Abstract: The present invention provides a method for upgrading low-rank coal unsuitable for production of a reduced metal by a conventional carbon composite method to produce an upgraded coal suitable for the carbon composite method. The prevent invention also provides a method for producing a high-quality reduced metal using the upgraded coal as a carbonaceous material to be incorporated. In these methods, coal is first aged by heating in an organic solvent to produce upgraded coal for metallurgy having higher thermal plasticity than that of the coal. Then, a mixture of the upgraded coal for metallurgy and a metal oxide-containing raw material is agglomerated by an agglomerator, and the resultant agglomerates are reduced by heating in a moving hearth furnace and then melted by further heating to produce a reduced melt. The reduced melt is cooled and solidified in the moving hearth furnace to produce a reduced solid, and then the reduced solid is discharged to the outside of the furnace.

Abstract: A method of producing stainless steel includes the steps of melting a raw material in an electric furnace to form molten steel, and then refining the molten steel by a refining furnace to produce stainless steel in a stainless steel producing process. In the method, a carbonaceous reducing agent is added to a zinc-containing waste material produced in the stainless steel producing process, the resultant mixture is agglomerated by a briquette press to form agglomerates incorporated with a carbonaceous material, the agglomerates incorporated with the carbonaceous material are heated in a rotary hearth furnace to reduce and evaporate zinc to form dezincified agglomerates, and then the dezincified agglomerates are charged as a coolant in an oxidation period of the refining furnace.

Abstract: A tool for releasing hose clamps. Also, methods for installing a hose to a device with the tool to release a clamp from an expanded state to a relaxed state. The tool has a curved end having an arcuate convex curved section with an arcuate surface having an uppermost point opposite to a bottom plane of the curved end wherein the curved end is capable of fitting juxtaposed to the outer surface of the hose when the clamp is released.

Abstract: A tool for releasing hose clamps. Also, methods for installing a hose to a device with the tool to release a clamp from an expanded state to a relaxed state. The tool has a curved end having an arcuate convex curved section with an arcuate surface having an uppermost point opposite to a bottom plane of the curved end wherein the curved end is capable of fitting juxtaposed to the outer surface of the hose when the clamp is released.

Abstract: A wire stripper having at least two resiliently flexible blades each of which terminate in an insulator stripper disposed in opposed relation operably responsive to a slidly engaged insulated wire to release the insulator from the wire.

Abstract: Pull bars for the installation of flooring materials, especially tongue-and-groove flooring materials, having a removable anvil cap. In especially preferred embodiments, the pull bars of the present invention have an elongate tail piece, a header bar attached rigidly to a forward end of the tail piece, and a tail block assembly attached rigidly to a rearward end of the tail piece, wherein the tail block assembly includes a forwardly inclined tail post and an anvil cap removeably coupled to a terminal end of the tail post. The anvil cap may be formed of a metal or plastics material. In use, the pull bar may be employed to install flooring material by striking the anvil cap repetitively with a hammer or mallet until such time that the anvil cap becomes damaged due to receiving such blows. The damaged anvil cap may then be removed form the tail piece and replaced by an undamaged anvil cap.

Abstract: The invention is a portable hand held plumbing tool designed for use in the installation, repairing, and servicing of plumbing fixtures. The invention contains a plurality of open-ended socket wrench heads which are joined via a hollow shaft which holds and stores a double sized driver. One of the socket wrench heads has slots which are used as a wrench, and to admit water supply lines and wing nut style connections. The invention also has a removable socket at one of the wrench heads.

Abstract: A plumbing flange wrench designed to engage with a conventional plumbing flange. The flange wrench includes an elongated body that is configured in a substantially planar manner. The body has a first end and a second end. Positioned at the second end of the body is a handle. Perpendicularly extending from the first end of the body are two connection members designed to releasably secure the flange wrench to a conventional flange by engaging with the apertures proximate the pipe opening. The connection members are centrally and longitudinally mounted to the first end of the body. The flange wrench further includes a coating disposed on the second end.

Abstract: A drive system for a surgical fastener is composed of a drive tool with a drive tip that mates closely with the recess formed in the head of a threaded fastener. The surgical fastener has a head with a quadrilobe fitting therein which closely mates with the quardilobe tip of the tool. The cooperating drive surfaces align the fastener and tool coaxially and produce four point contact equidistant about the circumference of said fastener significantly reducing angular excursions of the fastener during placement in the bone.

