Abstract: A temperature-regulating device for a personal fluid includes a housing having an exterior wall defining an inner space and having an opening therethrough. A dividing wall within the inner space defines a reservoir sector and a heating system sector on opposite sides. A cap portion is affixable adjacent the opening, has a closable aperture therethrough, and is movable between a storing position in covering relation to the opening and a dispensing and filling position wherein the opening is exposed, for enabling a fluid to be placed within and removed from the reservoir sector. A heating system within the heating system sector includes a heating element adjacent the dividing wall, for enabling heat transfer to the wall and then to the reservoir sector. An activator affixed adjacent the exterior wall is in signal communication with the heating system. An illumination element is provided for facilitating visualization in low-light conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder assembly (1) for a powdered ingredient (4) for preparing an instant drink. The assembly comprises a holder, a conveyor screw (6), an outflow channel (7) provided on the holder for dispensing ingredient (1), a threshold plate (9) extending into the outflow channel (7), and also a shut-off valve (10) for shutting off the outflow channel (7). The shut-off valve (10) comprises a shut-off body (11) which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor screw (6) between a release position and a shut-off position. In the release position the shut-off body (11) is located downstream of the threshold plate (9), set apart therefrom. In the shut-off position the shut-off body (11) is located next to the threshold plate (9) in such a way that the shut-off body (11) and the threshold plate (9) together shut off the shut-off channel (7). The invention further relates to a drink preparation means comprising a holder assembly (1) according to the invention.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus, in particular for brewed beverage vending machines, the brewing apparatus having a fixed axis; a fixed frame; a reversible drive; and a number of movable driven members all connected directly or indirectly to the drive to only oscillate about the fixed axis and/or move radially with respect to the fixed axis.

Abstract: A fixing structure for a welding electrode and a welding head is shown which enable improvement of durability of a welding electrode, improvement of work efficiency in welding, and a reduction of time required for welding and also which make it possible to execute welding for an extended time with high reliability. In the fixing structure, a fixed section of a welding electrode is inserted via a thermally conductive material into an inserting section of a fixing base and a peripheral surface of the fixed section of the welding electrode is uniformly contacted to the fixing base to affix the welding electrode to the fixing base.