Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus comprises a corresponding coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching a device to a user includes securing a first plate to a user. The first plate can be secured to the user, for example, via one or more straps and/or a hook and loop fastener. The system and method further include securing a second plate to the first plate, wherein an article of the user's clothing is sandwiched in between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and second plate may be secured to each other by a magnetic connection, by engagement of a sliding pin that pierces a portion of the first plate and the second plate, or a combination of a magnetic connection and an engagement of a sliding pin.

Abstract: A high pressure closed gland unitized seal assembly for sealing against a connector pin in a box and pin seal used in a sub-sea riser joint assembly. The high pressure closed gland unitized seal assembly includes an elastomeric seal body having an inner diameter end and an outer diameter end formed of an elastomeric material having a first modulus of elasticity. The inner diameter end of the seal body includes two diametrically opposed axially outward base portions and an axially inward sealing portion. Integrated with the elastomeric material at the base portions of the inner diameter end of the seal body are a pair of diametrically opposed anti-extrusion rings having a modulus of elasticity that is higher than the modulus of elasticity of the elastomeric material so as to prevent the extrusion of the elastomeric seal body. The anti-extrusion rings are disposed between the elastomeric seal body and tightly wound coil springs.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching a device to a user includes securing a first plate to a user. The first plate can be secured to the user, for example, via one or more straps and/or a hook and loop fastener. The system and method further include securing a second plate to the first plate, wherein an article of the user's clothing is sandwiched in between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and second plate may be secured to each other by a magnetic connection, by engagement of a sliding pin that pierces a portion of the first plate and the second plate, or a combination of a magnetic connection and an engagement of a sliding pin.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching a device to a user includes securing a first plate to a user. The first plate can be secured to the user, for example, via one or more straps and/or a hook and loop fastener. The system and method further include securing a second plate to the first plate, wherein an article of the user's clothing is sandwiched in between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and second plate may be secured to each other by a magnetic connection, by engagement of a sliding pin that pierces a portion of the first plate and the second plate, or a combination of a magnetic connection and an engagement of a sliding pin.

Abstract: A high pressure closed gland unitized seal assembly for sealing against a connector pin in a box and pin seal used in a sub-sea riser joint assembly. The high pressure closed gland unitized seal assembly includes an elastomeric seal body having an inner diameter end and an outer diameter end formed of an elastomeric material having a first modulus of elasticity. The inner diameter end of the seal body includes two diametrically opposed axially outward base portions and an axially inward sealing portion. Integrated with the elastomeric material at the base portions of the inner diameter end of the seal body are a pair of diametrically opposed anti-extrusion rings having a modulus of elasticity that is higher than the modulus of elasticity of the elastomeric material so as to prevent the extrusion of the elastomeric seal body. The anti-extrusion rings are disposed between the elastomeric seal body and tightly wound coil springs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in beverage preparation machines and in particular to a beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packed cartridges of beverage ingredients. The cartridges may be designed so that air becomes entrained so as to produce a desired foam or crema. Air inlets are provided in an outlet nozzle to allow air to enter the beverage preparation machine and so be available for entrainment. Advantageously, the air inlets extend through the sides of the nozzle in an elevated position at a widened portion of the nozzle. This reduces the flow of beverage into and through the air inlets, aiding cleanliness.

Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus comprises a corresponding coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.

Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus comprises a corresponding coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.

Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus comprises a corresponding coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.

Abstract: A battery-powered tire pressure monitor and inflation system which is mounted entirely on or within a vehicle wheel, preferably on the inner surface of a wheel cover. The entire system rotates concurrently with the vehicle wheel, thereby eliminating the need for any interconnection between non-rotating and rotating components of the vehicle. The preferred system also incorporates a centrifugal intake valve apparatus, which remains closed until the vehicle wheel exceeds a minimum rotational rate. The centrifugal intake valve closure apparatus thereby prevents fluids or particles from being drawn into the compressor.

Abstract: A heat dissipating skateboard wheel assembly on which an elongate cylindrical tire formed from an elastomeric material is so supported that when the tire is subjected to axially directed forces of substantial magnitude, the end portions of the tire will not tend to cold flow, but will instead temporarily deform into circular confined spaces defined on the assembly. The external surface of the tire preferably has circumferentially and axially spaced grooves extending thereinto, with the grooves cooperating to define a number of independently deformable islands therebetween. The islands, as they sequentially roll into pressure contact with a flat supporting surface deform three-dimensionally due to the combined weight of the skateboard and user to which they are subjected. The islands, as they so deform, are forced into maximum surface frictional contact with the supporting surface, and the skateboard is accordingly less inclined to slip laterally when the user of the skateboard is negotiating a sharp curve.