Abstract: A holding chuck for fastening tools includes a spindle in the center that has one end coupling with a fastening tool to receive a rotational driving force and another end coupling with a screw head of a screw to perform fastening or unfastening. The spindle is coupled with a hollow holding member on the periphery. The holding member has an indented dome on the bottom to magnetically attract the screw head. The dome has an annular wall with a plurality of wedge elements wedged therein. The wedge elements are confined by an elastic ring on the outside. Thus the holding chuck can hold magnetic and non-magnetic screws.

Abstract: A torque-limiting mechanism is provided for use in a variety of torque-applying tools. The mechanism includes a handle defining a housing in which are disposed a slip gear and a fixed gear. The fixed gear is attached to the housing while the slip gear is attached to drive body extending outwardly from the housing and engageable with an item to be turned utilizing the tool. The slip gear and the fixed gear are connected by teeth disposed on each gear and by ball bearings disposed within recesses located on each gear that are pressed into the recesses by a force exerted on the gears by a number of spring members disposed between an enclosed end of the housing and the fixed gear. The amount of force exerted by the springs on the gears can be varied as necessary, thereby allowing the amount of torque required to enable the slip gear to move with respect to the fixed gear to be set where desired.

Abstract: For use in a bar feeder, a feeder tube is disclosed to include a holder base and a plurality of support members. The holder base has two hinged holder members each having retaining portions. Each support member has positioning portions respectively detachably engaged with the retaining portions of the holder members, and a bearing portion. The bearing portions of the support members define a cylindrical accommodation space for receiving a bar material therein when the two holder members are close.

Abstract: In a method for cutting a curtain fabric, the said curtain fabric is positioned on a supporting surface and the curtain fabric is cut. After the curtain fabric has been positioned on the supporting surface, the supporting surface is moved into a virtually vertical position and back to a horizontal position and the curtain fabric is cut. A cutting device for cutting a curtain fabric has a supporting surface which is moved between a horizontal and virtually vertical position for the said curtain fabric. Cutting curtain fabrics using this method produces curtains which, after they have been hung, no longer start to hang in a skew position.

Abstract: A dual ratio drive for a rotary sheer comprises a parallel pair of first shafts carrying freely rotatable first gears. A pair of second shafts are rotatable about axes parallel to the axes of the first shafts. Each second shaft carries a shear blade, and a second gear in meshed relationship with one of the first gears. A drive shaft is connectable to one of the second shafts by a first gear set having first high speed ratio, and is connectable to one of the first shafts by a second gear set having a low speed ratio. A clutch alternately engages one or the other of the first and second gear sets to drive the second shafts and their respective shear blades at the different speeds.

Abstract: A machine tool, especially a band saw, with a support and a machining table which forms a work rest surface and which is supported on the support, the machining table being pivotabe out of a base position around a virtual pivoting axis defined by an arc-shaped link slot in at least one direction, the link slot being provided on the machining table or on the support. The machining table is supported and guided on the support by a bearing means in the radial direction, the bearing means engaging the link slot and being arranged on the support or the machining table, and the machining table being fixed in the axial direction on the support. The bearing means supports and guides the machining table not only in the radial direction on the support, but also fixes the machining table in the axial direction on the support.

Abstract: A desk-top paper punch includes a drawer for removable insertion into the base of the paper punch, the drawer serving as a collection receptacle for paper punches to be discarded. Once the drawer is near its capacity, the drawer is pulled out of the base for emptying. Means for viewing the contents of the drawer is provided. In one implementation, the view means is a transparent window which allows the viewer to know when the drawer in nearing its capacity for paper chips. In a second embodiment, the viewing means is at least one viewing aperture that perforates the top surface of the base of the paper punch that allows the user to view the drawer's contents.

