drive initiates a calibration sequence on one or more weighing devices (measuring devices) of the checkout system. Audit information is captured during the calibration and usage of the weighing devices. When a command is recognized to communicate the audit information, the audit information is audibly communicated from speakers associated with the checkout system.

Abstract: A system and method for a table that is convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration. The convertible table generally includes a base and a top comprising a plurality of panels. The panels interact to form the top of the table in both configurations. In the first configuration, the panels are combined to produce a lesser surface area than the panel configuration once expanded. This may be accomplished by any number of combination techniques such as by variations of stacking, staggered, or in any other manner that generally provides for a top with less surface area than the top of the second configuration. In the second configuration, at least two of the panels may be positioned adjacent to each other to form a substantially uniform surface. The surface area of the expanded top is generally larger than the surface area of the top in the first configuration.

Abstract: A produce recognition apparatus which provides a convenient way for a customer to obtain information about a produce item without first having to know what the produce item is. The produce recognition apparatus includes a station, a produce data collector with the station, a display on the station, an input device with the station, and a computer with the station which obtains produce data from the produce data collector, determines identification information associated with the produce item from the produce data, displays the identification information and navigation information for obtaining additional information about the produce item on the display, records a customer selection for the additional information through the input device, retrieves the additional information, and displays the additional information on the display.