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An automatic vending machine and method are presented. The machine comprises a cells' arrangement having an arrays of cells, each for storing an article therein; a monitoring system comprising an article identifier assembly configured and operable for identifying an article-related data in each of the cells; an article delivering assembly comprising an article holder for receiving a predefined article removed from the respective cell and allowing delivery of the removed article to a customer; and a control system connectable to the article identifier assembly and to the article delivery assembly for selectively operating these assemblies and recording data indicative of articles currently stored in the cells' arrangement and of article removed from the cells' arrangement.
1. An automatic vending machine comprising:
(a) a cells' arrangement having an arrays of cells, each for storing at least one article therein,
(b) an article delivering assembly comprising an article holder for receiving at least one predefined article removed from the respective at least one cell and allowing delivery of the at least one removed article to a customer;
(c) a monitoring system comprising an article identifier assembly configured and operable for determining an article-related data in any of the cells thereby enabling arbitrary positioning of the articles within the cells' arrangement; and
(d) a control system connectable to the monitoring system and to the article delivery assembly for selectively operating them and recording data indicative of articles currently stored in the cells' arrangement and of articles removed from the cells' arrangement.
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33. An automatic vending machine comprising:
(a) a cells' arrangement having an arrays of cells, each for storing at least one article therein,
(b) an article delivering assembly comprising an article holder for receiving a predefined article removed from the respective cell and allowing delivery of the removed article to a customer;
(c) a monitoring system configured and operable for determining an article-related data in any of the cells thereby enabling arbitrary positioning of the articles within the cells' arrangement, and for mapping the cells' arrangement, thereby enabling reconfiguring of the cells' arrangement when desired; and
(d) a control system connectable to the monitoring system and to the article delivery assembly for selectively operating these assemblies and recording data indicative of articles currently stored in the cells' arrangement and of article removed from the cells' arrangement.
34. A control system for operating the vending machine of
a memory utility operable for storing data indicative of the cells' arrangement, articles currently stored in the cells' arrangement, and article removed from the cells' arrangement;
a data processing and analyzing utility configured for selectively carrying out the following: managing the memory utility by processing data coming from the monitoring system and indicative of at least one of the articles identified in the machine and/or of the cells' arrangement, and generating data to be stored in the memory and/or to update the previously stored data; managing delivery of the selected article by being responsive to a customer's request and using the stored data to operate an article delivery assembly of the machine and record data indicative of the delivered article.
35. The control system of
36. A method for operating a machine for vending articles, the method comprising:
automatically identifying article-related data with respect to articles currently stored in a cells' arrangement of the machine while being arbitrary distributed in said cells' arrangement and recording data indicative of specific identity or types of the articles and their positions in the machine;
in response to a customer's request, operating delivery of the selected article from the machine to the customer and recording data indicative of delivered articles.
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44. A method for managing operation of a plurality of the vending machines all relating to a common chain and each configured as the machine of
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This invention relates to an automatic machine and method for vending and/or renting objects.
Automatic vending machines are widely used in public places and offer a variety of merchandise such as hot and cold drinks, food, video cassettes/disks, etc. The most commonly used type of a vending machine is that utilizing a rotating carousel (storage means)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,954 discloses a vending machine having a carousel containing several rotatable trays stacked one above another. The trays carry and present for vending selected items, such as food and merchandise. The carousel is contained in a housing or canister and is part of an integrated assembly with a coin container. The carousel is filled at a central depot rather than at the site where the machine is installed for use by customers. The customer locations have the cabinet of the machine. Fixed in the cabinet is a drive mechanism for the carousel and locating and guide members which enable integrated assemblies to be removed from the cabinet and fresh assemblies, with the carousel trays loaded at the central depot, to be installed in place of the removed assemblies. The coin box when empty is equipped with a mechanism which is set to enable coins to drop into the container and is automatically reset so as to close the opening when the assembly is removed from the cabinet. The important advantage of not requiring vending machine servicing personnel for being responsible for stocking or handling of moneys is obtained with this vending machine. However, this technique suffers from several drawbacks: The selling process is inefficient, since no recharge takes place during the 'living cycle' of a carousel (from in time thus resulting in reduced purchasing rate. In addition, an operator is needed to continuously check the status of a carousel in order to decide as to whether to replace it.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,958 discloses an article handling method and system for an article handing machine operable by users having identification (ID) cards bearing user identifying codes for vending and/or receiving articles, which bear the article identifying codes and are stored within storage bins in the machine. The article handling system includes an article transport and a user and article code reading arrangement. The article transport is selectively operable in a vending mode to transport user-selected articles from their storage bins to a position accessible to machine users for removal of the selected articles from the later return of the articles to the machine and in a return mode to transport returned articles from the user accessible position to their storage bins. The user and article code reading arrangement embodies a single common code reader for reading both the user code on user ID cards inserted into the machine and the article codes on articles vended to and returned by machine users. The disclosed article handling machine is a vending machine which vends user-selected magnetic tape cassettes, such as video cassettes, in response to insertion of a proper user ID card and rental fee into the machine and embodies a novel telephone cassette reservation feature, cassette/storage bin association feature, and rental fee credit feature for prompt cassette return.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0034353 discloses automated parts dispensing system and method including a dispensing device in communication with a parts vending system. The dispensing device is one of the commonly known machines for dispensing parts, tools, foods, novelty items and other such items which generally use a helical coil or robotic delivery system. The particular device disclosed is a carrousel or drum type device. The dispensing device is modified to detect the rotation and position of the drum element and to detect the delivery of parts. The parts vending system controls and monitors the dispensing device or devices to assure proper operation and authorization of users. The user is aided in the requesting for parts by the correlating of vehicle identification number and identified operations or part type. This relieves the user of the task of identifying a particular configuration of part where vehicle models may have variations by vehicle identification numbers, etc. The parts vending system may also be in communication with a dealer management system to account for inventory, billing, status and other management functions, as well as, a bulk fluid management system.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0062378 describes a dispensing mechanism for a vending machine for permitting generally flat faced product to be vended one at a time, said mechanism comprising an upright storage chute in which identical shaped and sized product can be stacked one on top of the other so the flat face of said generally flat faced product lies generally transversely of vertical, said storage chute being defined by a first generally upright extending wall and a spaced and opposed second generally upright extended wall, the spacing being sufficient to allow the product to move in a generally vertical path in said chute by gravity from the top to the bottom of the chute, there being an inclined product discharge ramp extending downwardly across said chute towards a product discharge opening in said second wall, there being a first tongue and a vertically lower spaced second tongue mounted to advance and retreat into said path through said second wall at the bottom of the stack, a lowermost product being supported in said chute by a support surface in said path opposite where said first tongue extends through said second wall and by said first tongue when said first tongue is advanced into said path through said second wall, the weight of all products being carried by said support surface and said first tongue, there being movement means to permit said second tongue to retreat when said first tongue is advanced, and to permit said second tongue to be advanced when said first tongue is retreated, so said second tongue will catch a lowermost edge of the lowermost product as it falls past said first tongue when said first tongue is retreated and so said lowermost product will then be supported in said chute by said support surface and by said second tongue, the vertical spacing of said first tongue and said second tongue being such that when the lowermost product is caught by the second tongue, the next highermost product in the stack will be positioned so that the first tongue can be advanced under that product so that that product and all products thereabove will be carried by said upper part of said inclined ramp and said first tongue, and so as said second tongue is retreated the product caught on said second tongue will fall by gravity onto said inclined ramp and pass through said discharge opening and be vended.
There is a need in the art to improve vending of items by providing a novel vending machine which can automatically control and monitor its stocks and deliveries.
The main idea of the present invention is associated with the following. Commonly used vending machines do not provide for automatically monitoring of its compartments (cabinet cells) and for identifying which product is stored in the compartment. As a result the conventional vending machine is designed such that each compartment is intended for storage of a specific item. Moreover, it is desirable to enable remote monitoring of a vending machine, from a central station via a communication network.
The present invention solves the above problems by providing a novel vending machine configured and operable for independently and automatically identifying each of its cabinet cells, as well as any article stored in it or delivered to it, and enabling monitoring the machine operation via a communication network.
