Abstract: A capsule processing machine (1) for preparing a beverage from a capsule (5) having a body (50) containing an ingredient and a peripherally projecting flange (51) comprises: a capsule holder (10) with an upwardly oriented mouth (12) for receiving the capsule (5) via the mouth (12) so that the capsule flange (51) extends generally in parallel to the mouth (12); a capsule transfer device (30) having a capsule guide (31) for guiding the capsule (5) from the capsule holder (10) to a used-capsule evacuation area (40). The capsule guide (31) comprises a pair of facing slides (311, 312) having each a holding section (311a, 312a) configured to hold the capsule (5) between the slides (311, 312) under the flange (51) and hold the capsule (5) above the capsule holder (10). The capsule transfer device (30) comprises a capsule mover (35) for moving the capsule (5) from the holding section (311a, 312a) to the used-capsule evacuation area (40).

Abstract: A motor vehicle seating system is provided. The seating system comprises two or more seats and a guide track extending between three or more spaced apart seating positions within an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein each of the seats is movably coupled to the guide track, such that the seats are movable between the seating positions. A seat, suitable for use in the motor vehicle seating system is also provided.

Abstract: An expandable seat for a vehicle comprising a support structure movable between an expanded state and a contracted state, the support structure forming a seating region that is greater in size when the support structure is in the expanded state than when the support structure is in the contracted state, and a flexible covering movably coupled to the support structure. The support structure and the flexible covering cooperate to ensure that the flexible covering covers the seating region of the support structure when the support structure is in the expanded state and when the support structure is in the contracted state.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seating system is provided. The seating system comprises two or more seats and a guide track extending between three or more spaced apart seating positions within an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein each of the seats is movably coupled to the guide track, such that the seats are movable between the seating positions. A seat, suitable for use in the motor vehicle seating system is also provided.

Abstract: An expandable seat for a vehicle comprising a support structure movable between an expanded state and a contracted state, the support structure forming a seating region that is greater in size when the support structure is in the expanded state than when the support structure is in the contracted state, and a flexible covering movably coupled to the support structure. The support structure and the flexible covering cooperate to ensure that the flexible covering covers the seating region of the support structure when the support structure is in the expanded state and when the support structure is in the contracted state.

Abstract: A capsule processing machine (1) for preparing a beverage from a capsule (5) having a body (50) containing an ingredient and a peripherally projecting flange (51) comprises: a capsule holder (10) with an upwardly oriented mouth (12) for receiving the capsule (5) via the mouth (12) so that the capsule flange (51) extends generally in parallel to the mouth (12); a capsule transfer device (30) having a capsule guide (31) for guiding the capsule (5) from the capsule holder (10) to a used-capsule evacuation area (40). The capsule guide (31) comprises a pair of facing slides (311, 312) having each a holding section (311a, 312a) configured to hold the capsule (5) between the slides (311, 312) under the flange (51) and hold the capsule (5) above the capsule holder (10). The capsule transfer device (30) comprises a capsule mover (35) for moving the capsule (5) from the holding section (311a, 312a) to the used-capsule evacuation area (40).

Abstract: An intravenous infusion device (10) comprises a fluid drip chamber (11) having an inlet (12) and an outlet (13). A floating plug (14) provides an indication of fluid level and when the fluid is exhausted the plug (14) settles in the outlet (13) and, being made from a soft deformable material, effectively forms a bung preventing air entering the line (4). It is thus a simple matter to replace an associated fluid bottle (2) and allow the replenished fluid to flow with minimal interruption or intervention. By providing the plug (14) with a flexible skirt or fin (15) and providing the chamber (11) with a conical end section (16) an enhanced seal is provided by the fin (15) engaging the conical section (16). In a further enhancement the conical section (16) has an opaque lower section (17) and the plug (14) is thus obscured from view as the fluid is depleted providing an enhanced visual indication that the fluid bottle (2) is empty.

Abstract: A computerized information kiosk network includes a database containing information files provided by a multiplicity of information providers. A server is accessible through communications links. A plurality of computerized information kiosk stations are linked via the communications links and the server to the database. Each of the kiosk stations have a satellite memory in which selected information files from the database are stored. The kiosk stations are capable of displaying any of the information files from the database which are stored in the satellite memory. The server includes an information provider interface through which any one of the multiplicity of information providers can, upon entering a security access code, enter and change information in the information files in the database which originated from said information provider identified by the security access code thereby creating a changed information file.