Abstract: A cartridge (containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge defining a storage chamber containing the one or more beverage ingredients and a manifold chamber, the cartridge comprising an opening through which the one or more beverage ingredients can be filled into the storage chamber, the opening being closed by a lid having a first portion overlying the manifold chamber and a second portion overlying the storage chamber, wherein the first portion of the lid is pierceable in use to accommodate an inflow of an aqueous medium into the manifold chamber and the lid is pierceable in use to accommodate an outflow of beverage formed from interaction of the aqueous medium and the one or more beverage ingredients in the storage chamber.

Abstract: The clamshell coffee or other beverage packet brewer, wherein a clamshell, with a hinged or discrete upper and lower halves, incorporate a cavity therein, into which a packet or scoop of grounds can locate. The clamshell, when closed, provides a hydraulic seal, with hot water being delivered leak proof to the clamshell apparatus, when inserted into the dispenser, for receiving a portion controlled size or quantity of the heated water passing through the grounds, and dispensing, by gravity, out of the dispenser and downwardly into an individual serving cup. The clamshell contains integrally its own spray head, for dissemination of the heated water onto the packet of grounds, and a contoured bottom, for flow of the instant brewed beverage towards a delivery aperture for descending downwardly into the individual positioned cup.

Abstract: A coffee machine is provided with a housing frame (10), with at least one extraction device (20) for production of the coffee, an electronic control unit (40) and a hot water or steam supply (50). The extraction device (20), the control unit (40) and the hot water or steam supply (50) are each assigned to a black box (62, 63, 64, 65) provided with at least one transponder or similar for recording certain data and/or registration of certain functional processes. The recorded data can be analysed, notably by a computer program. In this way the coffee machine can be optimally serviced and hence the lifetime of the individual functional units increased.

Abstract: The flavored coffee filter/flavored coffee filter inserts are treated with a special flavoring. When hot water permeates the coffee filter the coffee granules absorb the flavor and turn your plain coffee into any one of a variety of flavors, i.e., almond mocha, hazelnut, French vanilla, etc.

Abstract: A remote controllable automatic apparatus for preparing fried potato product from dehydrated potato, frying the potato product prepared with addition of at least water in subsequent operational cycles. The apparatus comprising a frying unit with a frying oil container and electric means for heating the frying oil; and also including electronic sensors (2) for measuring and storage devices for registering selected parameters of the frying process. Further comprises a status register (3) for storing status data and frying parameters relating to actual and former operational cycles, and also enabling data; and an interface (4) connected to a telecommunication network (7) for on-line transmitting and for on-line modifying the status register (3) content.

Abstract: The interchangeable multi-purpose cooking apparatus may be used as a normal stove, a grill, a frying pan, a barbecue, a baker, a steamer, a poacher, a chip fryer, a fondue or a Chinese wok. With some small modifications it can be used as a pressure cooker or even as a lighting device or a heater. This portable apparatus consists of a heating pan (1) and a cooking pan (2) which fits into the heating pan and accessories which allows it to carry out the various cooking operations. The heating unit is a heating pan comprising a heating mechanism and insulation for protection. The heating mechanisms are mutually interchangeable. The heating pan, when upside down fits upon the cooking pan, so that they are also in interchangeable positions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the superficial conditioning of food extrusion, carrying out the steps of introducing a food extrusion (2) in a conditioning duct (3) for the superficial stabilizing of the extrusion (2); in a first section (4) of said duct (3), spraying the surface of the food extrusion (2) with a stabilizer in form of gel; and in a second section (6) of said duct (3), spraying the surface of the food extrusion (2) with a catalyst of said stabilizer.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus, as in a domestic fryer, includes a stacked shell, cooking pot and basket combination. A heater element extends into the cooking pot and has a generally horizontal portion suspended above the pot bottom and supported by a support platform as in a volume reduction step-in region in the cooking pot and/or a removable basket support platform. The pot holds sufficient cooking fluid to provide for deep frying large food items as in a whole turkey (e.g., 3.63 Kg to 8.16 Kg). An embodiment includes a drain spigot with adjustable drain spigot cover assembly. The heating device includes a combination control unit and heating element that is releasably supported by the shell with a fail-safe electrical disconnect connection. The basket support platform and one or more temperature sensors are connected to the heating element and thus removable as well. The cooking pot has an edge recess for receipt of the heating element and for pot drainage.

