Abstract: The invention provides a beverage production machine having an apparatus for recognising a package. The apparatus comprises two resonant tank circuits, each comprising a coil and a capacitor; two electronic circuits for detecting changes in coil impedance; a means for generating a signal which is indicative of the changes; and means for controlling the beverage production machine according to the signal. The machine also comprises a holder for supporting the package. The package for use in the machine comprises a base unit having a compartment which contains tea material, and a rim with a projecting lip; conductive material associated with the package having two edge sections situated on opposite sides of the compartment; and a lid attached to the base unit around the rim, the central portion of the lid comprising at least one perforated line. The invention also provides a method of recognising the package.

Abstract: A method of operating a beverage preparation machine, the beverage preparation machine being of the type comprising a brewer comprising: a reservoir containing water; a delivery head for receiving in use a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients; a pump for pumping water from said reservoir to said delivery head; a primary heater for heating the water contained in said reservoir; a secondary heater in between the reservoir and the delivery head; a controller for controlling energisation of the primary heater and the secondary heater; and wherein the controller operates to prevent energisation of the primary heater simultaneous with energisation of the secondary heater. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed and methods and apparatus utilising first and second brewers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a container and (2) the automated method for opening such container and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a customer receptacle or glass.

Abstract: A delivery head for a beverage preparation machine comprising a movable first part, a fixed second part and a cartridge guide; the first part being movable between an open position and a clamping position; the cartridge guide being operatively engaged with the first part and slidably movable relative to the second part between a loading position and a dispensing position; the cartridge guide being located in the loading position when the first part is in the open position so as to enable loading of a cartridge into the cartridge guide; wherein on movement of the first part into the clamping position the cartridge guide is slidable into the dispensing position due to the operative engagement of the cartridge guide with the first part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system including a base station including a (e.g. removable) water reservoir of large capacity, and an autonomous beverage preparation module including an extraction head and being removably connectable to the base station from an autonomous-use mode to docked-use mode. The autonomous module includes a water inlet connection member. The autonomous module and the base station respectively include matching positioning members which engage when the beverage preparation module is connected to the base station in the docked position, and the system includes alternative water supply members and water outlet connection members adapted for connecting to the water inlet connection member of the module for supplying water to the module when the module is in the autonomous-use mode.

Abstract: The beverage producing device comprises a housing (3) and a removable water container (9) which is designed to be connected to the outside of said housing (3) in an operative position, when the device is in use. The water container is further designed to be recoverable in an inoperative position inside a recovery seat (27) formed by said housing or parts thereof, when the device is not in use.

Abstract: A toasting machine for toasting a food product includes a housing having a bottom and a top, and a heating source for toasting a food product. The heating source is mounted in the housing and extends upright in a direction from the bottom of the housing to the top of the housing, and completely encircles a toasting chamber in the housing for sourcing surrounding heat to the toasting chamber. An opening in the top of the housing communicates with the toasting chamber for admitting a food product into the toasting chamber for toasting. The heating source is a heat-insulative wall that has an inner face that completely encircles the toasting chamber, and resistance wire carried by the wall, which is uniformly distributed along the inner face of wall for sourcing surrounding heat to the toasting chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method that combines traditional open flame cooking and modern cooking techniques (including, but not limited to, convection cooking, conduction cooking, microwave cooking etc). It not only allows traditional cooking steps that take place in open flame but also gives the user an option to switch over to other cooking technique to complete the cooking.

Abstract: A grill device includes a grilling unit, a heating unit, a controlling unit and a switching unit. A second grilling module of the grilling unit (3) is pivotable to a first grilling module between closed and open positions to cover and uncover the first grilling module, respectively. First and second control modules of the controlling unit enable the heating unit to heat the first and second grilling modules with a first heating power and at least the first grilling module with a second heating power, respectively. The switching unit, is configured to be triggered to turn on the first control module when the second grilling module is at the closed position, and to turn on the second control module when it is not triggered.