Thus, according to one broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic vending machine comprising:
The monitoring system preferably comprises a mapping assembly for mapping the cells' arrangement. The mapping assembly includes determination of a pattern of the cells. The pattern is indicative of the cells' dimensions and their spatial distribution within the cells arrangement. The mapping assembly may be configured and operable to determine borders of the cells in the cells' arrangement.
The article-related data may include an identification code provided on the article, thereby enabling identifying the article type according to data stored in the control system. Alternatively or additionally, the article-related data includes data indicative of an image of the article. The mapping assembly may be configured and operable for imaging each of the cells, thus enabling to identify a type of the article located in the cell.
The machine comprises a drive assembly operable by the control system to provide a relative displacement between the article identifier assembly and the cells' arrangement, thereby enabling any appropriate positioning of the article identifier assembly relative to the cells' arrangement. The drive assembly may be associated with the article identifier assembly for moving it with respect to the cells' arrangement, and/or with the cells' arrangement for moving it with respect to the article identifier assembly. The relative displacement may include a relative rotation, and/or a back and forward movement of the article identifier assembly with respect to the cells arrangement along at least one axis.
The array of cells may one-, two-, or three-dimensional array. The cells' arrangement may be configured as a frame with a polygonal outer surface, or a substantially circular outer surface or apiary like outer surface. The cells arrangement may be configured to allow for adjusting dimensions of at least some of the cells.
The article identifier assembly includes a data reading unit configured for collecting radiation originating from a selected region and generating data indicative thereof. The data reading unit may include a camera for acquiring an image of the selected region; a radiation source for irradiating the selected region and a detector for collecting a radiation response of said region. The data reading unit may be configured for reading at least one of the following: an optical barcode, a magnetic tag, and an RF tag. (such as Wi-Fi tag, WUB tag, or any other protocol capable of recognizing the product identification code).
The article-related data may be indicative of presence or absence of any article in the cell. In this case, each of the cells is preferably provided on its inner surface with a marker detectable when no article is present in the cell. The marker may be configured for reflecting predetermined radiation, in which case the article identifier assembly includes a radiation source operable to generate this predetermined radiation.
The article identifier assembly preferably includes a lift unit carrying the data reading unit and mounted on a guide assembly for back and forward movement along at least one axis defined by the guide assembly.
The article delivery assembly comprises an article removing assembly. The latter may be mounted on the holder and configured for capturing the article in the cell and transferring it to said holder (for example by gripping the article), or may be configured for pushing the article from the cell towards the holder. The article removing assembly may comprises an actuator located at a rear side of the cell and operable to push the article in this cell towards a holder located at a front side of the cell or at the bottom of the cells' arrangement accessible by a customer (e.g., just pushing the article to drop it down where it is received by a holder).
The article removing assembly preferably includes a lift unit mounted on a guide assembly and driven for a back and forward movement along at least one axis defined by the guide assembly with respect to the cells arrangement. The actuator may include an array of pushing members, each associated with a corresponding one of the cells. The actuator may include a single pushing member, in which case the machine includes a drive mechanism configured to provide a relative displacement between the pushing member and the cells arrangement. The pushing member is preferably driven for a back and forward movement with respect to the cells arrangement along at least one axis. This may be implemented by supporting the pushing member on a second lift unit mounted on a guide assembly for the movement along the at least one axis defined by the guide assembly. The machine may utilize one actuator and one data reading unit for each tray.
The article delivery assembly preferably comprises a data reading unit configured for collecting radiation originating from a selected region and generating data indicative thereof, to thereby enable identifying the removed article prior to being delivered to a customer. This data reading unit may be part of the article identifier assembly. The data reading unit is preferably supported on a lift unit mounted on a guide assembly for a back and forward movement along at least one axis defined by the guide assembly with respect to the cells arrangement.
The control system is preferably connectable to a network. The control system may have a local controller connected to and operating the article identifier assembly and the article delivery assembly, wherein the local controller is connectable to a central controller via a network to be managed by the central controller.
Preferably, the machine also includes a recycling or return assembly configured for receiving an article from outside the machine. The recycling or return assembly comprises an article identifier assembly for identifying the article being input from the outside the machine and generating data indicative thereof to the control system, to thereby enabling processing of this data and determining whether the article being input is allowed to be collected or not. The article identifier assembly includes a data reading unit, which may be an imaging unit capable of generating the data indicative of the image of the article being input, and/or may be configured for determining article-related enabling identification of the article. This may be implemented by reading an identification code provided on the article (for example, optical barcode or RFID) and/or determining any other parameter(s) of the article, such as weight, size, shape, material colors, or any other parameter allowing for the article authentication.
The recycling (or return) assembly may be implemented by using a loading/unloading member configured for holding an article being input to allow its identification, and then, depending on the identification results, displacing the article towards a collection channel or towards a return channel. The article holding member is configured and operable by the control system so as to be shiftable between different positions with respect to the inside of the machine, such that in its one position the member supports the article in a manner to allow its identification by a data reading assembly, and in its other positions the member allows loading of the article being input so as to be collected in the machine, and unloading of the article to be pushed towards the outside of the machine to a customer or collected in a recycle chamber, as the case may be.
According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided an automatic vending machine comprising:
According to yet another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided an automatic vending machine comprising:
According to yet another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for operating a machine for vending articles, the control system comprising:
According to yet another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a machine for vending articles, the method comprising:
According to yet another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for managing operation of a plurality of vending machines relating to a common chain, said managing comprising: providing each of the vending machines with a local controller and connecting all the local controllers to a central controller via a network.
The management may include management of the "kiosk" function of the vending machine. This may be implemented by connecting the vending machine to one or many kiosk arrangements and controlling the kiosk arrangement(s)' operation by the local controller of said vending machine that communicates with a central chain controller via a network.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a monitoring system for use in a vending machine, the system comprising:
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for purchasing articles in the cyberspace to be delivered by automatic vending machine, the method comprising:
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for providing services by automatic vending machine, the method comprising: providing at least one automatic vending machine controlled by a central control system; and operating, by said central control system, services to be provided to a customer via said automatic vending machine.
According to yet another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for managing purchase of articles via vending machines, the method comprising:
The purchasing via the cyberspace includes identifying the article location in a certain vending machine from a chain of such machines managed by a control station.
According to the technique of the present invention, a customer is preferably also provided with complementary services to a customer beside vending and recycling (or return), in the same place. These services include additional information, or a so-called "information kiosk". The latter may include provision of more information about the purchased article (generally articles vended by the machine) or about other articles either related or not related to the purchased article (existing articles in the machine). The information kiosk may include means to continue the transactions with machine at a different location or means to perform different transaction in a different place which is connected to machine by any business relation (e.g., bill payment via the Internet). Also, according to the invention, the vending machine is operated to provide customers with purchasing means to be used for purchasing article(s) other than those existing in the vending machine.
In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring to
A customer, having decided what he is interested in, selects and touches the appropriate point on the screen 3, and the selected action is conducted by machine 1. Generally, the user interface unit is configured to allow a customer to operate and communicate with machine 1 or its centralized management to which a local controller (not shown) of the machine is connected via a network, as will be described further below. The machine 1 may include a voice system (VOIP system), and/or a phone system by which such communication can be made, for example to enable the customer to communicate with the centralized management in order to get some assistance.
Further typically provided in the machine is a payment-managing arrangement 4 that includes a slot configured for inserting either the customer related card, which may be a typical credit card, or any other magnetic card, smart card, or RF card (e.g., a specific card provided for customers frequently using the machine services), and/or cash, and/or coins, etc. The same arrangement 4 or an additional similar arrangement may be used for inserting an identification card of a machine operator for the machine maintenance purposes.
Articles are delivered through a dispensing port 5 associated with an article delivery assembly. Such port is an opening or a door through which articles are delivered from the machine 1. Preferably, the dispensing port 5 is an adjustable opening which can be enlarged or reduced according to the operator' s requirements for allowing delivery of one or many articles from the machine.
Preferably, the machine also includes an article recycling or return assembly 6, as will be described below. Considering for example such articles as printing inks (inkjet, ribbons, tuners), the empty ink case, after being used, may be recycled. The recycled case may and may not be that of the previously purchased ink from the same machine.
