Abstract: Battery cartridges are disclosed that include a housing having a plurality of air access openings configured to selectively control flow of air into the housing; and at least two adjacent metal-air electrochemical cells within the housing, each electrochemical cell having an outer gas permeable barrier membrane layer that defines the exterior surface of the electrochemical cell; wherein there is a gap between adjacent electrochemical cells in the housing and wherein the air access openings in the housing are positioned over or partially overlapping each gap.

Abstract: A non-hermetically sealed, electrochemical power source, includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a membrane in fluid communication with an environment external to the battery. The second electrode is between the separator and the membrane. The membrane includes a first portion having a different property, e.g., density, porosity, mass transport resistance, thickness, or gas permeability, than a second portion of the membrane. Methods of designing an electrochemical cell cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery includes a cathode having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and defining a cavity and two open ends; a separator disposed adjacent to the interior surface of the cathode; an anode disposed adjacent to the separator and inside the cavity; an air-permeable, liquid-impermeable barrier layer disposed adjacent to the exterior surface of the cathode, and defining an exterior surface of the battery; two end members connected to the open ends of the cathode; and an anode current collector extending through the two end members. Methods designed such a battery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for inline audio/visual conversion are described. Power to an inline converter is provided over the A/V cable that couples the converter to a destination such as a selector.

Abstract: A process is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates in a machine, wherein one or more concentrates and/or one or more diluents are mixed together in a mixing chamber; and the product is dispensed from said machine into a storage container. A machine is also provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates, wherein said machine comprises one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with one or more mixing chambers. Further, a process is provided for the simultaneous multiple mixing and dispensing of a plurality of products employing a machine comprising one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with a plurality of mixing chambers.

Abstract: A non-hermetically sealed, electrochemical power source, includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a membrane in fluid communication with an environment external to the battery. The second electrode is between the separator and the membrane. The membrane includes a first portion having a different property, e.g., density, porosity, mass transport resistance, thickness, or gas permeability, than a second portion of the membrane. Methods of designing an electrochemical cell cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable product dispenser for dispensing product (60) into a liquid prior to consumption by a user comprises a quantity of product (60) sufficient for a drink or dose, and a holder (1) for the product. The holder (51) is arranged to permit a user to release the product in a controlled manner and to mix the product with a liquid. The dispenser may be for dispensing a liquid or solid and has particular application in the beverage industry permitting customers to mix their own drinks.

Abstract: A process is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates in a machine, wherein one or more concentrates and/or one or more diluents are mixed together in a mixing chamber; and the product is dispensed from said machine into a storage container. A machine is also provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates, wherein said machine comprises one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with one or more mixing chambers. Further, a process is provided for the simultaneous multiple mixing and dispensing of a plurality of products employing a machine comprising one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with a plurality of mixing chambers.

Abstract: A device is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates and/or diluents at an interface between a container and a filling head as the container is filled using said filling head. In one embodiment, the process includes engaging said filling head and a fill aperture of said container so as to provide a direct path from said filling machine to the interior of the container; passing one or more concentrates and/or diluents to said filling head component, so as to mix said concentrate(s) and/or diluent(s); and passing the product thereby mixed at said interface to the interior of the container; and devices for use therein.

Abstract: A process is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates in a machine, wherein one or more concentrates and/or one or more diluents are mixed together in a mixing chamber; and the product is dispensed from said machine into a storage container. A machine is also provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates, wherein said machine comprises one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with one or more mixing chambers. Further, a process is provided for the simultaneous multiple mixing and dispensing of a plurality of products employing a machine comprising one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with a plurality of mixing chambers.

Abstract: An enclosed container is provided comprising at least one first aperture, the first aperture(s) being provided with a first closure means and through which the contents of said container may be dispensed upon at least partial removal or opening of said first closure means, and at least one second aperture which is independent of at least one of said first aperture(s), the or each second aperture being provided with a second closure means and through which second aperture or apertures the container may be at least partially filled upon at least partial removal or opening of one or more of said second closure means. A process is also provided for filling a container which comprises positioning said container in a vending system which is provided with a dispensing means, in such an orientation and position that said dispensing means and said fill aperture are in engagement with one another.

Abstract: A non-hermetically sealed, electrochemical power source, includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a membrane in fluid communication with an environment external to the battery. The second electrode is between the separator and the membrane. The membrane includes a first portion having a different property, e.g., density, porosity, mass transport resistance, thickness, or gas permeability, than a second portion of the membrane. Methods of designing an electrochemical cell cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: An enclosed container is provided comprising at least one first aperture, the first aperture(s) being provided with a first closure means and through which the contents of said container may be dispensed upon at least partial removal or opening of said first closure means, and at least one second aperture which is independent of at least one of said first aperture(s), the or each second aperture being provided with a second closure means and through which second aperture or apertures the container may be at least partially filled upon at least partial removal or opening of one or more of said second closure means. A process is also provided for filling a container which comprises positioning said container in a vending system which is provided with a dispensing means, in such an orientation and position that said dispensing means and said fill aperture are in engagement with one another.

Abstract: A process and device is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates and/or diluents at an interface between a container and a filling head as the container is filled using said filling head. In one embodiment, the process includes engaging said filling head and a fill aperture of said container so as to provide a direct path from said filling machine to the interior of the container; passing one or more concentrates and/or diluents to said filling head component, so as to mix said concentrate(s) and/or diluent(s); and passing the product thereby mixed at said interface to the interior of the container; and devices for use therein.

Abstract: A process is provided for filling an at least partially collapsible container comprising one or more fill and/or dispense apertures. The collapsible container is evacuated prior to refilling the container.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a device is provided comprising a rigid or semi-rigid outer container, said outer container at least partially housing a removable and reusable at least partially collapsible inner container, said inner container having a sealable outlet therein. A process is also provided for the refilling, transport and storage of products, wherein the reusable at least partially collapsible inner container is transported to a point of sale or dispense, filled or refilled with product, and transported to a point of use. Optionally, the reusable at least partially collapsible inner container is housed in a rigid or semi-rigid outer container for subsequent use.