Abstract: An analogue probe for a machine tool apparatus, which includes a probe body, a stylus member movably secured to the probe body and a sensor that measures the extent of displacement of the stylus member relative to the probe body, in which the sensor is contained within a chamber in the probe body. The analogue probe further includes a vent between the chamber and the outside of the probe body, configured such that, when the vent is open, the pressure within the chamber can equalize with the analogue probe's operating environment's pressure, and is further configured such that the vent's opening to the outside of the probe body can be closed so as to seal the chamber and the sensor from external contaminants during operation of the analogue probe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage system having an ingredient module and an ingredient dispensing valve assembly in communication with the ingredient module via at least one ingredient conduit, in which the ingredient dispensing valve assembly includes a dispensing manifold with at least one dispensing valve having a through-hole, an insert disposed within the through-hole, and a valve disposed between the insert and the dispensing valve, with the dispensing valve having a body portion and the insert is removeably connected to the body portion. The insert can be secured to the body portion of the dispensing valve by a locking mechanism, with the locking mechanism providing for removing or securing the valve from between the body portion of the dispensing valve and the insert by hand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage system having an ingredient module and an ingredient dispensing valve assembly in communication with the ingredient module via at least one ingredient conduit, in which the ingredient dispensing valve assembly includes a dispensing manifold with at least one dispensing valve having a through-hole, an insert disposed within the through-hole, and a valve disposed between the insert and the dispensing valve, with the dispensing valve having a body portion and the insert is removeably connected to the body portion. The insert can be secured to the body portion of the dispensing valve by a locking mechanism, with the locking mechanism providing for removing or securing the valve from between the body portion of the dispensing valve and the insert by hand.

Abstract: An analogue probe for a machine tool apparatus, which includes a probe body, a stylus member movably secured to the probe body and a sensor that measures the extent of displacement of the stylus member relative to the probe body, in which the sensor is contained within a chamber in the probe body. The analogue probe further includes a vent between the chamber and the outside of the probe body, configured such that, when the vent is open, the pressure within the chamber can equalise with the analogue probe's operating environment's pressure, and is further configured such that the vent's opening to the outside of the probe body can be closed so as to seal the chamber and the sensor from external contaminants during operation of the analogue probe.

Abstract: A tubular manifold device for a dishwasher and associated method are provided. The manifold device defines a contiguous interior channel between opposed inlet and outlet ends. The manifold device has an inner surface defining the interior channel and an opposing outer surface, and comprises at least two discretely-formed manifold portions, each extending between and at least bisecting the opposed inlet and outlet ends of the interior channel. The at least two manifold portions are capable of cooperating via respective engagable longitudinal edges so as to form at least two joints therebetween. At least one overmold member is configured to sealingly engage the at least two manifold portions, across each of the at least two joints, such that the interior channel is fluid-tight between the inlet and outlet ends.

Abstract: Spray devices for distributing a fluid include nozzles that are configured so that the fluid as it is discharged from the nozzles is disseminated into a spray pattern in the form of a sheet of fluid. In a particular aspect, the spray pattern is in the form of a three-dimensional sheet of the fluid. The spray devices that incorporate the nozzles can comprise rotatable spray arms for automatic dishwashers, including spray arms located above the upper racks of the dishwashers.

Abstract: A tubular manifold device for a dishwasher and associated method are provided. The manifold device defines a contiguous interior channel between opposed inlet and outlet ends. The manifold device has an inner surface defining the interior channel and an opposing outer surface, and comprises at least two discretely-formed manifold portions, each extending between and at least bisecting the opposed inlet and outlet ends of the interior channel. The at least two manifold portions are capable of cooperating via respective engagable longitudinal edges so as to form at least two joints therebetween. At least one overmold member is configured to sealingly engage the at least two manifold portions, across each of the at least two joints, such that the interior channel is fluid-tight between the inlet and outlet ends.

Abstract: A washing accessory is provided for supporting an article. The washing accessory includes a basket and can include an article positioning device adapted to be at least partially located within the reception area of the basket. If provided, the article positioning device comprises a first positioning element adapted to be removably attached with respect to the basket. The washing accessory can also comprise an optional cantilever support structure for supporting the washing accessory relative to a dishwasher rack.

Abstract: Spray devices for distributing a fluid include nozzles that are configured so that the fluid as it is discharged from the nozzles is disseminated into a spray pattern in the form of a sheet of fluid. In a particular aspect, the spray pattern is in the form of a three-dimensional sheet of the fluid. The spray devices that incorporate the nozzles can comprise rotatable spray arms for automatic dishwashers, including spray arms located above the upper racks of the dishwashers.