Abstract: A system for producing an object by means of additive manufacturing including an apparatus, having a storage container for storing powdered material that can be solidified, and a process chamber fluidly connected to the storage container and arranged for receiving at least a part of the powdered material for forming a bath of material within the process chamber. Furthermore, a structure is provided for positioning the object in relation to the surface level of the bath of material. The apparatus also includes a solidifying device for solidifying a layer of the bath of material. A supply device is provided, having a supply container for storing a supply of powdered material that can be solidified, wherein the supply device is fluidly connected, or at least connectable, to the storage container, and wherein the apparatus is arranged for transferring powdered material between the supply container and the storage container.

Abstract: A system and method detection of an empty keg is provided. Carbonated beverages from a keg communicates a carbonated alcoholic beverage to a liquid beverage sensor in fluid communication with the bulk keg. The liquid beverage sensor includes at least one phase detection sensor capable of identifying a foam or gas-liquid interface (Float on Beer Detector), at least one pressure sensor, at least one flow sensor, or at least one temperature sensor. A controller in operative communication with the TCB communicates with the control valve, the actuation button and in communication with the sensors. Upon detection of a low float level for the FOB detector, or low system pressure, or high system temperature, an alarm and/or override of the control of the tap is accomplished.

Abstract: A built-in air pump comprises a housing body and a panel. The panel couples to the housing body and defines an opening. A main pump body couples to the housing body and defines a first accommodating chamber in fluid communication with the opening and with a first and a second venting port. An air replenishing pump has an air replenishing pump body that is located adjacent to the main pump body. The air replenishing pump body couples to the housing body and defines a second accommodating chamber having therein the air replenishing pump. An air passage switch, located in the first accommodating chamber, is moveable between a first and a second position. A controller is in electrical connection with the air replenishing pump and configured to activate the air replenishing pump based on a time determination. An inflatable body including the built-in air pump assembly is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for filling a container with a filling product in a filling-product filling system having a control valve, having the steps: a differential pressure ?pv decreasing across the control valve; and regulating and/or controlling the control valve as a function of the differential pressure ?pv which has been determined.

Abstract: A spray gun cup lid is disclosed comprising a modular lid base and a modular liquid outlet that is formed independently of the modular lid base and is connected at an interface to the modular lid base. The modular liquid outlet comprises an outlet connection member to allow connection to a compatible spray gun.

Abstract: A dosing assembly for a filler including a valve assembly, a product hopper, a containment system and an attachment bracket. The dosing assembly can be coupled to a filler (for example, after filling, and prior to closing, capping or covering a container) for dispensing a dose of a fill material into the container. The fill material may comprise any number of different granular materials, including, but not limited to magnesium particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an article from powder material includes a canister, a sorter, a plurality of hoppers and at least one valve. The canister has a predetermined internal shape to define the shape of the powder metal article. The sorter sorts the powder material by the size of the powder particles, the shape of the powder particles and/or the flow characteristics of the powder particles. The hoppers contain powder material with different sizes of powder particles, different shapes of powder particles and/or powder particles with different flow characteristics. The hoppers are arranged to supply the sorted powder material to the canister. The at least one valve controls the proportions of the different powder materials supplied from the one or more of the different hoppers into the canister to control the packing density of the powder material in the canister at all positions in the canister.

Abstract: A method of reducing silicosis caused by inhalation of silica-containing proppant, such as silica sand and resin-coated silica sand, and apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system for dispensing a liquid comprises an insulated housing comprising a top wall and a side wall mounted to the top wall, the side wall extending downwardly from the top wall to define an interior configured to receive a refill container comprising a liquid; a bottom surface mounted to the housing at a mounting interface and configured to enclose the interior of the housing; a sloped surface mounted within the interior of the housing and configured to induce the liquid within the refill container to flow toward a dispensing aperture through which the liquid is dispensed from the system; and a pump assembly in fluid communication with the interior of the housing, the pump assembly comprising a gas source and configured to deliver a gas from the gas source to the interior of the housing to apply pressure to the refill container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering pump, for example, for a pipetting apparatus in an automated analysis machine, and to a method for checking the functionality thereof.

