Abstract: The method consists of selecting individual fruit or vegetables without bruises or broken skin, cleaning them with an air jet, washing them in sterile water and drying them at a temperature between 18° C. and 25° C. such that, once the fruit or vegetable is clean, it is inserted into a food-grade composite bath to obtain a protective covering consisting of a thin layer of continuous tangible material that protects both the skin and the stem and crown of the fruit or vegetable, the fruit thus being protected until consumption, without refrigeration and without rotting since the oxygen necessary for bacteria growth is absent. The fruit or vegetable can be consumed after removing the food-grade composite by cutting away said covering.

Abstract: A method of making a container including thermoforming a polymeric sheet containing at least one foam layer and optionally having one or more solid layer(s) disposed adjacent to the foam layer and shaping the polymeric sheet into a container, wherein the container is an insulator and wherein the layers of the sheet are adhered to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the preparation of a beverage comprising: a mixing chamber (1) for mixing a soluble ingredient (2) and a diluent, said chamber comprising: a top opening (4), a diluent inlet opening (5), a beverage outlet opening (6), sealing means (7), said sealing means being able to seal the top opening (4) of the mixing chamber (1) and to prevent any fluid from leaving the mixing chamber through said sealing means. The invention also relates to a method for using this device.

Abstract: A tide display device comprises a storage mechanism that stores tide information by surf spot. The device has a microprocessor that is programmed to display the tide height both graphically and numerically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a series of baroplastic materials, and systems and methods of making and using such baroplastic materials. In one aspect of the invention, polymeric particles are provided that can be used to produce baroplastic materials under certain pressures and/or below certain temperatures. In one set of embodiments, the polymeric particles include an inner “core” region and an outer “shell” region. In some cases, more than one “shell” region may be present. In another arrangement the particles can include materials, or domains, in nanoscale proximity with each other. Non-particulate materials can also be processed in accordance with the invention. In another aspect of the invention, the invention provides for polymeric particles that can be processed and/or recycled multiple times, without causing significant degradation or alteration in the physical and/or chemical properties of the polymer.

Abstract: A flame resistant thermoplastic molding composition having improved mechanical properties is disclosed. The composition contains polycarbonate, a graft polymer and a phosphorus compounds of formula (I): and a mixture of fluorinated polyolefins with polyalkyl (meth)acrylates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstituting consumable powder(s) with a liquid to provide a food liquid such as milk, cappuccino-type beverage, or soup with or without froth. The powder is introduced into a container and pre-wetted by an intersecting liquid spray. Further mixing occurs in the container. The container may have additional liquid streams feeding into the container for increased mixing. This food liquid can then be aspirated by the Venturi effect by steam generation to produce a frothed/aerated food liquid.

Abstract: A tide display device comprises a storage mechanism that stores tide information by surf spot. The device has a microprocessor that is programmed to display the tide height both graphically and numerically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a series of baroplastic materials, and systems and methods of making and using such baroplastic materials. In one aspect of the invention, polymeric particles are provided that can be used to produce baroplastic materials under certain pressures and/or below certain temperatures. In one set of embodiments, the polymeric particles include an inner “core” region and an outer “shell” region. In some cases, more than one “shell” region may be present. In another arrangement the particles can include materials, or domains, in nanoscale proximity with each other. Non-particulate materials can also be processed in accordance with the invention. In another aspect of the invention, the invention provides for polymeric particles that can be processed and/or recycled multiple times, without causing significant degradation or alteration in the physical and/or chemical properties of the polymer.

Abstract: Variolin derivatives of formula (5) are provided, wherein the substituent groups defined by X2, R1, R2, R3, R6, R7 and R12 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, OR?, SH, SR?, SOR?, SO2R?, NO2, NH2, NHR?, N(R?)2, NHCOR?, NHSO2R?, CN, halogen, ?O, C(?O)H, C(?O)R?, CO2H, CO2R?, carboxyalkyl, C1-C12 alkyl, C2-C12 alkenyl, C2-C12 alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaromatic; wherein each of the R? groups is independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH, N02, NH2, CN, halogen, ?O, C(?O)H, C(?O)CH3, CO2H, CO2CH3, C1-C12 alkyl, C2-C12 alkenyl, C2-C12alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl and heteroaromatic; wherein the pairs of groups R1 and R2, R2 and R3, R3 and R12, R12 and R6, or R6 and R7 may be joined into a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining an air inflation mattress configuration sufficient for patient support and comfort. Infrared illumination levels are measured within individual or groups of inflated mattress chambers. A staggered approach to illumination monitoring of chambers or sections to eliminate crosstalk between the infrared sensors is carried out. Distributed microprocessor controllers established in a network configuration utilizing controller network protocols reduces the wiring and connections necessary for the assembled system. Various mattress cushion construction techniques, such as sewing and or RF welding methods, are used for the creation of individual chambers utilizing specific types of IR translucent, transparent or reflective materials. The construction of the cushions and bladders in the system includes the use of various types of fabrics with low to high air loss qualities as required.

