Abstract: A storage system that has variable temperature includes one or more drawers. The one or more drawers are independently operable of one another. A heating and cooling system is in thermal communication with the one or more drawers. The heating and cooling system generates even air-flow around all sides of the one or more drawers for heating and/or cooling thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking in heated water any dehydrated powdered food, including West African yams, garri and rice known collectively as fufu flour, beef, poultry, seafood, carrots, fruit, and any combination thereof, forming a product having varying degrees of thickness and hence varying cooking requirements, requiring correspondingly varying schedules for heating, dispensing, rehydrating and cooling. The apparatus is controlled by a microprocessor, either manually programmed or preprogrammed, for cooking various dehydrated powdered products according to a schedule particular to each at a push of a button. The apparatus has a heater for rapid heating, a dispenser which holds and dispenses the product into a cooking container, and a fan for rapid cooling if required by a cooking schedule. The apparatus benefits from a novel rehydration process that rapidly mixes water with the product to facilitate cooking such food almost instantly.

Abstract: A temperature control system for maintaining a food product at an acceptable temperature having a pan with a thermally conductive wall, a first member surrounding the thermally conductive wall, and a channel being formed between the first member and the thermally conductive wall. The temperature control system has a fluid in the channel for contacting the pan at a first location and a refrigeration coil being connected to a portion of the thermally conductive wall for cooling the pan. The temperature control system further has a second member for surrounding a first portion of the thermally conductive wall. The second member and the fluid maximize heat transfer at a first portion of the thermally conductive wall. The second member minimizes heat transfer at a second location of the thermally conductive wall.

Abstract: An irrigation controller collects daily high and low temperature data. The controller then processes this collected temperature data in accordance with the Hargreaves equation to determine a reference evapotranspiration value. The controller further adjusts the reference evapotranspiration value to account for the type of vegetation at the site and a localized Hargreaves equation deviation factor to generate an adjusted evapotranspiration value which represents an estimation of the current watering needs for the specific plants at that specific site. The controller then divides the locally adjusted evapotranspiration value by a sprinkler head average precipitation rate to determine a run time for irrigation. Irrigation for the site is then initiated lasting for the duration of the determined run time.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide pigment particles with treatment of an organosilicon compound and boric acid and/or boron oxide is disclosed. The product has a greater resistance to becoming discolored upon exposure to ultraviolet light when incorporated in polymers, particularly polyolefins such as polyethylene.