Abstract: A capsule (1) for preparation of a beverage from a beverage ingredient (32). The capsule comprising a first section (12, 14) and a second section (15, 40) which together form a beverage ingredient compartment of the capsule in which is received a beverage ingredient. The first section comprising a pre-formed inlet (23) for entry of aqueous medium into the capsule and the second section comprising a pre-formed outlet (41) for beverage formed, in use, from the beverage ingredient and the aqueous medium. Wherein the capsule is compressible when the capsule is inserted into the receptacle of a beverage preparation machine by the first section of the capsule being engaged by an inlet piercer (60) of the beverage preparation machine so as to cause movement of the first section of the capsule towards the second section of the capsule without piercing of the first or second sections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device (1), suitable for use with a beverage machine of the type comprising a code reader, the device (1) comprising: an inlet (40) for receiving, in use, heated water from a water supply of the beverage machine; and an outlet (43) through which said heated water can be dispensed; the device (1) further comprising a plurality of codes (19), each other plurality of codes (19) containing information relating to one or more dispensation parameters of the beverage machine; the device (1) being configurable by a user such that the user can choose one of the plurality of codes (19) to be read by the code reader of the beverage machine during a dispensation operation in order to set one or more dispensation parameters o the beverage machine.

Abstract: An improved hand tool includes an improved handle apparatus. The handle apparatus includes an elongated handle having a non-circular external cross-section and further includes an elongated support that comprises an elongated end extending from the handle and having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. A tool apparatus includes a tool and a socket, with the socket having an opening formed therein. The end of the handle apparatus is received with an interference fit in the opening formed in the socket to retain the handle apparatus and the tool apparatus together. A collar can additionally be provided about the socket to improve the aesthetic properties of the connection between the socket and handle and to increase the toughness of the connection therebetween.

Abstract: A distributed intelligence lighting system is comprised of a global controller, one or more local controllers, wall stations, sensors and lighting fixtures. In one aspect, the lighting system provides schedule-based, occupancy-based, and/or daylight-responsive automated control and multi-level or ON/OFF manual control of lighting loads. System components communicate over a topology-free and polarity-free modular low voltage digital network that combines power and control wiring in an easily installed labeled and keyed cable. Embodiments according to the system do not require any components to be addressed, manually configured, or programmed (beyond setting the project location and current time and date) for energy code compliance. Manual and after-hours override control is accomplished via local low voltage wall stations or occupancy sensors.

Abstract: In Situ Re-Configurable Wireless Communications System (IRCWCS) in combination with a wearable computer provides an individual user at a public gathering place, fixed facility or non-stationary object with new and enhanced capabilities. In one embodiment of the invention, the re-configurable wireless communication system includes a portable wireless access unit and a Long Range Ethernet (LRE) network switch that connects to an existing LAN. A bridge device such as an LRE puck connects the portable wireless access unit to the LRE network switch through a communications infrastructure. A wearable computer in wireless communication with the portable wireless access unit using a radio frequency link allows communication of video, voice and data to and from the existing LAN through the LRE network switch. The LRE network switch couples to a central command station through the existing LAN.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible pad for preparing a beverage comprising: a filter bag defining a storage volume; the storage volume containing a water-soluble composition or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage; wherein the storage volume further contains one or more absorbent elements.

Abstract: A pod for preparing a beverage comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid sidewall; a rigid or semi-rigid upper surface containing one more apertures forming an inlet of the pod; a lower surface formed at least partially from filtering material, the filtering material forming an outlet of the pod; the sidewall, upper surface and lower surface together defining a storage volume extending from the inlet to the outlet and containing a water-soluble composition, or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage; wherein the rigid or semi-rigid sidewall maintains a physical separation of the filtering material and the upper surface during use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, pod and method for preparing a beverage containing extract from a water infusible ingredient and, in one preferred embodiment, provides: a system for preparing a beverage comprising: at least one compartment defining a storage volume for containing, or for receiving a pod containing, an extraction ingredient of roast and ground coffee for forming a beverage; and one or more jetting apertures arranged for jetting in use a liquid into the at least one compartment, wherein: the system operates in use at a pressure of less than 8.5×105 Pa (8.5 bar); at least one of the one or more jetting apertures delivers in use a jet of liquid which impacts the extraction ingredient of roast and ground coffee at a speed in the range of 15 to 500×10?2 m/s (15 to 500 cm/s); and the one or more jetting apertures comprise a total cross sectional area less than 16×10?6 m2 (16 mm2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible pad (10) for preparing a beverage comprising: a flexible bag defining a storage volume (13); the storage volume containing a water-soluble composition or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage; wherein at least a part of the flexible bag is formed from a flexible water-impermeable thin sheet material (11, 12), wherein said flexible water-impermeable thin sheet material comprises one or more apertures (40, 41) defining an inlet or an outlet of the storage volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pod for preparing a beverage comprising: a lower compartment (31) defining a storage volume containing a water-soluble composition or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage; the lower compartment comprising an upper surface (27) containing one or more apertures (25) forming an inlet of the lower compartment (31) and a lower surface formed at least partially from filtering material (12), the filtering material forming an outlet of the pod; the pod further comprising an open-topped upper compartment (21) above the lower compartment (31) which defines a chamber suitable for receiving one or more flexible pads containing one or more beverage ingredients; wherein an outlet of the chamber of the upper compartment communicates with the inlet of the lower compartment, wherein the apertures (25) of the inlet of the lower compartment are arranged for showering and or jetting in use water into the lower compartment (31).

