Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus adapted to deliver a fat based confectionery product on demand, in a foodservice or household environment, which exhibits play value and enhanced decorative attributes. The apparatus of the invention comprises barrel means for receiving a predetermined amount of fat based confectionery material, a pressure engaging means for engaging under pressure the fat based confectionery material contained in the barrel means. The apparatus further comprises die means arranged for producing at least one elongated strand of the fat based confectionery product of a surface-area-to-mass ratio that is higher than 8.0 cm2 per gram unit, and control means for actuating the pressure engaging means with the barrel means upon the push of a button and for extruding the at least one strand of the fat based confectionery.

Abstract: A visually attractive, freshly prepared, fat based confectionery product formed of at least one elongated strand of extrudate of fat based confectionery material; the at least one strand being capable of being handled while exhibiting a temporary flexibility and the eat least one strand being formed to a surface area to-mass ratio that is higher than 8.0 CM2 per gram unit with the at least one strand having a continuous total length that is more than 30 mm. The product can be produced freshly on demand by cold extrusion at food service outlets and can be associated with food or beverages. The product exhibits enhanced melting properties, high volume occupancy and play value.

Abstract: A method for inserting fasteners fastener in a hole defined by a workpiece is provided. The method aligns an opening defined by an insertion tube with the hole defined by the workpiece, generates air flow through the insertion tube in a direction toward the workpiece, places the fastener into the insertion tube and carries the fastener into the hole defined by the workpiece as a result of the air flow through the tube. In order to prevent the fastener from inhibiting the air flow when the fastener is placed in the tub, air flow is permitted through openings about a circumferential surface of the tube.

Abstract: Methods and systems for discriminating among sparking modes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving light from a spark into a spectrometer, generating a light intensity spectrum using the spectrometer, and classifying the sparking mode based on an analysis of the light intensity spectrum. The light intensity spectrum may be analyzed for the presence of an atomic emission and a broad blackbody emission. In further embodiments, light emitted by the spark may be received into a photodetector, and the classification of the sparking mode may be based on an analysis of an intensity profile, including at least one of a rise-time phase, a peak intensity, and a drop-off phase.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for drilling holes and optionally inserting fasteners of the present invention provide for efficiently drilling holes through a multiple-layer structure because the layers are securely held together during the drilling by an electromagnet and a clamp, each on opposite sides of the structure. The electromagnet and clamp hold the layers together so tightly that burrs do not form within the holes and debris does not accumulate between the layers and, therefore the layers do not have to be disassembled after drilling. In addition, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for initially drilling the hole with a countersink and for inserting a fastener into the hole, through the electromagnet, immediately after drilling the hole, such that the hole does not have to be revisited after reassembly and drying of the sealant in order to drill a countersink and/or insert a fastener.

Abstract: A method for inserting fasteners fastener in a hole defined by a workpiece is provided. The method aligns an opening defined by an insertion tube with the hole defined by the workpiece, generates air flow through the insertion tube in a direction toward the workpiece, places the fastener into the insertion tube and carries the fastener into the hole defined by the workpiece as a result of the air flow through the tube. In order to prevent the fastener from inhibiting the air flow when the fastener is placed in the tub, air flow is permitted through openings about a circumferential surface of the tube.

Abstract: A method of of fabricating an electromagnet is provided in which a core having a flux return backplate on one end and a cover plate on the other end of the core is provided. For example, the flux return backplate may be fixed to one end of the core and the cover plate may be fixed to the other end of the core. A plurality of layers of wire may then be wound about the core between the flux return backplate and the cover plate, prior to fixing a flux return ring to the cover plate to at least partially enclose the wire.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for drilling holes and optionally inserting fasteners of the present invention provide for efficiently drilling holes through a multiple-layer structure because the layers are securely held together during the drilling by an electromagnet and a clamp, each on opposite sides of the structure. The electromagnet and clamp hold the layers together so tightly that burrs do not form within the holes and debris does not accumulate between the layers and, therefore the layers do not have to be disassembled after drilling. In addition, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for initially drilling the hole with a countersink and for inserting a fastener into the hole, through the electromagnet, immediately after drilling the hole, such that the hole does not have to be revisited after reassembly and drying of the sealant in order to drill a countersink and/or insert a fastener.

