Abstract: A coffee dispensing device is provided with a transport device that couples various components for the processing of unroasted coffee beans together. For example a roaster may be coupled to a grinding and brewing device to enable the transfer of roasted coffee beans between the roaster and grinder/brewer. Also, the transport device may transfer the roasted coffee beans from a roaster to an output port so that roasted coffee beans may be obtained. An automated coffee transaction device (ACTD) is also provided to automate aspects of the purchasing of coffee. A service delay projection calculator is also provided to estimate the expected wait time of a customer entering a queue.

Abstract: A circulating hot water nursing machine includes a main unit and a working head, wherein a water tank support, a clean water tank, a small water pump and a PTC heater are arranged on the main unit; a heating tank is arranged at a lower part of the water tank support, the clean water tank is arranged at an upper part of the water tank support, a shunt valve is arranged on the water tank support, a water inlet of the shunt valve is connected with the heating tank and the clean water tank, and a water outlet of the shunt valve, the small water pump, the PTC heater and the heating tank are connected successively; a control system and a main power supply are arranged on the main unit, and the small water pump, the PTC heater and the shunt valve are connected with the main power supply.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting a single electrical heating element of a hot water heater to first and second AC electrical power sources. Typically, these first and second AC electrical power sources include a utility provided electrical power source and a renewable power source that generates AC power from DC power. The method includes operating a controller that selectively connects and disconnects the first and second power sources. If sufficient electrical power is available from the renewable power source, the utility provided electrical power source may be disconnected to preferentially utilize renewable energy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for warming and maintaining temperature of intravenous fluid, utilizing a heater contained in a cavity of the intravenous bag. The cavity can be configured by special manufacture or by modifying available intravenous bags. The modified intravenous bag may also have insulation material for retaining heat and thermal transfer material for efficiently transferring heat from the heating component to the intravenous fluid.

Abstract: A temperature-regulating device for a personal fluid includes a housing having an exterior wall defining an inner space and having an opening therethrough. A dividing wall within the inner space defines a reservoir sector and a heating system sector on opposite sides. A cap portion is affixable adjacent the opening, has a closable aperture therethrough, and is movable between a storing position in covering relation to the opening and a dispensing and filling position wherein the opening is exposed, for enabling a fluid to be placed within and removed from the reservoir sector. A heating system within the heating system sector includes a heating element adjacent the dividing wall, for enabling heat transfer to the wall and then to the reservoir sector. An activator affixed adjacent the exterior wall is in signal communication with the heating system. An illumination element is provided for facilitating visualization in low-light conditions.

Abstract: The bottle warming device of the present invention includes a housing, a heating element disposed in the housing, and a basket receivable in the housing. The basket is movable between a first position in which a bottom of the basket is positioned a first distance from a top of the housing, and a second position in which the bottom of the basket is positioned a second distance from the top of the housing, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

Abstract: A hot water tank comprising a sleeve, a removable top lid, at least one changeable water holding compartment adapted to be stacked vertically within the sleeve, stacked compartments being connected by a connecting pipe and at least one heating means provided with one of the compartments. The changeable compartments are configured to be removable from the sleeve upon removal of the top lid in case of failure and the space between the sleeve and the changeable compartments is adapted to hold the contents of the compartments during a leak.

Abstract: A portable thawing unit for heating animal fluids and cells (stored in straws) includes a main casing for holding water therein. A lower body secured to the main casing includes a battery pack and plug for recharging the battery pack. An upper body secured to the main casing allows at least one straw to enter the main casing for immersion in the heated water. A heating element and thermistor heat the water in the main casing to a desired temperature. A straw rack unit having at least one straw shaft holds straws and allows them to be lowered and raised. A motor powered by the batter pack runs a propeller that helps mix the water. The thawing unit does not allow straws in the main casing to contact each other, allowing, for example, 95 to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit water to better contact the straws and heat them more efficiently.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a machine for preparing beverages by infusion of a liquid, that includes a holder (10), a boiler (20) for heating the liquid for producing beverages, assembling element (21 a,21 b, 25) provided so as to selectively allow the connection and removable disconnection of the boiler on the holder (10), a first fluid communication element connected to the boiler (20) and a second fluid communication element connected to a fluid inlet circuit and/or a fluid outlet circuit, the first and second fluid communication element being adapted to interact in order to provide fluid communication between the boiler and a fluid inlet circuit and/or fluid outlet circuit, characterized in that it is adapted so that the connection and the disconnection between the boiler (20) and the holder (10) respectively enables and disables the interaction between the first and second fluid communication element.