According to the invention, a vending machine is configured for automatically selling and delivering articles stored in the machine. The machine could also collect articles delivered by customers (not shown in the figure). Thus, the automatic vending machine of the present invention is capable of independently managing its articles (storage, supply, quantities, prices, etc.). It should be noted, although not specifically shown, that depending on the type of articles stored in the vended machine, the machine may include additional appropriate means, such as refrigerating and/or heating means for food, drinks or drugs, air drier for hygroscopic articles, etc.
Reference is now made to
Cells' arrangement 30 is an array of cells 31, each for storing one or more article therein. The cells' arrangement 30 is any appropriate storage means. According to an example of the invention, the cells' arrangement is configured as adjustable storage. The cells' arrangement can be configured as a carousel-like, a box-like volume, an apiary-like arrangement, etc. The carousel-like configuration is preferred for the purposes of reducing the footprint of the system. The cells' arrangement 30 is formed by a plurality of cells 31 that may and may not be of the same size. In the present example, the cells' arrangement 30 is designed as a closed tubular-like frame (with a substantially circular outer surface), but is should be understood that the outer surface of the closed frame may be a polygon, and an open frame may be used as well. The cells 31 are arranged in an array, which is a three-dimensional array in the present example, but is should be understood that the frame may be designed to form a one- or two-dimensional array arrangement of cells. Thus, in the present example, the cells 31 are arranged in several circular arrays, one above the other. Generally, the cells 31 are arranged in multiple-cell shelves 39A with dividers 39B between each two adjacent cells 31. The cells' arrangement 30 may be configured to allow for appropriately adjusting the cells' dimensions. To this end, the shelves 39A as well as dividers 39B are removably mounted, as will be described below.
Monitoring system 32 includes an article identifier assembly 32A and preferably also includes a cells' mapping assembly 32B as shown in the figure in dashed lines. It should be noted that the article identifying and mapping assemblies may be constituted by a common data reading system (e.g., imaging system), instead of two separate blocks as shown in the present example. All these assemblies are operated by the control system 36.
The control system 36 is typically a computer system including a memory utility 36A, a data processing and analyzing utility 36B and a data presentation unit 36C (3 in
The article identifier assembly 32A is configured and operable for determining an article-related data in any of the cells thereby enabling arbitrary positioning of the articles within in any of the cells arrangement. It should be noted that in this respect, article-related data comprises also a determination that no article is present in certain cell(s) 31. As indicated above, the monitoring system 32 preferably also includes mapping assembly 32B for mapping the cells' arrangement. The mapping assembly 32B is configured for determining of at least one of the following: a pattern of the cells, cells' dimensions, cell's borders, including the shapes and volumes, and spatial distribution of the cells within the cells arrangement (relative locations), thus enabling recording the cells' arrangement map prior to loading or after unloading the machine with articles or reconfiguration of cell's arrangements 30.
The monitoring system 32 is accommodated adjacent to the cells' arrangement 30. it can be mounted outside cell's arrangement 30 as shown in
The article delivering assembly 34 includes an article holder 34A configured for receiving a predefined article removed from the respective cell and allowing delivery of the removed article to a customer. This may be a container having a slot (opening) or a door 34B selectively actuated by a drive 34C (operated by the control system) for outputting the article therethrough. The control system 36 selectively operates these assemblies and records data indicative of the articles currently stored in the cells' arrangement and of the articles removed from the cells' arrangement.
In the present example, the article identifier assembly 32A and mapping assembly 32B are shown as using separate units 44A and 44B associated with corresponding guide assemblies 42A and 42B, respectively. It should however be noted that units 44A and 44B may be incorporated within a common assembly. Additionally, in the present example, the article identifier assembly 32A is incorporated within the article delivery assembly 34, but it should be understood that it may be a stand alone assembly. For example, assembly 32B may constitute the monitoring system including the article identifier assembly and possibly also the mapping assembly.
The article identifier assembly 32A is implemented by providing an appropriately designed data reading unit 44A supported on a lift unit 34A (which in the present example is the article holder of the article delivery assembly 34) and mounted on a guide assembly 42A for movement along at least one axis defined by the guide assembly (the vertical axis in the present example). The data reading unit 44A is configured for collecting radiation originating from a selected region and generating data indicative thereof. Such a data reading unit may include a camera for acquiring an image of the selected region, in which case the data reading unit may be used for both identifying the article and mapping the cells arrangement. The data reading unit may include a radiation source for irradiating the selected region and a detector for collecting a radiation response of the irradiated region, so as to read an identification code provided on the article. It should be noted that in this respect, the identification information may originate from the article itself or can be on a casing in which the article is encased, or on both (e.g., when transparent casing is used).
It should be understood that an identification code is an article-related data; The code is generated by any known technique consisting of assigning a specific data stream to an article which can then be automatically identified. Such an ID can be a barcode, an RF tag (data in the form of a sequence of response signals of RF circuits), a magnetic tag (a pattern formed by magnetic elements responsive to an external magnetic field), etc. Accordingly, the data reading unit 44A may be an optical system, and/or a magnetic field source, etc. It could also be the case that such optical or magnetic system is provided with appropriate means (e.g., a camera equipped with wide angle lenses) that enables the data reading unit 44A to detect simultaneously few cells, and therefore, the data reading unit 44A can be moved faster and more efficiently during, e.g., scanning the overall frame 30. Data reading unit 44A can also be mounted outside the cell' s arrangement 30 or within its inner space, adjacent to drive 40.
It should also be noted that the article-related data may be indicative of the presence or absence of any article in the cell. In this case, each of the cells may be provided on its inner surface with a marker detectable when no article is present in the cell. Such a marker may be configured for reflecting predetermined radiation or generating a radiation response to predetermined exciting radiation. The data reader thus includes a radiation source operable to generate this predetermined radiation and a radiation detector to read the returned (reflected, excited) radiation. Thus, generally, such a data reading unit emits "reading" electromagnetic radiation towards the cell currently aligned with the data reading unit to cause a radiation response of the respective identification code on the article in the cell or on the inner surface of the cell.
The monitoring system 32 (article identifier assembly 32A and possibly also the mapping assembly 32B) can, at any point in time, inspect (scan) the cell's arrangement 30, preferably, any point on or in cell's arrangement 30, and determine, inter alia, the empty cells and the exact articles which reside in each of the cells. It should be noted that more than one article in a cell is also a predetermined vending option if, e.g., a special sale is considered, where upon purchasing one article, another (identical) article is delivered (the so called "1+1 for free" sale). In such a sale, monitoring system 32 can determine if cells were loaded properly (e.g., two identical articles per cell) and manages the stocks. The relative displacement between the data reading unit provides for appropriately positioning the data reading unit with respect to any cell of the cells' arrangement 30. Such a positioning assembly can be of the kind effecting rotation and vertical movement of the data reading unit with respect to the stationary mounted cells arrangement 30. In the present example of
The mapping assembly 32B is designed and operated to enable obtaining data indicative of the cells' dimensions, forms or volumes and their relative position within the array of cells. To this end, another data reading unit 44B may be configured for detecting, during the relative displacement between the unit 44B and the cells arrangement 30, the borders (shelves and dividers) between the cells and shelves 39A. This may be achieved by using an imaging system (e.g., camera) in the data reading unit 44B, or by providing identification marks (e.g., reflectors of predetermined radiation, electromagnetic or acoustic radiation) on the cells and/or dividers and providing a source of such radiation in the data reading unit 44B. Thus, during the relative displacement between the data reading unit 44B and the cells' arrangement 30, data indicative of images of cell' s arrangement 30 or of a pattern of the cells' dividers is detected and/or created. This data is then processed with the aid of appropriate algorithms (e.g., pattern recognition algorithm) to determine the cells map and possibly also articles identification within the cells.
