Abstract: Evanescent wave scattering by a scanning probe in a scanning probe microscope is utilized to determine and monitor separation between a scanning probe and a sample. A laser light is totally internally reflected at the interface between a more optically dense (incident) medium and less optically dense (transmitting) medium, exciting a decaying evanescent field in the less optically dense medium. A scanning probe, such as a colloidal probe, is dipped into the evanescent field, which scatters off the scanning probe. The portion of the scattered field propagates back into the incident medium and is then detected by a detector. A dependency between the intensity of the scattered evanescent field and the separation between the probe and the incident medium was measured and used in determining the separation. This dependency of intensity is used to prepare images or maps of interfaces. A particular application of determining the separation between the probe and the sample in an atomic force microscope is disclosed.

Abstract: A vane pump includes a motor arrangement, a rotor, a casing and bolts. The motor arrangement includes a mount. The rotor includes vanes and is rotated by the motor arrangement. The casing has opposed first and second end surfaces and makes flat surface contact with the mount at the second end surface thereof. The casing includes a pump chamber, receiving through holes and second end side recesses. The pump chamber receives the rotor. The receiving through holes penetrate through the casing. The second end side recesses are recessed in the second end surface of the casing. The second end side recesses are spaced away from the receiving through holes. Each bolt is received through a corresponding one of the receiving through holes of the casing, and each bolt is threadably engaged with the mount to connect the casing to the mount.

Abstract: In a vehicle tire air pressure detection system, a charging electromagnetic wave is transmitted for a predetermined period from a vehicle chassis side and stored as a charge voltage in a transmitter unit attached to a tire wheel. When the charge voltage reaches a predetermined level, a sensor in the transmitter unit detects a tire air pressure and a transmitter/receiver of the transmitter unit transmits a detection data on an electromagnetic wave in the same frequency band as the charging electromagnetic wave after the predetermined period from a time point at which the charge voltage has reached the predetermined level. Thus, interference between the charging electromagnetic wave and the electromagnetic wave of the detection data is prevented.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and displaying the amount of chemical in a vessel. The system includes a vessel with a variable quantity of gas supported upon a moveable platform. A hydraulic load cell is positioned under the platform, and generates a hydraulic pressure signal, which is a function of the variable quantity of gas in the vessel. An electrical signal transducer converts the pressure signal to an electrical signal which is transmitted to a battery powered microprocessor/display capable of converting the electrical signal into a displayable signal indicative of an amount of gas remaining in the vessel.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit that is lowered into vertically supported pipe filled with seawater. The apparatus includes a pipe weld location detector module carried by the inspection unit. The apparatus also includes a rotating time of flight diffusion (TOFD) module and a non-rotating wall thickness module carried by the inspection unit. The module includes a pair of rotatably mounted weld volume inspection transducers rotatable by an operator and adapted to inspect for and obtain data on weld volume defects. The TOFD module has a fluid carrier positioned within the TOFD module and contains an acoustic fluid. The non-rotating wall thickness module also contains an acoustic liquid and includes a plurality of fixedly mounted wall inspection transducers adapted to obtain data on wall thickness of a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed that is suitable for a game ball, such as a soccer ball, and a variety of other spherical or non-spherical objects. The testing apparatus includes a housing with the configuration of an air foil. A shaft extends through the housing, and a mount for securing the game ball to an end of the shaft. A motor is operatively connected to an opposite end of the shaft and is utilized to rotate the game ball in a wind tunnel. The testing apparatus also includes a sensor, such as a two-axis force balance, that detects various fluid forces upon the game ball, including a drag force and a side force, for example.

Abstract: A measurement body is provided with a sub-outlet arranged between a U-turn portion of a bypass passage and a main outlet. The sub-outlet includes a first sub-outlet positioned on a path of air, which flows on the inside of the bypass passage, and a second sub-outlet positioned on a path of air, which flows on the outside of the bypass passage. The respective sub-outlets open in a sidewall surface of the measurement body along the thickness-wise direction. However, the first sub-outlet and the second sub-outlet are arranged in different positions with respect to the flow direction of measurement air. With this structure, a substantial length of the bypass passage can be adjusted in accordance with positions of the first sub-outlet and the second sub-outlet, so that compensation of intake pulsation is enhanced in accuracy. Thereby, measurement error caused by influences of intake pulsation can be reduced.

