Patent Description:
There are more mobile phones in use now than there are people on the planet. The rapid growth of mobile phones is due in part to the rapid pace at which they evolve. Because of the rapid pace of development, a relatively high percentage of mobile phones are replaced every year as consumers continually upgrade to obtain the latest features or a better operating plan. According to the U. Environmental Protection Agency, the U. alone disposes of over <NUM> million mobile phones, PDAs, tablets, and other electronic devices every year. Millions of other outdated or broken mobile phones are simply tossed into junk drawers or otherwise kept until a suitable disposal solution arises.

Although many mobile phone retailers and cell carrier stores now offer mobile phone trade-in or buyback programs, many old phones still end up in landfills or are improperly disassembled and disposed of in developing countries. Unfortunately, mobile phones and similar devices typically contain substances that can be harmful to the environment, such as arsenic, lithium, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc. If not properly disposed of, these toxic substances can seep into groundwater from decomposing landfills and contaminate the soil with potentially harmful consequences for humans and the environment.

As an alternative to retailer trade-in or buyback programs, consumers can recycle and/or sell their used mobile phones using self-service kiosks located in malls, retail stores, or other publicly accessible areas. Such kiosks are operated by ecoATM, LLC, the assignee of the present application, and can be configured to receive mobile phones from different manufactures and with different electrical connector configurations.

<CIT> discloses a consumer operated kiosk for recycling electronic devices. The kiosk includes a rotatable inspection plate configured to receive an electronic device when the inspection plate is in a first position. The kiosk can include a camera having a field of view including at least a portion of the inspection plate. The kiosk can include a wired and/or wireless connectivity device configured to connect to the electronic device and one or more processors configured to: receive characteristic information about the electronic device via the wired and/or wireless connectivity device; cause the inspection plate to rotate to a second position; receive one or more images of the electronic device via the camera when the inspection plate is in the second position; and facilitate determination of an offer price for the electronic device based at least in part on the characteristic information and the one or more images.

<CIT> discloses a method and apparatus for inductively heating in an inductor and quench hardening the finished ground cam lobes of steel camshafts to a uniform shallow pattern depth with minimal lobe surface deformation. The inductor is shaped to correspond to the contour of and encircle the individual cam lobes. The inductor is comprised of two complementary elongated copper segments which are normally interconnected to one end to form a conductor loop and conjointly provide a ring-shaped inductor element of the aforementioned contour for receiving the individual cam lobes in inductive heating position therein. The inductor segments are movable apart laterally outward from the camshaft a sufficient distance to permit both axial and rotative index movement of the camshaft relative to the inductor to position the other cam lobes of the camshaft individually in proper axial and rotative oriented position for encirclement and inductive heating by the inductor.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved connector carrier assembly for use with an electronic device recycling kiosk, and an improved method for operating a kiosk.

The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims which define the present invention.

The following disclosure describes various embodiments of devices, systems, and associated methods for providing an appropriate electrical connector for connection to, e.g., a mobile phone or other electronic device in a consumer operated kiosk. As described in greater detail below, in some embodiments, the kiosk determines the appropriate connector for connecting to a mobile phone submitted by a user, and a connector carrier configured in accordance with the present technology automatically presents the appropriate connector in a position in which the user can easily connect their phone to the connector. When connected to the mobile phone, the electrical connector can be used to inspect and evaluate the mobile phone, e.g., for recycling. In some embodiments, connector carriers configured in accordance with the present technology can include a camshaft having one or more cam lobes positioned to act on one or more cam followers. Each of the cam followers can carry one of a plurality of different mobile phone connectors. In contrast to conventional connector carriers in which the connectors and the associated cables are manually extracted from the carrier for manual connection to a mobile device, kiosks including connector carriers configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can identify an appropriate electrical connector, identify a cam lobe and/or a cam follower associated with the appropriate electrical connector, and rotate a camshaft to drive the identified cam lobe into the corresponding cam follower to position the appropriate electrical connector for connection with the mobile device. After the electrical inspection, the kiosk can automatically disconnect the connector from the mobile device. As a result, the connectors and associated cables are not subjected to repeated pulling and other rough handling that can lead to premature wear and tear. Accordingly, use of connector carriers configured in accordance with the present technology can lead to longer connector/cable service life, reduced maintenance, and greater kiosk up-time.

Certain details are set forth in the following description and in <FIG> to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations and/or systems often associated with smartphones and other handheld mobile electronic devices, consumer electronic devices, computer hardware, software, and network systems, etc. are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the present technology. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein, or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth.

The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain examples of embodiments of the technology. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.

