Abstract: Systems and methods for digital communication using an inexpensive reference crystal are described herein. Some illustrative embodiments include a method that includes setting a center frequency of a local oscillator used by a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, sequentially applying each of a plurality of predetermined offsets to the center frequency of the local oscillator, determining a plurality of metrics indicative of the quality of a received signal (each of the plurality of metrics corresponding to a different predetermined offset of the plurality of predetermined offsets), and selecting a predetermined offset of the plurality of predetermined offsets that results in a metric indicating a received signal that is higher in quality than the received signal that results when applying each of the remaining predetermined offsets of the plurality of offsets.

Abstract: A vertical grilling apparatus employs food cartridges on rails to slideably insert the food cartridge into the housing of the grilling apparatus between two thermal elements for cooking the food items. The rails correspond to a vertical slot, or opening, in the housing for engaging the food cartridge. The food cartridge is sized to correspond to a top and bottom rail and to the vertical slot. The food cartridges have hinged sides which close or clamp to an opposed position for engaging and securing the food items in a food specific insert on the hinged sides sized to accommodate the food item. The horizontally disposed food cartridge is rotated to a vertical orientation after closing and securing the food items for insertion into the vertical slot. The insertion disposes the food cartridge equidistant between the opposed thermal elements for thermal communication with the thermal elements for cooking the food.

Abstract: A method for controlling and managing the water flow to a coffee machine provided with an ion exchange water softener device, characterised by: determining, on the basis of the hardness of the mains water and the type of resins, the maximum volume of water treatable by said resins before saturated, feeding mains water to the coffee machine through said water softener device while measuring said water flow, the value of which is compared with the maximum treatable water volume, and on noting that the water volume which has passed through said water softener corresponds to the memorized maximum treatable water volume, directly feeding the mains water to the coffee machine while by-passing said water softener device, and in the meantime, regenerating the resins with brine and washing said resins on termination of said regeneration, and finally, again feeding water to the machine via said water softener device.

Abstract: In order to detect a lack of coffee beans in a grinder unit of a coffee maker, a method is suggested in which the level and/or the spectrum of an oscillation generated by the grinder unit during its operation is measured. The level of the oscillation and/or the nature of the spectrum are used to decide whether or not coffee beans are present in the grinder unit. Preferably, the level of oscillation of the housing of the coffee grinder unit is monitored. If the level changes by more than a preset value and/or falls below a reference value, it is decided that coffee beans are lacking.

Abstract: A press cleaning device and method are described for removing coffee grinds from a French or coffee press. The device includes a stem having a handle and a circular disk-shaped declining plane ramp disposed at different ends. The circumference of the ramp is substantially the same as the inner circumference of the press. The ramp includes a radial cut running diametrically from the center of the ramp toward the outer circumference. The cut is fabricated to provide a lower or leading edge paralleling the horizontal floor of the press and trailing the leading edge an upward slanted ramp that follows like a circular inclined plane to an upper or ending edge. When rotated, the lower edge, which parallels the floor of the coffee press while slicing and shoveling, transfers the grinds from the bottom of the press up the ramp whereupon the grinds are stacked and can be removed.

Abstract: A distributor of powdered product, the distributor having a case, a reservoir removably installable in a housing formed in the case, the reservoir having a distribution orifice and being adapted to contain the powdered product and to be installed in the housing by a vertical translation movement, and elements for locking the reservoir in an intended position in the housing, with associated elements for confirming that the reservoir is correctly positioned inside the housing, elements for confirming including a switch that is responsive to the position of the reservoir in the housing and that forms part of an operating control of a machine associated with the distributor.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of intermeshable fruit juice extraction peeler cups (100, 150) comprising respective blades (106, 156) that are arranged so as to intermesh to peel and extract juice from a fruit introduced into a space 107 there between during an extraction stroke. Considering one peeler cup (150), its blades' distal ends 158 collectively define a shape referred to as a Mendesaddle shape (160). The Mendesaddle shape (160) comprises a top opening (164) and a bottom opening (166) extending toward a rearward end (154) of the peeler cup (150). A fruit enters the space (107) through an open area (139) that comprises top opening (164) and a corresponding top opening (114) of the mated peeler cup (100).

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for fixing a base body provided with a housing of a cigar lighter heating element, in particular for motor vehicles. The inventive fixing unit is used for fixing a button actuating said heating element. Said fixing unit comprises a fixing element fixable to the housing of the base body of the heating element and an adapter for fixing the button, wherein said adapter is adjustably inserted into the fixing element and is guided in such a way that it is axially displaceable with respect thereto. The fixing unit makes it possible to mount the button only at a last operation for assembling said heating element, thereby enabling the button, which is embodied in the form of a decorative element, not to be exposed to mechanical stresses produced during an assembling process and to prevent the button damage by assembling operations.

Abstract: A machine for preparing an infusion includes: an infusion chamber (14) delimited by a lower vessel (3) and an upper packing head (6) that can move relative to one another; a supply of hot pressurized water to the infusion chamber, the packing head (6) having an inner conduit (26) having an inlet (27) that communicates with the infusion chamber and enabling the infusion to pass through the packing head (6) in an upward direction toward the distribution outlet, and; elements (30) located inside the conduit (26) in the vicinity of its inlet and configured for forming the foam in the infusion when passing through the packing head (6) and for preventing the infusion from returning into the infusion chamber. These elements are formed by a deformable flexible piece (30) passed through by at least one hole (35) calibrated for forming the foam and for preventing the infusion from returning.

Abstract: A beverage maker including a housing, a roll top lid, a brew chamber, a removable fresh water reservoir, and a reversible, storable stand is provided. The roll top lid rotates selectively permit access to the brew chamber, which is enclosed by the housing. In the open position, the roll top lid is substantially concealed within the housing. The fresh water reservoir is located beneath the brew chamber, and the reservoir includes an optional, selectively removable lid with an integrated water level gauge. The stand is stored within the housing beneath the fresh water reservoir. The stand supports a brewed beverage receptacle on a step. In use, the beverage maker dispenses coffee to a brewed beverage receptacle, such as a travel mug, coffee cup or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving surface smoothness and internal firmness of cylindrical food products is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt for conveying cylindrical food products to a concave rolling zone below an output end, such that each of the cylindrical food products rolls in the rolling zone for an appropriate amount of time. Thus, surface smoothness and internal firmness of each of the cylindrical food products are improved.

Abstract: A laser machine tool for carrying out cutting or welding operations includes a laser head carried by a moving member which is displaceable with respect to a workpiece along two horizontal cartesian axes in a relatively wide space with movements involving relatively low accelerations. The laser head is displaceable on the moving member, along a pair of horizontal cartesian axes in a relatively restricted space with high speeds and accelerations, via a pair of slides to which respective balancing weights are operatively associated.