Abstract: A blood collection canister assembly enables a user to collect and transfer blood and includes liner and lid assemblies. The liner assembly is formed from a flexible liner material and defines an inner liner space. The lid assembly includes a primary lid portion attached to an upper mouth of the liner assembly and includes a series of ports. The series of ports may include a vacuum port, a patient port, a transfer port, and an additive port. The vacuum port is communicable with a vacuum line for directing blood transfer from a patient via the blood collection canister assembly. The patient port receives directed blood transfer from the patient, and the transfer port transfers collected blood to a separate reservoir for further processing. The blood collection canister assembly is usable in either an upright, first configuration for collecting and transferring blood or an inverted, second configuration for transferring collected blood.

Abstract: A refueling method for supplying fuel to at least one piece of fracturing equipment by installing a main fuel source at a fractionation operation, connecting the main fuel source to fracturing equipment to provide downhole fluids to the well, and connecting at least one pressurization unit to the main fuel source. The method includes using a supply coupling device for receiving fuel from one or more supply fuel lines in communication with the main fuel source and providing the fuel to a motor. The method includes using a return coupling device for receiving fuel from the motor and transferring the fuel through one or more return fuel lines to the main fuel source.

Abstract: A supply head of a die supply apparatus is detachably held by a head holding unit of a head moving mechanism. The supply head held by the head holding unit is replaceable with a supply head having the same number of nozzles as the number of nozzles of a mounting head of a component mounting machine. A nozzle arrangement of the supply head of the die supply apparatus has the same arrangement as a nozzle arrangement of the mounting head of the component mounting machine.

Abstract: A refueling method for supplying fuel to at least one piece of fracturing equipment by installing a main fuel source at a fractionation operation, connecting the main fuel source to fracturing equipment to provide downhole fluids to the well, and connecting at least one pressurization unit to the main fuel source. The method includes using a valve element to stop fuel flow from the fuel tank when the main fuel source supplies the fuel to the supply coupling device and allows fuel flow from the fuel tank to the at least one pressurization unit when a system failure prevents the main fuel source from supplying fuel to the supply coupling device and using the return fuel line with the return coupling device for the transfer of the fuel to the fuel tank when a system failure prevents the main fuel source from supplying the fuel to the supply coupling device.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluid distribution in an exposure device. The exposure device, in some examples, is a device for exposing living cell cultures or cellular tissues to a fluid such as cigarette smoke, air and/or other gases or gas mixtures, for use in studies of the effects on the cell cultures or tissues of their exposure to the fluid. A fluid distribution member is described for distributing the fluid in the exposure device, the member including a plurality of apertures in a surface arranged such that, when the distribution member is fitted to the fluid exposure device, the distribution member receives fluid applied to the surface of the member and distributes the fluid, via the apertures, to samples to be exposed to the fluid in the exposure device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using a pipette with pipette tip columns were developed in which a pipette is operated with the pipette tip columns inserted into the wells of a microplate. In this configuration the pipette is free standing and is essentially perpendicular to the microplate. The open lower ends of the pipette tip column are approximately centered within the plate well. The columns and plate are designed in such a way that the open lower ends of the pipette tip columns are in contact with liquid in the plate well however, the columns do not seal on the well bottom, preventing flow in and out of the column. The pipette contains the appropriate firmware and software to control flow for all steps of pipette tip column operation.

Abstract: In a front passenger seat airbag apparatus, a partition wall portion is disposed in an airbag to partition the inside of the airbag into a front chamber and a rear chamber. The entire outer circumferential edge of the partition wall portion is jointed with an outer circumferential wall of the airbag, and the partition wall portion includes a communication portion for communication between the front chamber and the rear chamber. The communication portion includes a flow rate control mechanism that controls a flow rate of inflation gas flowing from the front chamber into the rear chamber by increasing or decreasing an opening area of the communication portion.