Abstract: It comprises an injection station (10); a maceration station (20), including a massaging rotating drum (22) and several drawn quiescent tanks (24); and a packaging station (30). Such stations are linked by an accumulation and loading unit (40) to the drum (22) located between the said injection station (10) and the maceration station (20); a reloading unit (50) located between the station (20) and the unit (40); and a transferring unit (60) to a feeding hopper (62) of the said packaging station (30) including an automatic cleaning unit (70) for the tanks (24). A control centre coordinates the operations steps of the stations and units for keeping a non-stop operation, providing a time for cleaning each station, unit or part thereof during such cycle.

Abstract: Method for printing pages within a booklet to improve the appearance of images on opposing pages includes sequencing images such that opposing pages are printed with the same print engine and/or fused the same number of times. Booklets include opposing pages having images fused the same number of times and/or printed with the same print engine as the image on the opposing page.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen for screen printing. More particularly, the structure of the screen can have different types of mesh or sheets joined together. The present invention also relates to a method of detachably spreading a screen to a screen frame.

Abstract: A printing couple in a printing machine is comprised of at least three cylinders, a forme cylinder, a transfer cylinder and a counter-pressure cylinder. The counter-pressure cylinder forms a printing location or point in cooperation with the transfer cylinder. The transfer cylinder is mounted in at least one lever which can be pivoted about an eccentrically pivoting axis in relation to the rotational axis of the forme cylinder. When the three cylinders are in a print position, a connecting plane through the axis of rotation of the forme cylinder and the pivoting axis of the lever forms an angle of between 25° and 65° with a plane through the axis of rotation of the cylinder forming the printing point.

Abstract: A web-spreading device and a web-spreading process are provided. The web-spreading device, is provided whereby a first web strand being conveyed and a second web strand being conveyed next to the first web strand in a web-processing machine can be offset in parallel to one another in order to set a spread. A frame supports a first deflecting device (5r; 5r?), which forms a first deflection axis for the first web strand (Br), and a second deflecting device (6r; 6r?), which forms a second deflection axis for the first web strand (Br), which deflection axis is the next deflection axis for the first deflection axis in the conveying direction (F). The first web strand (Br) is offset in parallel by wrapping around the deflecting device (5r, 6r; 5r?, 6r?) and the spread (X; X+Y) is thus set in its entirety or in part. At least one of the deflecting devices (5r, 6r; 5r?, 6r?) is mounted adjustably along an adjustment path in the frame (2) in order to set the spread (X; X+Y).

Abstract: A stamper for forming a data recording region on a recording medium substrate by means of a transfer surface thereof. The transfer surface transfers a predetermined set of data to the recording medium substrate. The stamper is fitted on at least one of metal molds that are arranged opposite one another for forming the recording medium substrate. The stamper includes a stepped portion formed as bends in the material of the stamper. The stepped portion is configured to project from the transfer surface toward the recording medium substrate.

Abstract: A printing sleeve with multiple layers including a printing layer, a compressible layer, and a circumferential stiffening layer. The stiffening layer is located between the compressible layer and the printing layer.

Abstract: A method of using a litho printing press having a number of stations each having a fountain or container for applying a liquid material to a series of pressure-applying rollers, an applicator for depositing liquid from said rollers to the outer surface of a rotating first cylinder for receiving said liquid in a nip therebetween, and a second rotating cylinder over or under which passes the sheets to be printed upon in a subsequent nip with a third rotating cylinder. The method includes using at least three of said stations in front of the last-to-be-used station to apply ink from at least three of the fountains thereof, and using the last-to-be used station to deposit a high-solids water-based glossy coating material fed from the associated fountain over the ink applied by the previous ink-applying stations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying, altering, constructing, or retrofitting an existing newspaper press having a first cut-off length, to have a second cut-off length which is different from and generally less than the first. These systems and methods generally provide for the machining of new bore holes into the existing press unit frame. The new bore holes will generally completely encompass the old bore holes and allow for linear translation of the axes of rotation of the new cylinders relative to the positions of the axes for the old cylinders.