Abstract: A continuous wire cutter for cutting and shaping products, particularly foam products. A frame supports a work piece movable along an x axis. A cutting head is movable along a y axis to and from the work piece. The head contains a continuous wire that drivingly engages and cuts the work piece. The c-shaped arm may be pivoted both about the y axis, the x axis and the z axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of an electronic, frameless, musical keyboard with the ability to couple to other frameless musical keyboards are described. In one embodiment, a first musical keyboard section includes an arrangement of black and white keys, similar to a layout of a piano keyboard, disposed over a base. The keys at the left and/or right sides of the keyboard section have exposed sides, so that a second keyboard section can be integrated with the first keyboard section to give the appearance of a single keyboard. To integrate the first keyboard section with the second keyboard section, the base of the first keyboard section extends past the right-most key to a width and length that is substantially equal to the dimensions of a left-most key from the second keyboard section. The left-most key can then be laid to rest over the extended base portion. The reserved space formed by the base of the first keyboard section having dimensions of a key (e.g.

Abstract: An end pin/electrical output jack assembly which can be fitted (with no modification to the instrument) to acoustic guitars, mandolins, violins, and other musical instruments which are equipped with a traditional tapered pin type of end pin inserted into a tapered hole in the instrument. Also the use of a tapered hole to receive and/or retain an electrical output jack assembly or a combination end pin and output jack on/in a musical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foot pedal for a drum that can clamp a hoop regardless of a board thickness of a hoop, improves an operability, handling and moreover, appearance, and increases a freedom of a setting the angle of a foot board. A pedal frame provides a hoop pushing apparatus that clamps a drum hoop. The hoop pushing apparatus includes: a hoop clamp with rotatability; a bolt that is provided at a front edge portion of the hoop clamp, piercing the hoop clamp, and can be adjusted in height; a hoop holding and binding lever that is provided at a bottom side of the hoop clamp with rotability; and a clamp holding mechanism that rotates and holds the hoop clamp at a certain height. The hoop pushing apparatus, upon clamping, holds and binds the hoop with a hoop receiving member and the hoop holding and binding lever.

Abstract: Method of improving the acoustic characteristics of resonant wood for musical instruments, characterised in that during a limited period of treatment the resonant wood is exposed to the action of a type of fungus which decomposes wood, wherein the type of fungus and the period of treatment are chosen in such a way that by the treatment on the one hand an increase in the ratio of velocity of sound of the wood to bulk density of the wood is achieved and on the other hand strength values of the resonant wood do not fall below predetermined minimum values. The invention also relates to a resonant wood for musical instruments, with predetermined minimum strength values of the resonant wood, wherein treatment over a limited time by means of a type of fungus which decomposes wood treatment increases the ratio of velocity of sound of the wood to bulk density of the wood.

Abstract: A visual display mounted on a musical instrument for use as a teaching aid, for teaching fingerings and chords, a performing aid for displaying information relevant to a user's performance, and a visual effects aid, for displaying visual effects to an audience while a user is performing.

Abstract: A violin practice reminder includes restriction rods, fixtures, touch rods and a warning unit. The restriction rods, the touch rods and the warning unit are disposed on the fixtures. The restriction rods and the touch rods are made of electric material. Each of the restriction rods has two sections inserted into a sleeve to adjust the length of the restriction rod. The fixtures are secured to a violin. Each of the touch rods is a spiral shape to sleeve onto the restriction rod with washers at respective ends to insulate the touch rod from the restriction rod. The warning unit includes a buzzer and a switch. The switch is connected to the touch rods and the restriction rods, respectively. When the touch rods are in touch with the restriction rods, the switch is turned on to trigger the buzzer to buzz.

Abstract: Data management and distribution are described, including a memory configured to store data, the data being stored in a file and the file is downloaded in response to a signal, and downloading is performed based on a parameter determined by a provider of the file or the system, and a logic module configured to process the signal and access data stored in the file, and the file is downloaded to a device and configured for interaction with a user, and user activity is recorded and used by the logic module when selecting another file for downloading to the device.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a haptic feedback signal correlated to a music signal and providing the haptic feedback signal to a musical instrument. The music signal can created by the musical instrument or from a file, e.g., a MIDI file. A processor can generate the haptic feedback signal using a look-up table in which the music signal is mapped to a corresponding haptic feedback signal or can compute the corresponding haptic feedback signal based on the parameters of the music signal. The processor provides the haptic feedback signal to an actuator for causing a haptic effect at the musical instrument in response to receiving the haptic feedback signal. The haptic feedback signal can be applied to an input member, such as a key on a keyboard or a string on a guitar, or to the housing of the musical instrument, such as the neck of a guitar.

