Abstract: A first embodiment of the disclosure provides a system for detection of intrusion into a working space of a material testing device wherein visual user detection system uses digital image processing and filtering in order to identify user entry into the specimen test space. The visual user detection system has built-in redundancy for safety compliance and further can be used for data entry with respect to test data setup and configuration. A second embodiment of the disclosure uses a digital camera mounted on the frame of the material testing device, oriented toward a striped pattern on the top of the front base cover. The striped pattern is recognized by a vision algorithm which creates virtual boundary lines within the pattern. A detected intrusion, such as by a user body part, will be detected and the material testing machine put into a safe state.

Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a carafe is positionable at a carafe receiving area of a beverage forming machine with a lid of the carafe in an open position or a closed position. The carafe may be positioned at the carafe receiving area in any one of multiple rotational positions within a range of 45 to 180 degrees, and the machine may detect whether the lid is open or not for any of the rotational positions. Beverage forming is prevented if the lid is detected to be closed, allowing the carafe to be safely stored on the machine regardless of lid position.

Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a waste bin arranged to collect leaked or spilled liquid has a liquid level sensor and can be removed from the beverage forming machine, e.g., to allow disposal of the waste bin contents. One or more electrical contacts on the waste bin can be connected to the level sensor and electrically connect to control circuitry of the beverage forming machine when the waste bin is received by the machine. A liquid level detected by the level sensor may correspond to a fill level that is far less than the maximum volume of the waste bin, allowing beverage production to be prevented unless the waste bin can collect the full volume of a beverage dispensed.

Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a waste bin arranged to collect leaked or spilled liquid has a liquid level sensor and can be removed from the beverage forming machine, e.g., to allow disposal of the waste bin contents. One or more electrical contacts on the waste bin can be connected to the level sensor and electrically connect to control circuitry of the beverage forming machine when the waste bin is received by the machine. A liquid level detected by the level sensor may correspond to a fill level that is far less than the maximum volume of the waste bin, allowing beverage production to be prevented unless the waste bin can collect the full volume of a beverage dispensed.

Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a carafe is positionable at a carafe receiving area of a beverage forming machine with a lid of the carafe in an open position or a closed position. The carafe may be positioned at the carafe receiving area in any one of multiple rotational positions within a range of 45 to 180 degrees, and the machine may detect whether the lid is open or not for any of the rotational positions. Beverage forming is prevented if the lid is detected to be closed, allowing the carafe to be safely stored on the machine regardless of lid position.