Abstract: Method and apparatus in which a first liquid is extruded through a porous printing plate to its printing surface, a second liquid is externally applied over the first liquid on the printing surface, and a sheet material is contacted with the printing surface in order to print the second liquid onto the sheet material. In some embodiments, the first liquid is a release agent, the second liquid is a printing agent, and a sheet material is contacted with the printing agent on the printing surface, whereby the release agent prevents the adhesion of the printing agent and the sheet material to the printing surface and thereby allows the sheet material to be easily separated from the printing surface. In some embodiments, the printing agent is an adhesive and the release agent prevents the adhesive from strongly adhering to or accumulating on the printing surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fabricating a pattern which makes it possible to obtain a wide pattern having edges of a preferable shape. The apparatus for fabricating a pattern ejects a liquid material as liquid droplets from an ejecting section, and dispose the liquid droplets on a substrate in a line-shaped pattern. A plurality of line-shaped patterns are formed on the substrate by disposing a plurality of liquid droplets on the substrate in the line-shaped patterns, and then another set of liquid droplets are disposed between the line-shaped patterns so as to integrate the line-shaped patterns with each other.

Abstract: Current modulation-based talkback in a system in which the background noise in the level of current draw is minimized such that the talkback is effected with a desirably high signal-to-noise ratio, such as by the master device holding the system voltage low such that the slave devices will not be performing tasks that would cause the current draw on the system to have an undesirable level of background noise, or, in an electronic blasting system, by preventing all other detonators from performing tasks that would create an undesirable background current draw when a particular detonator is talking back.

Abstract: Firing-readiness diagnostics in an electronic pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator or an electronic blasting system thereof. The diagnostics may include a check for any incompatible attached devices, a resistance or continuity check of an ignition element, and/or a capacitance check of a firing capacitor.

Abstract: A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator. The connector block comprises a housing (2, 21) having a bore (4, 23) formed therein for receiving a detonator (6, 36) provided with a percussion-actuation end (7, 25), a shock tube retention means (8, 28) defining with the housing a slot (9, 29) for receiving therein at least one shock tube (10, 30) and holding the at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator present in the bore, the slot having an entrance (12, 32) for allowing insertion of the at least one shock tube into the slot, and a flexible and resilient closure member (11, 31) or an inflexible closure member (50) pivotable on a sprung hinge (51) extending partially or fully into the entrance.

Abstract: A firearm projectile assembly apparatus disclosed herein comprises: a bullet; a hollow core running completely through the bullet from a front of the bullet subassembly to a rear of the bullet; a core material within at least part of the hollow core; and an expansion-inducing tip integral with the core material, and protruding forward of the front of the bullet; wherein: when the projectile assembly impacts with a target, the expansion-inducing tip drives the core material rearward relative to the hollow core, forcing the bullet to expand radially outwardly. Also disclosed for firearm projectile assembly apparatus is a pressure shield; and a non-discarding attachment of the pressure shield to the bullet, such that after the projectile assembly is fired from a firearm, the pressure shield does not discard from the bullet during the bullet's flight to a target. Also disclosed is a pressure shield comprising: a gas check; and various controlled air spaces.

Abstract: An electronic light source system is employed to create a flame-less tracer for a munitions projectile. The electronic light source system may be positioned in various locations and combinations of locations on a projectile (e.g., front, back, side, etc.) to enhance visibility of the projectile during flight. The electronic light source system provides a light source on the projectile that is visible to an observer at various viewing angles throughout the projectile flight without the environmental or safety issues presented by tracers using pyrotechnic materials. After assembly, the present system is encapsulated in glass or clear plastic to G-harden the present system, enabling the present system to sustain the large loads and stresses induced by gun launch. The present system may comprise a variety of light sources such as, for example, lasers, high output light-emitting diodes (LEDs), strobe lights, etc. The present system is capable of flashing the light sources at a variety of frequencies (e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for anchoring and aligning a vehicular track are shown and described. Embodiments of the invention can incorporate a first structural member anchorable to the earth and a second structural member coupleable to the track, spaced apart from each other by a spacing member designed to allow the second structural member to rotate with respect to the first structural member. Fasteners can be incorporated to facilitate adjustment of the second structural member and/or to retain the second structural member in a desired orientation.

