Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a device from destructive current flowing through the device, including protecting the device from overload current and short circuit current. Time limiting elements in the system enable rapid response to a destructive current condition to limit the time of the destructive current condition. Maximum current limiting elements in the system enable rapid response to a destructive current condition to limit the maximum current of the destructive current condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for enabling control of the temperature of a receptacle in a satellite for containing a brewed fluid, so as to enable control of the temperature of the brewed fluid in the receptacle upon transfer of the brewed fluid from a brewing machine into the receptacle. The control of the temperature of the receptacle is responsive to contactless and wireless transfer of power and communication between the brewing machine and the satellite, and to generating, communicating, and processing fluid temperature measurement-enabling data between the brewing machine and the satellite, so as to enable control of the temperature of the brewed fluid.

Abstract: A power management system for managing the power supplied to a plurality of warming elements in a brewing machine, so as to conform to pre-set power safety requirements.

Abstract: An identity and possibly integrity based communication system is disclosed as a broad conceptual realization of a system especially useful with a disposable product packaging and its machinery which enables receipt of identification data incorporated into the packaging, or otherwise incorporated into the product. The receipt of information may be acknowledged to the user or surreptitiously acknowledged, and includes cases where the identification data carried may be either preserved, destroyed, or changed upon opening, or consumption of the contents in the package. The existence of the identification data may be either shown on the packaging or hidden from view regardless of whether the identification data is placed on the outside surface of the packaging, inside surface of the packaging, or within the packaging material. An integrated packaging used without further package removal is also included.

Abstract: A hybrid microcontroller system for controlling a function of a device in an apparatus. The system controls the switching of the device so as to inhibit the formation of an abrupt transient spike between a pair of current switching contacts. Also, the system enables an operator from outside the system to enter a command relating to a function of the device, and for indicating to the operator outside the system the nature of the command thereof.

Abstract: A flowmeter for metering the volume of flow of a fluid through a filter, to enable the level of filter usage to be indicated. A preset level of metered fluid flow volume indicates a corresponding level of filter usage. The flowmeter is able to self-generate current responsive to the flow of the fluid therethrough.

Abstract: In a system and method for exchanging heat with a fluid, for heating the fluid, the system includes a heat exchanger, for exchanging heat with a fluid so as to heat the fluid, adapted to store heat energy, and to enable heat energy to be exchanged with the fluid to heat the fluid. The heat exchanger enables the fluid to rapidly attain and maintain a stable heated fluid temperature, and a stable fluid dispensing temperature. The system further includes a fluid inlet, for enabling the fluid to flow into the heat exchanger, and a fluid outlet, for enabling the heated fluid to flow out of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a channel therein, adapted to enable the fluid to flow thereinto and therefrom, and to enable the fluid to be retained therein for efficient and effective heating of the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling the entry and indicating of a command relating to a function of a device, by an operator from outside the device, without the operator accessing the inside of the device. The system includes an entry element and an indicating element, and a processor for processing and implementing the entered and indicated command in the device.

Abstract: In a system and method for sensing and controlling the level of a fluid in a tank, the system includes a fluid inlet, for enabling the flow of fluid into the tank, and a controller, for controlling the flow of fluid through the fluid inlet. The system further includes a sensor, for sensing the level of the fluid in the tank, for activating the controller responsive thereto, and for directing the flow of fluid out of the tank. The system also includes a connector for connecting the sensor to the controller. The sensor comprises a siphon outlet tube, comprised of a conductive material, including a downwardly depending portion which includes a leading edge having a substantial surface area for contact by the fluid upon reaching a preset level in the tank.

Abstract: As apparatus for monitoring usage of a replaceable water filter is adapted to determine the extent of filter usage and indicate the need for filter replacement. It includes elements for processing the flow of water over time to determine the extent of filter usage, and elements for activating and deactivating the processing elements upon starting and stopping of water flow. It further includes elements for indicating the extent of filter usage as determined by the processing elements by comparison to preset levels. The elements include a single magnet which is freely movable within a housing channel whose movement is solely responsive to pressure changes brought about by the stopping and starting of the water flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for incrementally controlling actuation of an alternating current motor and rotation of the motor shaft, to incrementally control rotation of a rotatable member connectable to the motor shaft. The apparatus includes motor pulsing elements for controlling actuation of the motor and rotation of the motor shaft and rotatable member. The motor pulsing elements increase or decrease motor actuation and motor shaft and rotatable member rotation in increments of about ten percent, between about ten and one-hundred percent of full actuation and rotation, for correspondingly controlling a system controllable thereby, such as a beverage powder dispensing system in a beverage dispensing machine.

Abstract: An automatic monitor for potable water quality which monitors total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water. Built into a faucet base are a pair of indicators in the form of one green and one red LED. A sensor in the form of a pair of spaced electrodes extends into the supply conduit for the faucet and measures the electrical resistances of the water in the conduit. A pulse power source powered by a battery supplies power to automatically periodically power the sensor and illuminate the green LED as long as the TDS level is below a preselected value. If the level exceeds the preselected value, the red LED is periodically illuminated. The duty cycle for operation and illuminating the LEDs is approximately 0.5% whereby battery drain is sufficiently low that months of continuous monitoring is possible using 4 AA batteries. No ON-OFF switch is needed. If neither LED illuminates once every two minutes, the batteries need replacement.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling multiple light strings to achieve a wide variety of visual effects including, on the same string, variations in color, blink rate, and brightness.