Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to pressure sensors capable of operating at high temperatures. The present invention further relates to a high temperature pressure sensor with an improved gage factor. The present invention still further provides a pressure sensor with a smaller sized diaphragm, which is capable of reading higher pressures. The present invention also provides a method and sensor for detecting strain using shape memory alloys.

Abstract: A pressure sensor which includes: a semiconductor substrate; a first cavity portion that spreads out approximately parallel with one surface of the semiconductor substrate in the interior of a central region thereof; a diaphragm portion of a thin plate shape that is positioned on one side of the first cavity portion; a pressure sensitive element that is disposed on the diaphragm; and a bump that is disposed in an outer edge region of the one surface of the semiconductor substrate that excludes the diaphragm portion and is electrically connected with the pressure sensitive element, wherein a second cavity portion is disposed in at least one portion of the outer edge region in the interior of the semiconductor substrate and is closed with respect to the one surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates in some aspects to an implantable pressure sensor and a method of measuring pressure. In some embodiments pressure may be measured through the use of an implantable lead incorporating one or more pressure sensors. In some aspects a pressure sensor is implemented in a micro-electromechanical system (“MEMS”) that employs direct mechanical sensing. A biocompatible material is attached to one or more portions of the MEMS sensor to facilitate implant in a body of a patient. The MEMS sensor may thus be incorporated into an implantable lead for measuring blood pressure in, for example, one or more chambers of the patient's heart.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first sensor element in a first branch of a Wheatstone bridge and a second sensor element in a second branch of the Wheatstone bridge. The semiconductor device includes a first reference element in the first branch and a second reference element in the second branch. The semiconductor device includes a circuit configured to switch the first sensor element to the second branch and the second sensor element to the first branch.

Abstract: Various means for detecting the load on the bottom of a bed are proposed, but they have various problems, since the load sensor is provided separately from a bed or installed outside a bed. This invention solves the abovementioned problems by a load sensor-containing actuator in which one end side of a screw shaft 1 is rotatably supported by a base body 2; a female threaded member 3 is engaged with the screw shaft; and an actuation rod body 4 fixed to the female threaded member can advance and retreat in the axial direction of the screw shaft, wherein the base body is provided with a thrust bearing 6 coaxially with the screw shaft and an actuation cylinder 7 supporting the one end side of the screw shaft in the axial direction via the thrust bearing; a detection cylinder 9 is provided between the actuation cylinder and a support member 8 for the base body; and a strain gauge 10 is attached to the outside surface of the detection cylinder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for mounting in a fixed mounted frame (7) on a subsea pipe comprising a locking device comprising a sensor housing (6), a spring (2) surrounding the sensor housing (6), at least one wedge (1) placed in one of the ends of the spring (2), and a edge (5a) placed in the other end of the spring (2), where the sensor housing (6) is arranged to be guided into the mounting frame (7), and that a force (13) is applied in the longitudinal axis of the sensor housing (6) so that the spring (2) is compressed and the wedge(s) (1) are spanned radial out towards the mounting frame (7) to center and support the sensor housing (6) in the mounting frame (6), the sensor housing (6) is designed to fit into the mounting frame (7).

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter is equipped with a pipe unit including a pipe through which a fluid to be measured flows, a pair of electrodes adhered to the pipe, and substrate holders that retain substrates therein and which are disposed so as to cover the electrodes. In addition, the pipe unit is accommodated inside a body through a first opening, which opens on one side of the body. A solenoid unit including coils is installed on the pipe unit after being inserted into the interior of the body through first and second openings.

Abstract: A capacitive tile tactile sensor is described and includes several groups of individual sensors each controlled by a dedicated IC. Individual sensors are formed by sensing electrodes on one side of the sensor and a single ground electrode on the other side, the ground electrode is separated from the sensing electrodes by a compressible dielectric layer. A single electrical connection between the ground electrode and the sensing electrode layer allows for routing of all electrical connections including individual electrodes and a ground electrode to appropriate ICs within the same layer using conductive ink or other similar techniques. Stand-alone configurations are described as well as those adapted for communicating with outside control means including a personal computer. Arranging groups of sensors in parallel with each other creates a matrix of sensors while arranging them along a single line creates a linear strip sensor.

