A material (e.g., proppant) handling system includes a storage container, a mechanical conveyor system, and a pneumatic conveyor system. The mechanical conveyor system is configured to convey material from an unloading station to a conveyor system discharge and into an inlet of the storage container (e.g., at an elevation that is higher than the unloading station). The pneumatic delivery system is configured to deliver material from the storage container to an off-system destination (e.g., a silo or the like), pneumatically. In a typical implementation, the storage container, the mechanical conveyor system, and the pneumatic conveyor system are all on, or connected to, or supported by one common chassis.

A material (e.g., proppant) handling system includes a storage container, a mechanical conveyor system, and a pneumatic conveyor system. The mechanical conveyor system is configured to convey material from an unloading station to a conveyor system discharge and into an inlet of the storage container (e.g., at an elevation that is higher than the unloading station). The pneumatic delivery system is configured to deliver material from the storage container to an off-system destination (e.g., a silo or the like), pneumatically. In a typical implementation, the storage container, the mechanical conveyor system, and the pneumatic conveyor system are all on, or connected to, or supported by one common chassis.

Particulate aerogel material kit for grip enhancement, and related systems and methods, are generally described. Certain embodiments are related to interfaces comprising human skin, a layer of particulate aerogel material, and a solid surface. Methods of creating such interfaces, packaging the particulate aerogel material, and applications thereof (including kits for grip enhancement) are also described.

Particulate aerogel material kit for grip enhancement, and related systems and methods, are generally described. Certain embodiments are related to interfaces comprising human skin, a layer of particulate aerogel material, and a solid surface. Methods of creating such interfaces, packaging the particulate aerogel material, and applications thereof (including kits for grip enhancement) are also described.

The present invention relates to a dispensing and preparation apparatus for powdered food or beverage products, the apparatus comprising a dispensing device (60) and an associated preparation or extraction device (70); the dispensing device (60) comprising one or more housings for receiving one or more containers (10, 20) with a powdered food or beverage product; the dispensing device (60) comprising a reader (62) to obtain the information of the product parameters of the powdered food or beverage products from the one or plurality of containers (10, 20); the dispensing device (60) further comprising a control unit configured to dispense a certain amount of powdered food or beverage product from each container (10, 20) according to these product parameters and/or according to a recipes database (64) as a function of the beverage to be prepared; the dispensing device (60) further comprising an encoder (63) to encode the beverage information on programmable identification means (65) on a product holder (61) in the dispensing device (60), to where the dispensed powdered food or beverage product is sent; the preparation or extraction device (70) being configured for receivingthe product holder (61) and comprising reading means (72) to identify the beverage information in the said product holder identification means (65), the extraction device (70) further comprising a control unit to extract the beverage according to the beverage information retrieved from the product holder (61) and/or from the beverage information retrieved from a beverage database in this control unit. The invention further relates to a method for dispensing powdered food or beverage products and preparing a beverage from them using a dispensing and extraction apparatus as the one described. The invention also relates to the use of a dispensing and extraction apparatus as the one described for delivering a certain beverage from powdered food or beverage products.

The present invention relates to a dispensing and preparation apparatus for powdered food or beverage products, the apparatus comprising a dispensing device (60) and an associated preparation or extraction device (70); the dispensing device (60) comprising one or more housings for receiving one or more containers (10, 20) with a powdered food or beverage product; the dispensing device (60) comprising a reader (62) to obtain the information of the product parameters of the powdered food or beverage products from the one or plurality of containers (10, 20); the dispensing device (60) further comprising a control unit configured to dispense a certain amount of powdered food or beverage product from each container (10, 20) according to these product parameters and/or according to a recipes database (64) as a function of the beverage to be prepared; the dispensing device (60) further comprising an encoder (63) to encode the beverage information on programmable identification means (65) on a product holder (61) in the dispensing device (60), to where the dispensed powdered food or beverage product is sent; the preparation or extraction device (70) being configured for receivingthe product holder (61) and comprising reading means (72) to identify the beverage information in the said product holder identification means (65), the extraction device (70) further comprising a control unit to extract the beverage according to the beverage information retrieved from the product holder (61) and/or from the beverage information retrieved from a beverage database in this control unit. The invention further relates to a method for dispensing powdered food or beverage products and preparing a beverage from them using a dispensing and extraction apparatus as the one described. The invention also relates to the use of a dispensing and extraction apparatus as the one described for delivering a certain beverage from powdered food or beverage products.

Puncture elements and methods for using the same are disclosed. The puncture elements according to the disclosed concept include a cutting edge or a sharp and are composed of a mineral loaded polymer. The minerals of the mineral loaded polymer include an active agent, such as a desiccant. Optionally, the puncture elements are used to puncture a cover (e.g., foil seal) of a package.

A container, formed from a container blank, for containing therein a dispensable material of variety of form, has a plurality of panels. A first panel has severance lines that upon application of pressure disengage to create an integral spout for dispensing of the material. Opening and closing of the container is each via easy application of minimal force causing the spout to open or close as needed. The initial opening of the spout severs the severance lines that form the spout. Thereafter the spout may be open or closed upon proper application of pressure around folding lines of the container.

A chemical dispensing system for delivering a chemical dose into a water resource is provided herein. The system includes a dispensing housing, a support feature, and an electrical circuit. The dispensing housing includes at least one compartment that is adapted to retain a chemical dose. The compartment is substantially sealable from an ambient environment that is outside of the compartment. The compartment is independently openable and closable to directly expose the compartment to the ambient environment and enable release of contents retained therein in the open position and to substantially prevent release of the contents retained therein in the closed position. The support feature facilitates suspension of the dispensing housing above a surface of the water resource. Opening of the compartment is controllable through the electrical circuit.

A chemical dispensing system for delivering a chemical dose into a water resource is provided herein. The system includes a dispensing housing, a support feature, and an electrical circuit. The dispensing housing includes at least one compartment that is adapted to retain a chemical dose. The compartment is substantially sealable from an ambient environment that is outside of the compartment. The compartment is independently openable and closable to directly expose the compartment to the ambient environment and enable release of contents retained therein in the open position and to substantially prevent release of the contents retained therein in the closed position. The support feature facilitates suspension of the dispensing housing above a surface of the water resource. Opening of the compartment is controllable through the electrical circuit.