Abstract: A carbonation machine may include a carbonation head, a holder that is configured to hold a gas canister, the holder comprising a connector with a socket configured to enable linear insertion of a valve of the canister into the socket, the socket including a seal with at least one lateral opening to enable fluidic flow between one or more laterally oriented ports of the valve and a conduit of the holder while preventing leakage of gas from the fluidic flow, and a holding mechanism configured to hold a lateral projection from the canister after insertion of the valve into the socket such that the valve remains in the socket, and an activation mechanism configured to operate the valve to release the gas from the canister when inserted into the socket so as to enable the gas to flow via the conduit to the carbonation head.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for navigating a host vehicle. A processing device may be programmed to receive an image representative of an environment of the host vehicle; determine a planned navigational action for the host vehicle; analyze the image to identify a target vehicle travelling toward the host vehicle; determine a next-state distance between the host vehicle and the target vehicle that would result if the planned navigational action was taken; determine a stopping distance for the host vehicle based on a braking profile, a maximum acceleration capability, and a current speed of the host vehicle; determine a stopping distance for the target vehicle based on a braking profile and a current speed of the target vehicle; and implement the planned navigational action if the determined next-state distance is greater than a sum of the stopping distances for the host vehicle and the target vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for navigating a host vehicle. A navigation system for the host vehicle may include at least one processor programmed to receive images representative of an environment of the host vehicle; analyze at least one of the images to identify navigational state information associated with the host vehicle; determine a plurality of first potential navigational actions for the host vehicle based on the navigational state information; determine respective future states for the plurality of first potential navigational actions; determine a plurality of second potential navigational actions for the host vehicle based on the determined respective future states; select, based on the plurality of second potential navigational actions, one of the plurality of first potential navigational actions; and cause an adjustment of a navigational actuator of the host vehicle to implement the selected one of the plurality of first potential navigational actions.

Abstract: A tap water filter apparatus (30) and a method of use thereof are provided. The apparatus is placed between a beverage container (20) filled with tap water and an empty beverage container (40). The combination is then inverted and water is filtered through filter media (52) in the apparatus into the previously empty container. The apparatus defines spouts (32, 44) that retain the containers in place. The apparatus also defines a skirt (60) that automatically controls water flow through the apparatus.

Abstract: A tap water filter (130), filter apparatus (150) and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The filter may be disposed between a one liter plastic beverage container (120) filled with tap water and an empty beverage container (122) to filter the tap water through filter media (164) into the previously empty container. The apparatus defines spouts (132, 134) that retain the containers in place. The filter also defines a buffer (140) that automatically prevents water overflow. The filter apparatus includes the filter and a storage container (152) which receives the filter and is supported, in turn, on a stand (154). Tap water may be filtered into the storage container and dispensed therefrom via a faucet (157) mounted in the container wall (158).