The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to be limiting of its scope. Component details may be abstracted in the Figures to exclude details such as position of components and certain precise connections between such components when such details are unnecessary for a complete understanding of how to make and use the invention. Many of the details, dimensions, angles and other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the present technology. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that further embodiments of the present technology can be practiced without several of the details described below. In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify identical, or at least generally similar, elements. To facilitate the discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit or digits of any reference number refers to the Figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, element <NUM> is first introduced and discussed with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of a consumer operated kiosk <NUM> for purchasing, recycling, or otherwise processing mobile phones and other electronic devices from users, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The kiosk <NUM> includes an enclosure or housing <NUM> that supports a display screen <NUM> positioned above an inspection area access door <NUM>. The access door <NUM> can be formed from, e.g., one or more polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polycarbonate, etc.), glass, etc. that can be transparent, opaque or solid. The housing <NUM> can be manufactured from, for example, sheet metal, plastic panels, etc. in a conventional manner.

A plurality of user interface devices are provided on a front portion of the housing <NUM> for providing instructions and other information to users, and/or for receiving user inputs and other information from users. For example, in some embodiments, the display screen <NUM> can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display screen, a projected display (such as a heads-up display or a head-mounted device), and so on, for providing information, prompts, etc. to users. The display screen <NUM> can also display graphical user interfaces (GUIs), including touch screens, for receiving user input and responses to displayed prompts. Additionally, or alternatively, the kiosk <NUM> can include a separate keyboard or keypad for receiving user inputs. The kiosk <NUM> can also include an ID reader or scanner <NUM> (e.g., a driver's license scanner), a fingerprint scanner <NUM>, and one or more external cameras <NUM> (e.g., digital still and/or video cameras). The kiosk <NUM> can additionally include output devices such as a label printer (e.g., a barcode label printer) having an outlet <NUM>, a payment (e.g., cash, voucher, coupon, etc.) dispenser having an outlet <NUM>, and/or a receipt dispenser having an outlet <NUM>. Although not identified in <FIG>, the kiosk <NUM> can further include, e.g., a speaker and/or a headphone jack for audibly communicating information to users, one or more lights for visually communicating signals or other information to users, a handset or microphone for receiving verbal input from the user, a card reader (e.g., a credit/debit card reader, loyalty card reader, etc.), as well as other user input and/or output devices. Additionally, the kiosk <NUM> can also include a barcode reader (for reading, e.g., a barcode displayed on a mobile device), a QR code reader (for reading, e.g., a QR displayed on a mobile device), a package or bag dispenser (e.g., a shipping package dispenser), a digital signature pad, etc. The user interface devices described above are representative of such devices that can be included with some embodiments the kiosk <NUM>. Depending on the particular use case or commercial application, other embodiments of the kiosks disclosed herein can include other devices, or one or more of the above devices may be omitted. Accordingly, embodiments of the kiosk <NUM> are not limited to the type or arrangement of user interface devices described above.

<FIG> are a series of enlarged isometric views illustrating structures and functions associated with an inspection area <NUM> of the kiosk <NUM>. Referring first to <FIG>, in some embodiments, a user wishing to sell a used electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone <NUM>) via the kiosk <NUM> would first approach the kiosk <NUM> and follow prompts displayed on the display screen <NUM>. Such prompts, for example, may ask the user what type of phone they wish to sell, who the carrier is, etc. To begin the process, the access door <NUM> (<FIG>) retracts upwardly behind the display screen <NUM> to expose the inspection area <NUM>. The inspection area <NUM> includes an inspection tray <NUM> having a shelf <NUM>. The user is instructed (via, e.g., prompts on the display screen <NUM>) to position the mobile phone <NUM> in the inspection area on the shelf <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The mobile phone <NUM> is positioned on the inspection tray <NUM> so that a display of the mobile phone <NUM> is facing outwardly toward the user with the electrical connector receptacle or port facing downwardly toward the shelf <NUM>. In some embodiments the kiosk <NUM> includes an electrical connector carrier assembly <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG>) that, as described in greater detail below, automatically extends an appropriate electrical connector (not shown) outwardly from the shelf <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, by positioning the mobile phone <NUM> on the shelf <NUM> in this manner, the user can easily connect the mobile phone <NUM> to the electrical connector. The appropriate electrical connector can be determined by the kiosk <NUM> in response to, for example, user responses to questions regarding the type of phone presented on the display screen <NUM>. After the user has properly positioned the mobile phone <NUM> on the inspection tray <NUM> and the phone is powered on, the user can interact with the touch screen of the mobile phone <NUM> in response to prompts displayed on the display screen <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, these interactions can cause the mobile phone <NUM> to display information about the phone (e.g., model identification, serial number, etc.) that can be captured by a camera (not shown) in the inspection area <NUM> and used by the kiosk to facilitate the phone inspection process, provide a price quote, etc. For example, in some embodiments the kiosk <NUM> can prompt or instruct the user to dial "*#<NUM>#" on the mobile phone <NUM> (via, e.g., the display screen of the mobile phone <NUM>), which can bring up information about the mobile phone <NUM>, such as the IMEI number.

