Abstract: Automated food delivery methods and systems using computer-managed delivery to an array of food delivery enclosures and computer-enabled customer access to the food delivered to the enclosures. Customers using the methods and systems may utilize their personal communication device such as a cell phone or tablet to order food and subsequently open an enclosure containing their food order.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a user-customized coffee recipe and coffee corresponding to the same relates to a method of operating a server, through which one or more recommended recipes are provided to a user requesting a coffee based on a plurality of coffee recipes provided by users participating in a service, the user watches an advertising video for a determined recipe of his/her choice, and then a quick response (QR) code that allows the user to receive the coffee of the determined recipe from a coffee shop associated with the server offline is provided, and a server device. The method and apparatus enable consumers to receive coffees based on their own recipes regardless of time and place and can encourage users to create coffee recipes, share profits, and provide customized recommendations to other users, and provide a coffee service on a metaverse platform linked to an actual user.

Abstract: Automated food delivery methods and systems using computer-managed delivery to an array of food delivery enclosures and computer-enabled customer access to the food delivered to the enclosures. Customers using the methods and systems may utilize their personal communication device such as a cell phone or tablet to order food and subsequently open an enclosure containing their food order.

Abstract: Twine shifters that enable the mechanical knotter of a hay baler to tie either two twines into a 2-twine knot or tie four twines into a 4-twine knot. For a 2-twine knot the twine shifters each move their respective upper and lower twines out of the needle's path where the twines are gathered to be tied in a knot. So when the needle swings through its path it only picks up two strands, and misses the two strands moved out of its path. To tie a 4-twine knot the upper and lower twine shifters each move their respective upper and lower twines back into the needle's path. This allows the needle to gather up all four twine strands to tie in a 4-twine knot.

Abstract: A twine disk for a mechanical knotter of a hay bailer has four vee shaped V-notches each formed with a hook portion and two substantially straight edge portions to enable tying twine knots with either two strands or with four stands using the same knotter.

Abstract: A multi-part square baler produces multi-part bales that each include two smaller single bales. The baler includes a double knotter configured to tie first and second four string knots that connect the ends of a multi-bale top-string and a multi-bale cincture string encompassing the two small single bales. The double knotter is also configured to tie a two-string knot on the strings encompassing the first small bale and another two-string knot on the strings encompassing the second small bale. The strings encompassing each of the small single bales are also tied into a respective one of the two four-string knots.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays for detection of nicotine metabolites, in particular cotinine, in fluid samples and uses of these assays in quantification of smoking habits. The assays comprise contacting a body fluid sample with a cyanogen halide and a pyrazolone compound and detecting a change in light absorbance of the pyrazolone compound which is associated with the presence of nicotine metabolites. Also provided are assay kits including a cyanogen halide or cyanogen halide-precursor(s) and a pyrazolone compound.

Abstract: An automated restaurant including a plurality of food delivery locations and a food preparation area. A computer system is in electronic communication with the food delivery locations and the food preparation area. Visual content stored in the computer system is displayed on display screens at each of the food delivery locations. The visual content may include information relating to a customer food order which is stored in the computer system for later delivery to a corresponding food delivery location as well as entertainment. The customer may directly enter a food order and pay for the order at the food delivery location.

Abstract: An elevator includes a pair of vertical shafts, each of which have a vertical first rail and a vertical second rail; a car engaged with the first rails of the shafts that the car moves along the shafts; a counterweight engaged with the second rails of the shafts that the counterweight moves along the shafts; and a driving unit having ropes with opposite ends connected to the car and the counterweight to drive the car to move. The elevator of the present invention only has the shafts to guide both of the car and the counterweight that there may be more space for the car to provide a great capacity in the same hoistway.

Abstract: An automated food dispensing and billing system has an array of food enclosures, each for dispensing food to a customer. In response to the detection of a signal from a customer authorization device, the enclosure may be accessed to retrieve the food item therein. A billing subsystem automatically charges an account associated with the customer authorization device.

Abstract: A turbocharger assembly includes a housing containing a first turbocharger and second and third turbochargers disposed on opposite sides of the first turbocharger. The exhaust gas outlet of the turbine of the first turbocharger is connected to the inlets of the turbines of the second and third turbochargers in parallel. All turbochargers are substantially identical in size. A plurality of assemblies my be employed to turbocharge a diesel engine, the respective second compressors being connected in parallel and the respective third compressors being connected in parallel. The housing may be gas-light.

Abstract: A microwave system for locating a mobile element comprises a hollow tube forming a waveguide fed with microwave signals. A location beacon radiates into free space an electromagnetic wave derived from the microwave signals propagating in the waveguide. A location antenna attached to the mobile element receives the electromagnetic wave radiated by the beacon. The location beacon transmits to the antenna a single electric field signal enabling transmission of a location message.