Abstract: A particulate sampling apparatus configured to control the flow direction of a dispersion solvent for particulates, at a channel branching section of a channel includes an introduction channel capable of introducing the dispersion solvent, and a plurality of branch channels communicating with the introduction channel, so as to disperse desired ones of the particulates into a selected one of the branch channels, wherein the apparatus includes light irradiation means by which a bubble can be generated in the dispersion solvent by irradiation with a laser beam used as a heat source, and the flow direction of the dispersion solvent at the channel branching section is controlled by the bubble.

Abstract: A liquid separator with at least one flow passageway is used to detect and remove the presence of entrained liquids from natural gas during spot sampling procedures prior to analysis of the sample by a gas chromatograph. In one embodiment, the at least one flow passageway directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon the inside surface of a sight glass and swirl around in a chamber which may cause droplets of liquid to coalesce on the inside of the sight glass and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. The at least one flow passageway is less expensive to fabricate than some prior art flow directing elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ measurement of soluble contaminant flux rates from sediments in which an inverted desorption chamber containing a sorbent system is filled with water and placed over an area of sediment, whereby the interior of the chamber is isolated from the exterior of the chamber above the sediment. Soluble contaminants released from the sediment are sorbed onto the surface of a sorbent material disposed within a plurality of semipermeable membrane bags disposed within the chamber. Each semipermeable membrane bag is removed from the chamber in a pre-defined sequence over a period of time and the sorbent material in each bag is analyzed to determine an amount of the soluble contaminant sorbed by the sorbent material. From the results of the analyses, the mass of the soluble contaminant removed from the sediment over time can be calculated.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sampling device for collecting samples having a detachable handle with a threaded portion. The device for collecting samples is further provided having a connecting head with a receiving member whereby the receiving member detachably engages the threaded portion of the handle. An absorbent material is placed about the connecting head wherein the absorbent material is a single piece of generally rectangular material folded at a distal edge of the connecting head and adhered through at least one aperture of the connecting head. The detachable handle with the threaded portion is releasably attached to a connecting head with an absorbent material by rotating the detachable handle into the connecting head in a clockwise direction. The user can rotate the handle in a counter-clockwise direction and easily release the handle from the connecting head with the absorbent material into the collection bag.

Abstract: A gas meter reading system is provided that allows automated meter reading capability to be incorporated with sealed mechanical type gas meters. The reading system is mounted to the window of the meter adjacent to the measurement dial. The reading system senses the rotation of the dial and provides data, such as a pulse, that may be recorded by an external source. A method of detecting for leaks with a gas meter having a reading system is also provided.

Abstract: A circular shaft having a platform formed on it by machining a circular flat into the surface of the shaft. A channel extends around the periphery of the circular flat with a depth in the range of 10 to 15% of the diameter of the shaft and in the range of 30 to 50% of the width/diameter of the platform. The width of the platform is 4 to 7% of the diameter of the shaft. A sensor is mounted on the platform, whereby the formation of the platform and surrounding channel reduces the strain arising in the device which is transferred to the sensor.

Abstract: A rotor assembly is provided for deployment within the inner gimbal assembly of a control moment gyroscope (CMG). In one embodiment, the rotor assembly includes a rotor shell, a rotor shaft fixedly coupled to the rotor shell, and a rotor rim. The rotor rim includes an annular body and a strain relief member. A first end portion of the strain relief member is fixedly coupled to the annular body, and a second end portion of the strain relief member is fixedly coupled to the rotor shell to form a rim-shell joinder interface. The strain relief member has a flexibility sufficient to reduce the mechanical stress experienced by the rim-shell joinder interface during operation of the CMG.

Abstract: A shift device for a power take-off transmission. An input shaft is connectable to an output shaft with three gear pairs. The output shaft has a recess, in which a PTO stub shaft can be reversibly introduced. A mechanism, actuated by a PTO stub shaft actuates a gearshift sleeve, provided on the output shaft and rotationally fixed to the output shaft, is provided on the output shaft. In one shift position of the gearshift sleeve is rotationally fixed to a gear wheel of a first gear pair. In another shift position of the gearshift sleeve no fixed connection exists between the gearshift sleeve and gear wheel of the first gear pair. By means of a further gearshift sleeve a rotationally fixed connection can be established with a gear wheel of the second or the third gear pair.