Abstract: A bearing 41 of a support portion 4 for rotatably supporting a shaft 11 of a rotating body 10 to be measured with respect to the magnitude of unbalance thereof is formed into a hollow U-shape and has formed therein an injection port 41b for injecting a gas towards the shaft. As the shaft can be supported and floats without making contact with the bearing by virtue of the gas injected from the injection port, the friction can be made small and, hence, a change in rotational speed can be made small. The number and position of the injection ports are determined as required.

Abstract: An application of rate gyros and accelerometers allows electronic measurement of the motion of a rigid or semi-rigid body, such as a body associated with sporting equipment including a fly rod during casting, a baseball bat, a tennis racquet or a golf club during swinging. For instance, data can be collected by one gyro according to the present invention is extremely useful in analyzing the motion of a fly rod during fly casting instruction, and can also be used during the research, development and design phases of fly casting equipment including fly rods and fly lines. Similarly, data collected by three gyros and three accelerometers is extremely useful in analyzing the three dimensional motion of other sporting equipment such as baseball bats, tennis racquets and golf clubs. This data can be used to support instruction as well as design of the sporting equipment.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a tuning fork unit; a base block provided with a terminal for outputting an output signal from the tuning fork unit to the exterior; a cover for housing the tuning fork unit in a space defined by combination with the base block; a circuit board for fixing the terminal on the base block, the circuit board being provided with a processing circuit for processing the output signal from the tuning fork unit; and a casing for housing the base block, the cover, and the circuit board. The terminal on the base block is fixed to the circuit board, with a clearance being defined by the base block and the circuit board. The terminal on the base block in the clearance has a flexure portion, and the flexure portion absorbs a vibration of a high frequency applied from the exterior.

Abstract: An apparatus examines the internal structure of an object disposed substantially in a medium such as air. The apparatus has an acoustic transducer assembly that emits and receives acoustic signals and an acoustic coupler that acoustically couples the acoustic transducer assembly to the object. The acoustic coupler has a first end adapted to couple to the acoustic transducer assembly and a second end adapted to make contact with a section of a surface of the object. The acoustic coupler carries acoustic signals between the acoustic transducer assembly and the contacted section of the surface of the object. In operation, the apparatus examines the internal structure of the object using reflection mode acoustic microscopy, wherein emitted and reflected signals are carried between the acoustic transducer and the object by acoustic coupler.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a component includes immersing the component in a coupling medium with material velocity cw and immersing an ultrasonic (UT) probe having at least one transducer in the coupling medium. The UT probe has a convex lens with acoustic velocity cL and an acoustic impedance less than about 2.5×106 Rayls. The method further includes exciting the transducer to produce an UT pulse directed into the component and generating echo signals using the transducer as a receive element. An US inspection system includes UT probe, a pulser/receiver configured to supply signal excitation pulses to the transducer element at a pulse repetition frequency (prf) of at least about 1000 Hz and a scanner configured to scan the component with the UT probe at a scanning rate equal to the prf times a scanning increment.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting weld signatures from an ultrasound scan data obtained from scanning a pipeline is provided. The method includes a step for mapping multiple amplitude responses from the ultrasound scan data, each amplitude response being representative of a respective sensor signal. Continuous amplitude responses are located from the amplitude responses and corresponding signatures are identified for the continuous amplitude responses. The method also includes a step for tagging the corresponding signatures as weld signatures.

Abstract: A pressure measuring apparatus includes a gage that is at least partially imbedded within a flexible elastomeric member disposed within an interior cavity of a device housing. A shock resistant member into which the gage is inserted permits fluid interconnection between the interior of the gage having a contained movement mechanism that is responsive to fluid pressure changes and a fluid source, such as an inflatable blood pressure cuff and further provides shock and/or impact resistance for a contained movement mechanism. Additional impact/shock absorption is provided by exterior features of the apparatus, including a peripheral bumper having a plurality of raised spring-like protrusions, and rubberized and contoured features of the device housing.

Abstract: A pressure sensor (30) for sensing a fluid pressure in harsh environments such as the air pressure in a tire, by using a first wafer substrate (32) with a front side and an opposing back side, a chamber (58) partially defined by a flexible membrane (50) formed on the front side and at least one hole (33) etched from the back side to the chamber (58); a second wafer (31) on the back side of the first wafer (32) to seal the at least one hole (33); wherein, the chamber (58) containing a fluid at a reference pressure, such that the flexible membrane (50) deflects due to pressure differentials between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure; and, associated circuitry (34) for converting the deflection of the flexible membrane (50) into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure; wherein, the second wafer (31) is wafer bonded to the first wafer substrate (32). Wafer bonding offers an effective non-adhesive solution.

