Abstract: A temperature control system and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a beverage contained within a beverage server. The temperature control system enabling a user to control of a plurality of attributes of temperature of a beverage from the making of a beverage until the dispensing and disposal of the beverage.

Abstract: Coffee making apparatus and methods provide a tamped packing of loose ground coffee thereby obtaining richer flavor. The Coffee maker includes a reservoir, a pump, a heater, and a check valve. Coffee grounds are first loosely deposited in a coffee holder and then tamped onto a compacted state. The coffee holder may be filled loosely with the coffee and then placed into the coffee making apparatus and compacted, or the coffee may be compacted in the coffee holder and then the coffee holder placed into the coffee making apparatus. The compacting may be by a spring or by a resilient solid material and may be part of the coffee holder or part of the coffee making apparatus.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the brewing of beverages from a liquid, such as water, and a flavor base, such as tea, cocoa, or coffee. Specifically, aspects of the present disclosure enable the brewing of beverages with a level of precision that can yield a uniform taste from cup to cup, and at a rapid rate. In one embodiment, a liquid is heated in a reservoir to a predetermined temperature. Prior to brewing a beverage with the liquid, the liquid may be passed through a temperature control unit to cool the liquid to a desired brewing temperature. By utilizing such a temperature control unit, the brewing temperature can be varied on a per-beverage basis. Moreover, utilization of a temperature control unit can enable the liquid to be brought to a desired brewing temperature relatively rapidly.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus including a soluble beverage system and a liquid flavor dispensing system. The liquid flavor dispensing system can add liquid flavor to water flowing through a heated water manifold for combination with beverage material dispensed from the soluble beverage system. The liquid flavor dispensing system and soluble beverage system are cooperatively positioned and controlled to combine liquid flavor, water, and soluble beverage material for controllably producing a variety of beverages.

Abstract: A machine having a support structure with a hot-water dispensing head, a capsule-carrying assembly which is mounted so as to be movable in a first plane in the support structure. The machine further including a guide means suitable for allowing the capsule-carrying assembly to move between a working position in which the assembly is coupled with the dispensing head and an intermediate position in which the assembly can pivot about a first axis perpendicular to the first plane, towards an angular loading position in which it can receive a capsule. The machine also having an actuating device which includes an actuator member which is rotatable about a second fixed axis and can bring about the movement thereof between the working position and the loading position.

Abstract: A device for frothing milk with a base element including a container for receiving milk to be frothed and a removable lid including a motor for driving a circular annular spring for frothing milk, the latter being driven by a motor in the lid. To this end, electrical energy needs to be transferred to the motor. This is done using inductive coupling. This removes the need for providing bare electrical contacts thus removing disadvantages like risk of short circuit and electrical shock hazards. To achieve this, both the base element and the lid are fitted with windings for transferring electrical energy. To improve the effectiveness of inductive coupling, frequency conversion means are provided to supplying an alternating current at a relatively high frequency to the first winding. The first winding is used as an inductive element for an oscillator as well.

Abstract: There is provided a toaster grill having a lower housing that supports a lower cooking surface and an upper housing that supports an upper cooking surface. The upper housing pivots with respect to a “U” shaped frame that is hinged with respect to the lower cooking surface. A locking hinge allows the pivoting motion of the frame to be automatically arrested in an intermediate orientation between the fully closed and fully open grill orientations. The locking hinge automatically resets when the upper housing is rotated from the fully open grill orientation to the fully closed orientation.

Abstract: A cooking skillet that provides a unique automatic stirring system for continuously stirring foods during cooking. The cooking skillet comprises a base, a receptacle, a heating element, and an automatic stirring system. The automatic stirring system comprises a stirring wand located in the receptacle and a bracket located in the base. The stirring wand and the bracket are attracted to each other through magnetic forces that provide sufficient magnetism to attract one to the other. A motor is attached to the bracket by a connecting rod and provides the means to rotate the bracket in a clockwise direction. The magnetism between the magnets in the bracket and the magnets in the stirring wand forces the stirring wand to rotate in connection with the bracket. During rotation, the stirring wand is designed to mix the food contained within the receptacle.