The mapping of the cells arrangement may be implemented by using a rotation counter (not shown) and a sensor (the data reading unit 44A or 44B). Such a rotation counter is a part of the rotation drive mechanism 40 and may be of the kind known in the art, capable of counting the number of relative rotations (e.g., rotation of the cells arrangement). The lift unit 42A or 42B, carrying the data reading unit, moves up and down along the guide axis. The vertical movement of the data reading unit combined with the rotation of the cells arrangement enable the control system 36 to appropriately position the data reading unit in order to identify either the shelf 39A or divider 39B. Mapping of the cells arrangement is performed automatically, i.e., the dimensions (width and height) of each cell are determined. The procedure begins with the data reading unit being brought to its initial position along the z-axis with respect to the cells arrangement, and is then moved along the z-axis (e.g., moves upward, when starting from the initial lowermost position). The shelves 39A are thus successively identified and the number of shelves is counted. Since the movement along the z-axis includes a distance meter, the control system 36 can calculate the vertical differences between any two successive shelves, and consequently, the height of any numbered cell. The width of any cell is determined starting from the initial lowermost position of the data reading unit and then rotating the cells arrangement 30 with respect to the data reading unit to successively identify the dividers 39B to thereby enable counting of the dividers. Consequently, with the measured rotated angle between any two successive dividers 39B, the width of any cell is determined. By such activities and numbering the cells, a complete cells map is established.
With such data obtained with any of the previous configurations, the control unit 36 (its data processing and analyzing utility) is response to data coming from the monitoring system, establishes the so-called "locations map", which is a type of 'look-up' table that correlates an article with one or more locations in the cells' arrangement 30, and stores the map in the memory utility. Having provided the updated locations map, upon selection of an article by a customer, the control unit 36 can analyze the selected article related data and instruct the machine 1 (i.e., the article identifier assembly and the article delivery assembly) to locate this specific article and dispense it to the customer. However, if also cells' borders (or the entire image of cells arrangement loaded with articles) were identified, a more comprehensive 'look-up' table is established. Such a table is indicative not only of a specific location where the article identification code itself resides in space, but also of where exactly the article itself resides, thus facilitating the article delivery process. Based on predetermined cells' positions and dimensions, the data reading unit 44A is then directly targeted to locations where it is most likely to find the specific identification code. Thus, delivery and monitoring time of the vending machine 1 is significantly reduced.
The application of any of the aforesaid configurations of the article identifier assembly 32A and cells mapping assembly 32B, a partial or a complete map of articles with respect to cells can be established, i.e., for any chosen cell (position), the control unit 36 can adapt a stored article (or empty cell) and vice versa, for any one-to-one identified article or for any type of article, the control unit 36 can correlate any or all the cells in which such article is stored. As a result, a 'look-up' table is created in which to any article a position (cell) is correlated. These assemblies can be operated at any moment, e.g., before (un)loading, in order to establish or keep the 'look-up' table updated as vending process continues. Specifically, an operator can manually, at any given moment, load arbitrarily the machine 1 with articles of various types, wasting no time to correlate certain article to certain cell 31; once loading is completed, a 'look up' table can immediately be established, and the machine 1 is ready for use. Having such 'look-up' table established, powerful monitoring capabilities are established 30 as well. For example, the machine can be stopped from being operated at any chosen or predetermined moment (e.g., if the consumption of certain article reaches predetermined level). Reports concerning the re-loadings of a machine can be produced (e.g., in SMS or Email format). Moreover, an automatic and continuous connection is established from the central operation center to any remote vending machine. Based on such connection, any operational parameter can be monitored.
The article delivery assembly 34 is preferably equipped with a data reading unit. In the present example, this is data reading unit 44A of the monitoring system 32, but it should be understood that a separate data reading unit may be used in the article delivery assembly 34. The machine thus includes at least one data reading unit for identifying articles loaded in the cells arrangement. Preferably, the machine would include another data reading unit for identifying the selected article just prior to be delivered to a customer. The configuration of this second data reading unit is such that when the selected article becomes located on the holder 34A, the data reading unit 44A is operated to identify the article (e.g., by reading the identification code on the article and/or imaging the article, etc.). In a case a barcode is not identified, the conclusion maybe that a cell is empty or an article was placed in cell in such a position that its barcode could not be identified.
The invention further provides means and algorithm to tackle such situations. In this case, a camera (data reading unit 44A or 44B) of the monitoring system 32 images the article within the cell, and if required, the cell arrangement 30 itself. The image is then processed by the control unit 36 using an image processing algorithm. Such algorithm may have pre-determined thresholds and input parameters. Such algorithm can determine for example, based on comparative method, the presence or the absence of an article within a cell. According to such comparative method the algorithm compares spatial detected gray levels to a predetermined spatial gray levels 'look-up' table. Such 'look-up' table may be a two-dimensional map (matrix) of cells arrangement 30 loaded with images of articles according to the planned stock in such machine. It could also be images of an empty cell or any certain type of cells (if few dimensions are included in cell arrangement 30). The CPU then compares the spatial detected gray levels to the 'look-up' table, and if a matching, according to a predetermined gray level, is found, the result may be that an article is present, or moreover, it is a certain article. Alternatively, absolute methods could be applied to identify the presence of or identity an article: according to an exemplary method, a certain threshold is predetermined for empty cell 31 (where empty cells have uniform gray level appearance); if the calculated mean gray level of detected image is reached, the algorithm concludes that an empty cell 31 was identified. At last the control unit is updated according to the findings. The article-related data is processed to determine whether it matches that of the requested article and whether the article delivery is allowed by the payment managing assembly. Upon detecting that these conditions are satisfied, the control unit operates the article outputting element 34B to output the article from the holder unit 34A.
As indicated above, in order to reduce the machine footprint and save resources, few elements of the machine 1 can serve for various tasks in different assemblies, such as the same data reading unit 44A and the same positioning assembly (lift 34A and guide 42A) are used for establishing articles 'look-up' table and for articles delivery.
The machine provides for delivering a selected article out of its storage cell to a position where it can be collected by a customer, i.e., to the holder 34A having a spot or door 34B. To this end, the machine further includes an article removing assembly 50. The article removing assembly is generally configured so as to enable transfer of the selected article from the cell to the holder 34A of the article delivery assembly 34. This can be implemented by pushing or pulling means. The actuator may be mounted on the holder and configured for gripping (capturing) and transferring the article, or being a conveyor arm capable of supporting the article from its bottom side.
Preferably, the pushing element is used being associated with the cells arrangement. As shown in
As more specifically shown in
The article removing assembly 50 comprises an actuator 54 supported on a guide assembly formed by a guiding element 56A extending along Z-axis and a guiding element 56B mounted on the guide 56A and extendable along X-axis away from the guide 56A. The actuator 54 is fixed to the distal end of the guide 56B to be therefore movable back and forward along the X-axis. It should be understood that, alternatively, such a movement of the actuator 54 (pushing member) towards and away from the cell 31 may be achieved by moving the guide 56A along the X-axis thus eliminating the need for the second guide 56B. The guide 56B (or the actuator 54 directly mounted on the guide 56A) is a lift unit driven for movement along the axis of the guide 56A. The guide 56A is in turn driven for rotation about the central axis of the cells arrangement 30 to thereby be brought to a selected cell from which the article is to be removed. It should be understood that, alternatively, an array of such pushing members (actuators) may be provided, each associated with a corresponding one of the cells thus eliminating a need for rotation and vertical movement; or each associated with a corresponding one of cells' columns thus eliminating a need for rotation of the actuator; or each associated with a corresponding shelf of the cells arrangement thus eliminating a need for a vertical movement.
