Abstract: A device and method are provided for measuring and controlling temperatures of a cooking platen. In particular, according to the invention, a surface temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature on or proximate to a cooking surface of the platen and an internal temperature sensor is provided to measure an internal temperature of the platen, which may be proximate to the hottest location in the platen, i.e., the opposite surface of an insulated platen or the core of an uninsulated platen. The surface temperature sensor provides an accurate reading of the actual cooking surface temperature, while the internal temperature sensor provides a better indication of total heat energy stored in the platen, being less sensitive to surface fluctuations. A microprocessor controls the rate of heat energy addition to the platen based on information from both temperature sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for automated beverage dispensing, for staging beverages, and a cup carrier. Based on beverage orders, a cup picker having a telescoping mast picks a cup and places it on a cup carrier typically having a plurality of slots in its base. The cup carrier moves the cup to an ice dispenser, to a beverage dispenser, and typically to one of a couple transfer locations. From the transfer location, the cup is moved down a lane to a staging position. The identity of staged beverages is displayed on a human-readable display.

Abstract: An integrated system and method are provided for energy, state and operation monitoring and control of restaurant kitchen and non-kitchen/building equipment. The system includes sensors and other data transmitting equipment communicatively connected to a local server and a computing device via a router. The data transmission equipment and server preferably utilize power-line data transmission as well as wireless data transmission. A dashboard application of the system provides a user interface guiding user responses to energy, state, and operational/service alerts and enabling user-input scheduled control settings. The system may also provide automatic feedback control of restaurant equipment.

Abstract: A closed-loop vacuum control system for a powered breast pump is the subject of the present disclosure. The vacuum control system includes a source of vacuum for applying a vacuum to a milk collection kit. It also includes a device for setting the vacuum level to be produced by the source of vacuum to a preselected vacuum level. The vacuum control system further includes a sensor for sensing the actual vacuum level being produced by the source of vacuum during operation. A controller continuously compares the preselected vacuum level with the actual vacuum level. A proportional valve is also provided for adjusting the actual vacuum level to correspond to the preselected vacuum level. In this manner, the proportional valve can adjust the actual vacuum level in response to a signal from the controller.

Abstract: The invention concerns an accessory control system for automobiles. The apparatus integrates the user controls, the power switches that drive the accessories and motors for the accessories, and feedback from the accessories to allow the control system to apply proper corrections to the accessories. The system desirably includes semiconductor memory as well, allowing a user to command the control system to position the accessory to predetermined positions.