Abstract: A sound panel for playing sounds and music, comprising a substantially flat soundboard made of wood, at least one tie which is fitted to the soundboard in order to subject the soundboard to a mechanical tension, an electromechanical transducer which is mounted on the soundboard in a nodal vibration point of the soundboard and can be connected to an electronic audio source in order to transduce into mechanical pulses and consequent vibrations of the soundboard audio information that arrives from the electronic audio source in the form of electrical signals, the soundboard comprising areas having mutually different thicknesses in order to evenly distribute transfer of energy from the soundboard to the air over a range of sound frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a control unit on a stringed musical instrument. The apparatus is designed such that the control unit can be easily mounted on and removed from the stringed musical instrument. The apparatus provides more stable and more firm mounting of the control unit compared to similar apparatuses of the past. The apparatus facilitates the mounting of the control unit on either the front surface of the stringed musical instrument or the rear surface of the stringed musical instrument. When mounting the control unit on the front surface of the stringed musical instrument, the apparatus also facilitates mounting the control unit above the bridge of the stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound controller system including at least one distance sensor provided to establish at least one distance representing signal, at least one mapper provided to map values of at least one of the distance representing signals into values of at least one control signal, the values of the control signal being within a predetermined interval, at least one interpreter provided to recognise occurrences of at least one predetermined distance variation pattern and on the basis thereof establishing at least one interpretation signal, and at least one sound controller provided to process at least one audio representing signal at least partly on the basis of at least one of the control signals and at least one of the interpretation signals. The present invention further relates to a method of controlling a sound controller.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing an explosive device concealed within an object by focusing a plurality of energies or fields including electromagnetic, electrostatic, magnetic, or acoustic toward the object thereby inducing detonation. A blast containment enclosure has means for focusing the energies or fields on the object, in a continuous fashion, to concentrate the energies at the contents of the object while protecting the surrounding by containment and/or redirection of a resulting explosion as well as feedback transducers for moderating the magnitude of the energies. A method for the neutralization of contained explosive devices is also provided.

Abstract: An automatically firing weapon, in particular for caseless ammunition, which has an improved hit probability so that a saving of ammunition is possible. For that purpose the weapon (10) is linearly movably guided in a housing (12) in the axial longitudinal direction of the weapon so that during a burst of firing, the weapon (10) moves back in the housing (12) unbraked and thus recoil-free in a return motion travel (x) which is defined and limited by a return motion damper (32).

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, having a piston bearing surface divided into regions of different loading and having recesses for retaining lubricant arranged at distances which are shorter in regions of high loading than in regions of lower loading in a region with high loading, the distance between the recesses decreases from one recess to the next in the direction toward top dead center area with the smallest distance being at the top dead center position of the piston.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting a fluid, gas, semi-solid, cryogen, or particulate matter, or combination thereof, between a three-dimensional structure and a substantially two-dimensional structure is disclosed. A system and method for electrically coupling a three-dimensional structure to a substantially two dimensional structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a multiple of fuel plates, oxygen permeable membranes, porous substrate plates, and vacuum frame plates which define a wave pattern configuration. The wave configuration enhances deoxygenation by increasing the efficiency and integrality due to higher surface volume ration, increase of flow turbulence, and minimal sharp edges which may otherwise damage the oxygen permeable membranes compared to other configurations.

Abstract: An air purification system includes an electrostatic collection grid module inside the housing of the system to remove particulate matter from the air flowing through the housing. The collection grid module is removable from a side of the housing. The collection grid module is equipped with a handle and a release mechanism. A user may draw out the collection grid module from the housing by pulling the handle while activating the release mechanism. Thus, the collection grid module may be cleaned with ease.

