Abstract: A reservoir of a liquid heating appliance includes a first chamber and a second chamber, separated by a partition. A heating arrangement is arranged to heat liquid in the first chamber. A first valve, a second valve and a float valve are disposed in the partition to selectively allow liquid to flow between the first and second chambers. Respective lines joining the first and second valves to a center of the partition have an obtuse angular separation. The first and second valves are selectively closed by a valve closure member. The float valve includes a floating valve member arranged to float and mate with a valve seat to prevent the flow of liquid. A liquid outlet in the first chamber connects with a dispense outlet on the appliance to allow liquid to be dispensed when the first and second valves are closed.

Abstract: A reservoir of a liquid heating appliance includes a first chamber and a second chamber, separated by a partition. A heating arrangement is arranged to heat liquid in the first chamber. A first valve, a second valve and a float valve are disposed in the partition to selectively allow liquid to flow between the first and second chambers. Respective lines joining the first and second valves to a center of the partition have an obtuse angular separation. The first and second valves are selectively closed by a valve closure member. The float valve includes a floating valve member arranged to float and mate with a valve seat to prevent the flow of liquid. A liquid outlet in the first chamber connects with a dispense outlet on the appliance to allow liquid to be dispensed when the first and second valves are closed.

Abstract: Bicycle safety exclusion zone systems capable of being attached to a bicycle, comprised of one or more projector-sensor devices and a processing unit. Each projector-sensor device is capable of detecting vehicles in proximity of the bicycle and of projecting at least a portion of a visual safety exclusion zone upon ground surrounding the bicycle. The processing unit is in communication with the one or more projector-sensor devices. When one of the projector-sensor devices detects a vehicle in proximity to the bicycle, the processing unit generates an alert detectable by a user of the bicycle, and the one or more projector-sensor devices change the visual appearance of the visual safety exclusion zone. In some embodiments, the change in the visual appearance of the safety exclusion zone comprises a change of color.

Abstract: A communication and image projection system in a vehicle of a fleet comprises an image sensor unit configured to capture images surrounding the vehicle; a processing unit configured to receive and process the images and an outside image captured by an outside vehicle; and a projection unit configured to receive the outside image from the processing unit and project the outside image to a surface viewable by an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: Bicycle safety exclusion zone systems capable of being attached to a bicycle, comprised of one or more projector-sensor devices and a processing unit. Each projector-sensor device is capable of detecting vehicles in proximity of the bicycle and of projecting at least a portion of a visual safety exclusion zone upon ground surrounding the bicycle. The processing unit is in communication with the one or more projector-sensor devices. When one of the projector-sensor devices detects a vehicle in proximity to the bicycle, the processing unit generates an alert detectable by a user of the bicycle, and the one or more projector-sensor devices change the visual appearance of the visual safety exclusion zone. In some embodiments, the change in the visual appearance of the safety exclusion zone comprises a change of color.

Abstract: A medical device identifier can identify an implanted medical device. In one example arrangement, the medical device identifier sends electromagnetic signals to the implanted device according to one or more stored digitized waveforms. The device then senses any returned electromagnetic signals, and identifies the implanted device based on the returned electromagnetic signals. The medical device identifier may generate the electromagnetic signals from the stored digitized waveforms using an analog-to-digital converter, and may compare the returned electromagnetic signals with one or more stored digital templates corresponding to different device manufacturers. The comparison may be performed using cross correlation. In another aspect, a portal device includes an identification subsystem for identifying the provider of a medical device, and a communication subsystem for establishing two-way communication a call center servicing medical devices from an identified provider.

Abstract: A medical device identifier can identify an implanted medical device. In one example arrangement, the medical device identifier sends electromagnetic signals to the implanted device according to one or more stored digitized waveforms. The device then senses any returned electromagnetic signals, and identifies the implanted device based on the returned electromagnetic signals. The medical device identifier may generate the electromagnetic signals from the stored digitized waveforms using an analog-to-digital converter, and may compare the returned electromagnetic signals with one or more stored digital templates corresponding to different device manufacturers. The comparison may be performed using cross correlation. In another aspect, a portal device includes an identification subsystem for identifying the provider of a medical device, and a communication subsystem for establishing two-way communication a call center servicing medical devices from an identified provider.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely measuring the temperature of an object using microwave radiometry that may be used in hostile environments. A single pole-single throw reflective PIN diode switch is operable in a PASS mode and a BLOCK mode. In the PASS mode, the switch passes the power received from the object to a low-noise block converter (“LNB”) for amplification. In the BLOCK mode, the switch blocks the object power and reflects the load noise power of an ambient temperature load to the LNB. A detector diode detects the amplified power output during both the BLOCK and PASS mode and the AC signal from the detector is converted to an output signal proportional to the difference in the noise powers detected in the PASS and BLOCK modes.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for grinding a suspension of a particulate solid material. The apparatus (1) comprises a grinding chamber (2), means (7, 8) for introducing a suspension of the particulate solid material into the grinding chamber (2) and an impeller (6) which is rotated and thereby agitates the particulate grinding medium and the suspension of particulate solid material in the grinding chamber (2). The impeller (6) has at least one blade (12), the said blade (12) having a leading face (14) in the direction of rotation (R) of the impeller (6), which leading face (14) is offset relative to a plane of rotation of the impeller (6). In a preferred embodiment, an upper edge of the said leading face (14) is the leading edge and a lower edge of the said leading face is the trailing edge of each blade (12), so that the impeller (6) acts to drive the material in the grinding chamber (2) downwards towards a base of the grinding chamber (2), thereby compresing the material in the grinding chamber (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for drying a suspension of a finely divided particulate solid material to produce the solid material in a substantially dry and unagglomerated form. The apparatus consists of a grinding chamber containing a particulate grinding medium such as silica having a diameter of 1-5 mm, a conduit for introducing the suspension into the grinding chamber and an impeller which rotates in the grinding chamber. The grinding chamber has a perforated base through which a heated gas is introduced to provide an upward flow of gas through the grinding chamber and through the grinding medium. As the particulate material is dried, fine particles of the dried material are carried upwards in the upflow of gas through the grinding chamber. A filter such as one or more cyclones and/or a bag filter assembly is located downstream of the grinding chamber in order to separate the particles of dried material from the gas.