Abstract: By a linear actuator of the type comprising a driven spindle with a spindle nut, the outer positions and possibly also the intermediate positions of the spindle nut can be determined by a specially designed switch construction. This switch comprises an elongated conductor (8a), and next to this at least one other short conductor (8b), and where a connection element (10) for the spindle nut is equipped with an electric conductive element (9), for creating contact between the two conductors (8a, 8b). With two short conductors at the end of the elongated conductor end-stop switches for the nut are achieved and with more short conductors between the two end conductors the position of the spindle nut between its outer positions can be determined.

Abstract: A driving device with a first and second fastening device which can be connected to a stationary base part, particularly a vehicle body, or can be connected to a movable structural component part, particularly a hatch or door of a vehicle, a spindle drive which has a threaded spindle and a spindle nut arranged on the threaded spindle and by which the first fastening device and the second fastening device are movable axially relative to one another, and a rotary drive which drives the spindle drive in rotation by an overload protection device, and the rotationally rigid connection thereof can be canceled when a determined torque is exceeded. The overload protection device is a ring element arranged on a driveshaft of the rotary drive.

Abstract: A twin clutch transmission for reducing the frequency of hit noise occurring in a dog clutch when shifting from neutral to a first speed. The twin clutch transmission includes a plurality of pairs of gears according to the number of speed stages between dual-structured main shafts and a countershaft. A twin clutch is disposed on the main shafts wherein a rotational drive force of an engine is transferred or blocked. A transmission between adjacent speed change gears on each shaft by a dog clutch occurs with a shift drum for switching between an engagement condition of the dog clutch by driving a shift fork. The patterns of guide grooves in the shift drum are formed wherein the dog clutches for a first speed gear and a second speed gear engage simultaneously when the shift drum is rotated by predetermined angles to shift from neutral to the first speed.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission including a housing, a frusto-conical gear having a hollow extending longitudinally through the gear and a plurality of spaced teeth on an inner and/or outer surface thereof. The plurality of spaced apart teeth include alternately teeth having a first addendum and teeth having a second or larger addendum. The transmission also includes a power shaft and a plurality of sliding face gears adapted to engage an input gear from an engine and a drive gear for engaging the frusto-conical gear.

Abstract: A control device for controlling engagement of desired gears of a gearbox. The control device includes a holder unit and at least one control rod which has a relating locking arrangement and is arranged for linear movement in the holder unit. The control rod is provided with one or more recesses which each define a predetermined setting position of the control rod relative to the holder unit. The locking arrangement includes a locking device which is movable, substantially perpendicularly to the control rod's longitudinal axis, between a first position in which the locking device engages in one of the recesses in the control rod, and a second position in which the locking device does not engage in any of the recesses in the control rod. A wire spring fastened in a holder arrangement is firmly connected to the holder unit. The locking device is mounted on or forms part of the wire spring and is movable from the first position to the second position against the action of the spring force of the wire spring.

Abstract: A shift lever apparatus includes a shift lever including a pivot portion and a stick portion formed so as to extend in a vertical direction from the pivot portion, a base member including a shift lever supporting portion and a shift direction and a positioning member for applying a biasing force to the shift lever, and the positioning member having a first elastic member for pressing the shift lever, a second elastic member whose spring constant is smaller than that of the first elastic member and a second elastic member compressed amount regulating member for regulating the second elastic member to be compressed by a predetermined compressed amount so that a length of the second elastic member is a predetermined length.

Abstract: A telescopically collapsible vehicular steering column assembly includes inner and outer shaft tubes which are joined in a sliding fit by a bushing. The bushing includes a pair of spaced journal bearings formed of steel-backed PTFE held in a plastic carrier body. The bushing is located in a receiving chamber in the outer shaft tube. A clearance compensator reacts against the receiving chamber to exert a radial compressive force through the carrier body and the journal bearings to improve the sliding fit with the inner shaft tube and remove lash. The clearance compensator can take any form, such as a hollow annular rib, a skirt with a flexible free end, or an array of nubs carried in thinned sections of the carrier body. The clearance compensator in all of these variations operates within a clearance space and has dimensional attributes which can be changed during the design and manufacturing phases of the bushing to optimize a characteristic of the steering column assembly.

