Abstract: An improved system and method for evaluating stored agricultural or horticultural commodities is provided. The system and method generally include performing atmospheric measurements within multiple controlled atmosphere rooms, or sampling enclosures coupled to controlled atmosphere rooms, and determining a change over time of a respiratory value of the commodities stored therein. Based on the change over time of the respiratory value, the system and method selects commodities from among at least one of the controlled atmosphere rooms for delivery, marketing, storage, or other disposition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing food processing and inventory. Food inventory held at food holding locations can be monitored. Food can be transferred among holding locations and served from holding locations. A prioritized food type list indicates food types to be processed and lists food types in order of determined priority. Food may be transferred to default destination holding locations. Food may be moved to and served from primary holding locations. Buttons associated with holding location displays can be actuated by different types of user engagement for executing various food management operations.

Abstract: To be able to keep warm or to cool products that are placed on the individual shelves (6) of a dispensing shelf (1), the shelves (6) are embodied as electrically operated temperature-control panels (50), wherein the temperature-control panels (50) as well as particularly the base frame (19) of the dispensing shelf (1) are adjusted to each other in a specific manner.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for modular vending systems utilizing reloadable product dispensing modules, including, but not limited to, vertical product dispensing modules comprising a vertical conveyor and a mounting structure for releasably engaging with module holder structures of modular vending machines, and a central controller device for communicating with a plurality of modular vending machines.

Abstract: An improved system and method for evaluating stored agricultural or horticultural commodities is provided. The system and method generally include performing atmospheric measurements within multiple controlled atmosphere rooms, or sampling enclosures coupled to controlled atmosphere rooms, and determining a change over time of a respiratory value of the commodities stored therein. Based on the change over time of the respiratory value, the system and method selects commodities from among at least one of the controlled atmosphere rooms for delivery, marketing, storage, or other disposition.

Abstract: An alert system includes a bladder having an interior area to hold a gas or a liquid; a control system in communication with the bladder; an alert device in communication with the bladder; pressure applied to the bladder causes the gas or the liquid to pass to the control system; and the gas or the liquid causes the alert device to provide an alert based on a command from the control system.

Abstract: A backpack and horizontal hydration reservoir combination is provided. The backpack does not extend downward beyond the middle of the back of the wearer, thereby eliminating the need for long shoulder straps and maintaining the weight of the hydration reservoir, housed within the backpack, in a horizontal orientation above the middle of the back.

Abstract: A system may include an aircraft galley, which may include a standard unit meal box compartment configured to hold a standard unit meal box. The standard unit meal box compartment may include a door at a front of the standard unit meal box compartment and an air chiller near a rear of the standard unit meal box compartment. The air chiller may be configured to provide chilled air within the standard unit meal box compartment.

Abstract: Provided is a setting assistance device capable of informing that which welding condition should be corrected with a value as the limit in order to achieve the target quality. In a setting assistance device (40) of a welding condition which is a condition in welding, an input receiving unit (42) accepts designation of the target quality in welding, and a welding condition information output unit (44) outputs an item of a welding condition to be corrected to achieve the target quality, and limit information indicating a limit of a value which can be taken by the item of the welding condition to achieve the target quality, in accordance with the acceptance of the designation of the target quality by the input receiving unit (42).

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a package includes a flexible tear-resistant bag and an anchor system for securing the bag to a substrate. The bag includes a receptacle defining a package receiving space and a closure mechanism connected to the receptacle for selectively closing the receptacle. The anchor assembly includes a housing, a fastener, and an anchor securable to the substrate. The housing may be positioned in the package receiving space with the fastener extending through the housing and the receptacle and matingly received in the anchor. A door of the housing may be secured in a closed position to limit access to the fastener. In some embodiments, the bag of the apparatus may also be provided with an alarm system so if an unauthorized entry is attempted by cutting the tear-resistant bag the alarm system will emit an alerting signal.