In some embodiments, the kiosk <NUM> can also include a wireless charger <NUM> positioned in relatively close proximity to the mobile phone <NUM> when the phone is positioned on the inspection tray as shown in <FIG>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the wireless charger <NUM> is mounted to the backside of the inspection tray <NUM>. The wireless charger <NUM> can be, for example, a "Qi wireless charger" that functions in accordance with the Qi open interface standard that defines wireless power transfer using inductive charging over distances of up to, e.g., about <NUM> inches. In operation, the wireless charger <NUM> can provide a quick charge to the mobile phone <NUM> if it is placed on the inspection tray <NUM> without power. Additionally, in operation the wireless charger <NUM> receives certain information about the mobile phone (e.g., make, model, a unique <NUM>-bit identifier associated with the phone, Qi standard, etc.) as part of the charging process. This information can be transmitted to the kiosk processor and used to, for example, identify the correct electrical connector (e.g., a USB-C or Lightning connector) to present to the user on the inspection tray shelf <NUM>.

Turning next to <FIG>, the inspection tray <NUM> can be configured to rotate rearwardly into a horizontal position so that the mobile phone <NUM> is facing upwardly in the inspection area <NUM>. Although, in some embodiments, the access door <NUM> (<FIG>) would normally be closed during this stage of kiosk operation, the access door <NUM> is not shown in <FIG>) to better illustrate operation of the inspection tray <NUM> and the inspection area <NUM>. With the mobile phone <NUM> in this position (or in the prior position illustrated in <FIG>), the kiosk <NUM> performs an electrical inspection of the mobile phone <NUM> via the electrical connector to identify the phone and further evaluate the condition of the phone, as well as specific component and operating parameters such as memory, carrier, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the kiosk <NUM> (e.g., a kiosk CPU or other processing device) can query the mobile phone <NUM> (by using, e.g., an operating system API) to obtain characteristic information about the mobile phone <NUM>, which can include device identification, make, model, configuration, and/or a unique identifier (e.g., an IMEI number, an MEID, and/or any other suitable unique identifier). In some embodiments, the characteristic information further includes device functionality, including hardware/software configuration, charging capability, memory capacity, etc. In some embodiments, the electrical analysis includes evaluating the condition and/or functionality of the charging circuit of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the kiosk <NUM> performs the electrical analysis using one or more of the methods and/or systems described in detail in the patents and patent applications identified herein.

In addition to performing an electrical inspection, the kiosk <NUM> can also perform a visual inspection of the mobile phone <NUM> using one or more cameras (not shown) positioned in the inspection area <NUM>. In some embodiments, the visual inspection includes a 3D visual analysis (of, e.g., the shape and/or size of the phone) to confirm the identification of the mobile phone <NUM> (e.g., make and model) and/or to evaluate or assess the condition and/or function of the mobile phone <NUM> and/or its various components and systems. The visual analysis can also include an inspection of the mobile phone <NUM> for cracks or other damage to the display screen (LCD), as well as cracks on other portions of the mobile phone. In some embodiments, the visual inspection can include performing optical character recognition (OCR) to identify printed or displayed patterns, codes, and/or text, and comparing characteristics of the patterns, codes, and/or text (e.g., layout, size, font, color, etc.) to templates to determine the presence of device identifiers such as model number, serial number, IMEI number, etc. In some embodiments, the visual analysis includes one or more of the methods and/or systems described in detail in the patents and patent applications identified herein.

After the mobile phone <NUM> has been fully evaluated and the kiosk <NUM> has determined a purchase price, the purchase price can be offered to the user via the display screen <NUM>. If the user accepts the purchase price offer, the access door <NUM> remains closed and the inspection tray <NUM> rotates further rearwardly as shown in <FIG>, so that the mobile phone <NUM> can slide off of the inspection tray <NUM> and into a storage bin (not shown). (Although the access door <NUM> would normally be closed during this stage of operation, the access door <NUM> is omitted from <FIG> for purposes of illustrative clarity. ) The kiosk <NUM> can then provide payment of the purchase price to the user. In some embodiments, payment can be made in the form of cash dispensed from the payment outlet <NUM>. In other embodiments, the user can receive remuneration for the mobile phone <NUM> in various other useful ways. For example, the user can be paid via a redeemable cash voucher, a coupon, an e-certificate, a prepaid card, etc. that is dispensed from the kiosk <NUM>; or via a gift code, redeemable voucher, coupon, e-certificate, etc., that is sent to the user via email, text, or other form of electronic message. Additionally, in some embodiments the user can be paid via a wired or wireless monetary (e.g., cash) deposit to an electronic account (e.g., a bank account, credit account, loyalty account, online commerce account, mobile wallet, etc.) via, e.g., PayPal, Venmo, etc., or with cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin), etc..

Alternatively, if the user declines the purchase price offer, or if the user's identity cannot be verified or the kiosk <NUM> otherwise determines that the transaction presents a fraud risk, the transaction can be declined and the mobile phone <NUM> returned to the user. More specifically, the inspection tray <NUM> rotates forwardly to the position illustrated in <FIG> and the access door <NUM> opens so that the user can retrieve the mobile phone <NUM> from the kiosk <NUM>.

