Abstract:
One of a number of automatic vending machines run by one or more operators accepts payment for the goods it dispenses by creditable and debitable cash card, also called smart card. The machine includes a currency acceptor that writes on the card the sum in bank notes received by the currency acceptor. With each purchase, the given price of selected and dispensed goods is deducted from the card. The amount of payment received by the currency acceptor and the price charged are recorded by the machine and communicated to an account clearing house that debits the operator's account with the sum received and credits it by the charged price. A large number of goods and service providers using this type of automatic vending machines can accept the same universal card for the convenience of their customers.
Abstract:
A hand-operated device in the form of a slide rule or disk computer for giving play-by-play instructions about the most appropriate next move in a team game, based upon the current status or position of the players and other game conditions. The device comprises a stationary frame with at least two sets of windows through which markings on a slidable or rotatable member can be displayed. A first set of windows is used to dial the position or the roles of the players or of a team on the field such as the loading of the bases in a baseball game. A second set of windows displays one or more instructions about the recommended next move. A plurality of movable members may be used in connection with the same frame, each member corresponding to a player's or team's role or position.
Abstract:
A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items (19) packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped containers. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge (3) by compressed air, and in the absence of any solid pushing, pulling or carrying device, then individually dispensed. A flow of compressed air generated by a blower (28) is s fed to the back of the cartridge. The items are dispensed under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism (26, 27) at the front end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine (2) grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly (38).
Abstract:
Atomized metal particles distributed within a resin matrix form a composite that can be selectively heated by exposure to microwave radiations. The composites can also be formed into non-electrically conductive but thermally conductive dielectric and magnetic structures by appropriate selection of metal particles and matrix materials.
Abstract:
A method and necessary apparatus for detecting the unauthorized operation or asportation of mobile or portable equipment. The apparatus comprises a concealable transmitter designed to re-transmit a coded message received from a check station. The check station may be stationary such as at the exit gate of a garage or at a fixed checkpoint along a thoroughfare; or may be carried on a vehicle such as a police car or other type of security patrol. The concealed repeating transmitter is switched on or off by means of a pocket-sized short-range coded remote switch unit not unlike those used for the remote control of household television receivers.
Abstract:
A method for centralized mass processing of substitutable, good-holding magazines used in conjunction with computer-controlled vending machines. A memory-chip-mounting smart-card is used, not only to enter into the machines the magazine location and price of the various goods, but also to carry a sales transaction record of the replaced magazine, thus avoiding the need for magazine locking mechanisms and other security measures.
Abstract:
A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped container. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge and individually ejected by a flow of air generated by a blower under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism at the dispensing end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly.
Abstract:
A container for holding and dispensing articles such as beverage cans and bottles wherein a first set of said articles are laid horizontally in a row over a slanted floor, and are retained therein by a vertically movable plate resting upon said row. A barrier projects downwardly from the front edge of the plate against the lowermost article in the first set and prevents the entire set from rolling toward an opening at the base of the slanted floor. A second set of articles is similarly positioned upon the plate. The weight of the second set prevents the plate and barrier from moving upward and freeing the first set until all the articles in the first set have rolled toward the opening. Additional plates and sets of articles can be superimposed above the first and second sets. A control gate is provided to allow the articles to be dispensed one by one through the opening.
Abstract:
Apparatus for continuously monitoring the loss of blood suffered by a patient in the course of a surgical operation. The apparatus provides a means for sucking the combination of blood and irrigating solution gathered about the incision, and for sequentially measuring the volumes and densities of small samplings of the solution-and-blood mixture being drawn through the conduit leading from the incision area to the suction device. The apparatus relies on the difference between the respective densities of the blood and of the irrigating solution in order to calculate the exact volume of blood contained in each sampling. The blood loss is continuously accumulated and displayed on a visual read-out, so that a corresponding amount of blood can be transfused to the patient in order to maintain his blood pressure throughout the operation.The apparatus can be operated in a calibration mode, under which blood, then solution, are measured separately to determine their respective densities which will be used in the quantitative analysis of the mixture.A scale is also provided to weigh sponges, linen etc. which have absorbed blood or some of the blood-and-solution mixture during the surgery. The corresponding calculated volume of blood which they carry is automatically added to the cumulative figure of lost blood.
Abstract:
A device for collecting, shipping and analyzing a pathological specimen comprises a collector stick projecting from the inside of the stopper of a first tubular vessel containing a solution. The bottom of the vessel has a hole sealed by a frangible barrier. When the first vessel is inserted into a second vessel containing a signaling element and having a pintle projecting inwardly from its bottom, the frangible barrier is broken by the pintle and part of the solution flows into the second vessel where it contacts the signaling element. A pin projecting from the inside of a cover for the second vessel punctures the stopper of the first vessel facilitating the flow of solution from the first to the second vessel. The analytical process can be performed in the absence of any contacting or manipulating of the first vessel and specimen collector by simply screwing the cap to its farthest position.