Abstract: An inverted suspension poultry roasting rack for supporting a poultry in an inverted position with only the interior portion of the poultry making physical contact with the support rack. The inverted suspension poultry roasting rack generally includes a base unit, a first member extending upwardly from the base unit at a first angle with respect to the base unit, a second member extending upwardly from the first member, a third member extending downwardly from the second member at a second angle with respect to the base unit, and a hook extending from the distal portion of the third member. A poultry is positioned upon the third member and retained in an inverted position for cooking.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a food manufacturing apparatus comprising a feed system for inputting a plurality of materials, an extruder and a cutting assembly. The extruder comprises a pump system and a rotating extrusion die removably connected to the pump system, wherein the rotating extrusion die comprises at least one product channel for receiving and extruding the plurality of materials. The cutting assembly comprises at least one groove and a wire attached through the groove. The feed system is attached to the extruder and the cutting assembly is located at a position to cut the extruded plurality of materials with the wire from the rotating extrusion die.

Abstract: A household appliance has a container for receiving working material and a housing that is isolated from the container by a wall. A rotatable working tool disposed inside the container. A motor for driving the working tool has a stator and a rotor. The stator is disposed within the housing so as to be isolated from the working material of the container. The rotor is disposed within the container and the working tool is preferably fixed to a shaft of the rotor.

Abstract: A pistol grip spring compressor system including a spring lock unit, an actuator assembly, and an anvil module such that the spring lock unit secures a valve spring coil of a valve spring unit from an internal combustion engine in a fixed position relative to a frame element to permit an anvil, provided by the anvil module and positioned against a valve spring retainer of the valve spring unit, to maintain compression on the valve spring while the valve spring unit is separated from an automobile internal engine combustion block.

Abstract: A round baler of the non-stop type has three arms rotating about a common axis and having rolls at their free ends. A loop may be formed between the rolls of the same arm, whereas a small loop is created, by way of which the start of a bale core can be achieved.

Abstract: A safety actuator apparatus for a baling machine comprising an extension member coupled to a baling machine having at least one baling chamber, the extension member having at least one end extending outwardly from the baling machine and a support member comprising a safety actuated retention component that aligns with and is configured to contact and restrain the at least one end of the extension member. The apparatus further comprises a detection device for identifying the presence of an obstacle in a predetermined path or a trajectory of movement of at least one component of the baling machine and a communication device configured to send a signal from the detection device to the safety actuated retention component and engage the safety actuated retention component to restrain the movement of at least one component of the baling machine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure set forth an embosser for a die. The embosser includes a frame, a roller body, and a handle. The frame includes two substantially parallel sides. The roller body includes a roller to be in contact with the die. The embosser further includes a first pin pivotally coupling an end of the handle to the sides of the frame, and a second pin pivotally coupled the handle to a first end of the roller body. The second pin further couples the first end of the roller body to the sides of the frame along a first path. The embosser further includes a third pin coupling a second end of the roller body to the sides of the frame along a second path.

Abstract: A sleeve segment for flexography has the shape of a sleeve with a first circular side containing a female registration element and a second circular side containing a male registration element. Also a method for manufacturing a flexographic sleeve segment, segmented sleeves and methods of flexographic printing.

Abstract: An optical imaging apparatus (80) for direct engraving of flexographic plates (52) includes at least two laser sources (43), each emitting laser beams (44). A mirror or prism (45) is placed in front of each of the laser sources to alter an optical path of each of the laser beams. The laser beams cut the flexographic plate at different depths and cut out chunks (65) of the flexographic plate.