It should be understood that the movements of the actuator lift 54 and article delivery lift 34A is synchronized by the control system 36 to ensure that the actuator 54 and the holder 34A are aligned with the same cell 31. In the specific example of
Thus, when a customer selects an article, the control system 36 operates to determine the specific position of the selected article in the cells arrangement 30 based on the 'look-up' table previously created as described above (which is preferably based on the "FIFO" {First In First Out} principle). Then, the control system 36 operates the drive mechanism 40 to provide a relative displacement between the cells arrangement and the article removing assembly 50 (e.g., rotates the cells arrangement 30), and synchrony operates the article delivery assembly 34 and the article removing assembly 50 to bring the holder 34A and the actuator 54 to the alignment with each other and with the selected cell. Alternatively (as indicated above), with fixed cells arrangement 30, the lifts 34A and actuator 54 are rotatable with respect to the cells arrangement. Consequently, with any of the aforesaid alternatives, both actuator 54 and delivering holder 34A are positioned in alignment with a respective cell 31 (e.g., at opposite sides of this cell) in which the selected article is stored. The data reading unit 44A is used here to detect the presence of the selected article in the cell, and if found to identify its exact identification code. If the selected article is not found in the prescribed cell, the control system 36 runs an appropriate algorithm, e.g., based on default steps, such as effecting a search for alternative position where such article is stored according to the 'look-up' table (those articles that are not recorded in the "look-up" table inventory will not to be listed/presented to customers). In a case no such alternative cell exists, the control system generates an appropriate message to the customer. If the specific article is identified by the data reading unit, the control system operates the article removing assembly 50 to push the article out of cell to the holder 34A of the article delivery assembly. Once the required article is identified and delivering is commencing (article is pushed through the slot 34B of the holder unit 34A or positioned on the open-design holder, as the case may be), the dispensing port/door (5 in
A customer may select more than one article to be vended by the machine 1. The prices of the selected articles are added to the customer's shopping card, and the articles might be delivered at a single delivery process. For such option, the article delivery assembly 34 would be appropriately designed (sized). The control system operates to sequentially position the actuator 54 and the holder 34A in alignment with the cells containing the selected articles, thus allowing for collecting, article-by-article, all the selected articles on the holder 34A. Alternatively, the articles may be delivered sequentially. Once a customer completes selection of articles of his interest, the control system 36 creates a delivery scheme. The control system 36, based on appropriate algorithm (e.g., parameters such as fragility, dimensions) determines the order by which the articles will be removed from their cells.
It should be noted that the article delivery assembly may utilize, as alternative of or in addition to the data reading unit, a sensor of the type capable of detecting the existence of an article located therein due to reflected radiation or by other means. Once the presence of the article is detected, the sensor reports the same to the control system 36. The latter, accordingly, stops or prevents any article from being delivered. Such a sensor is therefore used as means to prevent operation problems.
Turning now to
Any required division is accomplished by structuring cells' arrangement out of removable shelves 39A and flexible dividers 39B, which are exemplified in more detail in
Another embodiment for either non-uniform or uniform spacing between the cells is exemplified in
Other ways for (automatic) structuring and re-sizing cells' arrangement may be used as well.
As indicated above, the vending machine preferably includes an article recycling (or return) assembly for collecting articles such as for example ink cartridges to be refilled. At the outer surface of the machine exposed to a customer, the article recycling assembly is constituted by a door (6 in
As exemplified in
The article identifier 70 may include a weight, mounted under the location where article to be recycled is positioned by a customer (not shown). Once it is loaded by a customer, the weight of such article is determined. Former to such loading, during a calibration step, such weight is calibrated. Thus, based on the measured weight an article can also be recognized.
If the article is recognized as a recyclable (or allowed to be returned) article, the control system operates the member 68 to load the article into the collection chamber 64, and is the article is recognized as non-recyclable the control unit operates the member to unload the article to the exit chamber 66, and displays relevant data to the customer.
Shifting of the member 68 between its receiving position and one of the article collecting and article existing positions may be implemented by a horizontal movement and in a certain position tilting the member 68 by a certain angle. The article thus slides down into the respective chamber. This is illustrated in
Collected articles may be kept inside the chamber 66 until an operator discharges them. Alternatively, the machine may operate automatically to detect the existence of the article in the collected chamber and move the article into an empty cell. This may be implemented by the same article delivery assembly and the actuator of the article removing assembly or separate similar assemblies. The article-related data including its position in the cells arrangement is recorded in the "look-up" table, thereby allowing vending of this article again.
The article recycling (or return) assembly 100 operates in the following manner: An article to be recycled (or returned) 108 is inserted by a customer into the reception chamber 102 via the door 6 on the outer surface (see
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, article to be returned is inspected by identifier unit 70 in order to check its physical or chemical condition. Physical conditions can be obtained by imaging the article with a CCD. Some chemical properties can be obtained using, e.g., transmission or reflection optics: the article is radiated with light of a suitable wavelength range and the reflected/transmitted light is detected and analyzed, being indicative of the chemical or physical properties of the article. For example, article which are transparent, should transmit the majority of the incoming radiation, whereas if it was covered with dirt, this signal is significantly reduced. Such inspection may reveal defects on the article. Defects can be determined and classified prior to operating the vending machine. Such classifications may refer to conditions according to which the returned article cannot be recycled, or it is useless, or it was damaged by the customer who should compensate for that.
Yet another example of an article recycling assembly 110 is illustrated in
Loading or unloading of the article is followed by an appropriate message appearing on the screen 3. In a case of recognized recyclable (or return) article, it might also be followed by discharging a receipt or cash to the customer. Generally, the recycling (or return) assembly 60 is managed and controlled by the control system of the machine. When the machine is part of a chain operable via a network (as described below), the recycling (or return) process may be managed by a central control station. The recycling (or return) management includes determination of relevant parameters as type of recyclables, return rate per article, etc.
As indicated above a vending process preferably utilizes a chain of vending machines each connectable to a central control system via a communication network. To this end, a local control system directly connected to the vending machine is installed with suitable hardware/software capable of initiating a client-server session, and suitable application program interface for operating the machine in accordance with commands coming from the central system and for reporting the machine operational status to the central system.
After the articles have been loaded, the monitoring system operates to identify the articles distribution within the cells arrangement (step 88). The so-obtained map is automatically compared with the initial article-related data (step 90). If the actual types and amounts of articles fit the initial data, a positive answer is generated and machine is approved for vending (step 92). If not, appropriate steps are taken by machine operator or any involved third party in order to solve the misfit (step 94). The resultant map can be combined with the cells map in order to establish the 'look-up' table needed for the delivery process. The machine now starts automatic monitoring the activities over it (dispensing, payment, etc.) and reporting the vending process to the control unit (step 96). If new misfits are found such as discrepancy, at a certain point of time, between the total values of the dispensed articles to the total payment, appropriate steps are taken.
If the vending machine is part of a network, during the creation of the initial data the central station determines the overall distribution articles in the network, e.g., the types, amounts and prices of articles to be stored in each machine of the network, as well as geographical distribution of the machines. Accordingly, articles for loading are provided to human operator together with an invoice. This will enable to monitor articles from the depot center until dispense by customer. For example, the central station will allow operation of the machine, in accordance with the monitoring reports from the local control station. The overall management enables the central station to operate any marketing policy, e.g., distribution of certain articles, in certain amounts to certain machines and for a limited time period (e.g., a "sale") based on learned experience. Moreover, any report and correlation between any parameter can automatically be prepared for the network or a certain machine.
Preferably, the central or local control station periodically or upon request operates the monitoring system of the machine to update the 'look-up' table. This may assist the operator in monitoring the machine and provides for automatically managing the stocks, e.g., whether articles delivery is only due to uptake or maybe thefts. If, as a result of such monitoring, a shortage of an article is determined by the central control in certain machine, it will order the depot center to effect loading of such articles in that machine.
Once loading action is completed, the operator closes the door and automatic articles identification starts. First, driving mechanism and cells arrangement are calibrated. Next, the monitoring system (article identifying assembly and/or mapping assembly) can be moved to any point on the cells arrangement. It moves to first cell to be inspected (cell A1), and upon arriving at cell A1, the barcode is identified. If the barcode is not recognized, cell A1 is designated as an empty cell. However, it should be noted that according to another embodiment of the invention, an automatic inspection—verification process could start now, aimed at inspecting and verifying whether barcode is not recognized due to e.g., an empty cell or due to error in barcode reading assembly or driving mechanism.
If the barcode is identified, it is assigned to cell A1. Then the monitoring system is moved by the driving mechanism to the next cell. After certain number of steps in which all the cells were inspected, the identification process is completed. Now the system calculates the following: the number of current stocked articles per type (i.e., prior to loading) plus the number of articles which appear in the invoice per article type, minus the number of identified articles per article type. If the result is zero, then loading was completed successfully, machine door is locked and it is ready for vending process. However, if the result is smaller than zero, it means that there is/are empty cell(s) which does/do not contain article(s), although it/them should have been loaded with. In this case, the operator should analyze the loading report and inspect the cell arrangement according to it until he finds the reason for the missing article(s). Such reason could be for example an error in the stock to be loaded arrived from the warehouse (e.g., missing article) or loading two articles in one cell. Similar inspection process is conducted if the result is positive, i.e. more articles were loaded than appear in the invoice. At either case, once the operator completes his inspection, he asks for central control approval.
