Abstract: In one example first and second remotely communicating devices (RCDs) are physically mated and handshake information is transferred to allow the first RCD to recognize signals from the second RCD. The RCDs are physically separated and signals from the second RCD are recognized by the first RCD. In some examples the physically mating step is carried out using magnetic materials. In some examples the handshake information is transferred wirelessly. In another example an actuator device is physically mated with a first RCD causing the first RCD to enter a first device recognition state for a first period of time. The actuator device is physically separated from the first RCD. A second RCD is mated with an actuator device within the first period of time causing the second RCD to enter a second device recognition state to permit handshake information to be remotely transferred between the RCDs thereby enabling the first RCD to recognize signals from the second RCD.

Abstract: A technique for roasting coffee beans to a desired doneness. A fan forces air through a heating element and into an opening in a funnel-shaped bottom of a roasting chamber. A stream of heated air lifts beans located over the opening until they fall out of the stream, allowing other beans to fall over the opening. Thus, the beans continuously circulate in a fountain-like manner. A temperature probe in the roasting chamber contacts the circulating beans. Green coffee beans are placed in the roasting chamber, a desired doneness is selected, and the fan and heating element are activated. As the beans roast, a temperature sensed by the temperature probe is cumulated over time, forming a cumulated value. In addition, the heating element and speed of the fan are controlled to maintain the rate at which the sensed temperature is rising within preselected limits. At any point in time during the roasting process, the cumulated value is highly representative of the doneness of the beans.