Abstract: The printing machine comprises at least one transfer system (5) for conveying a substrate (1) onto an impression cylinder (6) and at least one screen (7, 8) of cylindrical or flat shape, with a doctor blade, said screen collaborating with the impression cylinder (6) and intended to print the substrate with an ink containing pigments that can be orientated by a magnetic field and an unloading system (9) for carrying the substrate (1) away. The impression cylinder comprises at least one magnetic element on its impression surface, said magnetic element being positioned at a point corresponding to said impression performed by said screen (7, 8) on said substrate.

Abstract: A remote initiator breaching system for initiating breaching charges over a short range requiring no physical link between the breacher and the demolition charge. The remote initiator breaching system has at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, at least one shock tube connectable to a breaching charge and a power source for each of the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is able to generate and transmit a coded signal. The transmitter has an input for inputting operational commands into the transmitter for generating the coded signal, The transmitter has a plurality of channels representing different frequency bands, and multiple addresses for each channel such that transmission of the coded signal from the transmitter to the receiver is possible per individual addresses or all addresses simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a very bright white light source. The apparatus is a coruscative white light generator, comprising: a shaped charge liner; and a radial line-shaped charge that initiates coruscative reactions in the shaped charge liner. In one aspect, the method comprises initiating coruscative reactions in a shaped charge liner using a radial line-shaped charge. In another aspect, the method comprises subtending a significant portion of an observer field of view while denying said observer the ability to identify targets and/or aim optical devices through large area coverage of about 3,000 to about 5,000 Kelvin particles.

Abstract: A shot pellet for a shotshell. The shot pellet has a generally cubic shape comprising six generally square faces joined by rounded edges that have a radius of curvature of between about 15% and 40% of the distance between opposite faces of the generally cubic shaped pellet.

Abstract: A kinetic energy fragmenting warhead includes a penetrator, a plurality of fragments disposed about the penetrator, and a sleeve disposed about at least some of the plurality of fragments. A projectile includes a body and a kinetic energy fragmenting warhead disposed in the body. The kinetic energy fragmenting warhead includes a penetrator, a plurality of fragments disposed about the penetrator, and a sleeve disposed about at least some of the plurality of fragments.

Abstract: A rail vehicle has a powered bogie, wherein the powered bogie has driven wheels. Each driven wheel of the powered bogie can be driven by an electric machine, with a power converter being assigned to the electric machine. As a result, a separate power converter is assigned to each driven wheel.

Abstract: A device for the on-demand sealing of an opening provided in the frontal region of a track-guided vehicle has sealing member of variable size and a frame for supporting the sealing member. The frame together with the sealing member affixed thereto enclose an area through which the coupling shaft of a central buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle can be guided. The sealing member is controllable such that the size of the area covered by sealing member can be varied.

Abstract: A hopper car discharge section may be wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Outflow is controlled by movable closure members. The hopper car has a plurality of hoppers of which two hoppers share a common ridge assembly. The ridge assembly forms a common mating and fit up location for the upper margins of the slope sheets of two lengthwise adjacent hoppers. The ridge assembly includes an horizontal center section and two end plates that angle upwardly outboard toward the top chords of the sidewalls. The ridge assembly stands proud of the upper margin of the respective adjacent slope sheets. A gusset is mounted between the adjacent slope sheets below the ridge plate such that the slope sheets and gusset form a reinforcement tube running across the car, the end plates forming the stems of a vertical T-section attached to the sidewall and overlapping the top chord.

Abstract: A panel television support and mounting kit allows the consumer to employ any of the three modes of support, namely stand mount, elevated console mount and wall mount. The elevated console mount incorporates a vertical spine to elevate the panel television above the console and an offset arm to support the television over an upper shelf of the console. A mounting structure is provided that can be attached to the spine or to a wall. Pivoting and tilting is accommodated by the mounting structure.

Abstract: A pallet for storage and transport of goods consists of an upper deck that serves as a standing surface for the goods, standing feet that can be assembled onto the underside of the upper deck, and accommodation channels formed into the upper deck, for affixing at least one reinforcement strip. The upper deck is divided into at least two rectangular partial regions, and each partial region has an accommodation channel for a reinforcement strip, which is disposed in the diagonal of the partial region.

