Abstract: A system comprises an optical fiber, a manipulator assembly, and a control unit. The manipulator assembly comprises a chassis, an optical fiber cleaning assembly housed within the chassis, and a drive mechanism housed within the chassis. The optical fiber cleaning assembly comprises a cleaning tape, a first spool on which the cleaning tape is wound, and a second spool onto which the cleaning tape is drawn after use. The drive mechanism is configured to advance the cleaning tape from the first spool to the second spool such that a portion of the cleaning tape wipes a face of the optical fiber. The control unit is configured to control the drive mechanism to advance the cleaning tape.

Abstract: An alcoholic beverage enhancing device includes a transfer liquid tank for holding a transfer liquid and an alcoholic beverage container. The alcoholic beverage container is positioned at least partially in the transfer liquid tank and is configured for holding an alcoholic beverage to be enhanced. The enhancing device additionally includes an ultrasonic energy device positioned for transmitting ultrasonic energy to the alcoholic beverage in the alcoholic beverage container through the transfer liquid in the transfer liquid tank during operation of the alcohol beverage enhancing device.

Abstract: An alcoholic beverage enhancing device includes a transfer liquid tank for holding a transfer liquid and an alcoholic beverage container. The alcoholic beverage container is positioned at least partially in the transfer liquid tank and is configured for holding an alcoholic beverage to be enhanced. The enhancing device additionally includes an ultrasonic energy device positioned for transmitting ultrasonic energy to the alcoholic beverage in the alcoholic beverage container through the transfer liquid in the transfer liquid tank during operation of the alcohol beverage enhancing device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for rapidly aging alcoholic beverages and to the beverages produced by the process. During the process, a consumable alcoholic feedstock is contacted with ultrasonic energy at a power of at least about 3 Watts/liter. If desired, a variety of flavorants can also be contacted with the alcohol and ultrasonic energy in order to flavor the beverage. The energy can push the maturation chemistry of the alcohol to completion quickly and produce a consumable product which is unique in characterization and can have flavor and smoothness surpassing that of consumable alcohols aged in slower, more traditional processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for rapidly aging alcoholic beverages and to the beverages produced by the process. During the process, a consumable alcoholic feedstock is contacted with ultrasonic energy at a power of at least about 3 Watts/liter. If desired, a variety of flavorants can also be contacted with the alcohol and ultrasonic energy in order to flavor the beverage. The energy can push the maturation chemistry of the alcohol to completion quickly and produce a consumable product which is unique in characterization and can have flavor and smoothness surpassing that of consumable alcohols aged in slower, more traditional processes.