Abstract: A detachable coupling for connecting a pull cable connected to a shift actuator to a shifting cable connected to an internal gear hub for transmitting a shifting movement of the shift actuator to the internal gear hub. The detachable coupling includes an internal gear hub casing having a cable guide extending therefrom and a connecting sleeve having a contoured slot configured to be removably attachable to the cable guide. An end of the shifting cable is configured to be removably coupled to an end of the pull cable for transmitting the shifting movement along a cable transmission path.

Abstract: A device to adjust the orientation of a mirror of a motorcar includes a body to accommodate a first and a second electric motor and a first and a second gear driven by first and second motor respectively. Gear rods are formed as circular arc sections and the body accommodates means to resiliently press the first and second gear rod against the first and second gears, respectively, eliminating relative movement between the gearing of the gear rods and the gears in operation conditions. Each of the gears include a safety clutch, allowing the gears to slip in overload conditions.

Abstract: A fuse barrel component handling device is configured to engage and support both load break and non-load break fuse barrel components. The fuse barrel component handling device includes a hollow cavity capable of receiving a portion of a fuse barrel. In addition, the handling device has a projection bar, which may be integral with or attached to the device, and at least two slots and a notch within the wall of the device. The projection bar, at least two slots, and notch receive and support a fuse barrel component, e.g. a pull ring of a non-load break component or a hook member of a load-break component. The fuse barrel component handling device may be used with a hot stick to remove and/or install a fuse barrel.

Abstract: An electric screwdriver assembly includes a body portion, a screwdriver and a vacuum coupling assembly. The body portion defines a screw conduit therethrough which has a distal end and at least one opening spaced apart from the distal end. The screwdriver is disposed within the body portion and includes a free end facing the distal end of the screw conduit that defines a screwdriver bit. The screwdriver bit is moveable through the screw conduit between a position proximal from the opening and a position distal from the opening. The vacuum coupling assembly is configured to couple to a vacuum generator to the body portion in order to generate a partial vacuum within the screw conduit through the opening to substantially align the screw with the at least one opening.

Abstract: Rotary transmission leadthrough with: a shaft (3) able to turn about a longitudinal axis running in the longitudinal direction (L) with at least one longitudinal borehole (26, 27, 28) running in the longitudinal direction (L), in which a push rod (43, 44, 45) is arranged and can move back and forth relative to the shaft (3) in the longitudinal direction (L), and with at least one opening (22, 23) in a lateral wall of the shaft which extends to a coordinated longitudinal borehole (26, 27, 28) and at least one push fork (12, 13, 14) which can travel in the longitudinal direction (L) outside the shaft (3) and is coordinated with one of the push rods (43, 44, 45), and an active connection running through the coordinated opening (22, 23) to the coordinated longitudinal borehole (26, 27, 28) between the coordinated push fork (12, 13, 14) and the coordinated push rod (43, 44, 45), which transmits a back and forth motion of the coordinated push fork (12, 13, 14) relative to the shaft (3) onto the coordinated push rod

Abstract: A machine and method for machining parts of partial revolution. The machine has a driving sheave rotatable about a first axis and a first driven sheave rotatable about a second axis fixed relative to the first axis. An eccentric link is rotatably connected to the first driven sheave at a pivotal connection that is spaced a predetermined distance from the second axis. A belt is wrapped around the driving sheave and the first driven sheave so that rotation of the driving sheave causes the first driven sheave to rotate. A second driven sheave is rotatable about a third axis fixed relative to the second axis. A second driven sheave contacts with the eccentric link. The eccentric link moves in a reciprocating motion when said first driven sheave is caused to rotate and causes reciprocating rotary motion in the second driven sheave, which is transferred to a part being machined.

Abstract: A base having a substantially planar surface, a plurality of upright fingers, and a blade guide that can be adjustably positioned along the planar surface. The blade guide can be biased toward the upright fingers to secure a section of donor bone between the blade guide and the upright fingers. Aligned openings in the blade guide and planar surface, as well as the gaps between the upright fingers, permit precision cutting of a donor bone section to prepare a graft having a desired size and/or configuration.

Abstract: A cutter blade is relatively moved along an outer periphery of a semiconductor wafer, and dust generated at a tape cutting site by the cutter blade and attached to an upper surface of the protective tape is collected with a dust collecting member which relatively moves with the cutter blade with respect to the semiconductor wafer, and the dust collected at a predetermined portion is suctioned and removed with a suction nozzle after the completion of tape cutting.