Abstract: A table may include a molded plastic table top with an upper surface, a lower surface and a hollow interior portion disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The upper surface, lower surface and hollow interior portion of the table top may be integrally formed during the molding process as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. The table may also include a side rail of a frame connected to the lower surface of the table top and a plurality of depressions disposed between the side rail and the upper surface of the table top. The plurality of depressions may be integrally formed in the lower surface of the table top during the molding process as part of the unitary, one-piece construction. The plurality of depressions may be sized and configured to support the portion of the table top disposed above the side rail of the frame.

Abstract: A method of seed planting in a “serpentine” pattern called the wave planter is demonstrated. It consists of a manner of placing the seeds that essentially results in equally spaced rows of seeds placed in a serpentine-like layout or wave instead of a straight row. The preferred method creates a wave pattern equidistant from the next, yet creates a substantial increase over the density of straight row planting devices and drills (e.g. parallel, essentially straight rows). The use of the wave pattern provide concrete and substantial benefits to the business and economics of farming through labor, energy, and maintenance savings over current planting methods which results in a new farming business method. The method may be accomplished by several devices. Some of the devices include an oscillating draw bar planter; oscillating tongue planter; elliptical row opener; steerable undercarriage for the planter and castor row openers under undercarriage.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a bobbin case (5) is provided with a locking lever (35) supported pivotally in the bobbin cover (27). The locking lever is pivotal on a shaft (33). A hook-shaped end (51) is formed at the locking lever (35), which latches in the sleeve (9) in the hook and can hold the bobbin case (3) in the hook (1).

Abstract: A pneumatic seacock retrofit is provided for convenient closing of all or a portion of the seacocks, whether as a matter of every day convenience or for use in an emergency, in which all of the vessel's seacocks can be pneumatically closed at the same time, leaving the possibility of selectively overriding seacock closure, with all control valves operating to provide a momentary pulse of air to the rotary actuators and then return to a neutral position, leaving the actuators free for further control. Moreover, an operator is free to manually close a valve in the event that the pneumatic system fails.

Abstract: The floating foundation supporting framework according to the invention for offshore structures comprises a plurality of buoyancy elements which are arranged on the outside of a bar-type supporting framework which, in turn, is connected to ballast elements via cables (8, 9, 10). This design results in a simple construction and low construction costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for dynamic control of running trim and list of a boat, said boat having at least one hull (2) with a stern (3), said arrangement (1) having a housing member (9), an interceptor member (5), an actuating means (10), a drive unit (7) operated by a power supply means (8), and a guiding means (22), said guiding means (22) being arranged to guide said interceptor member (5) between a first end position and a second end position, said actuating means (10) being arranged to displace said interceptor member (5) in a movement between said first and second end positions in relation to said housing member (9) by being driven by said drive unit (7), and said housing member (9) fully enclosing said interceptor member (5) in said first end position and partially enclosing said interceptor member (5) in said second end position.

Abstract: A step shape in a planing hull for water craft and more particularly for sailboards, surfboard or PWC for increasing the lift in front of the step and decreasing it in back at high planing speed, which has dynamic lift directly behind the step when the hull is traveling at a transition speed between displacement mode and planing mode, but at high planing speed it does not have lift directly behind the step. The hull has increased speed because the lift behind the step at transition speed allows the position of the step to be moved forward and in one embodiment has cambered surface (9) in front of the step. This step does not go across the full width of the hull such that there is a continuous planing surface in front of the fins or other means, which it is desirous that they not ventilate, and fin or other means has more ventilation resistance in another embodiment.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting a mother ship with a submersible vehicle using a cable towed by the mother ship. The cable has a first cable end connected to the mother ship and a second cable end to be connected to the submersible vehicle. The second cable end is provided with a first connector. A capturing mast is arranged at the submersible vehicle for capturing the cable towed by the mother ship. A connector holder is arranged at the submersible vehicle for holding the first connector when it is to be connected to a second connector. The second connector is connected to the submersible vehicle. A first guide is arranged at the submersible vehicle for guiding the first connector towards the connector holder of the submersible vehicle. A second guide turns the connector to a well defined position into the connector holder.

