Abstract: A water heating apparatus for a beverage brewing device. Water is heated to brew temperature without boiling or localized boiling, thereby minimizing the precipitating of scale. The heating elements each have a low watt density, thereby increasing safety. Multiple heating zones allow the use of a plurality of power relays, lowering the power per relay and thus improving the reliability of the relays. The heating elements cannot overheat due to a failure resulting in a lack of water in the apparatus since the temperature sensors are mounted directly on each heating element, allowing direct measurement and control of each heating element. Precise control of water temperature in the apparatus is provided by varying both the water flow rate through the heating apparatus, and by varying heating element temperatures.

Abstract: An assembly with liquid level sensor probes which rotate down into a container by means of torsion springs, thereby eliminating failure to the springs due to bending. The torsion springs also act as conductors in an electric circuit without any electrical slip joints or rotating electrical contact joints which can become contaminated or oxidized and thereby interrupt electric continuity of the circuit.

Abstract: A sensor head/brew cup with liquid level sensor probes which rotate down into the server to avoid damage to the probes by the server. The sensor head/brew cup moves as a unit, thereby eliminating any gap between the brew cup and the sensor head through which the brewed liquid must pour, thereby preventing spillage. The moveable sensor head/brew allows beverage brewing devices to use servers of various heights. Raising the sensor head/brew cup causes the level sensor probes to rotate upward out of the server, thereby protecting the probes from impact by the server when it is removed from the brewing device. When the level sensor probes are in the upward position they touch electrical contacts completing a self-test circuit confirming electrical continuity through the level sensor probes.

Abstract: A wall marking device for use in marking where to install a support element such as a nail for hanging objects such as pictures and minors. The device is simple to use and manufacture, having very few components and can be used in one configuration with most common hanger hardware such as wire, saw tooth hangers, hole/slots, and D-rings.

Abstract: A demand regulator with air dilution regulates the pressure and flow of a respiratory gas with an outlet leading to a respiratory mask. A dilution valve controlled by a Bourdon tube varies the ratio of atmospheric air to oxygen in a crew mask based on ambient pressure. The Bourdon tube in the dilution valve assembly flexes in response to changes in atmospheric pressure causing the dilution valve to gradually open or close. As altitude increases the dilution valve gradually closes causing more oxygen to be provided to the facemask. The amount of added oxygen for a given atmospheric pressure can be accurately controlled at all altitudes due to the greater adjustment available in the device for calibration and operation compared to the current art. This greater operational capability eliminates the excess use of oxygen at low to intermediate altitudes as is common problem with the current art.

Abstract: Wafer demount apparatus automatically demounts and transports a polished semiconductor wafer to an inspection station. The apparatus includes a bridge located between a polishing block supporting wax-mounted wafers and an offload conveyor. The bridge fills the gap and provides a smooth transition surface for the wafers moving from the polishing block to the conveyor. The bridge is also capable of movement to achieve vertical and horizontal alignment with the polishing block.