Abstract: Cost-effective and efficient filtration technology is disclosed by which airborne pollution and contaminants are significantly removed from air circulated through furnaces and/or air conditioning systems in residential dwellings. Filters comprising both an anti-microbial ultra-violet lamp, for irradiation of airborne viruses and bacteria, and an electrostatic filter pad for trapping and holding other airborne particles are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling a chromatographic column is disclosed generally, comprising heating a chromatographic column, supplying fluid into the column via the inlet end of the column at an inlet pressure, decreasing the temperature of the column, thereby causing the fluid in the column to contract, and controlling the fluid in the column such that the rate at which the fluid in the column contracts does not exceed the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the column. In certain embodiments, the rate of change of the volume of the fluid in the column as the column temperature decreases is modeled, and the rate of contraction of the gas in the column is estimated therefrom. In some embodiments, the column temperature and/or inlet pressure are controlled by a programmable chromatographic oven.

Abstract: A gas separation method for separating a specific component gas from a mixed gas using an adsorbent comprises (1) a contact step of bringing a mixed gas into a vessel to contact at a first pressure the mixed gas with an adsorbent whose adsorption property with respect to a specific component gas exhibits hysteresis, (2) a decompression step of decompressing the mixed gas in the vessel to a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure and which is within the hysteresis range, and (3) a desorption step of causing adsorbed matter to detach by placing the adsorbent at a third pressure which is lower than the second pressure and which is outside of the hysteresis range and/or by heating the adsorbent.

Abstract: A method of operating a nitrogen generator is provided, wherein the method includes providing a source of compressed air and operating a plurality of pneumatic valves with the compressed air. The method also includes operating at least one pneumatic timer to toggle the nitrogen generator between a production mode where compressed air is channeled to a nitrogen adsorber to produce nitrogen, and a regeneration mode where substantially oxygen-rich air in the nitrogen adsorber is exhausted into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of and apparatus 1 for water desalination comprising transferring water vapour from salt-water in a vapourization zone 7, via a water vapour transfer zone 12, to a condensation zone 11, and condensing said water vapour into fresh-water. The water vapour transfer zone 12 is maintained substantially free of any gas other than water vapour. Heat is supplied to the vapourization zone 7 and extracted from the condensation zone 11, at relative rates such that there is a net transfer of water from the vapourization zone to the condensation zone. The invention also provides a method of and apparatus for degassing salt water using at least two degassing chambers 17A, 17B each provided with a valved vent 47 and a valved inlet 21,29,90,91, with a valved pipe circuit 17a, 72-82,85-87, having a pump 71.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a negative ion air purifier, comprising an electrostatic field-generating module and a voltage boost circuit. The voltage output end of the voltage boost circuit connects with the voltage input end of the electrostatic field-generating module. Said electrostatic field-generating module includes anodes and cathodes that are arrange alternately and equidistantly. A frequency conversion and voltage regulation module is further added, whose voltage signal sampling end connects with the voltage output end of said voltage boost circuit and whose control end connects with the voltage signal input end of said voltage boost circuit, thus making the device adapted to the fluctuation of the mains electricity between 180V to 240V and perform its functions steadily, and overcoming the disadvantages of existing products, such as the proneness to burnout and stop, unstable release of the ion flow, big noise and the difficulty in keeping effective.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting device using a corona discharge is provided. The cyclone dust collecting device includes a cyclone chamber rotating air drawn in from the outside to separate contaminants from the air, a discharge pipe guiding the air separated from the contaminants to the outside of the cyclone chamber and including a discharge electrode part with at least a part made of a conductive material and a power supply unit supplying a power to the discharge electrode part for the discharge electrode part to perform a corona discharge.

Abstract: In a dust collecting apparatus, a flow path (8) through which a gas containing particulate matter flows is formed by arranging a ground electrode (5) in an outer shell (2), a dust-collecting filter layer (6) is arranged adjacent to one side of the ground electrode (5), and a plurality of discharge units (4) of a discharge electrode, to which a voltage is applied to generate an ion wind inducing and forming a secondary flow with respect to the gas, is arranged on the other side of the ground electrode (5), with tips (4a) thereof being away from each other in a direction transverse to the flow path (8).