<FIG> is a right rear isometric view of an inspection tray assembly <NUM> configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The inspection tray assembly <NUM> can include the inspection tray <NUM> and the electrical connector carrier assembly <NUM>, which can alternatively be referred to as "the connector carrier assembly <NUM>" and/or the "carrier assembly <NUM>. " In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier assembly <NUM> is mounted to the underside of the inspection tray <NUM> and moves with the inspection tray <NUM> as it pivots about, e.g., an inspection tray bore <NUM> and between the three positions illustrated in <FIG>. The connector carrier assembly <NUM> includes an electric motor <NUM> (e.g., a stepper motor) operably coupled to a camshaft (described below with respect to <FIG>). The camshaft includes one or more cam lobes that are each operably positioned to move a corresponding one of a plurality of mobile device electrical connectors 334a-b (e.g., USB connectors, Android and iOS connectors, etc.). Each of the electrical connectors can be positioned in or near a corresponding opening 336a-b in the shelf <NUM> of the inspection tray <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the inspection tray assembly <NUM> includes a first opening 336a aligned with a first electrical connector 334a and a second opening 336b aligned with a second electrical connector 334b. In operation, a kiosk processor and/or controller <NUM> can activate the motor <NUM>, which in turn can rotate the camshaft so that one of the lobes selectively drives the desired electrical connector (e.g., first electrical connector 334a) outwardly through the corresponding opening 336a, while the other electrical connector(s) (e.g., second electrical connector 334b) remain retracted in the corresponding opening(s) (e.g., second opening 336b). With the desired electrical connector in this position, the user can easily connect their mobile phone to the correct connector when placing their mobile phone on the shelf <NUM>, as illustrated above with reference to <FIG>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the camshaft configuration of the carrier assembly <NUM> enables the electrical connectors 334a-b to be compactly arranged in the inspection tray assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the correct/appropriate electrical connector is selected based on the make and model of phone that the user has identified, e.g., via the display screen <NUM> (<FIG>) that they wish to sell. Once the mobile phone has been electrically inspected via the selected connector, the motor <NUM> can rotate the camshaft to drive the selected connector to return back through the opening to automatically disconnect the connector from the mobile phone.

<FIG> is a right rear isometric view of the electrical connector carrier assembly <NUM>, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The carrier assembly <NUM> can include a housing or support structure <NUM> having a plate or plate portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support structure <NUM> is connected to the inspection tray <NUM> and moves therewith during operation of the kiosk <NUM>. The motor <NUM> can be coupled or otherwise secured to the housing <NUM>, and can include a motor or output shaft <NUM> operably coupled to a first gear <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the motor shaft <NUM> is keyed and/or includes a flat or engagement surface <NUM> that engages the first gear <NUM>, e.g., to drive rotation thereof. The carrier assembly <NUM> can further include a second gear <NUM> operably coupled to the camshaft (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the first gear <NUM> is a spur gear and/or a drive gear and the second gear <NUM> is a spur gear and/or a driven gear such that, in operation, the motor <NUM> can rotate the first gear <NUM> to drive rotation of the second gear <NUM>, e.g., to rotate the camshaft and selectively drive the desired electrical connector 334a-b outwardly, as described previously and with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> are right rear and right front isometric views, respectively, of certain aspects the electrical connector carrier assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, with other aspects omitted for the purpose of clarity. The carrier assembly <NUM> can include one or more cam followers movably coupled to the housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the carrier assembly <NUM> includes a first cam follower 548a and a second cam follower 548b ("the cam followers <NUM>"). Each of the cam followers <NUM> can have a first or distal end portion 550a and a second or proximal end portion 550b opposite the first end portion. In <FIG>, the first and second end portions 550a-b are only shown for the first cam follower 548a for the purpose of clarity; however, it can be appreciated that the second cam follower 548b can be configured generally similar to or the same as the first cam follower 548a (e.g., to also include first and second end portions). In the illustrated embodiment, the second end portion 550b is pivotably or rotatably coupled to the housing <NUM> via, e.g., a pivot shaft (not shown) received by a bore <NUM>, such that first end portion 550a can pivot or rotate about the second end portion 550b. The first end portion 550a can include the electrical connector (illustrated and described below with respect to <FIG>).

