Abstract: A canard deployment mechanism includes a canard connected to a shaft that is hingedly attached to a rotatable hub that is moveable between a stowed and deployed position. The mechanism further includes a locking feature on the canard for restraining the canard in the stowed position. In an embodiment the mechanism further includes a pawl rotatably mounted on a drive gear to contact and restrain the canard in the stowed position.

Abstract: A canard deployment mechanism includes a canard connected to a shaft that is hingedly attached to a rotatable hub that is moveable between a stowed and deployed position. The mechanism further includes a locking feature on the canard for restraining the canard in the stowed position. In an embodiment the mechanism further includes a pawl rotatably mounted on a drive gear to contact and restrain the canard in the stowed position.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations without dropping or subjecting the vended product to damaging impact forces are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A robotic carriage assembly using rack and pinion assemblies moves in positive non-vibratory manner along an X-Y plane in the machine, captures the selected product from its queue and smoothly transports the product to a product delivery port conveniently located close to hip level. The carriage assembly uses unique product escapement and capture mechanisms to smoothly slide the related product from its queue into the carriage. Power door and safety lock features at the delivery port are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations without dropping or subjecting the vended product to damaging impact forces are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A robotic carriage assembly using rack and pinion assemblies moves in positive non-vibratory manner along an X-Y plane in the machine, captures the selected product from its queue and smoothly transports the product to a product delivery port conveniently located close to hip level. The carriage assembly uses unique product escapement and capture mechanisms to smoothly slide the related product from its queue into the carriage. Power door and safety lock features at the delivery port are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations without dropping or subjecting the vended product to damaging impact forces are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A robotic carriage assembly using rack and pinion assemblies moves in positive non-vibratory manner along an X-Y plane in the machine, captures the selected product from its queue and smoothly transports the product to a product delivery port conveniently located close to hip level. The carriage assembly uses unique product escapement and capture mechanisms to smoothly slide the related product from its queue into the carriage. Power door and safety lock features at the delivery port are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for processing photothermographic elements. The apparatus thermally develops a photothermographic element by heating the photothermographic element between a heated member, having a resilient layer, and a plurality of rollers. The apparatus can be a component of other apparatus and systems including those having the ability to expose the photothermographic element to form a latent image.

Abstract: A cooling article adapted for use with a thermal-processing apparatus for cooling a thermally-processable element after the element is heated by a heating member within the thermal-processing apparatus. The cooling article can include a cooling plate having a textured and/or perforated top surface positionable relative to the heated member so that the sheet slides on the top surface.

Abstract: A single reel supply cartridge is provided with a lock clip which restrains a tape connector within the mouth of the cartridge. The lock-clip is released by the insertion of a release pin in to the cartridge as the cartridge is inserted into a cartridge adaptor.