Abstract: A diverter, and a cooking chamber and cooking apparatus including the diverter, is capable of diffusing liquids, semi-solid substances, and the like. The diverter includes a diverter plate and an orifice that projects from a surface of the diverter plate. The orifice has an open sidewall portion. The diverter further includes a recessed portion formed in the diverter plate, extending from the orifice, and a bumper portion that projects from a surface of the recessed portion and is disposed proximate to the orifice. The cooking chamber includes a heating element, a wall, an inlet port formed in the wall, and a cooking chamber fitting disposed adjacent to the inlet port. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber, a filter pan, a filter pump, and an inlet port formed in a wall of the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A quick release skewer assembly comprising a skewer shaft with a first end portion and a second end portion axially spaced from the first end portion, a first clamping element connected to the first end portion with a first grip face, and a clamping assembly adjacent the second end portion including an anchor element and a second clamping element with a second grip face. The first grip face is axially separated from the second grip face by a grip distance. The first clamping element is axially and rotationally engaged to the skewer. The anchor element is threadably connected to the skewer shaft such that the grip distance may be selectively threadably adjusted. The clamping assembly is operative to selectively displace the second grip face in a generally linear and axial direction between: (i) an open orientation wherein the grip distance is axially expanded and distal; and (ii) a closed orientation wherein the grip distance is axially contracted and proximal relative to the open orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is, multi-spit accessory conversion kit intended to be used for multiple types of barbecue grills and pits. The kits multiple skewer assembly is capable of being adjusted to various sized grills. The skewers are also able to easily be placed and removed from the multi-functional rotating rotisseries to control cooking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for infrared peeling of fruits and vegetables is disclosed herein.

Abstract: An interactive waste receptacle combines a waste receptacle, a display device, a sensor, a camera, a speaker, and a variety of interactive media to receive and process waste, and perform an assortment of interactive functions in a public venue. The interactive waste receptacle detects events from a user, and responds to the events with interactive functions, including; receiving, compacting, and processing a waste; detecting proximal images, sounds, and smells; and displaying advertisements, text, graphics, animation, video, audio, and games. The waste receptacle receives and compacts the waste. A display device integrated with the waste receptacle displays images of advertising, messages, and pertinent information. A sensor detects events from the user. A camera records a user image. A speaker emits and receives audio signals to the user. Interactive media also record user events. The sensor, camera, speaker, and interactive media perform an interactive function in response to the event.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention describes an calendaring apparatus comprising a roller press comprising a first roller and a second roller, a static electricity generator, a motor drive system in communication with the first roller and the second roller to impart rotation to first roller and the second roller, wherein the static electricity generator imparts a static charge to a surface of the first roller, and a material holding tray for holding a material in communication with the first roller.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing a relief raster image, comprising customary color channels for indicating a color of each pixel and a height channel for indicating a height of each pixel into several pass images that are printed using a printer with several colorants including a white colorant. For each pixel a relief part, a white part and a skin part are discriminated in order to combine the demands for height and color variation across the surface of the image. The skin part comprises pixels for which a colorant composition based on the color channels of the relief raster image is established. In order to print a color in the skin part that is independent of a height of the pixel, the relief part comprises an arbitrary colorant composition and the white part comprises mainly white colorant.

Abstract: An electronic printing device in the form of a manual stamp has a housing in which an electronic printing unit cartridge is received to which an electronic control unit is assigned for setting the printed image and of which the lower printing head is disposed in order to generate a printed image via the open lower side of the housing on a base via which the housing is displaced, a slide cover being provided that is arranged so as to be displaceable between a closing or rest position in which it covers the lower printing head of the cartridge, and an open or printing position in which the lower printing head of the cartridge is exposed; the slide cover is displaceably arranged immediately on the lower side of the housing, the slide cover being guided in control links which are provided on the sides of the housing and into which the slide cover engages via guide pins.

