Abstract: An electro-optical detection system for detecting objects within the boundaries of a monitored zone, comprises a plurality of LED emitter and photodetector pairs. Each emitter (12) emits a beam of pulses of light energy into the monitored zone, and its paired photodetector (14) detects light energy including light energy from the beam that is reflected from an object within the monitored zone and generates light detection signals. A controller (10) operates the emitter and photodetector pairs and evaluates the light detection signals to discriminate between light energy of beams reflected from an object within the monitored zone and other light energy. The controller can selectively adjust the evaluation of the light detection signals to adjust the effective boundaries of the monitored zone.

Abstract: A token for use with a token operated device includes a plurality of predetermined optical characteristics. The plurality of predetermined optical characteristics are disposed in a substantially radially symmetrical manner with respect to the token, and each of the optical characteristics have the property of a facet wherein an effective surface normal of said facet is a line along a predetermined vector angle with an elevational angle ranging preferably between 30.degree. and 60.degree.. An azimuthal angle of the facet surface is other than substantially along a radial line of the token or substantially along a line tangent to an annular ring centered on the token such that a token operated device can validate the predetermined optical characteristics substantially independent of token orientation.

Abstract: A token for use with a token operated device includes a plurality of predetermined optical characteristics. The plurality of predetermined optical characteristics are disposed in a substantially radially symmetrical manner with respect to the token, and each of the optical characteristics have the property of a facet wherein an effective surface normal of said facet is a line along a predetermined vector angle with an elevational angle ranging preferably between 30.degree. and 60.degree.. An azimuthal angle of the facet surface is other than substantially along a radial line of the token or substantially along a line tangent to an annular ring centered on the token such that a token operated device can validate the predetermined optical characteristics substantially independent of token orientation.

Abstract: A method of defining a sensing system for detecting the presence of an object in a volume of space under surveillance by determining the optimal placement of a plurality of energy beams which are projected into the volume which comprises the steps of (A) placing the object at a preselected position within the space; (B) directing a plurality of sample beams of energy, which have a predetermined orientation, from a source onto the object; (C) detecting the reflections of the sample beam energy from points on the object by energy detectors; (D) recording the preselected position of the object, the predetermined orientation of sample beams, and the detection status of the energy detectors; (E) changing the equatorial and azimuthal angles of each of the beams and repeating steps (B), (C) and (D); (F) moving the source of the sample beams relative to the object; (G) repeating steps (B) through (F) to produce spatial maps of the locations at which the object is positioned when each of the energy detectors detect re

Abstract: A vending apparatus of the type having drop shelves, wherein the shelves are retained in an upright position by a solenoid, and wherein, when so positioned, the solenoid forms a series electrical circuit with the shelf, such that the position of the shelf can be tested by testing the integrity of this series electrical circuit. The vending apparatus can be equipped with an acoustic input, such that upon receiving a particular acoustic input signal, the machine will automatically test the position of the shelves by testing the shelf/solenoid circuit, and in this way, an inventory of the contents of the vending machine can be performed.

Abstract: A vending apparatus of the type having drop shelves, wherein the shelves are retained in an upright position by a solenoid, and wherein, when so positioned, the solenoid forms a series electrical circuit with the shelf, such that the position of the shelf can be tested by testing the integrity of this series electrical circuit. The vending apparatus can be equipped with an acoustic input, such that upon receiving a particular acoustic input signal, the machine will automatically test the position of the shelves by testing the shelf/solenoid circuit, and in this way, an inventory of the contents of the vending machine can be performed.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system includes an object detection module (50) mounted on a vehicle (54) for detecting the presence of an object (68) within a monitored zone of space (56) adjacent the vehicle (54). The detection unit (50) emits a plurality of beams (66) of infrared energy and detects the reflection of such energy from objects (68) within the zone. The detection module (50) is typically activated by the host vehicle's electrical turn signal, The detection module (50) includes a plurality of associated pairs of light emitting diodes (134) and photosensitive detectors (128) for sensing the reflected light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which allow for the detection of an object (14) by the generation of a radiated beam (18) and a subsequent reflection by the object (14) of a portion (20) thereof. The detection of particulate object material (16) due to a reflection of a portion (22) of the generated beam (18) is minimized.

Abstract: An electronic control system (10) for use in controllably unlocking a locked drawer. Portions of the system (10) are located in the vicinity (12) of the locked drawer and portions are located in a remote location ( 11 ). The system (10) includes an operator accessible switch (14) located in the remote location (11), which switch enables two separate, parallel, redundant unlocking mechanism paths. Each path includes a time delay unit (17) that delays the opening of the locked drawer until a predetermined period of time following activation of the system by the operator, in order to allow time for the operator to move from the remote location to the locked drawer. In addition to providing power to circuitry that unlocks the locked drawer, the system also provides from the remote location, and then decodes at the locked drawer location, an authorization signal. Without this signal, the unlocking circuitry will not unlock the drawer, even in the presence of power.

Abstract: A vending device (10) that can respond to selection of various vending commodities during the vending process by recalculating an amount of time that yet remains in the vending process as a function of proration of an original amount of compensation and new calculation parameters that are associated with the newly chosen commodity selections. This newly calculated amount of time can then be displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which allow for the detection of an object (14) by the generation of a radiated beam (18) and a subsequent reflection by the object (14) of a portion (20) thereof. The detection of particulate object material (16) due to a reflection of a portion (22) of the generated beam (18) is minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which allow for the detection of an object (14) by the generation of a radiated beam (18) and a subsequent reflection by the object (14) of a portion (20) thereof. The detection of particulate object material (16) due to a reflection of a portion (22) of the generated beam (18) is minimized.

Abstract: A token having predetermined optical characteristics can be tested by a token validation device that subjects the token to optical testing to determine the presence or absence of the predetermined optical characteristics. A single token can include a plurality of different predetermined optical characteristics to increase its coding content.

Abstract: A coin counter security circuit for use in vending machines having a counter for counting the number of vending transactions. The circuit functions to detect indicia of proper counter operation (and hence that the counter has not been improperly disconnected) and serves to enable the vend transaction when proper counter operation has been so detected. The indicia of proper counter operation can be the detection of a flyback signal normally generated by an inductive element associated with the counter.