If for example, an error was found in the stock arrived from the warehouse, according to lees article than required by invoice arrived, the central control can approve to change the stock and decrease it to the actual loaded amount of articles. When approval is completed, the invoice is closed, the door is locked and the machine is ready for vending.
Reference is made to
If other path than 'Return only' was selected, then, purchase process starts. Products selection screen appears and the customers selects the product(s) he likes, either according to the type of cartridge or according to the printer type. Next, the customer is requested to approve his selection. According to his chose, he can approve, change or delete his selection. At this stage, the customer can add any other available product. Once he approves his choice(s), the central control system proceeds to complete the transaction. If a 'purchase and return' path was selected, the control system continues to conduct a 'return' path as described above.
Once the customer wishes to complete the transaction, he chooses for transaction approval screen, where he is required to approve his transaction (although he can still continue with purchasing if he likes to). Once the customer approves his transaction, the transaction is inspected by the central control system. Such inspection includes, among other things, verifying if the customer's credit card is valid for the specific transaction. If it is not found valid to complete the specific transaction (e.g., no sufficient credit is assigned to the specific credit card), the customer is informed by the screen on the problem, his directory is deleted and the session is finished. However, the customer has a choice to reduce his purchasing list in order to fit it to his approved credit. If he selects this, the deleted products are deleted form his basket and approval process is conducted again.
Once transaction is approved, the control system proceeds to deliver the article(s). It instructs the driving mechanism to approach the position of first article to be delivered. The articles are chosen according to their loading order, i.e., first loaded first delivered ('FIFO'). The position is known based on the stocking map which was prepared during the preparation step, and since it was updated after every transaction. Once the article delivery assembly arrived at the appropriate position, it transfers the article out of its cell into the holder. Once this is completed, the control system updates the stock, i.e., deleting the relevant article. According to the articles sizes, few articles could be simultaneously delivered into the holder. If not, the holder is moved to the door where the article is collected by the customer. Once the holder is positioned in front of the door, it is opened for certain time during which the article should be collected. After certain time the door is closed. Once the door is closed, the transaction is deducted from the credit card bill and the transaction is completed.
The vending process preferably provides complementary services to a customer beside vending and recycling (or return), in the same place. This may include provision of more information about the articles vended by machine, as well as related articles which are not directly vended by machine, means to continue the transactions with machine at a different location or means to perform different transaction in a different place which is connected to machine by any business relation (e.g., bill payment via the Internet). All these are termed "information kiosk". An information kiosk is implemented by an appropriately designed utility formed by specific software loaded in the central control system (236A in
The vending process may utilize a Website in a cyber space. A customer is provided with a Cyberspace Website which is connected to the central control station. In such a Website, a customer can search for an article which is vended by any of vending machines in the chain connectable to the network. A customer may receive data indicative of the geographical locations of the vending machines of the chain and the list of articles available in each of these vending machines. This provides the customer with a convenient pick up. If the customer founds the article of his interest, he can purchase it and determine in which vending machine it will be collected by him. If a purchase order is completed via the Website, the central station instructs the machine, where the article is going to be dispensed, and to keep such article for a pre-determined period of time. It could also allow the customer for prolonged keeping period of the article for additional charge. After the article is dispensed, the local control unit of the relevant machine reports this to the central station, and the stock as well as the reloading lists is updated accordingly. Preferably, the payment is conducted by a credit card. The credit card is not charged, until the article is delivered from the specific machine which the customer designated in the Website and only after the customer has been recognized according to his credit card. In addition, a customer can receive in such Website additional and related information, for example with respect to related articles, or receive purchasing means such as coupons. Therefore, such a Website can also serve as information kiosk.
Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore exemplified without departing from its scope defined in and by the appended claims.
Referenced by
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Rehabilitation Medicine
Welcome to the online home of Stanford Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Our primary objective is to restore function to patients afflicted with the entire spectrum of musculoskeletal and neurologic disorders. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialists (also referred to as "physiatrists") often diagnose and evaluate patients with back or joint pain, sports injuries, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and amputations. The primary goal is to maximize function, often through focused physical therapies, medications, and non-operative interventions.
The Stanford rehabilitation professionals are amongst one of the largest networks on the west coast. Our physicians are located at Stanford Hospital & Clinics, Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and St. Mary's Medical Center.
To learn more about patient services and referrals, please see Stanford Hospital & Clinics Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Stanford PM&R News Feed (updated 4/1/2015)
- The 2015 Resident Research Day is set for Wednesday, April 8 at the Stanford Medicine Outpatient Center in Redwood City. Dr. Kathleen Bell, Chair of PM&R at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, is our invited speaker. Details
- Congratulations to Drs. Emily Kraus, Neal Varghis, and Patricia Zheng, our new Chief Residents! They will serve from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.
- PM&R extends a warm welcome to the candidates who matched with our Residency Program on March 20! The Class of 2019
- It is our great pleasure to introduce Dr. D.J. Kennedy as the new Director of the PM&R Residency Program.
- Stanford faculty and residents were represented well at the 2015 AAP Annual Meeting in San Antonio. A list of our posters and presentations will be posted shortly.
Highlights & Awards
- Dr. David Kennedy was presented with the 2013 Outstanding Council Service Award from the Musculoskeletal Medicine Council.
- Dr. Elizabeth Martin was appointed as resident member to the AAPM&R Quality, Practice, Policy & Research Committee
- At the recent International Spine Intervention Society annual meeting, Drs. David Kennedy and Matthew Smuck were appointed to the society's Board of Directors
- Drs. Ming Kao, Nik Brar and Matthew Smuck were awarded The Spine Journal's 2013 Outstanding Paper Award for Medical and Interventional Science at NASS


text:
Crustal fracturing and chert dike formation triggered by large meteorite impacts, ca. 3.260 Ga, Barberton greenstone belt, South Africa
Donald R. Lowe, Dept. of Geological and Environmental Sciences, 118 Braun Hall, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-2115, USA. Posted online 7 March 2013; http://dx.doi.org/10.1130/B30782.1.
The approx. 3260 million-year-old contact between the largely volcanic Onverwacht Group and overlying largely sedimentary Fig Tree Group in the Barberton greenstone belt, South Africa, is widely marked by chert dikes that extend downward for up to 100 m into underlying sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Mendon Formation (Onverwacht Group). In the Barite Valley area, these dikes formed as open fractures that were filled by both precipitative fill and the downward flowage of liquefied carbonaceous sediments and ash at the top of the Mendon Formation. Spherules that formed during a large meteorite or asteroid impact event occur in a wave- and/or current-deposited unit, spherule bed S2, which widely marks the Onverwacht-Fig Tree contact, and as loose grains and masses within some chert dikes up to 50 m below the contact. Four main types of chert dikes and veins are recognized: (Type 1) irregular dikes up to 8 m wide that extend downward across as much as 100 m of stratigraphy; (Type 2) small vertical dikes, most less than one m wide, which are restricted to the lower half of the Mendon chert section; (Type 3) small crosscutting veins, most less than 50 cm across, filled
|Contact: Kea Giles
Geological Society of America


text:
# Tilt your phone to control falling route of stick man.
# Collect coins/items as many as possible so that you can POWERUP and upgrade your AVATAR.
# Avoid spike, spur, lightning, and ghost on the journey which will hurt you.
Tilt your phone now, and rush down to see how deep that you will reach! Don't forget to submit your score to rock global 24 hour hot leaderboard!
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Go Nawaz Go (Rush)
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Bunny Run - Rush Saga
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Bob Minions Sponge
--------- Bob Minons Sponge --------
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If you are a great fan of old school retro style platformer games then this one is definitely for you.
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Bob minions Sponge is my own game with a character that's too far from being looking like any character or monster . you can check !
Banana Minion subway run
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In this game, your goal is to destroy as much missiles as you can
★ How To play ★
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- click right and left on the screen to change direction
- If you fall in water you die.