Abstract: An improved cartridge structure that both heats the materials contained therein and provides for enhanced structure such that the bypass leaking of the low viscosity heated components is avoided. The cartridge is preferably formed from a rigid material such as reinforced fiberglass tubing. The wall of the cartridge is then wrapped in a flexible heating element or has a heating element cast directly in the wall thereof. The heating elements preferably heat the interior contents and epoxy cartridges to between 150 degrees and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The wall structure may be of single wall construction with the heaters embedded therein or of a double wall construction such that the heaters are contained between an inner and outer wall. Further the wall construction is preferably formed to withstand the pressures applied when spray applying the epoxy contained therein to prevent the tube wall deformation and resulting blow by leakage.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of selecting the suitability of a lighting device (100) for use in cheese lighting, the method comprising (a) defining a normalization factor (k) for a spectral power distribution (SPD(?)) of lighting device light (101) of said lighting device (100) in a wavelength range of 380-780 nm, (b) defining the lighting device (100) suitable for use in cheese lighting when a cheese damage function value (CDFV) is equal to or below 2, wherein the cheese damage function value (CDFV) is defined as: (I) wherein: (II) wherein y (?) is a 2-degree color matching function, and wherein DF(?)=1 for 380 nm??<410, and wherein for 410???780: (III). CDFV = k × ? ? ? SPD ? ( ? ) · DF ? ( ? ) · ?? ( I ) k = 100 ? ? ? SPD ? ( ? ) · y _ ? ( ? ) · ?? ( II ) DF ? ( ? ) = 0.95 × e - ( ? - 410 22 ) 2 + 0.

Abstract: A bath liquid heater and dispenser for hands free liquid dispensing includes a housing having a top side with a concave depression and a central fill aperture extending through the depression and into a heating cavity. The concave depression is configured to receive a bottle of bath liquid. A pump is coupled within a bottom side of the housing from the heating cavity to a spout aperture. A heating tube extends from the fill aperture to the valve and a heating coil is wound around the heating tube. A CPU is coupled within the housing and is in operational communication with the pump and the heating coil. A control knob is coupled to the housing and controls the volume of bath liquid dispensed. A hand sensor is coupled to the housing and is in operational communication with the CPU to activate the pump and the heating coil.

Abstract: A cart including a housing and a first foot and a second foot mounted to the housing bottom. Each foot is moveable back and forth from a direction away from one end of the cart towards the other end, and each foot including a recess opening downwardly away from the housing bottom. The cart includes a low pressure source in fluid communication pathway extending from each recess to the low pressure source. Each fluid communication pathway includes a valve operable for opening and closing the fluid communication pathway between the recess and the low pressure source. The cart includes a first motor connected to one foot and another motor connected to the other foot, with each motor operable for moving its respective foot back and forth. The cart includes a control system connected in communication with each motor and each valve, with the control system controlling each motor to move its respective foot back and forth.

Abstract: A dish dryer/warmer which is powered by steam that is exhausted from a steam kettle. A hollow inserts fits into a spout on the kettle and a hose connects the spout to the dish dryer. The steam is then funneled into the dish dryer. A set of holders inside the dish dryer are mechanically activated based on what, so that if a dish is placed into a holder then steam will be discharged directly into that holder, thereby warming the respective dish. A plurality of such holders can be present inside the dish dryer and each one is selectively activated to discharge steam when an object is placed inside a respective holder. All of the holders in the dish dryer share the same steam source (the kettle or other source).

Abstract: A power display system includes an electronic apparatus and a server connected to an electronic apparatus group including the electronic apparatus. Further, the power display system includes a calculation unit totaling consumption power by the electronic apparatus group and calculating a ratio of the totaled consumption power to a target value of the consumption power, and a display control unit displaying a display part, which indicates a use status of power, in a display area of the electronic apparatus in a display manner which corresponds to the ratio.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for providing fountain beverage consumables in an easily accessible and removable and replaceable form. In one example, the fountain beverage consumables are provided on a cart that has interface connections with a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit may be mounted in a galley. When the cart is in its docking station with respect to the dispensing unit, fluid communication between the fountain beverage consumables and the dispensing unit is provided.

Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems, components, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a brewer machine and a beverage pod. The brewer machine can include a brew chamber unit, which can receive the beverage pod. The brew chamber unit can be adapted to receive multiple beverage pod types. Some embodiments include a drawer that includes the brew chamber and that moves to present the brew chamber unit to a user. Certain embodiments include locking mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising lyophilized Lactobacilli and a plant-based food, wherein the composition is substantially free of animal products. The present invention also relates to methods of treating plant-based food by administration of a Lactobacilli and a plant medium composition. Methods of using the Lactobacilli and plant-based food composition to treat E. coli or Salmonella infection in an animal in need thereof and methods of using the Lactobacilli and plant-based food composition to reduce E. coli or Salmonella contamination in an agricultural product are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-contained trolley for temperature conditioning and distribution of meal trays (13) comprising two compartments separated by an insulating wall (11), namely a compartment for heating, called the hot compartment, and a compartment for chilling, called the cold compartment, receiving at least one stack of meal trays arranged so that one part of each meal tray (13) is located in the hot compartment and the other part thereof is located in the cold compartment, wherein the heating of the hot compartment and the chilling of the cold compartment are simultaneously obtained by means of a thermochemical system.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance has a dispenser conduit that defines an inner volume. An inlet of the inner volume is positioned adjacent a nugget style ice maker, and an outlet of the inner volume is positioned adjacent a dispenser recess. The dispenser conduit has a projection that extends from an inner surface of the dispenser conduit into the inner volume of the dispenser conduit at the outlet of the inner volume.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling the heating of the base within a chemical vapour deposition chamber, which apparatus is applicable to an MOCVD reaction chamber.

