Abstract: A beverage maker including a reservoir, an intermediate chamber, a beverage substance retaining container, a heating element associated with the reservoir and a temperature responsive valve assembly between the reservoir and intermediate chamber for controlling the flow of heated water from the reservoir. The beverage maker includes a sensor device coupled to the reservoir, spaced from the heating element, to detect a condition such as a temperature change, temperature, temperature range, or presence of absence of water within the reservoir to cease power to the heating element upon detecting the condition. The intermediate chamber is sized and dimensioned to accommodate a predetermined range of volumes of water flowing from the reservoir through the intermediate chamber. A spray head is provided on the intermediate chamber communicating with the volume of water retained therein to distribute the water over beverage making substance retained in the beverage substance retaining container.

Abstract: Organo-transition metal complexes possess anti-viral inhibitory activity against influenza A, including the S3 IN mutant. The organo-transition metal complexes include a transition metal and at least one ligand based on the structure of an M2 proton channel blocker. Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions are useful for treating viruses such as influenza A.

Abstract: Contaminant cleaning systems and related methods are provided. Exemplary embodiments include a reactive substance generator to produce or transfer reactive substance(s) that react with contaminant(s) on an item into a cleaning chamber. An analysis section can be attached to the cleaning chamber to perform gas analysis on gas samples brought into the analysis chamber that measure reaction byproducts from the reactive substance(s) interaction with the contaminants. An exemplary valve system can selectively couple the reactive substance generator, the analysis section, and the cleaning chamber. An exemplary pumping system, in combination with the valve system, can selectively generate differential pressure/vacuum levels between the reactive substance generator vs cleaning chamber as well as between the cleaning chamber and analysis section. For example, the analysis chamber can be configured to have a higher vacuum than the cleaning chamber to facilitate passage of gas test samples into the analysis chamber.

Abstract: A hybrid enclosure, comprising a flexible, lightweight cover coupled within a rigid frame and at least one rigid stile that functions to confine a space, with minimal structural encroachment into potential ingress and egress area of the space when fully open.

Abstract: A recessed lighting unit includes a light engine and provides angular adjustment of the light emanating from the lighting unit. In one arrangement, the lighting unit includes a heat sink and a module frame that slidingly interact to provide rotation of the light engine in one degree of freedom, for example rotation about a horizontal axis. A rotation mechanism may also be provided for rotating the light engine in a second degree of freedom, for example rotation about the axis of a cylindrical recessed can in which the light engine is disposed. The lighting unit may be configured for use in new construction, or for retrofit applications.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser and methods of use for combining at least one beverage ingredient with a diluting ingredient to form a beverage. In one embodiment, the beverage ingredient is coffee or tea and the diluting ingredient is water. The beverage ingredient is retained in a container which is positioned in the beverage dispenser. The ingredient is mixed with water at least in part in the container for dispensing into a receptacle positioned relative to the dispenser. In one embodiment, the beverage ingredient is a liquid form of beverage concentrate packaged in a disposable container. The beverage dispenser includes mechanisms and assemblies which form a single opening in the container to allow water to enter and exit the container through the single opening in the container to release and mix the beverage ingredient.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus including at least a beverage producing portion, a controllable by-pass water system, and at least one of a sweetener system or flavoring system in which the sweetener system and/or flavoring system controllably mixes a sweetener ingredient and/or flavoring ingredient with water external to the housing without mixing in a confined structure. A method for producing a beverage is provided including at least the steps of: providing a beverage making apparatus; providing a water dispensing system; providing at least one of a sweetener dispensing system and flavoring system; and controllably dispensing water and at least one of sweetener and flavoring externally of the apparatus for combination with beverage produced by the beverage making apparatus.