Abstract: A method for installing a monitoring device with the simultaneous loading of a particulate catalyst into a vertical catalyst tube includes (i) introducing a monitoring device into the tube, (ii) introducing monitoring device alignment apparatus into the tube, (iii) introducing catalyst loading apparatus into the tube, (iv) loading catalyst particles into the top of the tube whereinafter they contact said catalyst loading apparatus as they pass down the tube, forming a uniform bed of catalyst beneath said catalyst loading apparatus and alignment apparatus and around said monitoring device, and (v) simultaneously removing the catalyst loading apparatus and alignment apparatus from the catalyst tube in timed relationship to the catalyst loading. The monitoring device alignment apparatus includes a ring member and two or more spacing members affixed to the ring member such that the ring member and the monitoring device are centrally positioned within the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging and dispensing device for a liquid or semi-liquid product, including: a movable spray head including at least one container supplying an outlet member; and at least one stationary base including a second container which can be connected to the above-mentioned first container via coupling element so that the product can be transferred from the second container in the base to the first container in the movable spray head in order for at least the product in the movable spray head to be refilled. The invention is characterized in that a miniature electric pump, known as a transfer pump, powered by an electrical power supply element and controlled by a control element, is disposed between the first and second containers to allow the product to be conveyed through the coupling element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading solid particles into an enclosure, including: a means for supplying solid particles to be dispensed, which can be arranged on the top part of the enclosure to be loaded and which pours the solid particles in a substantially vertical manner into a feeding pipe (1); a mobile device (2) disposed entirely or partially inside the enclosure and under the feeding pipe, including a central shaft (3) rotatably driven by a motor means (4) about a substantially vertical axis and deflector elements (6) having a substantially identical shape and being rotatably secured to the shaft (3), preferably arranged in line with one another at different heights about the shaft (3) and pivotably connected thereto so that they can be raised, for example by centrifugal force; and a feeding pipe (1) at least partially surrounding said central shaft (3) and comprising at least one opening (5) for discharging the solid particles, which opening is provided on the horizontal or side wall thereo

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading solid particles into a vessel, comprising: a means for supplying solid particles to be distributed, said means pouring said solid particles into a supply pipe (1), a movable assembly (2) arranged below the supply pipe (1), comprising a central shaft (3) and deflector elements (5) which are integral in rotation with said shaft and arranged around the shaft on multiple vertical tiers (E1-E4) and are articulated about it in such a way that they can lift up, a supply pipe (1) surrounding at least partially said central shaft and comprising at least one orifice (4) for discharging the solid particles which is arranged on a side and/or horizontal wall, this device being characterized in that the movable assembly (2) is designed in such a way as to allow adjustment of the position of the deflector elements (5) on the central shaft (3) in order to vary its permeability to the solid particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel injection apparatus for injecting fuel into a fuel cartridge. The fuel injection apparatus may include, for example, a container for fuel storage, a fuel supply pipe in fluid communication with the container, a first valve installed on the fuel supply pipe, a pump installed on the fuel supply pipe, a pressure gauge installed on the fuel supply pipe, and a bypass pipe fluidly connecting the container with the fuel supply pipe. A second valve may be installed on the bypass pipe. Methods for injecting fuel into a fuel cartridge are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supplying a consumer with gaseous fuel. Said system comprises at least one compressed gas container, which is fluidically connected to the consumer via a collecting line and valves. To extensively utilise the capacity of the compressed gas container, a reserve container (3) is connected to the collecting line (12) via a first valve (9) and the system is equipped with an ejector pump (14), which is operated by gas from the reserve container (3) and delivers gas from the compressed gas container(s) (1, 2, . . . ) into the collecting line (12). To achieve this, with respect to the flow, the ejector pump (14) is situated between the compressed gas container(s) (1,2, . . . ) and the consumer (5).