Abstract: A method for enabling D2T2 printing onto non-D2T2 printable substrates uses a diffusible primer material provided on a dye-sheet or ribbon. The primer comprises a polymer, a release agent and a plasticizer. The release agent and the plasticizer are diffused into the substrate, while the polymer remains on the dye-sheet or ribbon. Printing of the primer onto the PC substrate is controlled via a computer image program corresponding to a colored image. This computer image program also controls the printing of the colored image at the primed locations. Accordingly, image-wise treatment of a plastic material via the primer selectively renders the PC substrate surface D2T2 printable at the point of personalization, providing for a 100% PC full card body having the colored image.

Abstract: Optically sensitised binders which are energetic polyphosphazenes tailored at the molecular level to achieve enhanced absorption of electromagnetic radiation by having attached thereto a chromophore to absorb light and therefore ignite the binder in use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-lethal projectile to be fired using a paintball gun, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an aerodynamic non-lethal projectile which is used for marking, inhibiting or administering medicinal or other chemical substances to live targets. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a projectile comprising a body shaped to receive a capsule containing a substance, the body having a stabilising member connected thereto for stabilising the projectile in flight when the projectile is discharged from a weapon, and an annular member connected to the stabilising member at a rear end of the projectile for positioning the projectile relative to the weapon and relative to other projectiles to be discharged by the weapon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lead-free projectile (5) having improved performance and intended for small-bore weapons, configured so that the quantity of toxic metal particles and gases which is formed by the friction between the projectile (5) and the inner side of the weapon upon firing of the projectile (5) is reduced, at the same time as the performance of the projectile (5) is improved or maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulling machine for unloading and laying railway tracks, which moves by means of caterpillar tracks running next to the sleepers arranged on the setting bed, with the rail on the provisional supports arranged on the sleepers. The machine comprises a cabin and two caterpillar tracks and includes, in its rear tractor part, a pulling slide that comprises a tube with fastening elements, said tube sliding horizontally, actuated by a hydraulic cylinder comprising a piston connected to the tube, via three dismountable metal supports provided with teflon elements for facilitating the sliding, said metal supports being connected to steel elements acted upon by articulated arms generating the vertical movement by means of the action of another hydraulic cylinder, always maintaining the pulling direction. The machine pulls the rails without needing an auxiliary track, maintaining the position of the track-laying train.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a vehicle line comprising at least two rails which are parallel to each other and fastened to a substructure and on which plate-shaped elements are arranged, characterized in that in the lateral lower portion the plate-shaped elements respectively comprise downwardly projecting bearing blocks which are supported in a vertically adjustable manner on holding elements which are respectively fastened to one of the rails.

Abstract: Various embodiments for an exhaust gas treatment device for a vehicle system are provided. In one example, the vehicle system includes an engine with a longitudinal axis, where a crankshaft of the engine is parallel to the longitudinal axis and an exhaust gas treatment device mounted on the engine, vertically above the engine such that a longitudinal axis of the exhaust gas treatment device is aligned in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the engine, the exhaust gas treatment device configured to receive exhaust gas from an exhaust manifold of the engine.

Abstract: An axlebox, comprising a first housing part, a second housing part and a bearing unit mounted therebetween, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part are connected by pivot element on one side of the bearing unit and by tightening feature on another side of the bearing unit. The invention also concerns a vehicle comprising at least one such axlebox. The invention also concerns processes for mounting, dismounting or replacing the bearing unit in such an axlebox.

Abstract: A rail vehicle for passenger transport. The rail vehicle has at least one carriage with a trough-shaped inner floor section.

Abstract: A running gear frame for a rail vehicle, comprising a frame body. The frame body comprises two longitudinal beams and a transverse beam unit providing a structural connection between the longitudinal beams, such that a substantially H-shaped configuration is formed. Each longitudinal beam has a free end section forming a primary suspension interface. Each longitudinal beam has a pivot interface section associated to the free end section and forming a pivot interface for a pivot arm. Each longitudinal beam has an angled section associated to the free end section, the angled section being arranged such that the free end section forms a pillar section. The pivot interface section is integrated into to the angled section and the frame body is formed as a monolithically cast component made of a grey cast iron material.