Abstract: An engine component seal assembly and method of sealing a coolant passage from an engine component are provided. The seal assembly includes a sealing sleeve sized and dimensioned to slip fit into an engine component mounting bore and a retaining ring sized and dimensioned to be axially inserted into the sleeve. The ring contacts the sleeve and applies a radial force sufficient to create an interference fit and to move or yield an interface portion of the sleeve radially outward into sealing abutment against a wall forming the mounting bore to create a secure and reliable annular fluid seal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for robotic induction in materials handling facilities with batch singulation inventory areas are disclosed. A control system directs the one or more robotic devices to transport a particular portable storage unit of a plurality of portable storage units to and from a particular induction station of one or more induction stations. The control system directs induction of one or more single units of items from one or more locations of the portable storage unit, while the particular portable storage unit is located at an induction station, into the conveyance mechanism at the particular induction station. The control system directs picks of batches of heterogeneous items from a separate inventory storage area. The control system directs induction of single units of items from the batches of heterogeneous items picked from the separate inventory storage area into the conveyance mechanism at a batch singulation station.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus including a housing containing a water system. The water system includes a heated water reservoir and a pour-in basin for receiving water. The pour-in basin is connected to a water pump which pumps water from the basin to the heated water reservoir. Water from the heated water reservoir is moved to a spray head for dispensing to a beverage brewing substance retained in either at least one of a pod format or a cartridge format. A pair of conductance probes are contained in the fill basin to indicate the status of water in the fill basin. The brewer is designed for use with multiple beverage making substance holders so that multiple beverage substance formats can be used with the brewer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing beverages or other food products which includes, generally and broadly, controllably dispensing water from the system for use in brewing. Water is introduced to a heated water reservoir (20) heating and subsequent use in a process such as brewing. A thermal expansion system (86) is provided to accommodate water which expands from the reservoir (20) as a result of the heating process. One form of thermal expansion system (86) may include a venturi device (88) which allows the accumulation of water which expands during the heating process and then returns the water to the flow of water during a brew cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for and methods of determining that the placement and alignment of progressive add lenses (PALs) in a subject's frame are correct. Namely, a PAL verification tool includes a chart and light source, wherein the chart is viewed by the subject and the light source is worn by the subject during a PAL verification process. The PAL verification method may include the steps of positioning the subject with respect to a near fixation point, the subject viewing the near fixation point with one eye and bringing it into best and clearest vision, measuring and recording a first head position with respect to the near fixation point, the subject viewing the near fixation point with the other eye and bringing it into best and clearest vision, measuring and logging a second head position with respect to the near fixation point, and determining the amount and direction of the difference in the first and second head positions and correlating to an amount and direction of PAL misalignment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.

Abstract: An apparatus for and methods of determining that the placement and alignment of progressive add lenses (PALs) in a subject's frame are correct. Namely, a PAL verification tool includes a chart and light source, wherein the chart is viewed by the subject and the light source is worn by the subject during a PAL verification process. The PAL verification method may include the steps of positioning the subject with respect to a near fixation point, the subject viewing the near fixation point with one eye and bringing it into best and clearest vision, measuring and recording a first head position with respect to the near fixation point, the subject viewing the near fixation point with the other eye and bringing it into best and clearest vision, measuring and logging a second head position with respect to the near fixation point, and determining the amount and direction of the difference in the first and second head positions and correlating to an amount and direction of PAL misalignment.

Abstract: A system and method for controllably dispensing a predetermined volume of water at a predetermined temperature. The system and method include at least one heated water source and at least one second water source. Water is controllably dispensed from the heated water source and controllably combined with the controllably dispensed water from the second water source to produce a resultant predetermined volume of water at a resultant predetermined temperature. The system and method also includes controls and/or interfaces which allow a user to control the volume and temperature of water dispensed. The user may directly control the volume and/or temperature or may indirectly control the volume and temperature such as by introducing a control media, control selection, or recipe by which the user selects the choice but does not specify the details of the parameters associated with the choice.

Abstract: Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, disclosed is a spray head for use with, in combination with a beverage making apparatus, as a replacement for other spray heads and a method of using a spray head. The spray head receives liquid from a liquid dispensing path of the beverage making apparatus and distributes liquid over a beverage making substance retained proximate the spray head. The spray head includes two pieces, a first piece for connection to the liquid dispensing path and the second piece which is flexible and removable attachable to the first piece. A cavity is defined between the first and second pieces. Water received form the liquid dispensing path collects in the cavity. The second piece or body portion includes a plurality of holes for dispensing and distributing water from the cavity over the beverage substance.

Abstract: A system for holding items includes a base tier including two or more totes and one or more higher tiers stacked on the base tier. Each of the higher tiers includes one or more totes stacked on a tote of a lower tier. Totes in of the tiers are laterally cross coupled to one another.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder and liner. The cylinder includes a mid-stop formed in a side wall of the cylinder. The mid-stop includes a first contact surface and an undercut between the first contact surface and the side wall. The liner is positioned within the cylinder and includes a seat having a second contact surface. The second contact surface is supported on the first contact surface.

Abstract: A cartridge retaining device is disclosed for use with a beverage brewing apparatus. The device includes a base with a cover. A beverage making cartridge is placed within the base and the cover is positioned over the cartridge. Engagement of the cover over the cartridge in the base causes at least two probes, one above carried on the cover and one below generally carried on or proximate to the base to penetrate or otherwise open the cartridge. The device is structured to operate so that the cover probe penetrates the cartridge before the base probe opens a corresponding portion of the cartridge. The device is adapted for separate engagement with a brewer whereby heated water is dispensed from the brewer into the device for brewing a beverage retained within the cartridge and dispensing the brewed beverage from a lower section of the body of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of use in making beverages. The apparatus includes components and structures for making beverages by mixing heated water or other liquid and a beverage making substance in combination with controllable evacuation, pressurization, or both of a mixing vessel. The method includes controllable brewing using a vacuum, positive pressure, or both to control one or a combination of active controllable agitation of ingredients, steep time, pressurization, extraction time, agitation pulsing, dispensing pulsing as well as other numerous other beverage preparation characteristics and controls.