Abstract: A power table saw having a table top surface with an opening through which a blade can extend, the blade being mounted on an arbor and being at least vertically adjustable relative to the top surface, the table saw comprising a blade assembly having a first pivot connection and being pivotally mounted to the table saw enabling the blade to be vertically adjusted through a predetermined arc relative to the table top and a riving knife mounted on the blade assembly and being vertically moveable in a substantially straight direction as the blade is vertically adjusted through the predetermined arc.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, the present teachings relate to a paper pushing device. The paper pushing device can comprise a shaft configured to be received and anchored in an opening of a retaining board. The paper pushing device can comprise a head connected to the shaft. The paper pushing device can comprise an arm that extends from the head at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The paper pushing device can be used in various tool and die, stock manipulating operations.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a base unit, a cutting unit having a rotary cutting blade, a motor for driving the rotary cutting blade, and a housing having a blade cover for covering a part of the cutting blade and a motor housing connected to the blade cover, a supporting unit supported to the base unit for pivotably supporting the cutting unit, the supporting unit being configured to move the cutting unit toward and away from the base unit in a first direction, the supporting unit including a guide unit supported with respect to the base unit, and a sliding unit having a pivot shaft pivotably supporting the cutting unit, the sliding unit being slidable on the guide unit to move between a front position and a rear position in the second direction and the pivot shaft extending in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Abstract: A system for punching one or more patterns selected from a plurality of related patterns into a workpiece (typically paper or similar materials). The system comprises a punch element having a plurality of cutting surfaces arranged at discrete heights relative to each other, and a means for selecting a discrete distance that the punch element travels through the workpiece.

Abstract: A double finger trap loop includes at least one braid having a first end and a second end. The braid is defined by an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion is a hollow conduit in the braid. The braid is readily adaptable to accept the first end and the second end into the hollow conduit. The first end and the second end are associated with each other. The association is capable of adhering the first end to the second end by a continuous internal stitch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for braiding fibers into a braided structure, the device comprising a braiding machine, comprising a continuous track plate, a forming device, comprising a forming ring, a braiding mandrel about which the braiding machine braids at least one layer of the braided structure, and positioning means to effectuate relative movement of the mandrel and the braiding machine during braiding. The continuous track plate and/or the forming ring are build up of at least two parts that may be separated and reattached to each other, the parts being arranged such as to allow the track plate and/or the forming ring to enclose the mandrel. The invention further relates to a method for braiding fibers into a braided structure.

Abstract: A perforating device has an elongated tubular housing and a loading device supporting a plurality of shaped charges. The loading device and the shaped charges are located inside the housing. A volume reduction device is adapted to fit within the loading device and to conform to the profile of the shaped charges thereby filling open volume in the housing.

Abstract: A low force weapon ejection system includes a hook for engaging a store, a primary sear for applying a primary pressure against the hook, and a secondary sear for applying a secondary pressure against the primary sear. When the primary and secondary pressures are applied, respectively, against the hook and the primary sear, the hook is prevented from releasing the store. When the primary and secondary pressures are reduced, the hook is enabled to release the store. The low force weapon ejection system reduces the size and weight of various elements in a conventional ejection system that requires greater forces for actuating, releasing and ejecting a store.

Abstract: A pneumatic launch system includes a manifold that stores pressurized gas and releases the pressurized gas on command to sequentially open the store retention hooks and eject the store. The manifold includes an eject valve whose main chamber is part of the high pressure gas storage. A hook release valve is controlled by the eject valve for sequential operation of hook opening and store ejection. A manually selectable pitch valve provides pitch setting to proportion the gas delivered to the ejector cylinders. The manifold minimizes flow path restrictions and provides a fast actuation response with minimum variability to unlock the hooks and quickly eject the store.

Abstract: A safety selector for selectively implementing a firing disabled position for the prevention of unintentional firing of a firearm. The safety selector comprises two prongs adapted to push a cross bolt safety actuation lever to the right or to the left. A DC electrical motor provides torque, which is transferred through a torque transferring mechanism, to the safety selector. The safety selector is particularly useful for actuation via remote control.