The carrier assembly <NUM> can include a camshaft <NUM> having one or more cam lobes. Each of the cam lobes can be positioned to contact, drive, and/or otherwise correspond to one of the cam followers <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the camshaft <NUM> includes a first cam lobe 556a that corresponds to the first cam follower 548a and a second cam lobe 556b that corresponds to the second cam follower 548b ("the cam lobes <NUM>"). Each of the cam lobes <NUM> can include a protrusion 557a-b or other rotationally asymmetric feature extending away from the camshaft <NUM>. The camshaft <NUM> can be operably (e.g., rotatably, etc.) coupled to the housing <NUM> such that, as described previously, the motor <NUM> can drive rotation of the camshaft <NUM>, e.g., about a longitudinal axis of the camshaft <NUM> (not shown). The rotation of the camshaft <NUM> can cause one or more of the cam lobes <NUM> to exert force onto one of the cam followers (e.g., via rotation of the protrusions <NUM> into contact with the cam followers). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, rotation of the cam shaft selectively causes the first cam lobe 556a to exert a force onto a first bearing surface 558a of the first cam follower 548a and causes the second cam lobe 556b to exert a force onto a second bearing surface 558b of the second cam follower 548b. As described in greater detail below, the interaction between the cam lobe(s) <NUM> and the bearing surface(s) <NUM> can move (e.g., pivot, translate, etc.) the cam follower(s) <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, e.g., to drive the desired electrical connector to a position in which a user can easily connect their mobile phone to the electrical connector.

As illustrated in <FIG>. the carrier assembly <NUM> can include one or more biasing elements <NUM> operably coupled to the housing <NUM> and positioned to act against the cam followers <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the carrier assembly <NUM> includes a first biasing element 560a positioned to act against the first cam follower 548a and a second biasing element 560b positioned to act against the second cam follower 548b. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element(s) <NUM> can be configured to bias the cam follower(s) <NUM> inwardly, e.g., to and/or toward from the camshaft <NUM> and away from the extended position in which the electrical connector can be connected to the mobile phone. In such embodiments, the biasing element(s) <NUM> can be configured to automatically disconnect the electrical connector from the mobile phone. The biasing element(s) <NUM> can include one or more compression springs, tension springs, torsion springs, and/or any other suitable biasing element. The biasing element(s) <NUM> can have sufficient tension and/or spring constant to ensure that the biasing force provided by the biasing element(s) <NUM> fully disconnects the electrical connector from the mobile phone. It can be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the carrier assembly <NUM> can be configured to operate at least partially in reverse, e.g., such that one or more of the biasing element(s) <NUM> can be configured to bias the cam follower(s) <NUM> outwardly, e.g., to and/or toward the extended position in which the electrical connector can be connected to the mobile phone and the camshaft <NUM> and cam lobe(s) <NUM> can be configured to drive the cam follower(s) <NUM> inwardly, e.g., away from the extended position.

With continued reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments the carrier assembly <NUM> can include one or more sensors or sensing elements (not shown) operably coupled to one or more elements of the carrier assembly <NUM>. Each of the one or more sensing elements can be operably coupled to and/or positioned to sense or determine the position and/or orientation of the cam followers <NUM>. In at least some embodiments, for example, the carrier assembly <NUM> includes a first sensing element positioned to sense the position of the first cam follower 548a and a second sensing element positioned to sense the position of the second cam follower 548a. Additionally, or alternatively, the carrier assembly <NUM> can include a third sensing element configured to sense the rotational position and/or orientation of the camshaft <NUM> and/or the cam lobes <NUM>. Each of the sensing elements can be communicatively coupled to the processor <NUM>, such that, based at least in part on readings from the sensing elements, the processor <NUM> can determine an amount or angle to rotate the camshaft <NUM>, e.g., to extend the appropriate electrical connector. For example, the motor <NUM> can be a stepper motor, and the processor <NUM> can determine a number of steps to rotate the stepper motor to position the appropriate electrical connector for connecting to the mobile phone <NUM>. The sensing elements can include one or more switches, one or more pressure sensors, one or more optical sensors, one or more inductive sensors, one or more capacitive sensors, one or more rotation sensors, and/or any other suitable sensors and/or sensing elements. In some embodiments, the sensing elements are integrated switches configured to detect when the cam followers <NUM> are in extended positions (e.g., when the cables connectors are deployed). For example, the switches may be pressed when the cam followers <NUM> are in the deployed position.