Abstract: Processes for preparing a carbon black product having an organic group attached to the carbon black. In one process at least one diazonium salt reacts with a carbon black in the absence of an externally applied electric current sufficient to reduce the diazonium salt. In another process at least one diazonium salt reacts with a carbon black in a protic reaction medium. Carbon black products which may be prepared according to process of the invention are described as well as uses of such carbon black products in plastic compositions, rubber compositions, paper compositions, and textile compositions.

Abstract: To reduce show through, particularly for color pigments, a particulate negative metal oxide. Specifically in an anionic ink, tin oxide of primary particle size in the range of about 10 to 30 nm, is incorporated in inkjet inks in amount of less than 2 percent by weight of the total weight of the ink.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a leucite glass ceramic doped with nanoscale metal oxide, to a doped leucite glass ceramic powder suitable for its production, to a method for producing the doped leucite glass ceramic, to its use as dental material, to a dental product containing it and to the use of the nanoscale metal oxide powders for the production of the doped glass ceramic or of the doped leucite glass ceramic powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion and to its manufacturing method. The emulsion is optimized in that it is stabilized by the presence of a surfactant specifically selected according to the type of a polymer, or copolymer, also present in the emulsion. The surfactant and the polymer are selected oppositely charged.

Abstract: Flux compositions for sintering Ni—Zn ferrite material are disclosed in the present invention, each flux composition basically and selectively has zinc oxide (ZnO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), boric oxide (B2O3), bismuth trioxide (Bi2O3), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), potassium trioxide (K2O3), barium oxide (BaO), sodium oxide (Na2O), calcium oxide (CaO), and magnesium oxide (MgO). Each flux composition is added into a mixture of Ni—Zn ferrite material composed of ferric oxide (Fe2O3), nickel oxide (NiO), zinc oxide (ZnO), cupric oxide (CuO) and cobalt oxide (CoO) and ranges from 0.05 to 10 weight percent based on the total weight of the Ni—Zn ferrite material. The flux compositions of the present invention decrease sintering temperature when the ferrite material is sintered and contain no lead (Pb) element so as to reduce toxic pollutants.

Abstract: A protective and decorative coating composition including semiconductor particulate colorants which in combination with a resinous composition produce a desired color. The colorants are semiconductor particles which exhibit sized-quantized absorption of visible light and have a particle size of up to about 12 nm.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the process and composition for the manufacture of cement expansion additive. The process comprises a blending step, a reaction step, and a calcination step. The blending step is to incorporate soluble calcium sulfate, soluble calcium oxide, and soluble aluminum compounds such as aluminum dross. The addition of water with the above incorporated materials to from ettringite is so-called reaction step. The calcination step is to calcine the products which are produced from reaction step at a temperature range between 60° C. and 900° C. by transforming ettringite from amorphous to calcium sulfoaluminate respectively. After calcinations, the final products can be used as expansive additives for cement or concrete. Further, this manufacturing method can effectively decrease raw material cost and production cost due to the raw material coming from recycling and no need to calcine at high temperature than other relative arts.

Abstract: A description is given of additives for the extrusion of construction material systems, characterized in that the additives comprise irreversibly crosslinked cellulose ethers having gel-like rheological properties, and the use of irreversibly crosslinked cellulose derivatives as additives for the extrusion of construction material systems and also of an extrusion process for construction material systems.