Abstract: A visually attractive, freshly prepared, fat based confectionery product formed of at least one elongated strand of extrudate of fat based confectionery material; the at least one strand being capable of being handled while exhibiting a temporary flexibility and the eat least one strand being formed to a surface area to-mass ratio that is higher than 8.0 CM2 per gram unit with the at least one strand having a continuous total length that is more than 30 mm. The product can be produced freshly on demand by cold extrusion at food service outlets and can be associated with food or beverages. The product exhibits enhanced melting properties, high volume occupancy and play value.

Abstract: An electromagnet and associated apparatus and method are provided. The electromagnet includes a core and at least one winding disposed circumferentially about the core such that the winding extends at least one revolution around the core. The electromagnet further includes at least one spacer having channels defined therein and disposed circumferentially about the core and adjacent to the at least one winding. The channels facilitate cooling by directing fluid about the windings of the coil as fluid is introduced into the electromagnet.

Abstract: An equipment-carrying crawler (20) includes a rolling track (44) and a structural support (70). The structural support (70) supports equipment (16). Lifting magnets (72) are coupled to the rolling track (44) and to the structural support (70). The lifting magnets (72) are configured to oppose each other, lift the structural support (70), and aid in the translation of the rolling track (44).

Abstract: An electromagnet and associated apparatus and method are provided. The electromagnet includes a core and at least one winding disposed circumferentially about the core such that the winding extends at least one revolution around the core. The electromagnet further includes at least one spacer having channels defined therein and disposed circumferentially about the core and adjacent to the at least one winding. The channels facilitate cooling by directing fluid about the windings of the coil as fluid is introduced into the electromagnet.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for drilling holes and optionally inserting fasteners of the present invention provide for efficiently drilling holes through a multiple-layer structure because the layers are securely held together during the drilling by an electromagnet and a clamp, each on opposite sides of the structure. The electromagnet and clamp hold the layers together so tightly that burrs do not form within the holes and debris does not accumulate between the layers and, therefore the layers do not have to be disassembled after drilling. In addition, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for initially drilling the hole with a countersink and for inserting a fastener into the hole, through the electromagnet, immediately after drilling the hole, such that the hole does not have to be revisited after reassembly and drying of the sealant in order to drill a countersink and/or insert a fastener.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for drilling holes and optionally inserting fasteners of the present invention provide for efficiently drilling holes through a multiple-layer structure because the layers are securely held together during the drilling by an electromagnet and a clamp, each on opposite sides of the structure. The electromagnet and clamp hold the layers together so tightly that burrs do not form within the holes and debris does not accumulate between the layers and, therefore the layers do not have to be disassembled after drilling. In addition, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for initially drilling the hole with a countersink and for inserting a fastener into the hole, through the electromagnet, immediately after drilling the hole, such that the hole does not have to be revisited after reassembly and drying of the sealant in order to drill a countersink and/or insert a fastener.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for drilling holes and optionally inserting fasteners of the present invention provide for efficiently drilling holes through a multiple-layer structure because the layers are securely held together during the drilling by an electromagnet and a clamp, each on opposite sides of the structure. The electromagnet and clamp hold the layers together so tightly that burrs do not form within the holes and debris does not accumulate between the layers and, therefore the layers do not have to be disassembled after drilling. In addition, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for initially drilling the hole with a countersink and for inserting a fastener into the hole, through the electromagnet, immediately after drilling the hole, such that the hole does not have to be revisited after reassembly and drying of the sealant in order to drill a countersink and/or insert a fastener.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for drilling holes and optionally inserting fasteners of the present invention provide for efficiently drilling holes through a multiple-layer structure because the layers are securely held together during the drilling by an electromagnet and a clamp, each on opposite sides of the structure. The electromagnet and clamp hold the layers together so tightly that burrs do not form within the holes and debris does not accumulate between the layers and, therefore the layers do not have to be disassembled after drilling. In addition, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for initially drilling the hole with a countersink and for inserting a fastener into the hole, through the electromagnet, immediately after drilling the hole, such that the hole does not have to be revisited after reassembly and drying of the sealant in order to drill a countersink and/or insert a fastener.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions for benzylidene- and cinnamylidene-anabaseines and methods for using these compositions for treating conditions associated with defects or malfunctioning of nicotinic subtypes brain receptors. These compositions target the alpha7 receptor subtype with little or no activation of the alpha4beta2 or other receptor subtypes.