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Devil Ninja 2
★★★★★ "Excellent game forever most of people did give 5 star with me also. wonderful" -Andrew
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- Support Tablets,HD Resolution
- Try to jump over the cliff.
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- Long press fire button to charge energy.
- Long Long press will get an exciting weapon :)
- Reward more energy balls with a nice combo kill.
- Collect energy balls to exchange weapons from store, and the weapons store is FREE for ever :)
- Get items to have more weapons.
- Fast mode to get more exciting (game options)
* Please email us if you have any feedback or meet any problem, thank you very much!
Clumsy Ninja
Meet Clumsy Ninja, the most hapless ninja ever to grace a touchscreen!
Train him, throw him, tickle him, and even tie balloons to him. Everything you do will make Clumsy Ninja more skillful, and help him find his missing friend Kira.
Clumsy Ninja is the next generation of interactive characters! He can sense, feel, move, and react uniquely every time. Prepare to be amazed…oh, and please take good care of him!
Train your ninja to learn new tricks and super-special Ninja Moves! Impress his Sensei and earn new Ninja Belts on your way to find Kira, or just have fun with over 70 unique interactive items, including trampolines, punch bags, ball guns, a chicken and… a squirrel!
You and your ninja will travel to new locations, play new games, meet new characters, complete quests and unlock fun new items to play with. How many will you discover?
Customize Clumsy Ninja's suits, belts and headbands to match your style. Take photos of your ninja's craziest stunts, and share the fun with friends instantly. Keep your eyes peeled: there are many surprises waiting for you!
Clumsy Ninja is a living virtual friend who thinks and acts with real intelligence - and a lot of clumsiness! You'll experience unique moments with your ninja and his companions every time you play!
Clumsy Ninja is the first game on touch devices to ever use the EUPHORIA simulation technology – producing the most believable character you'll have ever seen.
Make sure you play online to gain access to the latest content and features, and to ensure that your profile is backed up online.
Requires Android OS 2.3 or later.
PLEASE NOTE! Clumsy Ninja is free to play, but it contains items that can be purchased for real money.
To prevent unauthorised purchases, select "Set or Change PIN" from the Google Play settings menu, create a PIN, then enable the "Use PIN for Purchases" option. You will then be required to enter your PIN before every transaction.
Requires Android OS 2.3 and above
Clumsy Ninja is published by NaturalMotion Games
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clumsygame
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/clumsygame
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/naturalmotiongames
Terms of Use: http://www.naturalmotion.com/terms-of-use/
Privacy Policy: http://www.naturalmotion.com/privacy-policy/
LEGO® Juniors Quest
In this story-based game for juniors aged 4-7, your child will help catch the robber and find the missing cat.
During the search, your child will meet lots of friendly folks: creative construction workers, a nice lady, a princess in a castle, an unlucky businessman, a gas station mechanic, a cool surfer girl, and of course there is also time to play with the police dogs.
Quest is using fun mini-games to tell a riveting happy-ending story that will provide inspiration for hours of real-life creative play, both with and without LEGO® bricks.
*No in-app purchases
*NEW: Unlock new, free content with studs earned
*NEW: A fun map that always shows where you are and where to go. Once all levels have been unlocked, your child can play their favorite quests over and over again.
*NEW: Extra beach level – surf the waves to collect more studs.
*Bright, fun and friendly animations and soundtrack
*Intuitive icons and navigation for easy gameplay – no reading or writing skills required
*Virtual building with LEGO® bricks
*No third-party advertising
*No links to websites
About LEGO® Juniors:
LEGO® Juniors is designed to give children age 4-7 a great first experience with the LEGO® brick through iconic, fun and Easy to Build models. LEGO Juniors sets contain quick start elements and numbered pre packed bags that can be built without help from Mum or Dad – which makes any small builder extra proud.
For app support contact LEGO Consumer Service.
For contact details refer to http://service.lego.com/contactus
Our privacy policy and terms of use for apps are accepted if you download this app.
Read more on http://aboutus.lego.com/legal-notice/Privacy-Policy and http://aboutus.lego.com/legal-notice/terms-of-use-for-apps
LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2014 The LEGO Group.
Monster Warlord
Collect hundreds of unique monsters and battle them in friendly competition!
"If you love collecting monsters and battling with them you'll love this game." (Gameteep)
"Some of the monsters (like my little tiger thing) are simply adorable." (148apps)
- Catch rare and mysterious monsters by questing and battling!
- Discover all 6 types - Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Darkness and Holy!
- Each monster has its own special attributes and abilities- so the more the merrier!
- Combine two monsters to create a leaner, meaner, better one!
- With all-new PLUS Monsters, the combinations are endless!
- Engage in epic World Boss battles and climb to the top of the rankings!
- Raid mysterious Dungeons and return with large rewards and powerful monsters!
- Battle players from around the world in Global PvP!
- Avenge fallen allies and collect large bounties!
- Play with players from around the world!
- Form vast alliances and join close-knit clans!
Join the community at https://www.facebook.com/MonsterWarlordGAMEVIL
Website: http://www.gamevil.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/gamevil
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gamevil
YouTube: http://youtube.com/gamevil
Terms of Service: http://bit.ly/termsgamevil
Privacy Policy: http://bit.ly/privacygamevil
Reckless Moto
Strap down and prepare for the ride of your life... Drive the No.1 amazing off-road moto of all time in this extreme street racing game! Do you dare to be the Most Wanted like Kardashian?
Game Features:
- Take control of 3 different vehicles
- Each bike has a unique hollywood characteristic, Kim, Mary & Steve
- Mind-blowing graphics and audios
- Full achievement system and scoreboards
How to Play:
- Tilt your cell phone to steer left or right
- Touch the screen to accelerate the speed
Run Cow Run
♥ ♥ Help the cow to escape from the farmer and celebrate CHRISTMAS♥♥
One day, the little cow realizes what happens to all of the farm animals and makes an escape for her life!
While being chased by the vicious farmer, she rescues other farm animals from their cages and tries not to end up as a steak in the farm's slaughterhouse.
Jump over obstacles, slide under windmills, set the farm animals free and collect coins to purchase unique power-ups that will help the cow make it to freedom!
DODGE the angry farmer!
New Flappy Cow Mini-game:
Flap the little wings of the Cow and avoid getting hit by the obstacles!
Visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RunCowRun
• Free Game
• Amazing 2D Graphics
• Smooth Gameplay
• Unique Power Ups
• "Google Play Games" Achievements and Leaderboards
• Facebook Leaderboards
• Save Farm Animals: pig, chicken, duck, sheep and Noogra (the squirrel from Noogra Nuts)
• Free Run Cow Run live wallpaper included
• Free Run Cow Run clock widget included
• New Flappy Cow Mini-game!
Go vegan, save the cow!
(This game is also suitable for vegetarians and carnivores)
Award winning game - Best Running Game (GameIS)
Inspired by the true stories of the cows: Maxine and Yvonne.
'Run Cow Run' Virtually Saves Lives"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ourhenhouse.org
"If you're looking for an entertaining game that will surely make you laugh, this should be part of your gaming list"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ unigamesity.com
"This is a fun side-scroller with really nice, cartoon graphics, smooth play and addictive, if simple, story line"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ teamearthling.com
"If You Don't Want to Become Bacon and Steak, Run Quickly!"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Editor Picked by Best10App.com
"Run Cow Run is my new favourite phone game"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ unleashed.org.au
Captain Lego Boy Go Run
Play simulator Go Captain game. This is Captain Avengers Running For Lego boy.
The game is a fun adventure. To play tap your screen to jump to avoid obstacles, such as a boom, thorn and more, you want collect shield.
Our old hero must avoid mines, chains and bombs from World War.
Its so crazy and funny!
To get the most Games are available in three levels and a total of about 90 different Levels.
Free Down Load Now!!!
Enjoy it. Thanks!
"Terraria so damn engrossing. And it makes those comparisons to Minecraft seem a little half baked." Pocket Gamer
"This is the full version of Terraria, built from the ground up... If you loved it on PC or consoles, you'll love it here." – Slide To Play
"Terraria takes a different approach to a formula proven by Minecraft in perspective, combat, immersive-storytelling and – most importantly – moments of discovery." Touch Arcade
Note: Optimized for Android OS 3+ and requires 512MB RAM
In Terraria, every world is unique -- from the floating islands in the sky to the deepest level of The Underworld. Adventure to the ends of the earth, and battle villainous bosses along the way. The world is your canvas and action-packed, sandbox adventures are just a pickaxe swing away!