Abstract: An overbed table or the like having a base for mounting on a bed frame, a first arm, a second arm, and a table is provided. The first arm pivots relative to the base and the second arm pivots relative to the first arm. A pivot lock can be positioned between the base and the first arm, the pivot lock locking against pivoting movement of the first arm relative to the base. The table can pivot relative to the second arm about a vertical axis, and in one embodiment, the table can pivot about the second arm's longitudinal axis such that the table can assume a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: An umbrella table with an inlaid turntable is disclosed. The table includes a tabletop having a substantially planar top surface with a circular aperture therein. A disc is rotatably mounted in the circular aperture. The disc has a substantially planar upper surface and a central opening therethrough. The top surface of the tabletop and the upper surface of the disc are substantially coplanar, and the central opening is capable of receiving a cylindrical shaft such as the shaft of an umbrella.

Abstract: A runner for an extension table that has two sliding leaves includes a wooden primary transverse beam with a side, a wooden secondary transverse beam attached securely to the side of the primary transverse beam and a track assembly attached to the side of the primary transverse beam. The secondary transverse beam has a top. The track assembly is supported by being fitted on the top of the secondary transverse beam. Therefore, the secondary transverse beam provides a robust support to the track assembly to prevent that from being deformed or separated when the track assembly undergoes an accumulated weight caused by stacking the extension tables during a period of transport or storage.

Abstract: A pneumatic plug is used to seal off a pneumatic pressure source from a pneumatic pressure seed meter. The pneumatic plug comprises an annular rim defining an annular cavity, a insert portion and a sealing wall. The plug is an integral rubber body. The insert portion is inserted into a pneumatic hose supplying pneumatic pressure to the seed meter. The annular rim defines an annular cavity into which the pneumatic inlet of the seed meter is received. The annular cavity is provided with two inwardly extending sealing ridges that engage the outer sidewalls of the pneumatic inlet. The sealing wall provides a pneumatic seal for the pneumatic hose.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuaries in propeller scars and for encouraging plant growth in propeller scars. Aquatic plant shoots are transplanted by positioning shoots in a sediment tube which is in turn placed in the propeller scar. When the sediment tube is placed in the propeller scar the sea grass shoots are held in position for an extended period of time to allow the sea grass shoots to take root on the estuary bottom. The sediment tubes may be preformed or they may be formed just prior to their placement in the estuary. A watercraft may be used to position the sediment tubes with and without sea grass shoots over an area of the propeller scar. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass plants can be replanted on the bottom of an estuary and new plant growth encouraged in propeller scars.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming flanged quilted panels from an infed web of quilted material (18) has a panel cutter (14) which receives the web of quilted material (18) and severs it into discrete quilted panels (16). A flanger (34) integrated with the panel cutter (14) has a table (40) which supports individual panels in a fixed position while a trimming and sewing head (60) is moved around the perimeter of the panel to trim the panel to a desired size and to stitch a flange near the trimmed edge. Because the panel is trimmed prior to stitching, precise alignment of the panel on the table is not required. The flanger (34) may further include a cutting head (72) which is movable relative to the table (40) and enables the flanger (34) to cut very thick quilted material without the need for precise holding and guiding of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic insertion of an individual upholstery tuft (3) and washer (1) from a plurality of connected tufts (4) and a plurality of connected washers (2) into an upholstered article. The apparatus has a cutting blade (35) to separate an individual tuft (3) from the plurality of connected tufts (4). The tuft (3) is then engaged by a pair of arms (25, 28) and fed into a tuft insertion needle (14). The arms are connected to automatic washer feed apparatus which feeds an individual washer (1) from the plurality of connected washers (2) and aligns it with the tuft insertion needle (14) ready for insertion. The insertion needle (14) is pneumatically actuated to force the tuft (3) through the washer (1), into the upholstered article, release the tuft (3) and subsequently withdraw the needle (14) from the article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the elevation and position of a floating body with respect to water level variance, wherein the present invention is particularly suitable for, although not strictly limited to, enabling the unattended, self-actuating, multi-directional adjustment of a water-borne floating dock relative to increases and/or decreases in shoreline water level.