Abstract: A device transmits a force between a chassis and a body of a rail vehicle. The device is a structurally simple, space-saving device which allows spring movements and rotational movements of the body relative to the chassis. This is achieved in that at least one first traction link buffer, which has a first end face, and at least one second traction link buffer, which has a second end face, are fixed to the chassis. The first end face is spaced from the second end face in a longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. The two end faces point in at least approximately opposite directions, and a stop plate with sliding portions which are mutually spaced in the longitudinal direction is provided on the body. The end faces of the traction link buffers rest against the sliding portions in a slidable manner at least along some sections.

Abstract: A wood preservative includes injectable particles comprising one or more sparingly soluble copper salts. The copper-based particles are sufficiently insoluble so as to not be easily removed by leaching but are sufficiently soluble to exhibit toxicity to primary organisms primarily responsible for the decay of the wood. Exemplary particles contain for example copper hydroxide, basic copper carbonate, copper carbonate, basic copper sulfates including particularly tribasic copper sulfate, basic copper nitrates, copper oxychlorides, copper borates, basic copper borates, and mixtures thereof. The particles typically have a size distribution in which at least 50% of particles have a diameter smaller than 0.25 ?m, 0.2 ?m, or 0.15 ?m. At least about 20% and even more than 75% of the weight of the particles may be composed of the substantially crystalline copper salt. Wood or a wood product may be impregnated with copper based particles of the invention.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions which contain amino functional organosilicon compounds can be used to modify inorganic, organic, or organosilicon substrates to improve their adhesion and stabilization.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bentonite modifier, comprising a water-soluble thiosulfate, a water-soluble alcohol compound, and a water-soluble amine compound, wherein the amounts of thiosulfate, the alcohol compound, and the amine compound are in the ratio of (0.3˜1):(0.3˜1):(0.3˜1). The present disclosure further relates to a bentonite-containing cement additive capable of resisting permeation and salt corrosion, comprising bentonite and said modifier, wherein the content of the bentonite modifier is 0.2˜5% of the bentonite by weight. Meanwhile, the present disclosure also provides use of the modified bentonite.

Abstract: Cement-SCM blends employ particle packing principles to increase particle packing density and reduce interstitial spacing between the cement and SCM particles. Particle packing reduces the amount of water required to obtain a cement paste having a desired flow, lowers the water-cementitious material ratio (w/cm), and increases early and long-term strengths. This may be accomplished by providing a hydraulic cement fraction having a narrow PSD and at least one SCM fraction having a mean particle size that differs from the mean particle size of the narrow PSD cement by a multiple of 3.0 or more to yield a cement-SCM blend having a particle packing density of at least 57.0%.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of making a cement-based object or structure having a compressive strength greater than about 1,000 psi. The method comprises placing a cement-based material in an insulated concrete form, wherein the insulated concrete form has an R-value of at least 1.5, wherein the cement-based material comprises approximately 10% to approximately 80% by weight portland cement, and at least one of approximately 10% to approximately 90% by weight slag cement and approximately 5% to approximately 80% by weight fly ash. The invention also comprises a method of making a cement-based object or structure. The invention further comprises objects or structures made by the foregoing methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the preparation of alkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers, and the use of such alkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers in the preparation and use of mortars and other cement-based systems; also disclosed is a hydraulic composition containing at least one retarder, at least one accelerator and a cellulose ether having a prolonged open time without deterioration of the other cement tile adhesive properties such as workability, setting time, strength development and sag resistance; and further disclosed are dry mortars containing encapsulated calcium chloride used in preparing mortar materials for use in construction, and the preparation and use of such mortars in cold weather environments is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cementitious composition including at least one cementitious material and at least one crack reducing admixture including: (i) from 0 to about 5 weight percent of at least one alcohol, based on the total weight of the admixture excluding water; and (ii) a compound having the chemical structure of formula (III): wherein: v is an integer from 0 to 50 and w is an integer from 0 to 50, with the proviso that the sum of v and w is at least 1 but not greater than 50. Also, methods of making the cementitious composition, reducing or eliminating the formation of cracks in a cementitious composition as the cementitious composition cures, and limiting the size of cracks which form in a cementitious composition as the cementitious composition cures using an admixture for cementitious compositions as described herein.