Abstract: A replacement discharge electrode including a plurality of tubular telescopically assemblable discharge elements, and a tensioning element, tensioning the cable when the tubular telescopically assemblable discharge elements are aligned forming a rigid unitary tubular replacement discharge electrode. The discharge electrode components include abuttable tubular sections, center support tubes telescopically received within the abuttable tubular sections and outer tubular sleeves or collars, forming a rigid discharge electrode having excellent electrical properties. The method includes loosely assembling the tubular component on a flexible cable and tensioning the cable to form a rigid mast-type discharge electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dehumidifier for improving dehumidifying efficiency, and discharging dehumidified water to an outside of the dehumidifier easily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dehumidifier for improving dehumidifying efficiency and easy draining of dehumidified water to an outside of the dehumidifier. The dehumidifier includes a case, an inlet passed through the case for introduction of air from an outside of the case to an inside of the case, an outlet formed to pass through a top of the case for discharging air dehumidified in the case to the outside of the case, a desiccant assembly for absorbing moisture from air drawn into the case, a blower assembly for drawing air through the inlets and blowing the air to the outlet, a regenerator assembly for blowing hot air to the desiccant assembly for drying the desiccant assembly, a heat exchanger for condensing high temperature, humid air blown by the regenerator assembly through the desiccant assembly, to separate the moisture from the air, and a filter assembly detachably mounted to the case for cleaning air drawn through the inlet.

Abstract: An air cleaner of the present invention, wherein an inlet port 4 and an outlet port 5 are formed and provided with air blower means 1 therein, an antiallergenic filter having an aromatic hydroxyl compound is installed in the air flow passage of the air blower means 1 in a main body 2, and the inlet port 4 formed in the main body 2 is provided at the lower part of the front panel, such that the suction air flow may be formed along the floor plane 3, whereby pollen and dead mites, and the like, which are present in a vicinity of a floor plane 3 can be efficiently sucked to inactivate allergic activity. A treating solution of the present invention is characterized in that it is prepared by dissolving and/or dispersing a water-soluble material and a water-insoluble material in a mixed solvent of water and a cellosolve and/or a carbitol. A method of manufacturing functional filter according to the present invention is characterized in that the treating solution above is adhesion fixed to the filter base material.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag filter with one or more filter walls forming a generally air permeable enclosure having a bag opening through it, and a flange attached to the one or more filter walls to cover the bag opening. The filter walls have a working surface area through which air can pass during use, and the flange is a relatively rigid structure having an air inlet passing into the air permeable enclosure. One or more deodorizing sheets are attached to an inner surface of the one or more filter walls. The deodorizing sheets include a first sheet layer, and sodium bicarbonate particles operatively associated with the first sheet layer. The deodorizing sheets may cover less than about 30% of the working surface area, a single deodorizing sheet may be provided, and the deodorizing sheets may be attached to the filter walls by an air impermeable adhesive that covers at least about 5% of the surface area of the deodorizing sheets.

Abstract: This invention deals specifically with the use of ultraviolet light emitters within a vacuum cleaner, where the lights are used to neutralize bacterial contamination. The air and debris entering into the vacuum is exposed to one or more ultraviolet light sources, with the resulting radiation causing the bacterial contaminants to be neutralized. The vacuum used may be an upright bag vacuum, an upright bagless vacuum, a floor type vacuum, or a shop type vacuum. Multiple chambers are provided, in which the lights are disposed in secondary chambers, in addition to any lights used at the point of initial filtration.

Abstract: A device is provided for extracting water from atmospheric air (8) having a free-flowing adsorbent or absorbent (3, 13), in particular a saline solution (3), having a hygroscopic salt for the adsorption or absorption of water, the adsorption or absorption being provided at least along an adsorption or absorption section (7), which realizes a high yield of (potable) water per unit volume of the structure or of the absorbent/adsorbent (3), a decrease in the assembly effort and a stabilization of the process. This is achieved according to the invention in having a free-flowing adsorbent (3, 13) or absorbent (3, 13) disposed at least along the adsorption or absorption section (7) essentially on a guide element (1, 16, 19, 22, 24) for guiding the adsorbent (3) or absorbent (3), in particular on a presettable track.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispensing machine and method for making a beverage. The dispensing machine of this invention has a delivery means which can deliver beverage precursor and beverage enhancing component with a single pump and an eductor. The method results in a beverage, such as a tea-based beverage, that has superior quality, and the dispensing machine is quieter and more energy efficient than standard beverage dispensing machines.