Abstract: A trimaran having a center hull and a first outrigger pontoon on the port side of said hull and a second outrigger pontoon on the starboard side of said hull. Each of the pontoons are attached to the center hull by means of forward and aft link boxes. Said link boxes are pivotally mounted to the port side and starboard side of the hull. Each of the link boxes are also pivotally secured to a pontoon. The link boxes on the port side are connected together by a linkage whereby the forward port side link box is operated on when the aft port side link box is rotated. The link boxes on starboard are connected together by linkage whereby the forward starboard link box is operated on when the aft starboard link is rotated. The movement of the link boxes is clockwise when the pontoon on the port side is withdrawn towards the port side of the hull. The movement of the link boxes is counter-clockwise when the pontoon on the starboard side is withdrawn towards the starboard side of the hull.

Abstract: The arrangement has at least one retractable steered wheel, and comprises: at least one wheel rotatbly mounted on a steerable leg member; said leg member being pivotably mounted on pivot means which is pivotable around a substantially horizontal axis relative to a hull of said amphibious vehicle, said axis also being transverse to a longitudinal direction of travel of said hull; a steering arm member operably connected to said steerable leg member; and means to raise said wheel by pivoting said wheel about said horizontal axis; wherein an end of said steering arm member remote from said steerable leg member is closely adjacent said horizontal axis and operably connected to steering arm moving means.

Abstract: The invention is Hull Suspension Technology (HST), a specific technology which incorporates mechanics and hydrodynamics to allow the bottom rear part of the vessel hull to fluctuate up and down to counter water surface and stabilize vessel movement while the vessel is in operation. HST also utilizes hinges to mount the stern and bow hulls together efficiently, and implements shock absorbers in its design, which dampen the impact of outside factors and streamline the overall movement of the vessel during operations.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a marine article of the invention includes a phosphorescent phosphor. A particularly advantageous phosphorescent phosphor comprises MAl2O4. As used herein, “M” is at least one cation selected from a group consisting of calcium, strontium, and barium. The phosphor comprises 0.001% to 10% of a europium activator, and 0.001% to 10% of at least one dopant selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, tin and bismuth as a co-activator, in terms of mol % relative to the metal element expressed by M. The phosphorescent marine article has an afterglow corresponding to a luminance of at least 0.3 mCd/m2 for at least 420 minutes.

Abstract: A collapsible watercraft for personal recreation. The collapsible watercraft includes a tubular frame that has a first portion and a second portion. Each of the portions are generally rectangular and are hingably coupled together allowing them to be folded one portion on top of the other. Two sets of pairs of floatation members are hingably mounted to the frame and are positionable between being adjacent the outer side of the frame for use, and adjacent the inner side of the frame for storage or transit. An human-powered oscillation of a fin member propels the craft. The fin member also serves as a rudder for steering. A foldable seat with a backrest along with a cargo net behind the seat is provided. A canopy is mountable to the frame for protection of the user from the elements.

Abstract: A video recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a receiver which receives a broadcast program, an acquiring unit which acquires program information of the broadcast program, a recording unit which records the broadcast program received by the receiver together with the program information acquired by the acquiring unit, a selector which selects a type of the program, and a searching unit which searches a latest program of the type selected by the selector based on the program information acquired by the acquiring unit and the program information recorded by the recording unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for removing amalgam particles and/or dissolved metals, such as mercury and silver from dental effluents. The system can include one or more of a particle collection vessel, a chemical doser, and a sorbent column.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for preparing modafinil, whereby it may be isolated in high purity by a single crystallization. The process produces modafinil free of sulphone products of over-oxidation and other byproducts. The invention further provides new crystalline Forms II-VI of modafinil and processes for preparing them. Each of the new forms is differentiated by a unique powder X-ray diffraction pattern. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions containing novel modafinil Forms II-IV and VI.

Abstract: Methods of making a polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor having a uniform microstructure. One exemplary method requires receiving a polycrystalline silicon thin film having a grain structure which is periodic in at least a first direction, and placing at least portions (410, 420) of one or more thin-film transistors on the received film such that they are tilted relative to the periodic structure of the thin film.