<FIG> is a right front isometric view of an electrical connector carrier assembly 224a generally similar to or the same as the carrier assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the carrier assembly 224a includes a single cam lobe 556a and a plurality of cam followers 548a-b. The camshaft <NUM> and/or the cam lobe <NUM> can be operably coupled to a motor <NUM> (shown schematically) using, e.g., one or more threads, gears, drive screws, and/or any other suitable mechanisms or techniques. The motor <NUM> can be operable to move or translate the cam lobe <NUM> and/or the camshaft <NUM>, e.g., axially along the longitudinal axis of the camshaft <NUM> and between one or more positions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the motor <NUM> can be configured to move the cam lobe <NUM> and the camshaft <NUM> between a first position in which the cam lobe <NUM> is positioned to contact the first cam follower 548a, and a second position (not shown) where the cam lobe <NUM> is positioned to contact the second cam follower 548b. The carrier assembly 224a can be configured to at least partially prevent movement of one or more of the cam followers <NUM> toward the camshaft <NUM>, e.g., to allow the camshaft <NUM> and/or the cam lobe <NUM> to move or translate between the one or more positions without or substantially without interference from the cam followers <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments one or more portions of the camshaft <NUM> proximate the cam lobe <NUM> can have an increased diameter (not shown), e.g., generally similar to or the same as a minimum diameter of the cam lobe <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments the carrier assembly <NUM> can include one or more barriers or stops (not shown) positioned to contact the cam followers <NUM>, e.g., to prevent movement thereof beyond a predetermined position (e.g., a position in which the cam lobe <NUM> can slide behind the cam followers <NUM>). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments the bearing surfaces <NUM>, the cam lobe <NUM>, and/or the camshaft <NUM> can include one or more sloped, ramped, and/or curved surfaces (not shown), such that the cam lobe <NUM> and/or the camshaft <NUM> can slidably engage the bearing surfaces <NUM>, e.g., to move or translate between the one or more positions.

The camshaft <NUM> can be movably coupled to the motor <NUM> by one or more drive elements <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG>). The drive elements <NUM> can include threading, one or more gears, one or more pneumatic drivers, one or more hydraulic drive elements, one or more solenoids, one or more electromechanical drive elements, one or more magnetic drive elements, and/or any other suitable drive elements. The camshaft <NUM> can be configured to include the drive elements <NUM>, e.g., to drive translational movement thereof via the motor <NUM>. Accordingly, by moving the camshaft <NUM> and/or the cam lobe <NUM>, the electrical connector carrier assembly 224a can use a single cam lobe <NUM> to select and drive one or more cam followers <NUM>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of the camshaft <NUM> and the cam lobes <NUM> of <FIG>. The camshaft <NUM> can be keyed, can include an engagement surface or flat <NUM>, or can otherwise be shaped to engage the cam lobes <NUM>, e.g., so that the cam lobes <NUM> can rotate in concert with the camshaft <NUM>. As described above, each of the cam lobes <NUM> can include a protrusion <NUM> or other structure extending away from the camshaft <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> can include a contact portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first cam lobe 556a has a first contact portion 666a and the second cam lobe 556b has a second contact portion 666b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second contact portions 666a-b extend in opposite directions such that the first and second cam lobes 556a-b are diametrically opposed. In other embodiments, the first and second cam lobes 556a-b can have any other suitable orientation, e.g., the first cam lobe 556a can be angled, aligned, etc., relative to the second cam lobe 556b.

The camshaft <NUM> and cam lobes <NUM> can be formed from one or more polymers, metals (e.g., aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, etc.), composites, and/or any other suitable material.

Although the camshaft <NUM> is depicted as having two cam lobes 556a-b in <FIG>, in other embodiments the camshaft <NUM> can have more or fewer cam lobes. In at least some embodiments, for example, the camshaft <NUM> can include between one and nine cam lobes <NUM>, such as at least one, two, three, four, five, six seven, eight, or any other suitable number of cam lobes <NUM>. In some embodiments, the relative orientations of each of the cam lobes <NUM> can correspond to the number of cam lobes <NUM>, e.g., such that each of the cam lobes <NUM> can have a same angle or angular orientation relative to adjacent cam lobes as the other cam lobes.

<FIG> are right front and right rear isometric views, respectively, of the cam follower <NUM> of <FIG>. The first end portion 550a of the cam follower <NUM> can include a connector aperture or holder <NUM> configured to receive or hold at least a portion the electrical connector <NUM> (not shown). In some embodiments, the connector holder <NUM> can receive a shell or casing (not shown) that at least partially encapsulates or surrounds the electrical connector <NUM>, e.g., such that the electrical connector <NUM> fits firmly and securely within the connector holder <NUM>. In other embodiments, the electrical connector <NUM> (and/or a cord or power cable portion of the electrical connector <NUM>) can be coupled to the cam follower <NUM> and/or the connector aperture <NUM> via, e.g., mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and/or any other suitable coupling process or technique. The cam follower <NUM> can further include a recess or biasing element mount <NUM> configured to receive an end or other portion of the biasing element <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess <NUM> is positioned between the first and second end portions 550a-b and opposite the bearing surface <NUM>. In other embodiments, the recess <NUM> can have any other suitable position on the cam follower <NUM>. In at least some embodiments, for example, the bearing surface <NUM> can include the recess <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments the cam follower <NUM> can include a plurality of recesses <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments the bore <NUM> can be positioned between the first and second end portions 550a-b, e.g., such that both the first and second end portions 550a-b rotate about the bore <NUM>.