Abstract: A roller grill cover having: an elongated body that extends over the length of the grill rollers and which includes a pair of arms for engaging the top of the sides of the roller grill to provide stability for the cover; a front flange is angled downwardly from the front end of the body to limit a consumer's view of the rollers (and their contents) underneath and behind the flange. The body may include a rear flange that extends upwardly to provide access to the rollers behind the front flange for product placement and removal. The front flange may include a mirror finish or other reflective materials to allow the food items on the front rollers to be reflected off of the flange to give the visual appearance that there are more food items then actually shown.

Abstract: A single-phase portable device melts and sprays thermoplastic using 120-V power. The device includes a vessel for receiving and storing thermoplastic, and heated hollow rod circulators that draw melted thermoplastic upward and redistribute it within the vessel to facilitate rapid and even melting. The device includes a heated hose and nozzle for spraying the material, hose storage area, and wheels and handle for moving device and spraying in multiple locations as desired.

Abstract: Autonomous trolleys include an integrated power source, which energy can be utilized for integrated trolley systems such as a wheel assist module, heating module, and cooling module. The power source may include a fuel cell system or a rechargeable electrical energy storage device or a combination thereof. The rechargeable electrical energy storage device can be charged by any other power source, including a fuel cell system. The trolley can also be equipped with a fuel tank for easy and safe refueling of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for altering the temperature of a liquid, comprising: a pipe having a first end for receiving a liquid and a second end for discharging the liquid; and a thermal element for altering the temperature of the liquid, wherein the thermal element is located in the pipe such that the volume available for the liquid within the pipe is in the range 0 to 20% of the pipe volume.

Abstract: An inductively-heated applicator system including a heating module and applicator or applicator pen. The heating module includes a dock for seating the applicator. The heating module includes circuitry to selectively generate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly provide energy to the applicator when it is positioned in the dock. The heating module may also include temperature control circuitry to at least one of monitor and control the temperature of the applicator. The applicator pen includes a heating element that may be heated through energy provided by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be directly inductively heated by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be a roller element that heats and applies the product. Alternatively, the applicator may include a secondary in which electrical power is induced when the electromagnetic field is present. In this alternative, the power may be applied to the heating element to produce resistive heat.

Abstract: A pane having a heatable, optically transparent sensor array comprising at least: a) a pane, b) at least one optically transparent sensor array on the surface of the pane, c) at least one heatable film which is fitted to the optically transparent sensor array, comprising at least: c1) a support film, c2) a heatable coating, printed conductors, meshes and/or heating wires on the support film, d) at least one electrical contact-making means, which is fitted to the heatable coating and/or to the heating wires, and e) encapsulation, which is fitted to the optically transparent sensor array and to the heatable film, and a sensor which is fitted in the encapsulation.

Abstract: A food holding cabinet that has multiple tiers with moisture even distribution, lighting and heating features. The moisture feature provides a circulating moisture laden airflow to a tier. The lighting feature provides low energy consuming light emitting diodes to a tier. The heating feature provides different heating to different heating zones.

Abstract: A heated food storage and display cabinet including a flow inducer and heater arranged in an upper region thereof, the flow inducer being operable to draw air from an upper portion of the cabinet, to direct the air over the heater, and subsequently urge the heated air down the rear wall of the cabinet and across the floor of the cabinet towards the open front of the cabinet. The heated air is subsequently directed upwardly and rearwardly across the open front of the cabinet by an airflow direction member of the cabinet so as to provide a heated air curtain across the open front of the cabinet, and a portion of the heated air is also passed into the cabinet as the heated air moves down the rear wall and across the floor so as to pass over and around packs of food stored therein.