Abstract: A pressure detecting apparatus has a pressure detecting device that converts a strain caused by a stress exerted thereto to an electrical signal, and outputs the converted electrical signal. The apparatus has a housing base including a housing recess that houses the pressure detecting device therein, and a connecting material interposed between the pressure detecting device and the housing recess. The connecting material connects the pressure detecting device and the housing recess with a tensile elongation percentage of about 400% or higher. The pressure detecting apparatus facilitates preventing thermal stress from adversely affecting the detection performance thereof, and produces excellent thermal response.

Abstract: A semiconductor force sensor capable of preventing a diaphragm part (37) from being broken and accurately measuring a force applied thereto in a direction orthogonal to the diaphragm part (37), wherein a force transmitting means for applying a measured force to the diaphragm part (37) of a semiconductor force sensor element (31) is formed of a sphere (33) having a rigidity, and a through hole (63) passing through an opposed wall part (55) toward the diaphragm (37) is formed in the opposed wall parts (55) at a position opposed to the center part of the diaphragm part (37) so that a part of the sphere (33) can face the outside of the opposed wall part (55) and stores a part of the remaining part of the sphere (33) to allow the sphere (33) to be moved only in a direction orthogonal to the diaphragm part (37) and rotated on the center part of the diaphragm part (37).

Abstract: A sensor for measuring mechanical changes in length, in particular a compressive and/or tensile stress sensor, includes a sandwich system with two flat and superposed electrodes separated from each other by a tunnel element (tunnel barrier), in particular an oxide barrier, a current being set up between the electrodes and through the tunnel barrier, one electrode consisting of a magnetostrictive layer 3 which responds to elongation, and wherein the contributions of the anisotropies caused by mechanical tension are larger than those from the intrinsic anisotropies, relative changes in system resistance ?R/R larger than 10% at room temperature being attained during elongation.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for measuring force along an axis (F) comprises an inductance coil extending around the axis (F) for establishing a loop of magnetic flux looping axially through the coil and extending around the axis (F) to define a donut shaped ring of magnetic flux surrounding the axis (F). A core of magnetostrictive material provides a primary path for the magnetic flux in a first portion of the loop of magnetic flux and a magnetic carrier provides a return path for magnetic flux in a second portion of the loop of magnetic flux as the magnetic flux circles the coil through the core and the carrier. A first interface extends radially between the core and the carrier whereby the core and the carrier are urged together at the interface in response to a force applied parallel to the axis (F). Various embodiments or combinations of the core and carrier are illustrated in FIGS. 3–7.

Abstract: Subsurface material property measurements, such as soil or chemical properties, are obtained in situ by a direct push method that includes rotating a ring bit at the end of a casing to drill through subsurface materials, lowering a measurement probe through the advanced casing, extending the lowered measurement probe through the ring bit, and advancing the extended probe through the soil at a controlled rate while gathering material property data from sensors attached to the probe. The probe may be withdrawn for drilling, and then replaced for further data gathering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass flow meter for flowing media, which operates according to the Coriolis principle. At least one oscillator and at lest one sensor that detects Coriolis forces and/or oscillations based on Coriolis forces are mounted on a Coriolis measuring tube. As evaluation unit determines a measured flow valve from the measurement signal of the sensor. Means are provided which make it possible to detect zero flow in the measuring tube regardless of the detection of Coriolis forces and/or oscillations based on Coriolis forces and generate a corresponding measurement signal.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor includes: a circuit board; a package including an angular rate sensor chip and a connection terminal; and a conductive member. The angular rate sensor chip is accommodated in the package. The package is disposed on the circuit board through the conductive member. The package further includes a first electrode disposed on a bottom of the package, the first electrode connecting to the connection terminal. The circuit board includes a second electrode disposed on a top of the circuit board. The angular rate sensor chip in the package is electrically connected to the circuit board through the connection terminal, the first and the second electrodes and the conductive member. The circuit board and the package are electrically and elastically connected by the conductive member.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a dissolution profile of a sample material, and for solubilization screening of a library defined by an array comprising multiple sample materials are disclosed. The methods and systems are particularly advantageous for sampling and evaluation of very small samples, and can be advantageously applied in connection with evaluation of drug candidates.