Abstract: A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles has a compressor assembly; a sealing fluid container assembly defining an inlet connectable to the compressor assembly, and an outlet connecting the container assembly fluidically to an inflatable article; a casing at least partly housing the compressor assembly; a supporting member fixed with respect to the casing; and click-on connecting means for connecting the container assembly to the supporting member. More specifically, the click-on connecting means define a conduit for fluidically connecting the container assembly and compressor assembly.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage from a beverage source into a receptacle includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser further includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser also includes a multi-nodal flow rate controller disposed within the interior volume of said housing in contact with said conduit and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit by adjusting the contact between the multi-nodal flow rate controller and the conduit.

Abstract: A powder or granular material feeding apparatus includes a guide cylinder having a plurality of gas suction holes that guides gas in an interior thereof to an outside, a filter provided on a portion of the guide cylinder where the gas suction holes are formed, a gas feed unit configured to feed inert gas, an auger including a revolving shaft positioned in the guide cylinder and a blade provided on the revolving shaft, and an suction device. The revolving shaft includes a gas feed channel configured to guide the inert gas and a gas feed port configured to allow the inert gas to eject therefrom to cause the powder or granular material to contain the inert gas. The suction device sucks the gas in the guiding cylinder to the outside of the guide cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.

Abstract: A powder hopper is provided with a low turbulence zone for supplying powder to a spray gun. The low turbulence zone is defined by a baffle inside the hopper with the low turbulence zone being within a volume of the baffle, and an annular zone between the baffle and the hopper is used to bulk feed powder into the hopper. The low turbulence zone may alternatively be in the annular zone with powder added to the volume of the baffle. One preferred application for this hopper is in connection with the use of fine powder coating materials to coat the interior of small diameter cans.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing charges of high OV moist smokeless tobacco (MST) includes a rotary metering device. The rotary metering device includes a lower disk, a metering disk, a plurality of cavities in the metering disk; and at least one vacuum housing located around the periphery of the lower disk and in communication with the plurality of cavities. A vacuum is applied to the cavities to aid in the filling of the cavities and an air discharge mechanism ejects a charge of the MST from each cavity at a discharge station.

Abstract: A device for the introduction of air and/or sealant into a tire, in particular a motor vehicle tire, having an electric pump or compressor, an electric connection cable for the pump or compressor which has a connection element, in particular a plug, at its end for the connection of the connection cable to a power supply, in particular to the cigarette lighter of a motor vehicle, having a hose for the air and/or the sealant which is or can be connected to the electric pump or compressor and whose other end can be connected to the tire to be filled, and having a housing for the reception of at least some of the device components, wherein the housing has in each case a separate receiver for the connection cable, on the one hand, and the connection element of the connection cable, on the other hand to improve the handling of the device.

Abstract: A fuel transfer system and a method of using said system by an operator in transferring fuel from a fuel tank or fuel line of an off-road or sport/recreational vehicle to the fuel tank of a second vehicle, the fuel tank of auxiliary equipment or to some other reservoir is provided. The fuel transfer system generally comprises a fuel transfer fitting, a flexible conduit, and a nozzle.

Abstract: A refueling device (1) for refueling a fuel tank (2) of an internal combustion engine (3) in a motor vehicle (4) has a filler connector (5) for feeding fuel to the fuel tank (2). An integrated fuel feed device (10) feeds the fuel from the filler connector (5) to the fuel tank (2).

Abstract: A sealing and inflating assembly includes an air compressor for generating a pressurized air, a tire repairing container for receiving a sealing preparation having a mouth opening, an outlet piece attached to the mouth opening of the container for guiding the pressurized air to flow into the container, and having an inlet conduit for allowing the sealing preparation to flow out of the outlet piece, a pipe coupled to the inlet conduit of the outlet piece for directing and guiding the pressurized air to flow into an upper space of the container without flowing through the sealing preparation when the container is disposed upside down.

