Abstract: A safety system for an elevating machine has a base part and an elevating part. The safety system includes sensor assemblies for sensing an electric or magnetic field, which are mounted on different parts of the elevating machine. A data processor is connected to receive sensor signals from the sensor assemblies. A memory stores data relating to numerous patterns of sensor signals associated with the interaction between the elevating machine and an electric or magnetic field. The data processor compares the received sensor signals with the stored data and identifies the positional relationship between the elevating machine and a source of the sensed field.

Abstract: A safety system for an elevating machine has a base part and an elevating part. The safety system includes sensor assemblies for sensing an electric or magnetic field, which are mounted on different parts of the elevating machine. A data processor is connected to receive sensor signals from the sensor assemblies. A memory stores data relating to numerous patterns of sensor signals associated with the interaction between the elevating machine and an electric or magnetic field. The data processor compares the received sensor signals with the stored data and identifies the positional relationship between the elevating machine and a source of the sensed field.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a foamed drink comprising the steps of: providing a capsule containing a foamable ingredient; providing a receptacle positioned to collect fluid escaping from the capsule; injecting liquid into the capsule to mix with the foamable ingredient; allowing the foamable ingredient mixed with the liquid to escape from the capsule into the receptacle; followed by injecting further liquid into the receptacle in a jet having a diameter of from about 0.5 to about 2 mm to produce foamed liquid in the receptacle. The invention also provides capsules, apparatus and systems specifically adapted for use in the method. Preferably, the food ingredient is a milk powder, and the method produces a hot foamed beverage such as a cappuccino coffee.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medical dispenser, comprising an outlet and a plurality of sealed compartments containing medicament to be sequentially aligned with and dispensed through said outlet. Movement of an actuator sequentially causes mechanical energy to be built up and then released and converted into an indexing movement of the compartments. The disclosure also relates to an indexing method for a medical dispenser.

Abstract: An inhaler including an outlet and a plurality of sealed compartments containing medicament is disclosed. An opening mechanism is provided to open the compartment presently aligned with the outlet. An indexing mechanism sequentially aligns the compartments with the outlet. A latch is provided for latching the opening mechanism in an energized position. The latch cannot latch the opening mechanism before the indexing mechanism has aligned the next compartment with the outlet. A method of priming an inhaler and a method of dispensing a medicament from an inhaler is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inhaler, including a base having at least one air-tight, foil-sealed cavity containing medicament is disclosed. An actuator is engagable with a separating element attached to the foil, the actuator having an energized position in which it is biased towards an unloaded position so as to cause the separating element and attached foil to be moved away from the cavity. A latch has a first position, in which it latches the actuator in said energized position, wherein the latch is at least partly arranged in a flow path such that an inhalation flow through the flow path affects the latch to move from the first position to the second position. A method of dispensing a medicament from a sealed cavity inside an inhaler is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus provides automated assistance to an agent. The apparatus includes a receiver that receives a client communication from a client terminal via a network. A processor processes the client communication and determines a plurality of agent statements based on the client communication. The plurality of agent statements is displayed on a display. An input receives an agent communication from the agent. The agent communication is selected from a custom statement input by the agent and one of the plurality of agent statements selected by the agent. A transmitter transmits the agent communication to the client terminal via the network.