Although <FIG> illustrate a cam follower <NUM> configured to pivot, e.g., about the second end portion 550b, it is further contemplated that in some embodiments the cam follower <NUM> can be configured to move or translate linearly, e.g., generally or substantially along an axis (e.g., a longitudinal axis) defined by the first and second end portions 550a-b. In such embodiments, the cam follower <NUM> can be referred to as a linear cam follower, the electrical connector carried by the linear cam follower can be at least partially aligned with the linear cam follower longitudinal axis, the cam lobe <NUM> can be positioned to act against the second end portion 550b, and the biasing element <NUM> can be positioned to act against the first end portion 550a. The cam follower <NUM> can be formed from one or more polymers, metals (e.g., aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, etc.), composites, and/or any other suitable material.

<FIG> are side views illustrating operation of certain aspects the electrical connector carrier assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, with other aspects of the carrier assembly <NUM> omitted for the purpose of clarity. Although described in the context of the first cam follower 548a and the first cam lobe 556a, it can be appreciated that a description of <FIG> applies equally to the second cam follower 548b and the second cam lobe 556b, as well as any additional cam followers and/or cam lobes included in the carrier assembly <NUM>.

As described previously, the motor <NUM> can be operably coupled to the camshaft <NUM>, e.g., to drive rotation thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor <NUM> is configured to drive rotation of the camshaft <NUM> in a clockwise direction R. In other embodiments, the motor <NUM> can be configured to drive rotation of the camshaft <NUM> in a counterclockwise direction, e.g., opposite the direction R. As the camshaft <NUM> rotates, the first cam lobe 556a rotates along with the camshaft <NUM>, e.g., from the first position of <FIG> to and/or toward the second position shown in <FIG>. The rotation of the first cam lobe 556a can bring the first contact portion 666a into contact with the first bearing surface 558a. The contact between the first contact portion 666a and the first bearing surface 558a can rotate the first end portion 550a about the second end portion 550b to move the first end portion 550a outwardly, e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow D1.

When rotating the first cam follower 548a, the motor <NUM> can act against the first biasing element 560a. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first biasing element 560a is compressed as the first cam follower 548a pivots between the first position (<FIG>) and the second position (<FIG>). Referring to <FIG>, in the second position, the first end portion 550a of the first cam follower 548a can extend at least partially beyond the shelf <NUM>, e.g., to position the first electrical connector 334a for connection to the mobile phone <NUM>, as described previously. Additionally, it can be appreciated that further rotation of the camshaft <NUM>, e.g., further clockwise rotation from the second position of <FIG>, can cause the first cam follower 548a to return from the second position to the first position. For example, further rotation of the camshaft <NUM> can drive the first contact portion 666a away from and/or out of contact with the first bearing surface 558a and allow the first biasing element 560a to act against the first cam follower 548a, pivoting the first end portion 550a about the second end portion 550b and moving the first end portion 550a in the direction D2. In some embodiments, the motion of the first end portion 550a in response to the first biasing element 560a can automatically disconnect the first electrical connector 334a from the mobile phone <NUM>.

As described previously, in some embodiments the carrier assembly <NUM> includes one or more sensing elements configured to sense the position of the cam followers <NUM>. Referring again to <FIG> together, in some embodiments the carrier assembly <NUM> includes a first sensing element configured to sense whether the first cam follower 548a is in the first position (<FIG>) or the second position (<FIG>). For example, when in the second position, the first cam follower 548a can contact, press, or be otherwise detected by the first sensing element. Based on reading(s) from the sensing element(s), the kiosk <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) can determine an operational status of the carrier assembly <NUM>. For example, if the processor <NUM> sends a signal to the motor <NUM> to retract the first cam follower 548a (e.g., move from the second position to the first position) but a first reading from the first sensing element indicates that the first cam follower 548a is still in the second (extended or unretracted) position (e.g., if the first reading does not change in response to the signal to the motor <NUM>), the processor <NUM> can determine, e.g., that first cam follower 548a is stuck in the second position, that the first biasing element 560a has not returned the first cam follower 548a to the first position, and/or that the first electrical connector 334a is still connected to the mobile phone <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the carrier assembly <NUM> includes a second sensing element configured to sense a rotational position of the camshaft <NUM>. As can be appreciated, because the rotation of the camshaft <NUM> can drive the first cam follower 548a between the first and second positions, the rotational position of the camshaft <NUM> can indicate whether the first cam follower 548a is in the first position or the second position. Accordingly, the above description of the first reading and first sensing element applies equally to a second reading from the second sensing element.

In some embodiments the carrier assembly includes a third sensing element configured to sense whether the electrical connector (e.g., the first electrical connector 334a) is connected to the mobile phone <NUM>. The third sensing element can be operably coupled to the electrical connector, a cable or power cord of the electrical connector, and/or any other suitable element of the carrier assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, the above description of the first reading and the first sensing element applies equally to a third reading from the third sensing element. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> compares the first and/or second readings from the respective first and second sensing elements with the third reading from the third sensing element, e.g., to determine whether the electrical connector is connected to the mobile phone <NUM>, etc..