Abstract: A capsule for a powder has a body which is provided with an internal chamber to hold the powder and first and second openings to an exterior environment. The body is adapted to be displaced from a filling state, in which the first and second openings are placed in fluid communication with one another through the internal chamber thereby enabling an airflow to be created through the body from the second opening to the first opening which is able to entrain powder in the exterior environment into the internal chamber for filling thereof, to a sealing state in which the internal chamber is sealed from the exterior environment so as to retain the powder held therein.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing and blending technique is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover assembly unit including a mounting rack with a plurality of level indicators, a measuring vessel, for storing a liquid for dispensing, including an opening at top to be covered with the cover assembly unit, and an overflow port on a sidewall to drain an excess amount of the liquid so that a liquid surface in the measuring vessel is defined; and a dip tube attached to the mounting rack having an intake opening to remove a specific amount of the liquid from the measuring vessel, an exit end to lead the amount of the liquid to a mixing container, wherein the specific amount of the liquid is determined from the level indicators.

Abstract: NuChain supply chain and disposal chain apparatus are created by NuPurposing containers, conditioning and transforming such containers from fluent material delivery containers into waste collection containers. Novel structural features of the waste collection systems allows bottle docking for the ingress of collection material into fluent material distribution containers as well as operation as a canister waste ingress collection system. The application of counter opposing forces on a canister and a lid operates in sealing and the unsealing and assembly and disassembly. A reduced pressure configured to be drawn away from said container inducing ingress of air into said container by a source of reduced pressure.

Abstract: NuChain supply chain and disposal chain apparatus are created by NuPurposing containers, conditioning and transforming such containers from fluent material delivery containers into waste collection containers. Novel structural features of the waste collection systems allows bottle docking for the ingress of collection material into fluent material distribution containers as well as operation as a canister waste ingress collection system. The application of counter opposing forces on a canister and a lid operates in sealing and the unsealing and assembly and disassembly. A reduced pressure configured to be drawn away from said container inducing ingress of air into said container by a source of reduced pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing and/or inflating a damaged and/or deflated inflatable article, includes a first container (1) for receiving and retaining for dispensing a sealant composition, a second container (100) which has housed thereon a compressor assembly which is releasably connectable to the first container (1), and means (200) allowing for controlled dispensing of the sealant composition from the first container (1) to the inflatable article, the said compressor assembly includes a housing (201) for a compressor which defines, with the interposition of valve means (200) a seating for the first container (1). The valve means (200) includes a main body portion which, in use, is releasably connected to neck portions of both the first and second containers (1,100). The valve means (200) includes passageways (203, 220) to be connected, via hoses (205, 223) to the first container (1) and inflatable article respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing charges of high OV moist smokeless tobacco (MST) includes a rotary metering device. The rotary metering device includes a lower disk, a metering disk, a plurality of cavities in the metering disk; and at least one vacuum housing located around the periphery of the lower disk and in communication with the plurality of cavities. A vacuum is applied to the cavities to aid in the filling of the cavities and an air discharge mechanism ejects a charge of the MST from each cavity at a discharge station.

Abstract: A sealing and pump-up device capable of suppressing sealing agent contained in a sealing agent container body from leaking and preventing damage to a casing body even if an operator mistakenly attempts to remove the sealing agent container body. A connection body 70 is retained to a seal opening device 60 by fitting force between first claws 94A and a leg portion 36 and between second claws 96A and the leg portion 36. An operator might conceivably mistakenly attempt to remove a liquid agent container 18 from the seal opening device 60. However, the fixing force of the screw 128 in the circular hole 122 is determined by such factors as the shape of each member so as to be weaker than the sum of the fitting force (retaining force) between the first claws 94A and the leg portion 36 and the fitting force (retaining force) between the second claws 96A and the leg portion 36.

Abstract: A flat tire sealant storage container is provided for a flat tire repair device in a formed in a simple configuration which enables the container to be stably secured. The flat tire sealant storage container includes an air inflow pipe for injecting compressed air under pressure into the container filled with a flat tire sealant and a sealant outlet discharge pipe for discharging the flat tire sealant under pressure to the outside of the container. The flat tire sealant storage container further includes an attachable and detachable fixing device formed on the outer surface of the container. When the container is secured to an external object by the fixing device, the inlet of the sealant outlet discharge pipe is positioned at the inner lower part of the container.

