Abstract: A cleaning device (10) for a threaded shaft (12) having a cleaning member (34) having a threaded recess (42) received on the shaft (12) and extending partially around the shaft (12) with the threads (44) of the cleaning member (34) meshing with the threads (14) of the shaft (12).

Abstract: The container which can be inserted into a power-supply unit (17, 18) and is intended for the preparation of hot drinks, with a liquid-storage container (4), an electric heating element (7) arranged therein and a collecting container (1) for the drink prepared, the liquid-storage container (4) having a closure (9, 10) which is arranged in the bottom (8) of the liquid-storage container (4) and opens in a manner not automatically reversible at a predetermined internal pressure of the container, due to the arching outwards of the bottom (8), which is provided with contacts (6) for the supply of electrical power and which can be inserted or is inserted into the collecting container (1) in such a way that, in the operating position, the collecting space is essentially below the storage container (4), and the power supply to the heating element (7) being designed in such a way that it is interrupted when the closure (9, 10) is opened, is distinguished by the fact that the closure (9, 10) is formed by an annular pro

Abstract: A vending machine 10 has a hopper 24 which leads to a modular dispenser unit 38 which includes a hopper chute 26, a top plate 28, a bottom plate 32 and a carousel assembly 36 interposed between the top and bottom plates 28 and 32. The carousel assembly includes a closing plate and a container 53 depending therefrom which includes two mesh screen walls and two solid side walls. The carousel assembly is rotatable between the top and bottom plate such that the container is filled when it passes under the opening in the top plate. The container is moved to be adjacent a heat gun 66 which heats the food within the container 53 and is further moved to be over a discharge opening in the bottom plate which allows dispensing the heated food from the container.