Abstract: A device for raising a warning flag in the rear of a boat pulling a water skier if the skier falls, is disclosed. The device comprises a pivot member in which the flag pole is mounted and which is spring biased towards a position in which the flag pole is vertical. A retaining device normally holds the pivot member in a position in which the flag pole is lowered. When the skier falls the retaining device is released either manually or automatically to allow the pivot member to move under the spring-bias to raise the flag pole.

Abstract: A vending machine which comprises a replaceable, transparent loading magazine forming an array of honeycomb slots holding the goods to be dispensed. The magazine is positioned over the slanted top of the vending machine. Each honeycomb slot has a small hinged trap door upon which the goods held therein rest. The trap door is held closed by a flexible member associated with a system of crossbars. A solenoid is used at the end of each crossbar to shift it laterally. Only the flexible member positioned at the cross point of two activated crossbars is allowed to move and release the corresponding trap door. A chute under the trap doors directs the goods falling therethrough toward a dispensing station. The goods selection is made by dialing on a keyboard the identifying symbol of the slot holding the desired item. The keyboard is activated by signals issued from a coin box after detection of the correct change.

Abstract: A vending machine which comprises a replaceable, transparent loading magazine forming an array of honeycombed slots holding the goods to be dispensed. The magazine is positioned upside down over a plate having a small trap door under each slot. A chute under the trap doors directs the food falling through the trap doors toward a dispensing slot. The trap doors are controlled by electrical signals generated upon selection of the goods by the customer. The selection is made by dialing on a numerical keyboard the identification of the slot holding the desired item. The selection is enabled by a signal issued from the coin box after acceptance of the correct change.