Abstract: A vision recognition system is provided for use with a high speed, automatic produce labeling machine. The system uses laser profiling to direct a sheet of light transversely to the longitudinal axis of a produce feed conveyor. The sheet of light periodically impacts, and generates laser profiles of, the surfaces of the produce items, such as pears, being fed by the conveyor to one or more labeling machines. The laser profiles are used to generate real world (x,y) coordinates of the domes of the incoming produce items, which are passed to the labeling machine or machines. Real world height (or z) coordinates may also be created and passed to the labeler.

Abstract: A vision recognition system is provided for use with a high speed, automatic produce labeling machine. The system uses laser profiling to direct a sheet of light transversely to the longitudinal axis of a produce feed conveyor. The sheet of light periodically impacts, and generates laser profiles of, the surfaces of the produce items, such as pears, being fed by the conveyor to one or more labeling machines. The laser profiles are used to generate real world (x,y) coordinates of the domes of the incoming produce items, which are passed to the labeling machine or machines. Real world height (or z) coordinates may also be created and passed to the labeler.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus is provided. The labeling apparatus includes a detachable label cassette which presents labels to be attached to fruit and/or vegetables and a label applicator which receives the label and applies it to the fruit and/or vegetables. Label strip is pulled off the label cassette by a label drive mechanism and the movement of the applicator is driven by an applicator drive mechanism both of which include stepper motor drives. A control arrangement controls both the label drive mechanism and the applicator drive mechanism and the control arrangement includes a memory device which stores parameters relating to different labels. The use of stepper motors in the drives and the use of a memory in the control arrangement makes it possible to provide for automatic set up on initiation or label change.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus is provided. The labeling apparatus includes a detachable label cassette which presents labels to be attached to fruit and/or vegetables and a label applicator which receives the label and applies it to the fruit and/or vegetables. Label strip is pulled off the label cassette by a label drive mechanism and the movement of the applicator is driven by an applicator drive mechanism both of which include stepper motor drives. A control arrangement controls both the label drive mechanism and the applicator drive mechanism and the control arrangement includes a memory device which stores parameters relating to different labels. The use of stepper motors in the drives and the use of a memory in the control arrangement makes it possible to provide for automatic set up on initiation or label change.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus is provided. The labeling apparatus includes a detachable label cassette which presents labels to be attached to fruit and/or vegetables and a label applicator which receives the label and applies it to the fruit and/or vegetables. Label strip is pulled off the label cassette by a label drive mechanism and the movement of the applicator is driven by an applicator drive mechanism both of which include stepper motor drives. A control arrangement controls both the label drive mechanism and the applicator drive mechanism and the control arrangement includes a memory device which stores parameters relating to different labels. The use of stepper motors in the drives and the use of a memory in the control arrangement makes it possible to provide for automatic set up on initiation or label change.

Abstract: A detachable air compressor system includes a detachable air compressor unit and a second storage tank. The detachable air compressor unit is portable and includes an air pump powered by a motor and connected to a first storage tank, where the pump, motor, and first storage tank are all connected to a first base. The first storage tank is also attached to a regulator in order to release the compressed air stored inside and to a first coupler to permit the transport of compressed air between the first storage tank and the second storage tank. The detachable air compressor unit can be attached to a second storage tank of a larger size than the first storage tank. The second storage tank includes a second coupler adapted for receiving the first coupler from the first base as well as a second base adapted for coupling with the first base to removably secure the detachable air compressor unit to the second storage tank.

Abstract: New devices and kits for solid-phase immuno-assays comprising a solid porous support, preferably in the form of a sheet, where antigens or immuno-globulins or both of them are bound by direct application in any suitable geometry, e.g. as an assay of dots or lines. Such porous supports are suitable for effecting an unlimited number of antibody-antigen reactions simultaneously and in one operation.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Stachys plant, ‘Pink Cotton Candy’, characterized by its flowers that are bright pink and two-toned in color with the upper lip of the petals lighter pink in color than the lower lip of the petals, its combination of newly opened flowers and fading flowers that impart an addition two-tone effect to the inflorescences, its free-flowering habit with an abundance of blooms produces for at least 8 weeks during the summer months, its robust and dense mound of deep green foliage with upright flowering stems arising above the foliage, and its hardiness in U.S.D.A Zones 4 to 8.