Abstract: A video source control assembly for use with at least a first display screen and a plurality of video source devices, the control assembly including a deck member forming a top surface and at least one cable passing opening, a switching device, a plurality of control cables, each control cable including first and second ends, each first end linkable to at least one source device and the second end linked to the switching device to provide video content thereto and a separate housing mounted to an intermediate portion of each of the control cables so that flexible portions of the associated control cable extend from the housing to each of the first and second ends, a separate selection button mounted in each of the housings that provides a control signal to the switching device causing the switching device to modify the content presented on the display screen, wherein, the portion of each cable between the housing and the second end passes through the cable passing opening and the housing has dimensions such t

Abstract: Extractable drawer device (1), comprising: a drawer (10) having a front end (15) and a rear end (14) with respect to an extraction direction of the drawer in a sliding direction (S-S); a guide and support system of the drawer (10) connectable to a piece of furniture and configured to permit a displacement of the drawer (10) between a retracted drawer position and an extracted drawer position, wherein, in the extracted drawer position, the drawer (10) is completely outside and distant from the space occupied in the retracted position. Piece of furniture with a top (100) having a visible edge (101), comprising said extractable drawer device (1), wherein said drawer device (1) is mounted at a lower face of said top (100), in a hidden and retracted position with respect to the visible edge (101) and at a distance from the visible edge (101) substantially equal to the distance between the drawer in the extracted position and the space occupied by the drawer (10) in the retracted position.

Abstract: A table may be sized and configured to nest with another table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a table top with a receiving portion disposed at least proximate an intersection of an upper surface and a sidewall. The table top may also include a lip and a lower portion of the lip may include a contact surface that is sized and configured to contact an upper surface of an adjacent, nested table. The lower portion of the lip may also include an engaging portion that is sized and configured to be disposed in a receiving portion of an adjacent, nested table. The contact surface and the engaging portion may be directly adjacent to each other in the lower portion of the lip.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the synthesis of a nano-hybrid catalyst made of carbon nanotubes and metal ferrite materials for the removal of NOx compounds, which are emitted from stationary sources, through an ammonia selective catalytic reduction process. Weight ratios of carbon nanotube (x) to metal ferrite (y) is preferably about (x/y) 0.1 to 10. The present invention is also directed to the synthesis of a nano-hybrid catalyst to improve the efficiency of the conventional NOx reduction process at lower reaction temperatures. By use of the preferred nano-hybrid catalyst, it is possible to locate a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit capable of operating at lower temperatures, e.g., below 260° C., and from about 50° C. to about 250° C., after the desulfurizer and the particle removal equipment. With the exhaust gas cleaner, the lifetime of the catalyst can be increased. This nano-hybrid catalyst provides higher NOx removal efficiencies at low temperatures, typically from about 50° C.

Abstract: To provide a device for removing radioactive cesium from waste material containing radioactive cesium, doing so at low energy and in a dependable manner. The removal device 1 for radioactive cesium is provided with: a rotary kiln 41 which is provided with a burner 41b supplying from the kiln outlet an organic matter O3 contaminated with radioactive cesium, and an inorganic matter charging port 41a supplying from the kiln inlet inorganic matter S4 contaminated with radioactive cesium, and which is employed to burn the organic matter O3 together with the inorganic matter S4; and a recovery device cooling tower 51, a cyclone 52, a bag filter 53 for recovering cesium that has volatilized in the rotary kiln. A drying/crushing device (dryer 21, crusher 22) for drying and crushing the organic matter O1 prior to charging the radioactive cesium-contaminated organic matter to the rotary kiln can be provided.