Abstract: A run/walk may include visible progress marking of participants. The run/walk may be marked including marking one or more color zones and marking a start line and a finish line. A start to the run/walk may be signaled. The participants may traverse the run/walk including traversing the color zones. At each color zone, a quantity of a colored substance may be propelled at the participants as they traverse the color zone. Each color zone may be associated with a color, and colored substance propelled at the participants in each color zone may include the associated color. After the run/walk is complete, markings for the run/walk may be removed. An article of clothing may include the visible progress markings after receiving the propelled quantity of the colored substance. The markings may be preserved on the article of clothing by adding vinegar and hot pressing the article of clothing.

Abstract: A wear indication system for use in turbine engines to measure gap closure that indicates the amount of wear found on a compressor diaphragm outer hook to prevent contact between a compressor vane attached to the compressor diaphragm outer hook and an upstream compressor blade. The wear indication system enables the wear to be serviced before failure occurs. The wear indication system may be formed from a base mounting plate having one or more wearable material layers attached thereto. In one embodiment, the wear indication system may have multiple wearable material layers. The outermost wearable layer may have a cross-sectional area less than a wearable layer to which it is attached to enable visual determination of the amount of wear that has occurred. The wearable layers may be formed from a honeycomb shaped material enabling wear to occur without threatening downstream components with damage.

Abstract: An electroless plating system includes a plating solution, and controlling reducing agents in the plating solution for deposition over outlier features smaller than about five hundred nanometers and isolated by about one thousand nanometers.

Abstract: A back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly is disclosed. The back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly comprises a nozzle head that is fluidly connected to a back bedding glazing compound supply source and a stabilizer device for retaining a fixed vertical position of a viewing surface while back bedding glazing compound is being dispensed by the nozzle head. The nozzle head includes a back bedding glazing compound channel fluidly connected to a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening is positioned adjacent a bottom surface of the nozzle head.

Abstract: A coating device includes an autoclave and a spray member. The autoclave includes an autoclave body and a cover sealing the autoclave body. The autoclave body defines a plurality of holding grooves in an inner surface thereof for holding substrates. The spray member is positioned on the cover and received in the autoclave body. The spray member defines openings in a side surface thereof. The spray member includes a container and an ultrasonic atomization unit. The container defines a cavity in communication with the openings. The ultrasonic atomization unit is received in the cavity.

Abstract: An electroless plating system is provided. The system includes a first vacuum chuck supporting a first wafer and a second vacuum chuck supporting a second wafer such that a top surface of the second wafer is opposing a top surface of the first wafer. The system also includes a fluid delivery system configured to deliver a plating solution to the top surface of the first wafer, wherein in response to delivery of the plating solution, the top surface of the second wafer is brought proximate to the top surface of the first wafer so that the plating solution contacts both top surfaces. A method for applying an electroless plating solution to a substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A method of increasing mean time between cleans of a plasma etch chamber and chamber parts lifetimes is provided. Semiconductor substrates are plasma etched in the chamber while using at least one sintered silicon nitride component exposed to ion bombardment and/or ionized halogen gas. The sintered silicon nitride component includes high purity silicon nitride and a sintering aid consisting of silicon dioxide. A plasma processing chamber is provided including the sintered silicon nitride component. A method of reducing metallic contamination on the surface of a silicon substrate during plasma processing is provided with a plasma processing apparatus including one or more sintered silicon nitride components. A method of manufacturing a component exposed to ion bombardment and/or plasma erosion in a plasma etch chamber, comprising shaping a powder composition consisting of high purity silicon nitride and silicon dioxide and densifying the shaped component.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed reservoir having a cavity for holding a feed material, and a feed dispensing assembly coupled to the feed reservoir. The feed dispensing assembly includes a check valve to allow selective access to the feed material. The check valve inhibits feed leakage from the feed reservoir during pressure fluctuations within the feed reservoir.