<FIG> are a series of side views illustrating operation of certain aspects the electrical connector carrier assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, with other aspects of the carrier assembly <NUM> omitted for the purpose of clarity. The discussion of <FIG> applies equally to <FIG>. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the carrier assembly <NUM> includes two cam lobes (e.g., the first and second cam lobes 556a-b) and two cam followers (e.g., the first and second cam followers 548a-b). In <FIG>, the first and second cam lobes 556a-b are diametrically opposed, such that rotation of the camshaft <NUM> moves the first cam follower 548a or the second cam follower 548b, e.g., so only one of the cam followers 548a-b can be positioned to connect to the mobile phone <NUM> (not shown) at any given time. For example, in the first configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the second cam follower 548b is in an extended or connecting position where the second electrical connector 334b is positioned to connect to the mobile phone <NUM>, and the first cam follower 548a is in a retracted position where the first electrical connector 334a is not positioned to connect to the mobile phone <NUM>. Referring next to <FIG>, further rotation of the camshaft <NUM> (e.g., in the clockwise direction R) can allow the second cam follower 548b to rotate inwardly, in the direction indicated by the arrow D2, to a second configuration where neither cam follower 548a-b is extended and neither electrical connector 334a-b is positioned to connect to the mobile phone <NUM>. Referring next to <FIG>, further rotation of the camshaft <NUM> can allow the first cam follower 548a to rotate outwardly, in the direction indicated by the arrow D1, to a third configuration where the first electrical connector 334a is positioned to connect to the mobile phone <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> together, it can be appreciated that rotation of the camshaft <NUM> can selectively and/or alternatively cycle the cam followers 548a-b and the corresponding electrical connectors 334a-b between extended and retracted positions. Accordingly, and as described previously, the carrier assembly <NUM> can rotate the camshaft <NUM> to extend the cam follower and the electrical connector that corresponds to a mobile phone's electrical connector receptacle, based at least in part on information received from the mobile phone <NUM> regarding a configuration of the mobile phone's electrical connector receptacle.

As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the foregoing processes are but some examples of ways in which the kiosk <NUM> can be used to purchase, recycle or otherwise process consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones. Additionally, it should be understood that the configuration of the kiosk <NUM> described above is but one example of a suitable mobile device evaluation, purchasing, and/or recycling system that can be used with embodiments of the present technology. Accordingly, other embodiments of the present technology can use other systems without departing from the present disclosure. Although the foregoing examples are described in the context of mobile phones, it should be understood that kiosk <NUM> and various embodiments thereof can also be used in a similar manner for recycling virtually any consumer electronic device, such as MP3 players, tablet computers, laptop computers, e-readers, PDAs, Google® Glass™, smartwatches, and other portable or wearable devices, as well as other relatively non-portable electronic devices such as desktop computers, printers, televisions, DVRs, devices for playing games, entertainment or other digital media on CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, etc. Moreover, although the foregoing examples are described in the context of use by a consumer, the kiosk <NUM> in various embodiments thereof can similarly be used by others, such as store clerk, to assist consumers in recycling, selling, exchanging, etc. their electronic devices.

Aspects of the invention can be embodied in a special purpose computer or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions explained in detail herein. While aspects of the present technology, such as certain functions, are described as being performed exclusively on a single device, the present technology can also be practiced in distributed environments where functions or modules are shared among disparate processing devices, which are linked through a communications network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or the Internet. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Aspects of the present technology may be stored or distributed on tangible computer-readable media, including magnetically or optically readable computer discs, hard-wired or preprogrammed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, biological memory, or other data storage media. Alternatively, computer implemented instructions, data structures, screen displays, and other data under aspects of the present technology may be distributed over the Internet or over other networks (including wireless networks), on a propagated signal on a propagation medium (e.g., an electromagnetic wave(s), a sound wave, etc.) over a period of time, or they may be provided on any analog or digital network (packet switched, circuit switched, or other scheme).

Reference throughout this specification to relative terms such as, for example, "generally," "approximately," and "about" are used herein to mean the stated value plus or minus <NUM>%, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

The above Detailed Description of examples and embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

Claim 1:
A connector carrier assembly (<NUM>) for use with an electronic device recycling kiosk, the connector carrier assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a support structure (<NUM>);
a camshaft (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to the support structure (<NUM>) and including at least one cam lobe (556a); and
at least one cam follower (548a) movably coupled to the support structure (<NUM>) and operably coupled to an electrical connector, wherein rotation of the camshaft (<NUM>) about a longitudinal axis thereof drives the cam lobe (556a) against the cam follower (548a) to thereby move the electrical connector relative to the support structure (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the cam follower (548a) includes a proximal end portion pivotally coupled to the support structure (<NUM>) and a distal end portion that holds the electrical connector, and wherein rotation of the camshaft (<NUM>) about the longitudinal axis drives the cam lobe (556a) against the cam follower (548a) to rotate the cam follower (548a) about the proximal end portion.