*** MULTIPLAYER -- Local WiFi games support up to 4 players cross-platform on any mobile device!
- 1250+ CRAFTING RECIPES - weapons, armor, potions, and more
- 50+ BLOCK TYPES to build anything you can imagine!
- Over a DOZEN environments to explore!
- Dynamic water & lava, day/night cycles!
Every pixel of Terraria has been crafted for the BEST possible mobile experience.
Follow us on Twitter @Terraria_Logic and @505_Games
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TerrariaOfficial and https://www.facebook.com/505Games
Visit us on the web at www.terraria.org
More from developer
Drag Toilet Paper
Moon Chaser
All of the magic is GRAVITY.The gravity increases when screen is touched, and it restores to normal when released.
The game rule is very simple, but how far ninja runs will completey depend on your skill.
Some tips may be helpful:
1. Touch to acclerate speed on declivity.
2. Release to make ninja fly on acclivity.
3. Fine tuning gravity when ninja is flying in the sky.
Good luck of the trip!
If you like tiny wings, dragon fly, you'll like moon chaser more!
Duck Hunter
Bullet can be manually reload or auto-reolad with 3 seconds delay.
Tag: duck,hunter,bird
Bubble Shoot
# In classic mode, you can shoot balls to make combination of 3 the same color to clear balls.
# In advanced mode, the game rule is the same, but you can shoot many item balls which have super power - fire ball, bomb ball, wild color ball, iron ball, etc.
Enjoy shooting bubbles!
kw: shoot, bubble, dexlue, maniac, combination.
Falling Ball
# Tilt your phone to run left or right to avoid falling balls.
# Classic and advanced mode for more challenges!
Ninja Run
Enemies are intruding our homeland. You are the ONE with great skills, including, double jump, ninja star, stone skin and Qi.
Your mission is to run as far as possible and kill as many enemies as possible to achieve highscore.
When you accomplish the tasks, your level goes up.
# Kill enemies to collect Qi, and to become super ninja.
# Kill enemies by ninja star to get extra bonus.
# Achieve tasks to level up.
# Submit your score to challenge other players.
If you loved arcade games, and would like to challenge your fingers, you should not miss this game!
Balance Ball
Are you a magician or yet another clown? Have fun!
Bubbles 2 HD
It's your time to experience it right away!


text:
Credits & Info
- Uploaded
- Jul 14, 2008 | 4:57 PM EDT
- Weekly Users' Choice July 16, 2008
- Daily Feature July 15, 2008
If you liked this, check these out!
Author Comments
Rated 5 / 5 stars
Madagascar. You tricky girl.......
Rated 4 / 5 stars
Epic game, but I rate it 4 due to geographical errors. Since when Is Mongolia, Vietnam, etc. a part of China?! Otherwise, this game is great.
Rated 4 / 5 stars
Total stratety... I really love this game :D
Rated 5 / 5 stars
I never knew spreading disease and chaos was so fun! The actual game itself is really good but can you try making a tutorial in the actual game so that I don't have to go to another tab but other than that everything's nice and dandy :)
Rated 4 / 5 stars
For those who don't know how to drag the view
you see the little map on the top left?
click and drag the small box inside the map
simple as that JarlTank


text:
Filed under: Exercise
Calisthenics have long been a basic component of Warfighter training to increase strength. They require minimal equipment and space and can be done virtually anywhere. Common calisthenic exercises include push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, dips, and squats. They help develop and maintain muscle strength, endurance, and power as well as flexibility. There are many ways to customize a calisthenic routine to achieve a specific fitness goal. For example, performing a low number of repetitions with added resistance will effectively increase muscle strength. Training with a buddy is a great way to provide resistance. Muscle endurance, on the other hand, requires a routine with a lot of repetitions. It's recommended to include two calisthenic sessions each week on nonconsecutive days, along with other forms of physical training (e.g., plyometrics, strength training, or aerobic training). A 30-minute calisthenic session should consist of one to three exercises that involve multiple muscle groups.
For more detailed information on calisthenics, go to Chapter 8 of The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide.
Muscle strength is an essential component for successful Warfighter performance. Developing optimal muscle strength and endurance maximizes job performance and reduces risk of injury. The FITT principle can help you achieve this goal. FITT refers to "frequency, intensity, time (or duration), and type" of activity.
- Frequency is the number of sessions in a week that an individual trains. At least two days per week of strength training is recommended.
- Intensity, considered the most important aspect of strength and endurance conditioning, is defined by the amount of weight used per repetition. For muscle endurance, training should involve 20-60 repetitions of 30% to 50% of one repetition max (1RM; the maximum amount of weight one can lift for one repetition) per set. For muscle strength, training should involve 1-12 repetitions of 65% to 90% of 1RM per set.
- Time of sessions should range from 30 to 60 minutes.
- Type of exercise should vary in strength and conditioning routines to prevent boredom and improve gains. A combination of free weights and machines is recommended.
For more detailed information on strength training, read Chapter 6, Strength Training, of The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide.
The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association recommend doing moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes a day, five days a week (for details of these guidelines, click here). However, elite athletes and tactical Warfighters need to train more to achieve higher levels of fitness—see the Navy Seal Fitness Guide and the Building the Soldier Athlete Manual for more information.
Monitor your heart rate to ensure that you are training in the appropriate range for your performance needs. This simple practice will help you track the way your body responds to training to effectively optimize your physical performance. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has information on how to monitor your exercise intensity using your heart rate, as well as an online tool for calculating your target heart rate. A similar online calculator is available from the Army's Hooah 4 Health website.
Fitness is so important to your mental and physical health. Consider scheduling exercise into your work day; put it on your calendar! Keep packable tools like elastic tubing and bands at your desk. You can easily strengthen your chest, upper back, shoulders, arms, and legs in just a few minutes, two or three times a week. All without leaving your office! For ideas, click here: ACE GETFIT: Time saving tips for on-the-job fitness
Can't find time to fit exercise in during your day? Then get fit at work! Consider biking or walking to work, if practical. If not, walk around your workplace before or after work, or during work breaks, for 20-30 minutes. Lunchtime walks with a friend are fun and a stress reliever. Use the stairs rather than elevator. Check out this link for more terrific ideas: ACE GETFIT: Time saving tips for on-the-job fitness
Try these tips from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease to prevent knee injury while you exercise:
- Avoid bending your knees past 90 degree when doing half knee bends or squats.
- Avoid twisting your knees by keeping your feet as flat as possible during stretching.
- When jumping, land with your knees bent.
Source: Handout on Health. Sports Injuries. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease.
It's true that exercise can help prevent the common cold by strengthening your immune system, but you should be cautious if you are considering an intense workout when you do fall sick. Some recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) are to:
- Exercise moderately when the cold symptoms are confined to your head,
- Stay in bed if illness spreads beyond your head - don't "sweat out" your illness, and
- Resume your exercise program slowly as you recover.
Check out ACSM's guide, Clearing the Air on Exercise and the Common Cold for more information.
Since injuries can occur in physically active individuals, here are a few tips to help you stay injury free:
- Warm-up and cool-down after exercise;
- Use proper form;
- Spread activity throughout the week, not just the weekend;
- Wear appropriate safety gear;
- Increase intensity and time gradually, and
- Cross train to prevent overuse injuries.
Click here for more information: Handout on Health. Sports Injuries. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease.
According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), your sneakers are ready to be replaced after three to six months of regular use, or approximately 350 to 500 miles of running. Looking at the wear patterns can provide good indicators that your sneakers need to be replaced.
When the time comes to replace your sneakers, ACE has specific suggestions to help you find the perfect, and affordable, pair. They suggest that you buy sport specific shoes, test for stability, try on shoes at the end of the day when feet are their largest, and allow room for socks. Although some sports scientists will advise you to consider your foot type when purchasing sneakers, there is conflicting scientific evidence on this recommendation.