Abstract: A control system and method for detecting variable load types and controlling the operation of a PTO clutch to effect engagement of the clutch with variable loads, and especially to more optimally effect the engagement of a clutch with a very light load or an associated over-running clutch is disclosed. The control system includes a controller that receives input and output clutch shaft speed signals and generates control signals to control the pressure applied by the clutch. If no appreciable engine droop is detected at the time of initial movement of the output clutch shaft, the load is considered to be of a very light load type, and a set of control signals based upon such load type designation, which control signals define a control curve that is flatter and more gentle than would otherwise be considered desirable, is thereafter applied to the clutch to effect engagement of the load.

Abstract: A control system and method for detecting variable load types and controlling the operation of a PTO clutch to effect engagement of the clutch with variable loads, and especially to more optimally effect the engagement of a clutch with a heavy load is disclosed. The control system includes a controller that receives input and output clutch shaft speed signals and generates control signals to control the pressure applied by the clutch. When heavier loads are applied to the PTO shaft, during the time when control signals are being generated before detection of initial movement of the output shaft, the controller generates one or more shock signals of short duration to cause momentary applications of significantly greater pressure to the clutch in order to break loose the applied load.

Abstract: A ball screw device includes a ball nut having an inner thread formed by a number of helical groove portions, a screw shaft having an outer thread formed by a number of helical groove portions, for threading with the inner thread of the ball nut, and a number of rolling members engaged in the helical groove portions of the ball nut and the screw shaft, for facilitating a movement of the ball nut relative to the screw shaft. One or more guide members are engaged in the helical groove portions of the screw shaft, and each has an oil retaining member for suitably absorbing oil and for continuously applying the oil onto the screw shaft. A tube may couple two of the helical groove portions of the ball nut together, to form an endless ball rolling passage and to receive the rolling members.

Abstract: Described is an adjustable roll drive including a fixed drive cylinder having a fixed drive gear, a fixed intermediate gear rotated by the fixed drive gear, a movable intermediate gear rotated by the fixed intermediate gear, and a movable driven cylinder having a movable driven gear wherein the movable driven gear is rotated by the movable intermediate gear. A linkage system is employed to maintain a substantially constant distance between axes of successive gears and an adjustment mechanism to vary a distance between the fixed drive cylinder and the movable driven cylinder. The continuously adjustable roll drive may be adapted further for use in grain grinding operations.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal apparatus of a vehicle is attached with a pedal plate at one end of one side and includes, at another end of the other side a pedal link member having an insertion recess. A weight member is detachable from and attachable to the insertion recess of the pedal link member such that a vibration of the accelerator pedal can be minimized.

Abstract: A locking, removable handle assembly for a vise is provided. The vise has a threaded rod, a fixed jaw, and a movable jaw as is known in the art. The handle assembly includes a base assembly, an elongated handle member, and a lock assembly. The base assembly is structured to be fixed to the threaded rod. The elongated handle member is structured to be coupled to the base assembly. The lock assembly is structured to selectively couple the handle member to the base assembly.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a handle and a head with a compartment. A drive member includes a first end extended beyond the compartment, a second end extended beyond the compartment, and a gear wheel formed between the first end and the second end. The gear wheel is rotatably mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed outer periphery. A pawl is mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed side facing the gear wheel teeth. The toothed side of the pawl includes a first teeth portion having a first center of curvature and a second teeth portion having a second center of curvature located at a position different from the first center of curvature.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm apparatus includes an axle having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion has an outer peripheral surface and a threaded inner peripheral surface; an axle bolt having a threaded outer peripheral surface screwed into the threaded inner peripheral surface of the first end portion of the axle; a crank arm having an axle mounting boss defining an opening for receiving the first end portion of the axle therein, wherein the axle mounting boss includes a first fastener for tightening the crank arm mounting boss around the first end portion of the axle; and wherein the crank arm boss is positioned axially inwardly of the axle bolt.

Abstract: An eccentric shaft for an internal combustion engine, especially for a rotary combustion engine, the working unit of which comprises essentially a peripheral housing, side housing plates, and a triangular piston mounted on an eccentric of an eccentric shaft, the tips of the piston moving along an epitrochoidal orbit inside the peripheral housing to form three separate working spaces, where the rotary combustion engine can have several working units. The eccentric shaft consists of several parts, which have radial teeth at their ends, by means of which these shaft parts can be connected positively to each other by the use of a tie rod. In rotary piston engines with more than one working unit, as many inner shaft parts of identical design as there are working units can be used in modular fashion to construct the eccentric shaft.

