Abstract: A table-side device is seamlessly and securely integrated to an existing customer POS system within an operating environment, irrespective of the particular operating characteristics of the POS system. In one embodiment, this is achieved by providing a middleware component that executes in the POS system, preferably in the form of an agent that interfaces each table-side device to the POS system for one of: order entry and update, check management, and payment handling. The POS agent is associated with a plug-in component, which is uniquely associated with the particular POS system. The POS agent preferably includes a communication interface through which table-side devices issue requests to the POS system through the plug-in component. The agent middleware enables the single service provider system to interoperate with various types of POS systems irrespective of the underlying differences in implementation among these various third party POS systems.

Abstract: A table-side device is seamlessly and securely integrated to an existing customer POS system within an operating environment, irrespective of the particular operating characteristics of the POS system. In one embodiment, this is achieved by providing a middleware component that executes in the POS system, preferably in the form of an agent that interfaces each table-side device to the POS system for one of: order entry and update, check management, and payment handling. The POS agent is associated with a plug-in component, which is uniquely associated with the particular POS system. The POS agent preferably includes a communication interface through which table-side devices issue requests to the POS system through the plug-in component. The agent middleware enables the single service provider system to interoperate with various types of POS systems irrespective of the underlying differences in implementation among these various third party POS systems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus used for loading concrete components through a loading hopper of a mixing truck. It comprises a substantially vertically-disposed cement discharge pipe substantially centered within the discharge hopper. A water inlet is also provided in the discharge hopper. An aggregate feeding mechanism having an outlet above the discharge hopper allows providing aggregates to the mixture. This apparatus is less vulnerable to congestion since cement falls directly into the mixing truck and is encapsulated in the other concrete components. It also provides less and possibly no airborne dust particles because of encapsulation. Overall, the apparatus and the corresponding method provide an increase in flow and discharge of concrete components, thereby allowing faster loading of mixing trucks.