Abstract: A capsule for use in a coffee extraction machine has a frustoconical side wall, a transverse base closing one end of the side wall, an open mouth at the end remote from the base and a peripheral flange encircling the open mouth. A section of the side wall of the capsule close to the flange is thicker than the remainder of the side wall.

Abstract: A device for Controlling pressure is disclosed which comprises a pump (28) having opposed pistons (30) which reciprocate in cylinders (40) carried by a casing (38). The pistons (30) are at the outer ends of rings (50) which are themselves fitted to an eccentric (26). The eccentric (28) is integral with a clutch plate (24). A second clutch plate (22) is fixed to a non-rotating axle (18) which itself forms part of a hanging counterweight structure (20). A piston (84) pushes the eccentric and clutch plate (26, 24) against the clutch plate (22) thereby to prevent the eccentric (26) tire from rotating with the rings (50) upon a sensor detecting that a tire has a low pressure in it. Stopping the eccentric initiates the pumping action of the pistons (30).

Abstract: In one aspect a scintillation array includes a transparent material between portions of adjacent scintillation pixels. The transparent material can allow light to pass from one scintillation pixel to an adjacent scintillation pixel. The resulting image provides information regarding the depth at which a scintillation event occurs. Another aspect regards a scintillation array that includes reflector strips separating portions of adjacent scintillation pixels. Other spaces between portions of scintillation pixels need not include reflector strips and may be filled with other reflective material.

Abstract: A method of assembling a detector includes conditioning a rare-earth halide scintillator crystal in a sealed container, wherein the conditioning process includes heating the scintillator crystal, reducing the pressure within the sealed container for an evacuation period while heating, and flowing a purging gas through the sealed container for a flowing duration while heating. The method further includes assembling a detector comprising the scintillator crystal in an assembly environment comprising an inert gas.

Abstract: In one aspect a scintillation array includes a transparent material between portions of adjacent scintillation pixels. The transparent material can allow light to pass from one scintillation pixel to an adjacent scintillation pixel. The resulting image provides information regarding the depth at which a scintillation event occurs. Another aspect regards a scintillation array that includes reflector strips separating portions of adjacent scintillation pixels. Other spaces between portions of scintillation pixels need not include reflector strips and may be filled with other reflective material.

Abstract: A radiation detector device can include a photosensor and a scintillation device coupled to the photosensor. The scintillation device can include a scintillator crystal enclosed within a casing. The scintillator crystal can be optically coupled to a window at an end of the casing. The scintillation device can include a dielectric gas inside at least part of the casing. The dielectric gas can be adapted to reduce or prevent static discharge within the scintillation device.

Abstract: A radiation detector device is disclosed and includes a photosensor and a scintillation device coupled to the photosensor. The scintillation device includes a scintillator crystal enclosed within a casing. The scintillator crystal is optically coupled to a window at an end of the casing. The scintillation device includes a dielectric gas inside at least part of the casing. The dielectric gas is adapted to reduce or prevent static discharge within the scintillation device.

Abstract: A method of assembling a detector includes conditioning a rare-earth halide scintillator crystal in a sealed container, wherein the conditioning process includes heating the scintillator crystal, reducing the pressure within the sealed container for an evacuation period while heating, and flowing a purging gas through the sealed container for a flowing duration while heating. The method further includes assembling a detector comprising the scintillator crystal in an assembly environment comprising an inert gas.