Abstract: An electric air pressure corkscrew includes an upper shell for containing a motor driving a speed-reducing gear unit, which then turns a rotatable block contained in a lower shell fixed in the upper shell. The rotatable block then pushes an interactive block to reciprocate up and down repeatedly so that a piston in an air cylinder reciprocates up and down to pump air through a needle fixed under the air cylinder and inserted in a cork of a wine bottle and into the interior of the bottle so that the air pressure in the bottle is gradually increased to shove the cork up gradually to separate from the mouth of the bottle. The separated cork can be removed off the needle by turning a rotatable sleeve to move a slide tube and a slide base, easy to handle.

Abstract: A holding device for fastening elements which is securable to screw-driving power tool and includes at least two clamping members (20) which abut a stem (74) of the fastening element in a release position of the clamping members and which are displaceable upon an application of a force thereto into their release position, with the clamping members (20) having at least one contact region which forms, at least in the support position of the clamping members (20), a front stop of the holding device (10) in a drive-in direction (22) of the power tool (2).

Abstract: A hand tool includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a gripping portion and a handle. The gripping portion comprises a first gripping surface. The second arm includes a gripping portion and a handle. The gripping portion includes a second gripping surface opposed to the first gripping surface. The second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm. The hand tool is adapted to hold an object between the first and second gripping surfaces. The handle of the first arm is compliant such that it flexes with respect to the gripping portion in response to an applied force.

Abstract: A digital torque wrench is disclosed having a transducer beam with a reduced thickness web therein. At least one strain gauge sensor is mounted to the internal web to measure the shearing stress within the web as the wrench is rotated. By using such a reduced thickness web, mounting the sensors in opposed orientations, mounting the transducer beam to the torque wrench handle using first and second longitudinal flanking pins, and providing the transducer beam in a tapered shape, the resulting measurement of the torque wrench is very accurate. Moreover, a rotational interface module with digital display is provided to facilitate reading of the display by the user.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing vibrations in a tool holder (4) with a cutting tool (3) and has a vibration sensor on the tool holder (4) that is connected to a guide unit (11). The tool holder (4) has further two piezo-electric actuators 14 and 15. Under the influence of the vibration sensor (9), the guide unit (11) provides an electric alternating current that is actively guided over time so that the actuators movably affect the tool holder (4) to reduce the vibrations in this. To also be able to dampen transients in the tool holder (4) this is movably connected with a passive dampening arrangement that is independent of the guide unit (11) and that is based on the principle of a springing (8) suspended mass (7). The invention also relates to a method for reducing vibrations. The vibrations in the tool holder are sensed and a corresponding signal is provided to a guide unit that over time provides actively guided signals to the actuators.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for maintaining contact between a portion of a workpiece between a kerf intrusion device and an alignment fence. In an aspect of the present invention, a table saw is configured with a support having a support surface for accepting a saw blade extended through an aperture in the support to cut a workpiece. An alignment fence is adjustably coupled to the saw to allow for workpiece positioning with respect to the saw blade. A kerf intrusion device such as a back splitter is coupled to an arbor for rotating the saw blade. An side pressure splitter is further included on the intrusion device such that a portion of a workpiece disposed between the intrusion device and the alignment fence is directed into contact with the alignment fence.

Abstract: Wiping material dispenser apparatus includes a basic housing that receives an articulated cover and a cartridge including two transverse flanges. An upper part of the flanges receives a roll of material and a lower part thereof receives a first blade-holder drum and a second return drum, the drums receiving crown wheels for the connection thereof. The return drum receives a third crown wheel that co-operates with the drum rotation actuation mechanism which includes a fixed cam. The blade-holder arm is provided with transmission means that involve the use of a mobile cam which actuates the cutting blade. The fixed and mobile cams co-operate with one another, defining the trajectory of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A slicer comprising a slicer body including a rotatable blade for slicing a product, and a tray mounted for reciprocal movement relative the slicer body and for supporting and moving the product relative the blade. The tray includes a tray body and a unitary handle. In another embodiment, the invention is a slicer including a slicer body having a rotatable blade for slicing a product and a tray for supporting the product and moving the product relative the blade. The slicer further includes a handle unitary with the tray, the handle providing a surface which a user may grip to manually move the tray.

Abstract: A rotating shaft (23) is inserted through an axial center of a cutter wheel tip for scribing a brittle object. The rotating shaft (23) is integrally provided with the cutter wheel tip. The rotating shaft (23) is inserted into supporting holes (14) provided in side walls (11) of a tip holder (11) so as to be supported. A groove (13) is formed in an upper portion of each supporting hole (14) along an axial direction of the supporting hole (14).

Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster (10) for a motor vehicle comprising a casing (12) within a moving partition (14) is secured to a moving piston (12) having an inlet valve (52) and a re-equalizing valve (50) with offset seats borne by first (136) and second (142) tubular sleeves, The first sleeve (136) is slideably mounted in the moving piston (22) with a travel (d) which is determined by first bayonet-fitting (154) that is interposed between the first sleeve (136) and the moving piston (22) and that are locked against rotation by the second sleeve (142).

Abstract: A speed adjusting mechanism that includes a return to neutral feature for returning a control member of a pump to neutral after the control member has been moved to a forward or reverse position. The speed adjusting mechanism is characterized by the use of a torsion spring that enables the mechanism to be composed of just a few parts.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for an active of semi-active vehicle suspension system has a cylinder with a piston therein. A piston rod is attached to the piston and extends out of the cylinder. First and second chambers are formed on opposites sides of the piston enabling the piston to be driven in a manner that counteracts vibrations in the vehicle, A third chamber is provided in the cylinder for connection to a load leveling apparatus. A novel structure reduces the overall length of the hydraulic actuator. A displacement sensor is incorporated into the hydraulic actuator to provide an electrical signal that indicated how far the piston rod extends from the cylinder.

Abstract: A face wall for a motor vehicle comprises a first wall and a second wall that is disposed at a distance from the first wall. The first wall is provided with a recess for accommodating a brake booster that is fastened exclusively to the first wall. This assembly permits effective soundproofing in the area of the face wall, thereby increasing comfort during driving.

Abstract: A liner retention system for a reciprocating pump having a piston and a piston rod operating in a cavity of a frame. The system includes a cylindrical liner for the piston and piston rod, the liner having a radially extending external shoulder. A liner clamp plate has a central opening receivable over the liner and a plurality of stud apertures. A plurality of studs extends from the frame, each stud terminating in a threaded end spaced from a module block. At least one compression sleeve has an inside diameter larger than an external diameter of the stud. Tensioner mechanism secures each stud to the liner clamp plate to thereby secure the cylindrical liner to the module block.

Abstract: A twin brewer system (30) with a pair of brewers (30A, 30B) each with a controller (158) for controlling the application of electrical power to a hot water heater, disables the application of electrical power to the heater (154) of one brewer (30A, 30B) in response to actuation of a start brew switch of the one brewer (30A, 30B) while electrical power is being applied to the heater (154) of the other brewer (30A, 30B). The controllers also respond to a hot water quantity sensor (164, 168) and a responsive delay circuit for disabling dispensing of hot water in response to actuation of the brew start switch (50) until a sufficient quantity of hot water is in a hot water dispenser tank (152) needed for the brew cycle. Indication lamps indicate when the brew cycle is being delayed and when brewing is not being performed. Actuation of a single emergency stop switch (138) stops hot water dispensing of both brewers (30A, 30B).

Abstract: A coffee holder has a cup shaped to hold a coffee pod and having a radially projecting rim and a floor, a collar projecting downward from the floor, forming a downwardly open outlet passage opening upward into the cup, and having a lower end, and a screen extending across the passage at the lower end. Thus coffee is aerated as it moves along the passage through the screen.

Abstract: A bread maker including an oven compartment, parallel kneading drums inside the oven compartment that alternate between winding and unwinding rotations, and a drum driving part rotating the kneading drums. Each kneading drum includes a rotation shaft rotating according to the drum driving part; a hollow, cylindrical drum member disposed concentrically along an axis of the rotation shaft; and a clutch between the rotation shaft and the drum member, transmitting a rotary movement from the rotation shaft to the drum member in one direction and allowing the drum member to freewheel in the other direction.

Abstract: An open fire cooking utensil which has a simple and effective detachable skewless wiener holding end portion. The simplicity of the design makes it rugged, and easy to clean. The rotisserie utensil for roasting food comprises: a handle portion; an elongate shaft having one end attached to the handle portion and an other opposite end; and, a spiral food receptacle made from a spiralling member and having a cylindrical interior opening therein, said spiral food receptacle carried by the other opposite end of the elongate shaft. After food is roasted in, and removed from the interior opening, the spiralling member can be readily wiped clean. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the spiralling member and the elongate shaft comprise stainless steel tube.