Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mixture including milk and one or more gas additives is received at a milk processing system. The system heats the mixture and directs it toward an inlet to be delivered into a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber applies a negative vacuum pressure to the mixture to substantially remove the added gas. The resulting milk is extracted from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A multi-channel streaming device for transmitting audio/video signals or any data from a remote location to a server computer. The device may include an input for receiving a signal, a distribution module coupled to the input and operable to divide the signal into a plurality of packets and operable to distribute the packets and a plurality of transmission channels coupled to the distributor such that the distributor distributes packets amongst the plurality of channels, each channel having a bandwidth wherein the distribution module is operable to change the distribution to a channel based on the bandwidth. Such real-time analysis of each communication channel offers an advantage of customizing the use of each channel according to its ability to deliver signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing an object includes a chamber that can receive a sterilizing agent. A first screw having a first rod and a first helical thread is coupled to the chamber. The first screw is a right-hand screw that can rotate about the first rod in a first direction. A second screw having a second rod and a second helical thread is coupled to the chamber. The second rod is situated approximately parallel to the first rod. The second screw is a left-hand screw that can rotate about the second rod in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first helical thread and the second helical thread are positioned to support an object. The first screw and the second screw can continuously move the object in a direction approximately parallel to the first screw through the sterilizing agent to substantially sterilize the object.

Abstract: A combination abrasive disc and backing plate provide workpiece viewing and blowing collectively through aligned viewing apertures. The backing plate has a bottom surface adapted to support the abrasive disc and an opposed top surface. Coordinated alignment of the viewing apertures of the disc and plate allows observation of a workpiece collectively through the disc and plate during rotary drive thereof. The plate's viewing aperture is partially adjoined by a scoop formation on the plate's top surface. The scoop is arranged for deflecting air from above the plate's top surface and consequently forcing such in a current collectively through the aligned viewing apertures of the disc and plate. This blowing current acts to both blow away debris from the field of view and thereby reduce viewing impairment, as well as to provide some cooling to the workpiece.

Abstract: A user describes himself or his interests by selecting at least one of a predetermined set of profiles, which reflect human characteristics. The selected profile(s) can be used when interacting over a communication network (e.g. the Internet) (7) to facilitate being directed to appropriate remote information or to appropriate other users. Information about the activities of many users, such as information about Internet usage, can be gathered by a central server (19) and collated to compile statistical information in relation to their respective selected profile(s).