Abstract: Described are systems, devices, and methods which related to various aspects of assays for detecting and/or determining a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a sample fluid. In some cases, the systems employ an assay consumable comprising a plurality of assay sites. The systems, devices, and/or methods, in some cases, are automated. In some cases, the systems, devices, and/or methods relate to inserting a plurality of beads into assay sites, sealing assay sites, imaging assay sites, or the like.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing and dispensing a beverage (2) has: a capsule extraction unit (10) having a first part (11) and a second part (12) that are relatively movable between a distant position for inserting a capsule (3) and a close position for extracting such capsule (3); a control unit (40) for controlling the extraction unit (10) to extract such capsule (3); an outlet (20) for dispensing said beverage (2) formed by extracting such capsule (3) to a user-receptacle (4) located in a receptacle placing area; and a capsule recognition arrangement (30) connected to the control unit (40) for recognizing the colour of at least part of a capsule inserted in the machine (1).

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage has: a body (1?) comprising a seat (4) and a beverage processing line (1?, 1??) extending from a liquid inlet (1?) to a beverage dispenser (1??); and a service unit (10) that is removably received in or on the seat (4) and that comprises a foot part (11) and a recipient part (12) removably received in or on the foot part (11) so as to be supported thereby. The foot part (11) has a bottom face (11?) configured to rest on an external horizontal support surface (100) when the service unit (10) is removed from the seat (4). When the recipient part (12) is received in or on the foot part (11), the recipient part (12) is movable relative to the foot part (11) from a first stable position when the service unit (10) rests on the external horizontal support surface (100) to a second stable position when the service unit (10) is received in or on the seat (4), and vice versa.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a power grid electric transient detector, a method of detecting a power grid electric transient, and an electric provisioning system detecting the power grid electric load. The power grid electric transient is estimated by receiving an electric parameter for electricity received from a power grid at a consuming facility. A digital filter extracts transient of the electric parameter. A processor analyzes the transients of the electric parameter and generates a power grid performance index based on the analyzed transient of the electric parameter.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing and dispensing a beverage (2) has: a capsule extraction unit (10) having a first part (11) and a second part (12) that are relatively movable between a distant position for inserting a capsule (3) and a close position for extracting such capsule (3); a control unit (40) for controlling the extraction unit (10) to extract such capsule (3); an outlet (20) for dispensing said beverage (2) formed by extracting such capsule (3) to a user-receptacle (4) located in a receptacle placing area; and a capsule recognition arrangement (30) connected to the control unit (40) for recognizing the colour of at least part of a capsule inserted in the machine (1).

Abstract: The present system and method allow non-intrusive estimation of a number of electronic thermostats in an area, where each electronic thermostat controls at least one thermal load. The system comprises a power sampler, an analog/digital converter and a processing unit. The power sampler collects, at one electric entry for the area, a finite sequence of samples of aggregated electric power consumed by the area. The analog/digital converter converts the samples of aggregated electric power into discrete-time samples. The processing unit converts the finite sequence of discrete-time samples of aggregated electric power into a discrete-frequency representation using a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) to identify dominant frequency components and analyze the dominant frequency components to estimate a commutating frequency of the electronic thermostats.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a power grid electric transient detector, a method of detecting a power grid electric transient, and an electric provisioning system detecting the power grid electric load. The power grid electric transient is estimated by receiving an electric parameter for electricity received from a power grid at a consuming facility. A digital filter extracts transient of the electric parameter. A processor analyzes the transients of the electric parameter and generates a power grid performance index based on the analyzed transient of the electric parameter.

Abstract: Process for grinding cheese material in a short duration single unit operation. The grated cheese material obtained from the single-stage treatment of cheese material retains flavor and functional suitability for comestibles and food manufacture.