Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising introducing a mixture into a feeder, the mixture comprising a plurality of susceptor particles and a plurality of polymeric binder particles. The mixture is advanced through the feeder and into a die comprising an excitation portion where eddy currents are induced in the susceptor particles by subjecting the mixture to a high-frequency electromagnetic field, the eddy currents being sufficient to elevate the temperature of the susceptor particles to cause adjacent polymeric binder particles to be heated to at least a softening point. The susceptor particles bind with the heated polymeric binder particles in the die to form a coherent mass. The coherent mass is advanced out of the die and cooled to form the filter element.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a dispenser (102, 202, 302) for storing, preserving, and delivering a plurality of food items. The dispenser (102, 202, 302) includes a loading bay (104, 306) for placing the plurality of food items in the dispenser (102, 202, 302); a plurality of chambers (304) for storing each of the plurality of food items; an automated scanning unit (106, 308) for scanning the plurality of food items placed in the plurality of chambers (304); an automated dispensing unit (108, 310) for dispensing an identified food item from the plurality of chambers (304); and a controller (112) for controlling climate conditions within the dispenser (102, 202, 302); actuating the scanning unit (106, 308); identifying a food item, and operating the dispensing unit (108, 310) to dispense the identified food items.

Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising introducing a mixture into a mold, the mixture comprising a plurality of susceptor particles and a plurality of polymeric binder particles. Eddy currents are induced in the susceptor particles by subjecting the mixture to a high-frequency electromagnetic field, the eddy currents being sufficient to elevate the temperature of the susceptor particles to cause adjacent polymeric binder particles to be heated to at least a softening point. The susceptor particles bind with the heated polymeric binder particles in the mold to form a coherent mass. The coherent mass is cooled to form the filter element.

Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising introducing a mixture into a feeder, the mixture comprising a plurality of susceptor particles and a plurality of polymeric binder particles. The mixture is advanced through the feeder and into a die comprising an excitation portion where eddy currents are induced in the susceptor particles by subjecting the mixture to a high-frequency electromagnetic field, the eddy currents being sufficient to elevate the temperature of the susceptor particles to cause adjacent polymeric binder particles to be heated to at least a softening point. The susceptor particles bind with the heated polymeric binder particles in the die to form a coherent mass. The coherent mass is advanced out of the die and cooled to form the filter element.