Abstract: A plasma discharge device is provided having features for enhanced thermal management and protection of dielectric materials in the device. The invention generally comprises a plasma confinement chamber constructed at least in part of dielectric materials, with a cooling instrument disposed in contact with the outer dielectric surfaces of the chamber for substantially uniform heat extraction. The cooling instrument may be embedded within an encapsulating material that enhances the uniformity of heat extraction from a dielectric plasma chamber. By improving the uniformity of heat extraction from the dielectric chamber of a plasma discharge device, the invention permits reliable operation of a plasma discharge device at significantly improved power levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstituting consumable powder(s) with a liquid to provide a food liquid such as milk, cappuccino-type beverage, or soup with or without froth. The powder is introduced into a container and pre-wetted by an intersecting liquid spray. Further mixing occurs in the container. The container may have additional liquid streams feeding into the container for increased mixing. This food liquid can then be aspirated by the Venturi effect by steam generation to produce a frothed/aerated food liquid.

Abstract: A motherboard is secured in a chassis by a spring loaded plunger. An anchor member is mounted in the chassis. The anchor member includes a ramp and a receiver. The motherboard has an opening formed therein. A first member is secured to the motherboard. A second member is resiliently mounted on the first member so that the second member extends through the opening. The motherboard is moved on the chassis so that the second member is moved in a first direction by engaging the ramp, and the resilient mounting of the second member urges the second member in a second direction into the receiver.

Abstract: A variable speed handrail for a passenger moving walkway system, comprising a flexible profile comprised of a plurality of fixed blocks each having a grooved structure and circulating along the walkway or escalator and moving with a constant speed. A plurality of handgrips coupled on the flexible profile which move at a substantially identical speed. The handgrips have for their dragging first and second connection devices respectively connected to a constant speed and a variable speed drag mechanism.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition having improved level of thermal stability is disclosed. The composition contains A) graft polymer of B) a lactone of formula (I) and C) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of C.1) phosphorous acid esters of formula (II) C.2 sterically hindered phenols of formula (III) C.

Abstract: Pigment granules having an average particle size from 50 to 5000 ?m and a BET surface area ?15 m2/g, including as essential constituents (A) from 60 to 90% by weight of at least one pigment and (B) from 10 to 40% by weight of at least one nonionic surface-active additive based on polyethers, are prepared and used for pigmenting macromolecular organic and inorganic materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food processing system. A fluid conduit of the system is configured for directing the food carried in a fluid medium along a food path. The system has a food inlet operatively associated with the fluid conduit for feeding the food into the conduit, and a pump operatively associated with the conduit for pumping the fluid through the conduit in a fluid stream direction. A processor unit is associated with the conduit, disposed along the food path, and includes a tool configured and associated with the conduit for performing a processing operation on the food, such as cutting potatoes into french fry strips. The system also has a deceleration element operatively associated with the conduit and configured for decelerating the fluid and carried food along the food path while maintaining the fluid flow substantially free of recirculation vortices.

Abstract: A motherboard is secured in a chassis by a spring loaded plunger. An anchor member is mounted in the chassis. The anchor member includes a ramp and a receiver. The motherboard has an opening formed therein. A first member is secured to the motherboard. A second member is resiliently mounted on the first member so that the second member extends through the opening. The motherboard is moved on the chassis so that the second member is moved in a first direction by engaging the ramp, and the resilient mounting of the second member urges the second member in a second direction into the receiver.

Abstract: A flame resistant thermoplastic molding composition having improved mechanical properties is disclosed.