Abstract: A system for heating water which includes a first container and a second container, an air-tight connection between upper ends of the first and second containers, each container including a respective water heating element, and a water outlet port and a water inlet port, a manifold which is operatively connected to the respective inlet and outlet ports of each container and which connects, in a controlled manner, the respective inlet port of each container to a pressurized source of cold water, and each container, at least in a respective upper volume thereof, and in the air-tight connection, containing a gas, and whereby cold water which is introduced into the first container via the manifold displaces gas via the air-tight connection from the first container into the second container thereby to expel warm water from the second container through the respective outlet port.

Abstract: A bottle includes at least one internal compartment delimited with a bottle casing. The bottle body has at least one filling and/or outlet hole, arranged parallel to the bottle's longitudinal axis, fitted with at least one removable cap. The internal part of the bottle is fitted with at least one heating device connected to a thermal source and/or one partition dividing the internal space of the bottle to at least two mutually separated compartments connected to the filling and/or outlet hole.

Abstract: A water heating apparatus for a beverage brewing device. Water is heated to brew temperature without boiling or localized boiling, thereby minimizing the precipitating of scale. The heating elements each have a low watt density, thereby increasing safety. Multiple heating zones allow the use of a plurality of power relays, lowering the power per relay and thus improving the reliability of the relays. The heating elements cannot overheat due to a failure resulting in a lack of water in the apparatus since the temperature sensors are mounted directly on each heating element, allowing direct measurement and control of each heating element. Precise control of water temperature in the apparatus is provided by varying both the water flow rate through the heating apparatus, and by varying heating element temperatures.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for preventing a water tank from overheating. The apparatus includes a water delivery system for delivering water to a reservoir for receiving water. The reservoir includes a level sensor and an associated heater for heating water in the reservoir. The system includes a water dispensing system for dispensing heater water from the reservoir. A controller is provided to control the operation of the system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and containers for emitting volatile compositions. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a device that includes a holding mechanism for substantially concurrently and releasably retaining two containers. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a first container having a first volatile composition and a second container having a second volatile composition where the first and the second containers are operably connected to each other to form a cartridge. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of emitting a first and a second volatile composition.

Abstract: Water dispensers are disclosed which include a Sabbath function. When activating the Sabbath function, water refill of the hot water reservoir tank is prevented and the heating of the water in the hot reservoir tank is modified to provide a constant heating at a less than boiling temperature.

Abstract: A fuel storage device in accordance with a present invention includes a fuel storage area and at least one of a fuel heater, a byproduct heater and a valve.

Abstract: In order to heat and warm only the amount of water required in immediate future and to reduce a power consumption by avoiding warming of unnecessary water, a main body provided with a water storage container and a water heating container can be attached and detached and a water heating amount or a water warming amount to be heated at one time is reduced and divided, thus, power consumption during warming is reduced. Furthermore, since the water storage container is provided independently, water supply can be carried out conveniently regardless of the state of the water-heating container. Water supply to the water-heating container is carried out automatically using a water amount sensor, hence no operation by a user is required.

Abstract: An electric water heater has a base, a tank mounted on the base, a partition wall mounted in the tank to divide the tank into a heating chamber and a reservoir and at least one electric heating element extending into the heating chamber. A cool-water supply pipe extends into the heating chamber to supply cool water to the tank when a user uses the hot water stored in the reservoir, This can immediately provide unlimitedly hot water at a desired high temperature to a user. In addition, the space for locating the tank can also be reduced. The convenience of using and locating the water heater can be improved.

Abstract: A heater for providing steady-temperature heated water for domestic hot water or hygienic purposes. Water is heated in a drum-shaped tank that is divided into two chambers by a piston that can slide longitudinally within the tank. Attached to the tank is a reverse value that can direct cold water from an inlet into either chamber and direct heated water from the other chamber to an outlet leading to a heated water use. Electric component and a cycle regulator control the direction of water flow through the reverse valve and the direction of motion of the piston. When there is a demand for heated water, the cycle regulator causes the piston to move to expel heated water from one chamber while concurrently cold water enters the other chamber. After heated water is expelled from that chamber, the cycle is reversed. Because cold water and heated water are in separate chambers steady-temperature heated water can be maintained. Either electricity or gas can be used in heat water in the tank.

Abstract: A device for rinsing sample processing components of an analytical instruments including an inlet coupleable to a fluid source, an outlet coupleable to sample processing components of an analytical instrument, and a fluid reservoir between the inlet and outlet. The device includes a heater coupled to the fluid reservoir and the fluid reservoir includes at least two reservoir chambers connected in series and separated by a restricted passageway.

Abstract: A water filter device has a collecting pot (1) with a spout (2) disposed at the front, with a handle (3) disposed at the rear in opposite relationship, and with an electrical heating element (5) arranged in the lower boiling region of the collecting pot (1), in this arrangement the collecting pot (1) is closable at the top by a lid (4) and provided in the interior is a filter insert (8) in which a filter cartridge (9) which can be filled with a purification agent is arranged so that untreated water can be poured into the filter insert (8) by way of the filter cartridge (9) and can pass due to the force of gravity to at least under the filter cartridge (9).

