Abstract: Container assemblies can include a first container and a second container, where the second container extends into and is supported by the first container. The first container and the second container can each include a flange around the periphery of an access opening. The flange of the second container is configured to provide support for the second container via engagement with the flange of the first container. In some instances, the second container can extend into and be supported by the first container through engagement of the flange of the second container with the flange of the first container such that a side panel of the first container is not in contact with a corresponding side panel of the second container. The container assembly can also include a lid for retaining the second container in the first container and/or for sealing to the first container and/or the second container.

Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof includes a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steamflow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.

Abstract: Container assemblies can include a first container and a second container, where the second container extends into and is supported by the first container. The first container and the second container can each include a flange around the periphery of an access opening. The flange of the second container is configured to provide support for the second container via engagement with the flange of the first container. In some instances, the second container can extend into and be supported by the first container through engagement of the flange of the second container with the flange of the first container such that a side panel of the first container is not in contact with a corresponding side panel of the second container. The container assembly can also include a lid for retaining the second container in the first container and/or for sealing to the first container and/or the second container.

Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.

Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.

Abstract: An automated restaurant including a plurality of food delivery locations and a food preparation area. A computer system is in electronic communication with the food delivery locations and the food preparation area. Visual content stored in the computer system is displayed on display screens at each of the food delivery locations. The visual content may include information relating to a customer food order which is stored in the computer system for later delivery to a corresponding food delivery location as well as entertainment. The customer may directly enter a food order and pay for the order at the food delivery location.

Abstract: An automated food dispensing and billing system has an array of food enclosures, each for dispensing food to a customer. In response to the detection of a signal from a customer authorization device, the enclosure may be accessed to retrieve the food item therein. A billing subsystem automatically charges an account associated with the customer authorization device.

Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.

Abstract: The storing device comprises a segment of a mesh material and an end for securing the mesh material. The secured mesh material is suitable for storing various items. The food product comprises a cooking apparatus and a foodstuff. The cooking apparatus comprises a steam permeable component for steam cooking a foodstuff. The cooking apparatus may further comprise a bag and/or a packet for steaming the foodstuff. The cooking apparatus allows concurrent steaming of the steam permeable component and the packet and/or the bag for steaming the foodstuff to substantial simultaneous steaming completion.

Abstract: The coupling device of the present invention includes a housing, a first fastening member attached to said housing and coupled to the power line, a second fastening member attached to the housing and coupled to the power line, an inductor providing an impedance to data transmissions between the first fastening member and the second fastening member; a first conductor having a first end electrically coupled to the first fastening member; and a second conductor having a first end electrically coupled to the second fastening member. The second ends of the first conductor and second conductor providing data signals to a connector. In addition, the housing may include a transformer secured therein for coupling power transmissions to the connector.

Abstract: The coupling device of the present invention includes a housing, a first fastening member attached to said housing and coupled to the power line, a second fastening member attached to the housing and coupled to the power line, an inductor providing an impedance to data transmissions between the first fastening member and the second fastening member; a first conductor having a first end electrically coupled to the first fastening member; and a second conductor having a first end electrically coupled to the second fastening member. The second ends of the first conductor and second conductor providing data signals to a connector. In addition, the housing may include a transformer secured therein for coupling power transmissions to the connector.

Abstract: A mixed media outlet is provided that is capable of being mounted upon a wall and that includes ports that are typically designed to provide separate access to an electrical network and to an optical network. The wall mounted outlet can therefore permit a telephone to be connected to the electrical network, and a computer to be connected to the optical network. Alternatively, the outlet can permit a telephone to also be connected to either the same or a different optical network than the computer. The mixed media outlet includes a housing adapted to be wall mounted and first and second ports that are disposed within openings defined by the housing, such as a data port and a voice port.

Abstract: Adjustment capabilities are useful in gearing mechanisms so that backlash settings between gears may be changed to accommodate for normal operation, wear, or maintenance disturbances. The subject backlash adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of center distances between an adjustable idler gear (23) and a camshaft gear (24), while providing a geometric alignment (47,82) relationship to maintain a substantially fixed center distance between the adjustable idler gear (23) and another mating gear (22). The subject backlash adjustment mechanism (26) has the adjustable idler gear (23) rotatably mounted on an idler gear mounting (31,58) having a slotted hole (33,62), with the idler gear mounting (31,58) being releasably connected to a cylinder block (11).

Abstract: Adjustment capabilities are useful in gearing mechanisms so that backlash settings between gears may be changed to accommodate for normal operation, wear, or maintenance disturbances. The subject backlash adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of center distances between an adjustable idler gear (23) and a camshaft gear (24), while providing a geometric alignment (47,82) relationship to maintain a substantially fixed center distance between the adjustable idler gear (23) and another mating gear (22). The subject backlash adjustment mechanism (26) has the adjustable idler gear (23) rotatably mounted on an idler gear mounting (31,58) having a slotted hole (33,62), with the idler gear mounting (31,58) being releasably connected to a cylinder block (11).

Abstract: An engine mounting base (8) has a first hollow frame portion (34) containing fluid at generally atmospheric pressure, and a second hollow frame portion (36) containing fluid at a preselected pressure above atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the mounting base (8) includes a plurality of elongate tubes (46,48,50,52,56,60,62,64,76) having closed ends and connected together at various elevations to provide a plurality of chambers (54,58,66,77) useful for fluid distribution and collection purposes.