Abstract: A safe product transfer apparatus that heats refrigerated food products and then hold those heated food products in a hold drawer until they can be transferred to a heater merchandizer, preferably a roller grill as needed. The apparatus features a control assembly. A pre-heat indicator indicates when the preheat temperature has been reached so that the food products can be loaded into an operable drawer. The apparatus can heat a refrigerated product from 34° F. to greater than or equal to 140° F. in 35 minutes or less. The apparatus has a safe product transfer apparatus that has a heating cavity ranging from 250° F. to 425° F. The apparatus provides a safe product transfer apparatus that can hold the products stored therein at a safe holding temperature (ranging from greater or equal to 140° F. to not more than 205° F.), that is, not hot enough to continue heating or degrading the food product.

Abstract: A defogger system includes structure defining a window or a mirror, a heating element operatively connected to the structure to selectively apply heat to the structure, and a source of electrical energy. The defogger system also includes a switch and an electrically conductive path from the source of electrical energy to the heating element. The switch includes an active material member, and is configured such that the switch interrupts the electrically conductive path when the active material member is above a predetermined temperature. The switch is also configured such that the switch does not interrupt the electrically conductive path when the active material member is below the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A hydration system comprises a bladder assembly defining a bladder chamber, a hose assembly, and a heating system comprising a heating element defining a loop portion. Liquids flow from the bladder chamber to the hose assembly. The loop portion is arranged within the hose assembly such that current flowing through the heating element inhibits freezing of liquids within at least a portion of the hose assembly.

Abstract: A melted depilatory wax dispenser has a container with an opening that stores solid depilatory wax at room temperature. The container is opened, inverted and inserted into a vertically protruding heating element and the opening is placed upon and sealed to an adaptor ring. As the heating element heats the contents of the container, the wax melts and is dispensed through a mouth which leads to a piping system and a valve which in turn leads to a dispensing tube which allows the hot wax to be dispensed in a controlled and easy fashion.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a first oven, a second oven disposed above the first oven and a shared housing surrounding the first and second ovens. The shared housing includes two separable parts defining a partition plane between the first and second ovens. At least one connecting element forms a hinged connection between the two separable parts of the shared housing. Control, operating and display elements are disposed in a top part of the shared housing.

Abstract: A heated vehicle window includes at least one ply of a glazing material, provided with an antenna and an array of electrical conductors forming a heating circuit. The heating circuit comprises a plurality of electrical conductors and at least two busbars for supplying direct electrical current to which the electrical conductors are connected. A discrete electrically conductive layer is provided to cover at least a portion of at least two of the busbars in direct current electrical isolation therefrom. The busbars and the discrete electrically conductive layer act as a capacitor in the presence of alternating electrical current.

Abstract: A food holding cabinet having one or more food-holding compartments has two or more zones in a compartment, wherein holding temperatures can be different from each other. A shelf made of glass-ceramic passes infrared energy from two or more heating elements attached to the glass-ceramic shelf. Energy emitted from the different heating elements effectuate different temperatures of localized regions of the glass-ceramic and impart different amounts of heat energy into a food item or food holding trays above the heating elements.

Abstract: A system for effectively defrosting a plastic window includes a transparent plastic panel, a heater grid having a plurality of grid lines that are integrally formed with the plastic panel, and equalizing means for equalizing the electrical current traveling through each of the grid lines.

Abstract: A lubricant warming apparatus may warm a container of lubricant to a desired temperature. The apparatus may include an outer shell, a heating shell, and a receptacle. The heating shell maybe nested within the outer shell. The receptacle may be nested within the heating shell. The heating shell may include a lip with tapering contour sides that slope downward from a collar to a front end of the heating shell. The tapering contour sides may expose a front face of the receptacle. A basket may be suspended into the receptacle holding the container of lubricant in a water bath.

Abstract: Passive temperature control is provided to vessels too tall to be stored in a shallow, temperature-controlled tray or basin by a vertically oriented thermally-conductive tube. In one embodiment, an insulative collar covers the tray and insulates portions of the tube that extend above the top of the tray. Optional heat sinking fins and air convection holes increase heat transfer between the tube and the tray.

Abstract: A device for holding containers and warming their contents. The containers are removably attached to the cover of the device by a neck which accommodates a dispenser pump. The containers hold substances such as creams, pastes, gels, lotions and the like especially, shaving cream liquid solution. The temperature of the device can be preset or adjustable. Timers can select the time of day to begin and end the heat cycle. Visual and/or audio indicators can be activated to indicate the substances are at the desired temperature. The device cover may include a scupper ledge contain any spillage from the dispenser pump.