Abstract: A method for rapidly firing a semi-automatic firing unit (22) having a trigger (24), a receiver (21) and a barrel (23). The firing unit (22) is placed in a handle (20) so as to enable only reciprocating linear movement along a constrained linear path (P). The user grasps the handle (20) and places their trigger finger (74) firmly on a finger rest (70). In use, the user generates a forward activation force (200) that urges the firing unit (22) forwardly so that the trigger (24) collides with the stabilized finger (74), stimulating the first round of ammunition in the receiver (21). A recoil force (202) from the discharging ammunition pushes the firing unit (22) rearwardly so that the trigger (24) separates from the stabilized finger (74). The intensity of the forward activation force (200) can be varied by the user on-the-fly to proportionally change the firing tempo.

Abstract: Fluid pressures of a plurality of compressible fluid pressure actuators that drive a joint through antagonistic driving are controlled by a main-fluid pressure control device, and at the time of applying quick brake upon collision, a proximate fluid pressure high-speed control device, disposed closely to the actuators, carries out pressure application or pressure reduction at a high speed on the actuators so as to be quickly accelerated or decelerated.

Abstract: A combination of a piston and a chamber, wherein the chamber defines an elongate chamber having a longitudinal axis, the chamber having, at a first longitudinal position thereof, a first cross-sectional area thereof and, at a second longitudinal position thereof, a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being 95% or less of the first cross-sectional area, the change in cross-section of the chamber being at least substantially continuous between the first and second longitudinal positions, the piston being adapted to adapt itself to the cross-section of the chamber when moving from the first to the second longitudinal position of the chamber. The piston may comprise an umbrella-like support structure or a fibre enforced deformable container comprising a foam or a fluid. The combination may be used in a pump, a linear actuator, a motor, or a shock absorber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic system that includes a compression chamber capable of being subjected to the pressure of a hydraulic fluid; a piston movable inside the compression chamber along an axis; and at least one sealing gasket disposed between the piston and a wall of the compression chamber, the gasket occupying an axial position that varies circumferentially around the axis in such a manner as to compensate for non-axially symmetrical stresses induced by the pressure of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a beverage, for instance baby milk, from an instant product, such as formula, and water, which has been sterilized and cooled down to a temperature suitable for consumption. The apparatus comprises a water supply system for supplying water, a heating system for sterilizing the water, a cooling system for cooling down the sterilized water and a bypass, which allows sterilized water from the heating system to bypass the cooling system. Thanks to such configuration, hot water from the bypass can be added to cool water from the cooling system so as to bring the temperature of the cool water to a desired consumption temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for brewing a brew substance with a liquid comprises: a container for storing the liquid, the container including at least one aperture for dispensing liquid therefrom; a sealed packet of filter paper containing the brew substance; and a layer of heat sensitive film encapsulating the sealed packet, the encapsulated packet disposed within the container at a position covering the at least one aperture, the container configured to sit on top of a drinking container to permit liquid to drain into the drinking container from the at least one aperture thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance comprising a water tank, a housing including a chamber having an opening for receiving a fill of brew preparation, a chamber closure part having an outflow orifice and mounted to move between an open position and a closed position; means connected to the tank to act during a brewing cycle to deliver a certain volume of water raised to a brewing temperature, from said tank to said chamber. According to the invention, the appliance essentially consists in a portable structure comprising a head containing at least one chamber, a body including at least handle means making it possible, during the brewing cycle, to place the outflow orifice facing down towards a cup.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a containing element for heating an extracting fluid, a transferring arrangement for causing the passage of the fluid through a dose of coffee and a collecting arrangement for collecting a beverage produced with the extracting fluid during the passage: there being provided a separating arrangement arranged for separating a fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of the fluid from a further fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of the fluid, the separating arrangement leading into distinct zones of the collecting arrangement.

Abstract: An electric toaster with a toasting carriage which is automatically raised from a toasting position to a first ejection position has a manually-operated mechanism for raising the carriage above the first ejection position to assist in removing smaller items from the toasting carnage. The carriage is slidably supported on an upright rail together with, and moveable independently of an actuating member, to which a handle is fixed, and a support member urged by a spring to an uppermost position. The actuating member abuts the carriage to move the carriage, the actuating member, and the support member simultaneously, both when the handle is moved downwards towards the toasting position and when the carriage, the actuating member and the support member are released by a hold-down mechanism to return the carriage to the first ejection position.