Abstract: Accordingly, there is provided a portafilter having an internal compartment that is adapted to receive a capsule. In one embodiment, an upper compartment has a puncturing component that is free to rotate.

Abstract: Accordingly, there is provided a portafilter having an internal compartment that is adapted to receive a capsule. In one embodiment, an upper compartment has a puncturing component that is free to rotate.

Abstract: A compressor (1) including a compressor mechanism; an input line (12) for providing gas to the compressor; and an output line (14) for providing compressed gas from the compressor. The compressor may supply gas at a first pressure or at a second pressure, by variation of the charge pressure within a gas circuit. A buffer volume and arrangement of valves, contained within the compressor, facilitate the change in static charge pressure. The electrical power drawn by the compressor is reduced when the charge pressure is reduced. Changing the charge pressure in the compressor also varies the cooling power delivered by the refrigerator. Therefore, this variable charge compressor can be used to reduce the electrical power drawn by an MRI system when it is in standby, and the full refrigeration capability is not required. Also, this has the effect of reducing wear and increasing the life of certain components within the refrigerator and compressor.

Abstract: The invention provides a battery charger comprising a power input for receiving a power supply for charging a battery; an integrated circuit, operating at a voltage, supplying on-chip functions for battery charger operation coupled to said power input and adapted to communicate with said battery. The integrated circuit comprises a voltage input, Vchg, coupled to a charge controller and/or a charger circuit; and a voltage regulator interposed between the voltage input, Vchg, and said charge controller and/or charger circuit, such that the voltage regulator regulates the voltage at the voltage input, Vchg, to supply a regulated voltage, Vreg, load to be compatible with the integrated circuit voltage operation.