Abstract: A pad for preparing a beverage comprising: an upper part comprising a rigid or semi-rigid upper element containing one or more apertures forming an inlet of the pad; a flexible lower element depending from the upper part and formed at least partially from filtering material, the filtering material forming an outlet of the pad; the upper part and lower element together defining a storage volume containing a water-soluble composition or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage, wherein the upper part comprises a flexible water-impermeable layer joined to the rigid or semi-rigid upper element.

Abstract: A distributed intelligence lighting system is comprised of a global controller, one or more local controllers, wall stations, sensors and lighting fixtures. In one aspect, the lighting system provides schedule-based, occupancy-based, and/or daylight-responsive automated control and multi-level or ON/OFF manual control of lighting loads. System components communicate over a topology-free and polarity-free modular low voltage digital network that combines power and control wiring in an easily installed labeled and keyed cable. Embodiments according to the system do not require any components to be addressed, manually configured, or programmed (beyond setting the project location and current time and date) for energy code compliance. Manual and after-hours override control is accomplished via local low voltage wall stations or occupancy sensors.

Abstract: A mobile telecommunications system comprises a network of a plurality of cells and at least one user equipment device operable to communicate in the system and to operate in a first RAT and a second RAT. The method comprises, in the user equipment device, determining whether the validity of data stored on the user equipment device will expire within an expiry period, the stored data being for use in handover of operation of the user equipment device from the first RAT to the second RAT.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for configuring signaling radio bearer information in a user equipment protocol stack. A wireless network may be used that includes a radio access network for transmitting information between a user equipment device and a core network. An instruction may be received to generate a signaling radio bearer configuration information element (IE) that includes configuration information for a pre-selected number of signaling radio bearers. The signaling radio bearer configuration IE may then be generated, while ensuring that the signaling radio bearer configuration IE includes configuration information for a required minimum number of signaling radio bearers. The signaling radio bearer configuration information element may be transmitted from the radio access network to the user equipment device for use in configuring the signaling radio bearers in the user equipment device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a wearable computer in collaborative applications that uses a general inspection camera, a detailed inspection camera, a display, a computer adapted to use wireless communication and to facilitate collaborative applications, a battery, an audio communication device, and a harness for securing these components to a person's body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a wearable computer in collaborative applications that uses a general inspection camera, a detailed inspection camera, a display, a computer adapted to use wireless communication and to facilitate collaborative applications, a battery, an audio communication device, and a harness for securing these components to a person's body.

Abstract: The details of an apparatus and method are disclosed for processing a message which is missing a Ciphering Activation Time for DPCH when this is required, the message being one of a number of possible messages, namely a Radio Bearer Setup message, a Radio Bearer Reconfiguration message, a Radio Bearer Release message, a Transport Channel Reconfiguration message, a Physical Channel Reconfiguration message, a Cell Update Confirm message, a URA Update Confirm message and a UTRAN Mobility Information message.

Abstract: A controller provides control signals to a computer based upon the movement of a user. The controller has an optical detector for detecting and monitoring the movement of a user, particularly movement of selected body parts, and circuitry for outputting a control signal to the computer in accordance with detected movement. A vector indicative of detected movement is generated on a frame-to-frame basis using only a few representative edge pixels of the body parts. Control signals for the direction and the velocity of the movement are determined from the vector and move a graphical user interface on a display accordingly.

Abstract: A command system optically monitors the movement of a subject and provides command signals to a computer system to control a graphic of a graphical user interface displayed on a monitor such as an animated character in a video game. The command system has an optical detector unit which continuously scans a subject frame in which the subject is positioned. The subject frame is divided into sub-regions around the subject in which movement of the subject is detected, for example, an arm moving. A command unit receives and processes frame data from the optical detector unit. The command unit determines the velocity of any movement detected in any of the sub-regions and generates an appropriate command signal based on the velocity of the movement. The command unit may also use the direction of the movement in generating command signals. The command signals are then provided to the computer system to move and control the graphical user interface accordingly.