Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening and closing a cartridge holder of a beverage forming machine. The cartridge holder may have an opening arranged to receive and hold a cartridge with the cartridge holder. The opening may be adjustable in size and/or shape to allow the cartridge holder to receive and engage with cartridges of different size and/or shape. The cartridge holder may include one or more movable portions that are adjustable in position to effectively adjust a size and/or shape of the opening.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming both carafe quantities and smaller (e.g., cup) quantities of a beverage using a cartridge-based beverage machine. A beverage forming machine accommodates cartridges having different sizes and/or shapes, including different rim sizes/shapes. The outlet used for receiving a beverage from a standard cartridge differs from the outlet used for receiving the beverage from a carafe cartridge inserted in a same cartridge holder. Beverage may exit the cartridge in an upward direction in some embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of a beverage forming machine arranged for use with cartridges of different types, or receiving an upwardly flowing beverage from a cartridge. A beverage outlet may be movable to receive beverage from a cartridge of a first type, and to not receive beverage from a cartridge of a second type. Different cartridge characteristics may be detected by multiple detectors, e.g., for detecting a presence/absence of a cartridge, a cartridge type and/or an authorization feature.

Abstract: The gaming system disclosed herein provides a player one or more chances or opportunities to win the same progressive award. In these embodiments, the gaming system provides the player one or more opportunities to win a progressive award in association with a first game sequence. If the player does not win the progressive award in association with the first game sequence, the gaming system determines whether to provide the player any additional chances or opportunities to win the same progressive award in a second game sequence.

Abstract: A GPRS controller interface communicates commands, events and data between two communication devices using a GPRS transport layer (GTL). In one embodiment, communication devices may include a host and a baseband controller of a modem that communicate over a serial link. Command event and data packets may be framed and multiplexed for transmission over the link. The framing includes, among other things, adding a flag to identify command and event packets from data packets, and a sequence number to help ensure synchronization. A first logical channel may be utilized for command packets including AT modem commands. A second logical channel may be utilized for outbound data packets. A third logical channel may be utilized for event packets, and a fourth logical channel may be utilized for inbound data packets. GTL commands may initiate an initialization or resynchronization of the GCI layer and may be generated, for example, in response to sequence number errors of check-byte errors.

Abstract: A modular communication server provides a single communication interface between a host and a number of communication devices. The modular communication server can be configured to support multiple communication devices using one or more communication protocols. The modular communication server includes a master communication controller that provides the interface between the network and devices using a first communication protocol. Slave communication controllers can be connected to a bus internal to the modular communication server. Each of the slave communication controllers can independently support devices using a communication protocol. The master communication controller controls the communication between the host and each slave communication controller.

Abstract: The discovery that branched poly(alpha olefin) additives inhibit the separation of liquid oil additives from paraffin wax in paraffin objects such as candles is described. The branched poly(alpha olefin) additives help solve the problem of liquid oil additives such as fragrances and dyes separating or pooling in the top surfaces of candles after storage at room temperature while retaining a mottled appearance of the candle.

Abstract: The discovery that branched poly(alpha olefin) additives inhibit the separation of liquid oil additives from paraffin wax in paraffin objects such as candles is described. The branched poly(alpha olefin) additives help solve the problem of liquid oil additives such as fragrances and dyes separating or pooling in the top surfaces of candles after storage at room temperature while retaining a mottled appearance of the candle.

Abstract: A GPRS controller interface communicates commands, events and data between two communication devices using a GPRS transport layer (GTL). In one embodiment, communication devices may include a host and a baseband controller of a modem that communicate over a serial link. Command event and data packets may be framed and multiplexed for transmission over the link. The framing includes, among other things, adding a flag to identify command and event packets from data packets, and a sequence number to help ensure synchronization. A first logical channel may be utilized for command packets including AT modem commands. A second logical channel may be utilized for outbound data packets. A third logical channel may be utilized for event packets, and a fourth logical channel may be utilized for inbound data packets. GTL commands may initiate an initialization or resynchronization of the GCI layer and may be generated, for example, in response to sequence number errors of check-byte errors.