Abstract: The invention provides a planar element which is intrinsically heatable and which is particularly suitable for attachment to multi-dimensionally curved surfaces. For this purpose the planar element features particularly high deformability, achieved in accordance with the invention through a planar element having a layer sequence comprising a heating layer and a contacting layer, each of these two layers being composed of a polymeric material based on elastomers and/or on plastic polymers which have a particular elongation at break and at the same time a particular tensile elasticity modulus. Furthermore, the invention provides an adhesively bonded assembly comprising a bonding substrate and a planar element of the aforesaid kind, a method of producing a planar element of the aforesaid kind, and the use of such a planar element for heating an adhesively bonded assembly.

Abstract: A chip warming device (10, 1000, 2000) is provided with a support structure (15) and a heating device. The support structure (15) has a first door (100) that selectively seals a first opening (60), a second door (110) that selectively seals a second opening (70) and a chip tray (120) that selectively seals a third opening (80). The heating device is positioned in the support structure (15) that supplies heat to the chips. The first and second openings (60, 70) are adjacent to each other. The second door (110) can be at an angle with respect to vertical when in a closed position. The chip tray (120) can be at an angle with respect to vertical when in a closed position. The support structure (15) can have a floor that is at an angle with respect to horizontal. An antimicrobial coating or treatment can be used on at least a portion of the support structure (15) for suppression of microbe growth.

Abstract: A hose heater for use in outdoor or unheated interior spaces of a home, construction office or farm. The hose heater includes an enclosure having a hose reel for storing the hose also having an electrical heating unit to warm the stored hose between uses. A heating core located in the center of the reel provides heat, keeping the hose from freezing. The enclosure which itself may be heated or unheated, blankets the hose to provide heat to the outer hose coils to ensure that the extremities are maintained at a freeze-free temperature. This can be used in small scale farming, outside use, and other areas where animals and ice rinks need watering in winter with a hose.

Abstract: The trolley (10) for dispensing meal trays (11) comprises a parallelepipedic enclosure (12) equipped with two doors (15, 16) and two side panels (17, 18), hot plates (35) superposed in the central zone of the enclosure (12), plate supports (39, 40), and first and second slides (43, 44, 45, 46) arranged along the side panels (17, 18). The trolley (10) comprises: openings made in the side panels (17, 18) of the enclosure (12) to house add-on elements added from the outside of the side panels (17, 18) and salient inside the side panels (17, 18) by insertion in said openings, support means arranged near the open faces (13, 14), rigid panels (25, 26, 27) forming the bodywork, fixed onto the support means.

Abstract: A non-film based, thermally conditionable light transmitting article is provided. The article includes an adhesively coated resistive wire and a substrate suitably selected for light transmittance. The adhesively coated resistive wire is solely and directly adhesively affixed to the substrate so as to be thereby supported upon and by the substrate. A layer of adhesive, in the form of an adhesive linkage originating from the adhesive of the adhesively coated resistive wire, is present between the resistive wire and the substrate.

Abstract: A vessel for preparing heated water or other liquid includes a container, an electric heater and a temperature sensing probe mounted through a wall of the container. The probe includes an efficient heat transferring structure in direct thermal contact with and wet by the liquid. An electrical sensor within the probe is in intimate thermal contact with the transferring structure and has electrical properties directly correlating with the temperature of the transferring structure. The transferring structure is attached to a supporting structure mounted to the wall by an elastomeric efficient thermal insulating material held in compression providing physical support for the probe and sealing the wall from leaking and insuring that the sensor is primarily thermally responsive to the temperature of the transferring surface and to the liquid but is thermally insulated from variations in the temperature of the supporting wall.

Abstract: A device for heating food includes a housing and a plurality of heated shelves or trays supported on the housing. Each tray includes a heater and a temperature sensor. The heater is operable to heat the tray and the temperature sensor is capable of sensing the temperature of the tray. A controller is coupled to each heater and each temperature sensor, and the controller is configured to operate the heater as a function of the tray temperature.

Abstract: A wireless inductive coupling assembly for a heated glass panel assembly is provided that includes a metal oxide coated glass panel with a panel frame, an opening frame that cooperates with the coated glass panel frame to allow the panel to cover a panel opening, a receiving coil that is positioned in the panel frame and that is wired to the panel, and a sending coil that is positioned in the opening frame and that is wired to an electrical power source. When the electrical power source supplies electrical power to the sending coil, the sending coil wirelessly induces an electrical current in the receiving coil, which causes the dielectric panel to provide heat.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a first oven, a second oven disposed above the first oven and a shared housing surrounding the first and second ovens. The shared housing includes two separable parts defining a partition plane between the first and second ovens. At least one connecting element forms a hinged connection between the two separable parts of the shared housing. Control, operating and display elements are disposed in a top part of the shared housing.