Abstract: A method of reducing silicosis caused by inhalation of silica-containing proppant, such as silica sand and resin-coated silica sand, and apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Provided is a gathering device for gathering plastic members. The gathering device includes a gathering portion and a tray detachably connected to the gathering portion. The gathering portion includes an outer shell, a hollow inner shell and a number of fans. The inner shell is received in the outer shell. The inner shell includes a number of vent. The fans are positioned between the outer shell and the inner shell for blowing ions into the inner shell through the vents. The tray is configured for containing the plastic members passing through the gathering portion.

Abstract: A dump chute adaptor includes an adaptor housing having a housing interior and a conduit coupling carried by the adaptor housing and disposed in fluid communication with the housing interior.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device designed to capture the detached particles from an object being processed by the tool. The device comprises an inlet opening to an internal space. The device comprises guiding means configured to lead particles, which is detached during a machining process, the inner space of the container via the inlet opening and the inner space comprises a first materials that has a consistency such that it has the ability to receive and retain detached particles, which are led into the inner space during the machining process.

Abstract: A filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material, the filling machine includes a transport element with filling elements arranged thereon, each forming a filling point for filling a container. Each filling element has a housing having a discharge opening, a channel formed in the housing. The channel connects to a product line to supply the filling material, and a liquid valve, a measurement system provided separately for each filling element for determining filling level, filling material quantity, or filling material volume in a container, a controlled gas path associated with each filling element, and a control valve fitted to the controlled gas path. At least two filling points and their filling elements define a function-and-process unit, and a control valve is provided in common for a gas path of all filling elements of a function-and-process unit.

Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described, including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus comprising a grinder wherein the coffee bean packaging cartridge is removably connectable to the coffee grinder apparatus. The coffee bean packaging cartridge is arranged for holding and supplying of coffee beans and includes a transportation component adapted for enabling transportation of the coffee beans. The coffee brewing apparatus comprises a motor for driving the transportation component of the first coffee bean packaging cartridge. The system further comprises a ground coffee packaging cartridge, preferably having a transportation component for enabling transportation of ground coffee which transportation component is also removably connectable to the coffee grinder apparatus.

Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus. The packaging cartridge includes a container holding coffee beans and transportation component for transporting coffee beans towards an exit opening of the cartridge. The coffee apparatus comprises a grinder for grinding the coffee beans from the cartridge and a brewing device for brewing coffee from ground coffee obtained by the grinder. A metering chamber holds a predetermined amount of coffee beans and comprises a bottom portion which forms a part of the grinder, said bottom portion rotates around an axis extending in a vertical direction. A second coffee bean packaging cartridge includes a second dosing device separate from the first dosing device for preparing and/or supplying a dose of coffee beans to the entrance opening of the coffee brewing apparatus independent of the coffee brewing apparatus.

Abstract: Cartridge for holding and supplying coffee bean material. The cartridge includes a housing enclosing an interior volume. The housing has an outlet for releasing the coffee bean material from the interior volume and for supplying the coffee bean material to an external apparatus. The cartridge further includes a conveyor for transporting the coffee bean material towards the outlet. The conveyor include a moveable structure for contacting the coffee bean material. The moveable structure is, at least partly, present in the interior volume. The conveyor further include manually operable actuation component for manually actuating the moveable structure. The manually operable actuation component is, at least partly, provided outside of the interior volume.

Abstract: A pumping device includes a barrel, a top cover mounted on an open top of the barrel, a cylinder mounted in the barrel and connected to the top cover, a piston movably mounted in the cylinder, a plurality of check valves mounted on the piston, an operation unit mounted on the top cover and connected with the piston, a connecting unit mounted in the barrel and connected between the barrel and the cylinder, and a pressure adjusting unit connected between the barrel and the top cover. Thus, when the air pressure in the receiving chamber of the barrel reaches a predetermined value, the pressure adjusting unit provides a pressure release function to partially release the air pressure in the receiving chamber of the barrel so as to ensure a safe operation of the pumping device.