Abstract: A disk opener includes a disk blade for creating a furrow and a closing wheel for closing it. An injection zone is defined generally below and up to slightly forward of the closing wheel. An anhydrous ammonia injector is mounted between the blade and the wheel and delivers anhydrous ammonia via a delivery tube into the furrow at an injection point within the injection zone. The injection point is also preferably centered within the furrow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to improve delivery of liquid anhydrous ammonia from a portable liquid NH3 tank in cold temperatures includes an air compressor coupled to the vapor port of a portable liquid NH3 tank used to supply liquid anhydrous ammonia to an anhydrous ammonia fertilizer applicator. The apparatus can include an actuator to relieve the tank of compressed air after the tank is empty of liquid anhydrous ammonia.

Abstract: A system for planting seeds having a metering system positioned before a belt lowering system that has a sensor to detect the position of a seed on the belt lowering system. The rotational speed of the metering system and the belt lowering system are determined by the speed and location of a planter and the position of the seed on the belt lowering system to correct seed positioning with relation to a pre-mapped or selected field starting location.

Abstract: A double shoot dispensing system including a shank for opening a treatment trench, a seed shovel for creating left and right seed shelves above and on opposite sides of the treatment trench, and a two-piece boot body having a plurality of internal passages defined by assembled left and right halves of the body. A first passage directs the seeds onto the seed shelves, a second passage directs a granular fertilizer treatment into the treatment trench, and first and second tube passages receive first and second tubes delivering additional treatments into the treatment trench. Left and right ducts branch from the first passage so as to guide the deposit of the seeds. The body is constructed of a material having a relatively low mass and a relatively low coefficient of friction, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, nylon, or polyacetal, and is externally shaped so as to taper in a direction of travel.

Abstract: An embroidery data generator generating embroidery data on which an embroidery pattern is sewn includes a display unit configured to be capable of color display, a control device configured to cause the display unit to display a color chart representing at least one of three attributes of hue, saturation and value of a color, to set a range on the color chart displayed by the display unit, to randomly extract one of colors within the set range, the one color being used as thread color data, the embroidery pattern including a plurality of color-based pattern portions, the thread color data specifying colors of the color-based pattern portions, and to assign the extracted color to the thread color data of a corresponding one of the color-based pattern portions.

Abstract: A system includes a catamaran configured for use in a body of water and having twin hulls, the catamaran comprising an opening between the twin hulls, the opening having a size and shape substantially the same as a payload module. The system also includes the payload module removably coupled to the catamaran in the opening between the twin hulls. The system further includes a common interface coupled to the payload module and the catamaran, the common interface configured to exchange utilities between the payload module and the catamaran.

Abstract: A boat includes: a pair of buoyancy units spaced from each other; a bottom plate structure connecting the bottoms of the pair of buoyancy units to each other; and a water storage defined by the pair of buoyancy units and the bottom plate structure, open rearward at the stern to take water from the outside, and keeping the water flowing therein. The boat can keep the balance more stable, is free from a common waterproof problem, and can improve a running ability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabin (70) for a floating installation, in particular for a ship (60), having a room unit (1) which is bounded at least by a ceiling (10) and walls (20), and lines (30) which supply the room unit (1), in particular with air, water, data, power, illumination, etc. Provision is made according to the invention for the lines (30) to extend in the room unit (1) in such a way that the lines (30) simultaneously act as reinforcing means for the room unit (1).

Abstract: The fender assembly has a fender holder. The fender holder includes a base, to be attached to a berthing structure at a position proximate an edge of the berthing structure, and a fender engaging formation attached to said base. The fender assembly further includes a fender body. The fender engaging formation is adapted to hold the fender body such that said fender body extends outwardly from the fender holder so as to overlaps the edge of the berthing structure.

Abstract: A tow bar holder for securing a tow bar to a boat having an outboard engine has two separate securing elements secured to the stern of the boat. The securing elements each have a fixing element for securing to an engine plate, and a receiving element. The feet of the tow bar can be plugged into a receiving space of the receiving element. In this case, the internal dimensions of the receiving space are larger than the external dimensions of the feet of the tow bar, such that the tow bar is tiltable and/or is fixable in various positions in the receiving space.