Abstract: A pet litter box comprises a housing, a detachable wall, and a grid. The housing comprises a left wall, right wall, front wall, and back wall that define a well. The left, right, and back walls comprise a plurality of apertures on the top of the walls. The detachable wall comprises three plates that connect to the apertures on top of the walls of the housing. The grid comprises a plurality of holes between grid lines and a locking mechanism. The grid slides into the well and the locking mechanism attaches to the front wall of the housing. A locking frame with an aperture locks over the grid.

Abstract: In a sea cucumber cultivator, sea cucumber cultivation baskets are arranged in multiple layers within a housing to protect the sea cucumbers from the external environment, to enable mass production and easy management of sea cucumbers. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe are arranged to adjust the inflow and outflow of seawater to and from the housing. Each hose outlet is formed at a center region of a lower surface of a bottom of each sea cucumber cultivation basket in each layer so as to supply food for sea cucumbers to the cultivating spaces formed in the cucumber cultivation baskets arranged in multiple layers. Thus, food is discharged through the hose outlets and settles in the baskets to feed sea cucumbers and to enable sea cucumbers to easily intake food.

Abstract: An indoor fish tank has a of walls and bottoms interconnected to define distinct fish holding, sedimentation and bioreactor sections. Water flows out of the bioreactor section into the top of the fish holding section, and then from the bottom of the fish holding section into the sedimentation section. A frame structure with braces connected with the tank walls and bottoms supports the tank on a ground support, with at least the bottom of the fish holding section raised above the ground surface.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a teat cleaning and disinfectant before a milking operation is started that comprises one or more controllers that are configured to monitor various operating parameters of the system. In an embodiment, the current supplied to a motor that drives scrubbing elements in an applicator in order to identify or determine when a teat of a cow is inserted and then removed from the applicator during a wash mode and dry mode. The controller is programmed to count each teat that is properly prepped for milking in order to determine the number of cows that have been properly prepped for milking. If certain thresholds, such as predetermined number of teats on a cow, have not been met a cow is not counted as having been properly prepped.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the cleaning of animal's paws comprises a plastic tub filled with water from a hose attached to a remote faucet and having a side-mounted drain valve. The apparatus also comprises a battery-operated vibrating system that vibrates a floor portion of the tub. Control of the vibrators is provided via a control switch located conveniently along a side panel. During use, the animal is placed or walked into the tub upon returning from the outdoors. The vibrating action along with the water removes all foreign material from the animal's lower legs and paws. Additionally, the vibrating action may be utilized to soothe and comfort the animal's paws.

Abstract: A hands free dog walking system includes a belt for attaching around a person includes a belt for attaching around a person and a traveler operatively connected to the belt to allow a leash operatively connected to the traveler to freely travel around the belt without entangling the person. The system may further include a leash assembly having a first rigid body having an inner end and an outer end, a second rigid body having an inner end and an outer end, a cord threaded through the first rigid body and the second rigid body, a first connector attached to the first end of the cord, and a second connector attached to the second opposite end of the cord.

Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler includes a reaction chamber, where a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) is contained within an enclosure within the lower portion of the reaction chamber and contains an in-bed heat exchanger (IBHX) that occupies part of the reaction chamber floor. A plurality of in-bed secondary air nozzles comprise a plurality of tubes which are grouped together and run across the width of the BFB between the BFB enclosure wall and an outside wall of the CFB. The nozzles are positioned to prevent the deflection of solids falling onto the BFB from the CFB by the secondary air jets while avoiding a complicated structure that would interfere with gas and/or solids movement in the furnace. The nozzles' exit openings are flush, or almost flush, with the BFB enclosure wall.