Abstract: A mobile cooking oil caddie which includes in combination features of heating, filtering and transporting oil for disposal into a disposal tank. The caddie is rolled under a hot oil fry cooker and hot fats can be drained into the caddie from the cooker. A filter screen is provided in the caddie for filtering the hot fats. If the grease is to be disposed, the caddie is moved to a facility in which the oil is pumped from the caddie by a motorized pump to a disposal tank. If the grease has been stored for a time and is not in a fluid state, the heater can be activated to heat transfer mixture which in turn heats the grease to a fluid state. The filter can then be cleaned of food particles and the caddie stored until it is desired to drain the fry cooker again for receipt of hot fats from the cooker when desired.

Abstract: A heated water apparatus which includes a reservoir for retaining a quantity of heated water and a controller for controlling the heated water apparatus. A controllable heater is coupled to the controller and the reservoir for controllably heating the water retained in the reservoir. A water sensor is coupled to the reservoir and to the controller for detecting the presence and absence of a desired quantity of water in the reservoir and providing a signal to the controller. The controller controls a water source which controllably admits water to the reservoir. The controller also controls an outlet valve coupled to the reservoir. The controller operates the inlet valve and the outlet valve to control the flow of water through the outlet valve in response to the presence and absence of water in the reservoir. When the water level is too low, the controller cycles the outlet valve for specific periods of time in order to allow the water level of the reservoir to catch up.

Abstract: A control system for a rethermalization appliance including one or more vats for containing water wherein the system enables designation of vat function and control of the water level in the vat(s). An input device enables the appliance operator to designate each vat function as desired. A timing and memory unit retrieves set point temperatures corresponding to the vat functions designated. Temperature controllers control the temperature of the water level in the vats based on the set point temperatures received from the timing and memory unit. Water level controllers receive input from sensors in the vats indicating low and full water levels. The water level controllers further receive input from associated temperature controllers indicating if the water temperature for that particular vat is within a predetermined range of the set point. Input to the water level controllers is also provided by the timing and memory unit to determine whether the associated vat is in an active finishing cycle.

Abstract: An electric humidifier includes a base defining a liquid reservoir and a latch aperture. A humidifier unit is hingedly mounted on the base over the reservoir and movable to provide access thereto. The humidifier unit includes an electrically energized humidification means for inducing dispersion of liquid through a discharge opening into a space to be humidified. Power is supplied to the humidification unit and aligned with the latch aperture on the base when the humidifier unit is operatively mounted on the base. A power supply cord has a plug detachably connected to the connector through the latch aperture. The engagement of the connected plug with the latch aperture prevents movement of the humidifier with respect to the base to prevent access to the reservoir and interior of the humidifier unit so long as the plug and connector are in operative engagement.

Abstract: The bag has a frame of rigid pieces secured together in three-dimensional shape, and panels are secured thereto forming a bottom side wall, end wall, and a pair of top closure panels, the latter being angled forming a gable roof type top. The panels are of limited flexibility enabling them to be bent about long radii. A bottle cooler and an electric warmer are provided, a large central space accommodating a large quantity of diapers forming great heat insulation between the bottle cooler and bottle warmer. The bottle warmer includes and electric cord normally held in a pocket and extendible to the exterior for plugging into a house socket or cigar heater socket in an automobile. The top panels have small sections that can be opened without opening the complete top panels enabling the bottles to be withdrawn and inserted vertically.

Abstract: A low wattage two-four cup displacement water heating apparatus includes a fill basin positioned above a thermostatically controlled electrically heated water reservoir and communicating therewith through a fill tube extending downwardly from the basin to the lower portion of the reservoir. A dome in communication with the reservoir protrudes upwardly therefrom into the basin. A discharge tube having an entry end located in the dome and positioned approximately the bottom level of the basin extends downwardly through the reservoir to an external discharge end. The dome and a venting tube associated with the discharge tube minimize evaporative water loss from the reservoir through the discharge tube.

Abstract: A fluid heater having a fluid chamber with a base wall and an upright sidewall is positioned above a feed chamber having an upper wall. A plurality of identical tubular passage heaters, each having an upper outlet end connected to the fluid chamber base wall and an inlet end connected to the upper wall of the feed chamber, are disposed in at least one lateral protective niche recessed with respect to the fluid chamber upright wall. Return ducts located inwardly of the passage heaters connect the base wall of the fluid chambers to the upper wall of the feed chamber. Thermostatically controlled electric heating elements helically disposed on the passage heaters produce a thermosphonic circulation of fluid from the feed chamber through the passage heaters to the fluid chamber and back to the feed chamber through the return ducts. The heating capacity of the fluid heater can be varied within wide limits by energizing different numbers of passage heaters.