Abstract: A packaging method and packaging material are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, a method for forming, filling, sealing and flash freezing a liquid extract or concentrate in a continuous ribbon format is described. The packaging material uses a continuous ribbon of a cold-formed foil base with multiple pockets arrayed in a pattern and a heat-sealed foil cover. Following sealing, the continuously formed strip of product is passed through a freezing medium, optionally perforated alongside the pockets to facilitate separation of individual pockets from a sheet, and then cut to size for convenient and space efficient final packaging, storage and transportation.

Abstract: A method and equipment for extracting dissolvable solids from small particles using a staged, counter-current battery of centrifuges is described. The advantages gained by working with particles having a mean diameter smaller than 50 microns and doing the extraction with the particles dispersed in a non-flowing liquid are (1) a significant reduction in the concentration gradient of the dissolvable solids across the diameter of the particles and throughout the body of particles being extracted in a comparable standard column battery and (2) higher overall yields because extraction can be conducted to a uniform limit rather than being constrained by a local (surface or column position) limit. As regards coffee extraction, the equipment and method are intended for the production of high quality concentrated coffee extracts rather than the production of soluble or instant coffee.

Abstract: A method and equipment for extracting dissolvable solids from small particles using a staged, counter-current battery of centrifuges is described. The advantages gained by working with particles having a mean diameter smaller than 50 microns and doing the extraction with the particles dispersed in a non-flowing liquid are (1) a significant reduction in the concentration gradient of the dissolvable solids across the diameter of the particles and throughout the body of particles being extracted in a comparable standard column battery and (2) higher overall yields because extraction can be conducted to a uniform limit rather than being constrained by a local (surface or column position) limit. As regards coffee extraction, the equipment and method are intended for the production of high quality concentrated coffee extracts rather than the production of soluble or instant coffee.

Abstract: A packaging method and packaging material are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, a method for forming, filling, sealing and flash freezing a liquid extract or concentrate in a continuous ribbon format is described. The packaging material uses a continuous ribbon of a cold-formed foil base with multiple pockets arrayed in a pattern and a heat-sealed foil cover. Following sealing, the continuously formed strip of product is passed through a freezing medium, optionally perforated alongside the pockets to facilitate separation of individual pockets from a sheet, and then cut to size for convenient and space efficient final packaging, storage and transportation.

Abstract: Methods are described for creating shapes for the frozen liquid contents stored within single-serve pods used in dispensing machines for products such as coffee. Shapes may include freezing a liquid held statically in the pod in various orientations. Methods may include freeze/thaw/refreeze strategies, freezing the liquid while the pod is spinning or tumbling, use of preforms from molds, preforms made with probes, and/or use of preforms that have been formed by extrusion or pressing. In some embodiments, a shape is produced that does not interfere with the entrance of entrance or exit needles projected into the pod by the dispenser and shapes that do not interfere with the flow of a melting/diluting liquid during its transit from entrance to exit needle.

Abstract: The invention comprises various minimal modifications to the upper receiver assembly of an AR-platform semiautomatic firearm whereby the firearm is reversibly converted to a pump-action firearm. The modifications comprise a means to introduce a push rod which passes through the front end of the upper receiver and connects a pump hand grip and the bolt carrier group of the firearm. The pump hand grip is guided and supported by the barrel and by a secondary guide rail disposed above the barrel.

Abstract: The invention comprises various minimal modifications to the upper receiver assembly of an AR-platform semiautomatic firearm whereby the firearm is reversibly converted to a pump-action firearm. The modifications comprise a means to introduce a push rod which passes through the front end of the upper receiver and connects a pump hand grip and the bolt carrier group of the firearm. The pump hand grip is guided and supported by the barrel and by a secondary guide rail disposed above the barrel.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device and various optional modifications to the lower receiver of a semiautomatic firearm whereby the firearm is at least semi-permanently rendered incapable of quickly removing and replacing a cartridge magazine. The device comprises a means to mechanically retain the magazine in the lower receiver of the firearm such that special tools and at least several minutes are required to remove and replace the magazine. The optional modifications comprise elimination of certain standard machined features which accept and allow the use of a magazine catch, magazine catch spring and magazine catch button; introduction of a hole or slot through the sidewall of the magazine well to accommodate a magazine retention fitting which holds the magazine in place; and the interruption of the lower portion of a clearance slot in the magazine well to prevent installation of a magazine from the bottom of the receiver.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device and various optional modifications to the lower receiver of a semiautomatic firearm whereby the firearm is at least semi-permanently rendered incapable of quickly removing and replacing a cartridge magazine. The device comprises a means to mechanically retain the magazine in the lower receiver of the firearm such that special tools and at least several minutes are required to remove and replace the magazine. The optional modifications comprise elimination of certain standard machined features which accept and allow the use of a magazine catch, magazine catch spring and magazine catch button; introduction of a hole or slot through the sidewall of the magazine well to accommodate a magazine retention fitting which holds the magazine in place; and the interruption of the lower portion of a clearance slot in the magazine well to prevent installation of a magazine from the bottom of the receiver.

Abstract: A lapping or polishing machine includes a material having a first finishing surface to process a surface of a work item, a measuring tool to measure a contour of the first finishing surface, and a conditioning tool having a second finishing surface to process the first finishing surface to reduce a difference between the measured contour and a desired contour of the first finishing surface.

Abstract: A lapping or polishing machine includes a material having a first finishing surface to process a surface of a work item, a measuring tool to measure a contour of the first finishing surface, and a conditioning tool having a second finishing surface to process the first finishing surface to reduce a difference between the measured contour and a desired contour of the first finishing surface.