Abstract: A method for treating a sugar-containing (e.g., sucrose, fructose, glucose) beverage (e,g., fruit juice, vegetable juice) includes passing a stream of a beverage into contact with a packed bed capable of selectively removing sugar from the beverage and separating a sugar-diminished beverage from the packed bed. A high intensity natural and/or artificial sweetener can be added to the sugar-diminished beverage to produce a beverage product having similar flavor and nutritional content as the original beverage, but containing a lower amount of calories. The sugar-reduced beverage also can be used as a flavoring for the beverage and food industry; or as an ingredient component for reduced and full calorie foods (e.g., jellies, candies, etc.). The sugar-reduced beverage can be concentrated to a higher level using less energy as compared to standard juices. The resulting concentrate also realizes significant frozen storage and shipping costs compared to standard juice concentrates.

Abstract: Peripheral devices having one or more pedals are provided, wherein the peripheral devices are slip resistant with respect to a surface, such as a floor, upon which the peripheral devices are placed or positioned. A user of such peripheral devices can use a heel against the floor surface through the peripheral device to anchor the peripheral device and can use the heel to correct the position of the peripheral device if it slips by applying a counterforce. The peripheral device(s) include multiple springs per pedal and associated software for accommodating a non-linear force response for a more realistic user experience.

Abstract: A link mechanism of a game controller connecting a user-activated control to an analogue input device located a distance away. The link mechanism is adapted to provide linear or near linear rotational characteristics between the user-activated control and the analogue input device. The link mechanism can be curved, or curved over a portion of its length. Or, a slot disposed in the link mechanism to slidably engage a post of the user-activated control can be curved to facilitate desired linearity. Or, the slot can be angled. Or, the slot can be aligned so that its longitudinal axis does not intersect a pivot point of the analogue input device. Or, a distance between a pivot point of the user-activated control and the post can equal a distance between the post and a rotational pivot point of the analogue input device. Or, any combination of the above characteristics could be employed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual axis articulated computer input device. Position sensors are configured to provide position information indicative of a position of two handle members relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention is directed to microstable soft drink beverages containing at least two edible acids chosen from phosphoric, citric and malic acids as a microstabilizer, in combination with water, a flavor system of one or more flavor extracts and distillates, and a sweetener, such as HFCS. The beverages have a pH of from 2.2 to 2.7 and a TA of from 15 to 33. The beverages may advantageously contain additional ingredients, such as potassium chloride and another microstabilizing ingredient such as sodium polyphosphate, d-limonene or ascorbic acid. Such beverages have a desirable balance of organoleptic properties and are rendered highly microstable without the use of conventional chemical preservatives or thermal processing.