Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: A method for all photonic computing, comprising the steps of: encoding a first optical/electro-optical element with a two dimensional mathematical function representing input data; illuminating the first optical/electro-optical element with a collimated beam of light; illuminating a second optical/electro-optical element with light from the first optical/electro-optical element, the second optical/electro-optical element having a characteristic response corresponding to an iterative algorithm useful for solving a partial differential equation; iteratively recirculating the signal through the second optical/electro-optical element with light from the second optical/electro-optical element for a predetermined number of iterations; and, after the predetermined number of iterations, optically and/or electro-optically collecting output data representing an iterative optical solution from the second optical/electro-optical element.

Abstract: A transducer head for a muscle testing apparatus has at least two and preferably three pressure test pads situated in three different test planes whereby different directional forces can be applied to the transducer head without the need to adjust its angular orientation. The test pads are mounted on anti-shear arms within the transducer housing so that the forces on the test pads can be transmitted to transducer elements within the housing about a remote shear arm pivot axis. In the preferred embodiment, only two transducer elements are required, one for two opposing test pads, and one for a front test pad in a test plane perpendicular to the test planes for the two opposed test pads. An optional pull device, which projects from the transducer head housing, is attached to one of the anti-shear arms such that the transducer element associated wih that shear arm is responsive to a pulling force on the pull device as well as a pushing force on the associated pressure test pad.