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An optical vend-sensing system for reliably detecting the dispensing of an article, is presented. The system includes two parallel reflecting surfaces, each mounted at opposite sides of a vend space through which the article falls upon selection by a consumer. An emitter generates an optical beam wh

An optical vend-sensing system for reliably detecting the dispensing of an article, is presented. The system includes two parallel reflecting surfaces, each mounted at opposite sides of a vend space through which the article falls upon selection by a consumer. An emitter generates an optical beam which is reflected off each of the reflecting surfaces such that the reflected beam traverses across the vend space. A detector senses the reflected beam and communicates with a machine control unit. In response to the detector sensing that the reflected beam has been interrupted, the machine control unit terminates the vending operations of a mechanism controlling the dispensing of the article.

대표청구항 ▼

An optical vend-sensing system for reliably detecting the dispensing of an article, is presented. The system includes two parallel reflecting surfaces, each mounted at opposite sides of a vend space through which the article falls upon selection by a consumer. An emitter generates an optical beam wh

An optical vend-sensing system for reliably detecting the dispensing of an article, is presented. The system includes two parallel reflecting surfaces, each mounted at opposite sides of a vend space through which the article falls upon selection by a consumer. An emitter generates an optical beam which is reflected off each of the reflecting surfaces such that the reflected beam traverses across the vend space. A detector senses the reflected beam and communicates with a machine control unit. In response to the detector sensing that the reflected beam has been interrupted, the machine control unit terminates the vending operations of a mechanism controlling the dispensing of the article. ixed to the receiving electrodes, which patch is adapted to be applied to the skin. 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the receiving electrodes comprises a monopolar electrode. 4. A device according to claim 1, and comprising a marking unit, adapted to apply a substance to the skin so as to demarcate a region of the skin with which the receiving electrodes are placed in contact. 5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises one or more protrusive elements, adapted to press the skin so as to demarcate a region of the skin with which the receiving electrodes are placed in contact. 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the receiving electrodes is adapted to contact the skin to create a contact area having a characteristic length of between about 10 and 100 microns. 7. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the receiving electrodes comprises a bipolar electrode. 8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving electrodes comprise a return electrode, and wherein the power source is adapted to drive the driving electrode to apply the first current between the first receiving electrode and the return electrode, and the second current between the second receiving electrode and the return electrode. 9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the power source is adapted to drive the driving electrode to apply the first and second currents in order to allow a substance to pass through the skin. 10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the power source is adapted to drive the driving electrode to apply the first and second currents in order to allow a substance to pass through the skin into the body of the subject. 11. A device according to claim 9, wherein the power source is adapted to drive the driving electrode to apply the first and second currents in order to allow a substance to pass through the skin from within the body of the subject. 12. A device according to claim 1, and comprising a substance application unit, adapted to apply a substance to the skin at a site on the skin with which the receiving electrodes are placed in contact. 13. A device according to claim 1, wherein the power source is adapted to drive the driving electrode to apply the first current through the first receiving electrode into a site on the skin, and wherein the device comprises a substance application unit, adapted to apply a substance to the skin at the site. 14. A device according to claim 1, wherein the power source is adapted to drive the driving electrode to apply at least one of the currents at a magnitude sufficient to ablate stratum corneum epidermidis of the skin, and, at least partially, a layer of the skin deeper than the stratum corneum epidermidis. 15. A device according to claim 12, wherein the substance application unit comprises: a reservoir, adapted to contain a dose of the substance; and a conduit, coupled to the reservoir so as to transport the substance to the site. 16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the conduit is adapted to provide a desired flow rate of the substance. 17. A device according to claim 15, wherein the substance application unit comprises a porous material, through which the substance passes during transport to the skin, so as to provide a desired flow rate of the substance. 18. A device according to claim 15, wherein the substance application unit comprises a pump, coupled to the reservoir, which is adapted to provide a desired flow rate of the substance. 19. A device according to claim 1, and comprising automated means for moving the driving electrode over the receiving electrodes. 20. A device according to claim 1, wherein the power source is adapted to drive the driving electrode to apply the first and second currents such that skin layers beneath the stratum corneum epidermidis are substantially not ablated. ilated Cardiomyopathy", The American Journal of Cardiology, Hochleitner, Hortnagl, Choi-Keung Ng, et al., vol. 66, Jul. 15, 1990, pp. 198-202. "Hemodynamic Effect of Physiological Dual Chamber Pacing in a Patient with End-Stage Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report", Hajime Kataoka, PACE, Vol. 14, Sep. 1991, pp. 1330-1335.