Abstract: A medicament-containing dispenser, such as an inhaler, comprises an outlet for dispensing medicament, e.g. a mouthpiece or a nasal adaptor. The dispenser also comprises a display for presenting indicia to a user. The dispenser further comprises an outlet cover movable between a first position in which it covers the outlet and a second position in which the outlet is uncovered, wherein, when the outlet cover is in the first position, indicia is visible in the display, and wherein, when the outlet cover is in the second position, indicia is out of sight to the user.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises a disc-shaped assembly (14) having cavities (16) filled with medicament powder for inhalation. The assembly is rotatably mounted in a housing (6, 8) on which is mounted a rotatable external casing (11, 12). A mouthpiece (10) is movably mounted on the housing (6, 8) allowing it to be brought into and out of engagement with the edge of the disc (14) whereby the mouthpiece acts as a brake to prevent or permit rotational movement of the disc (14). The inhaler is opened by rotating the housing with respect to the casing (11, 12) to expose the mouthpiece (10). As the inhaler is opened and closed, cam followers (105) on the mouthpiece move along cam tracks (109) in the casing (11, 12), causing the mouthpiece to move against or away from the disc (14). A gap is defined between the disc and mouthpiece to allow a flow of bypass air to enter the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler, comprising a base having at least one air-tight, foil-sealed cavity containing medicament. An actuator is engagable with a separating element attached to the foil, the actuator having an energized position in which it is biased towards an unloaded position so as to cause the separating element and attached foil to be moved away from the cavity. A latch has a first position, in which it latches the actuator in said energized position, wherein the latch is at least partly arranged in a flow path such that an inhalation flow through the flow path affects the latch to move from the first position to the second position. The invention also relates to a method of dispensing a medicament from a sealed cavity inside an inhaler.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an inhaler, comprising an outlet and a plurality of sealed compartments containing medicament. An opening mechanism is provided to open the compartment presently aligned with the outlet. An indexing mechanism sequentially aligns the compartments with the outlet. A latch is provided for latching the opening mechanism in an energized position. The latch cannot latch the opening mechanism before the indexing mechanism has aligned the next compartment with the outlet. The disclosure also relates to a method of priming an inhaler and a method of dispensing a medicament from an inhaler.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medical dispenser, comprising an outlet and a plurality of sealed compartments containing medicament to be sequentially aligned with and dispensed through said outlet. Movement of an actuator sequentially causes mechanical energy to be built up and then released and converted into an indexing movement of the compartments. The disclosure also relates to an indexing method for a medical dispenser.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an inhaler comprising an outlet through which doses of medicament may be dispensed. The inhaler also comprises a dispensing mechanism having a primed state, in which it is ready for dispensing a dose, and a fired state, in which it has dispensed a dose. In one aspect, the inhaler also comprises a disabler which, after the final dose has been dispensed, is activated to disable the dispensing mechanism from generating a sound which has been audible when the dispensing mechanism has moved from its primed state to its fired state. In a second aspect, the disabler prevents the dispensing mechanism from being in its primed state when an outlet cover is in an open position, whereby a not ready indication is presented to the user.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a foamed drink comprising the steps of: providing a capsule containing a foamable ingredient; providing a receptacle positioned to collect fluid escaping from the capsule; injecting liquid into the capsule to mix with the foamable ingredient; allowing the foamable ingredient mixed with the liquid to escape from the capsule into the receptacle; followed by injecting further liquid into the receptacle in a jet having a diameter of from about 0.5 to about 2 mm to produce foamed liquid in the receptacle. The invention also provides capsules, apparatus and systems specifically adapted for use in the method. Preferably, the food ingredient is a milk powder, and the method produces a hot foamed beverage such as a cappuccino coffee.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament-containing dispenser, such as an inhaler. The dispenser comprises an outlet for dispensing medicament, e.g. a mouthpiece or a nasal adaptor. The dispenser also comprises a display for presenting indicia to a user. The dispenser further comprises an outlet cover movable between a first position in which it covers the outlet and a second position in which the outlet is uncovered, wherein, when said outlet cover is in said first position, indicia is visible said display, and wherein, when said outlet cover is in said second position, indicia is out of sight to the user.

Abstract: A beverage preparation material (1) comprising a substantially insoluble and water-permeable tiller matrix (3) having a beverage ingredient (2) dispersed therein, wherein a plurality of layers, cells, or individual particles (2) of said beverage ingredient are held in a spaced-apart relationship within said material by regions of said tiller matrix (3). Also provided are beverage preparation pods and capsules (5) containing a beverage preparation material according to the invention.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus for preparing a plurality of different beverages, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle station for receiving a receptacle for the beverage; a capsule receiving station having walls defining a cavity for receiving a capsule containing a beverage making ingredient; an inlet for introducing water into a capsule in the station to produce a beverage; and a beverage outlet for directing an outflow of beverage from the cavity to the receptacle station; wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of different beverage outlets that are interchangeable for making different beverages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optically monitoring a woven web of endless fabric on a mechanical weaving loom or a winding device. The monitoring device includes a holding element and extends over the entire width of the woven web of endless fabric. The monitoring device is directly in contact with the woven web of endless fabric and is held indirectly on the mechanical weaving loom, in the region between a delivering roller and the winding of the web of endless fabric onto a cloth beam or a large roller parallel to the delivery roller. The holding element has an axle located on the monitoring device and an axle located on the mechanical weaving loom, the two axles extending parallel to each other and being interconnected by a pivoting arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for protecting a device from water damage. The apparatus is capable of being repeatedly opened and then hermetically sealed even when the device has a wire that must be extended outside of the apparatus. The present invention comprises a housing having at least two members that, when juxtaposed and clamped, form a dry interior region. More specifically, each member includes a pair of gaskets that together define the dry interior region and substantially form a hermetic seal about a pouch or container. The apparatus includes a portal through which the wire may extend from a device inside the pouch or container to the outside and a slide mechanism that adjust a gasket around the wire to maintain the dry interior region. The slide mechanism forms a hermetic seal around the wire so that the opening in the pouch from which the wire extends is hermetically sealed. If no wire is present, the slide mechanism may be adjusted to maintain the hermetic seal.

Abstract: A quick connect and disconnect pipe coupling and seal assembly including a first generally cylindrical coupling head having a bore therein for connection to a first conduit and a raised annular ring, a second generally cylindrical coupling head having a bore therein for connection to a second conduit, external male threads, and an annular recess for receiving an o-ring, and a generally cylindrical coupling ring for holding the first coupling head therein, the coupling ring having a threaded bore for receipt of the external male threads of the second coupling head to connect the first coupling head to the second coupling head and to force the o-ring received in the annular recess of the second coupling head into contact with the annular ring on the first coupling head to form a high pressure seal between the first coupling head and the second coupling head.