Abstract: A single-use pouch (10) for liquid product has a front panel (12) and a back panel (14). The front and back panels at least in part cooperatively define an interior space (15) of the pouch. The interior space has a total liquid capacity. A volume of liquid product is contained within the interior space. The volume of liquid product is less than about 60% of the total liquid capacity of the pouch.

Abstract: A relay station for being operative in a mobile communication system, comprising a receiver for receiving a radio signal from a source, the radio signal comprising symbols representing an encoded information, the encoded information being based on an encoding rule and comprising payload information and redundancy information. The relay station comprising a soft detector for detecting a symbol from the radio signal to obtain soft information, the soft information comprising information on the symbol and reliability information on the information on the symbol. The relay station further comprising a quantizer for quantizing the soft information to obtain quantized soft information and a transmitter for transmitting an information on the quantized soft information to a destination.

Abstract: Disclosed are packaged compositions comprising an aseptically sterilized container and a sterilized, concentrated, nutritional liquid emulsion that is aseptically packaged and sealed within the container. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the packaged compositions. In some embodiments, the aseptically packaged, concentrated, nutritional liquid emulsions have a desirable flavor and aroma and have increased emulsion stability.

Abstract: In a mixing system for mixing together a powdered beverage and a liquid in-situ to form a ready-to-drink beverage, a receptacle has an interior space defining a mixing chamber for receiving powdered beverage and liquid therein to be mixed. An agitator is removably disposed in the mixing chamber, the agitator being operable to mix the powdered beverage and liquid within the mixing chamber, said agitator being removable from the receptacle. A retention member is configured to inhibit the agitator against falling out of the receptacle upon substantially inverting the receptacle. A drive system is provided for operating the agitator, with the agitator and drive system being configured for operative coupling therebetween. The mixing system may include a support for supporting the receptacle in an upright orientation. The receptacle may be removable from the support. The agitator may include an anti-vortex member to inhibit formation of a vortex.

Abstract: In a dispensing appliance for dispensing a beverage from a powdered beverage container, a cartridge includes a container containing powdered beverage, and a dispenser on the container operable to dispense powdered beverage from the container. The appliance includes a mount for removably supporting the cartridge on the dispensing appliance, and a drive system configured for operative connection with the dispenser upon loading of the cartridge into the mount. The drive system is operable to operate the dispenser to release powdered beverage from the container. The beverage may be dispensed from the appliance in its powder form, or mixed with a liquid and dispensed generally in a liquid form. In a method of refilling a dispensing appliance, an empty cartridge of powdered beverage is replaced with a new, substantially full cartridge of powdered beverage with the cartridge dispenser operatively connected to the drive system of the appliance.

Abstract: Packaging for a powdered beverage includes a container of powdered beverage, and a dispenser secured to the container. The dispenser includes an outer dispensing member having an exit opening, and an inner dispensing member in opposed relationship with the outer dispensing member and in part defining an interior space of the container. The inner dispensing member has at least one dispensing opening. At least one of the outer dispensing member and the inner dispensing member is moveable relative to the other one of the outer dispensing member and the inner dispensing member between a blocked position and a dispensing position of the dispenser in which the at least one opening of the inner dispensing member is at least in part aligned with the exit opening of the outer member to permit powdered beverage to be dispensed from the packaging.

Abstract: A relay station for being operative in a mobile communication system, comprising a receiver for receiving a radio signal from a source, the radio signal comprising symbols representing an encoded information, the encoded information being based on an encoding rule and comprising payload information and redundancy information. The relay station comprising a soft detector for detecting a symbol from the radio signal to obtain soft information, the soft information comprising information on the symbol and reliability information on the information on the symbol. The relay station further comprising a quantizer for quantizing the soft information to obtain quantized soft information and a transmitter for transmitting an information on the quantized soft information to a destination.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.