Abstract: The invention relates generally to a mechanical device that efficiently measures physical parameters such as compression strength, elasticity, firmness, deformation resistance and the like, on one or a plurality of compressible test objects including fruits, nuts and vegetables, and which operates in a semi-automatic fashion using a rotatable turntable with multiple wells to hold a plurality of test objects in place during measurement using one or more positionable sensors capable of measuring a physical parameter when brought into contact with the test object.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a mechanical device that efficiently measures physical parameters such as compression strength, elasticity, firmness, deformation resistance and the like, on one or a plurality of compressible test objects including fruits, nuts and vegetables, and which operates in a semi-automatic fashion using an indexable turntable linked to one or a plurality of measuring stations capable of independently measuring said physical parameters, employing a controlled gravity assisted test assembly as a means for applying a steady, continuous gravitational force to said compressible test objects while recording said parameters by means of one or a plurality of sensor elements associated with said measuring stations.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for slicing broccoli and the like into relatively uniform spears suitable for packing and freezing by grasping the stem end of the broccoli in clamping jaws with the main portion of the broccoli head depending vertically, moving a plurality of slicing knives upwardly to slice through said main portion, and severing the stem portion from the sliced portion to provide spears of similar size and shape. The heads of broccoli move along a feed conveyor and erecting means to a transfer station where their stem ends are grasped by clamping jaws carried on a rotary turntable in vertical alignment with a slicing knife assembly reciprocable vertically in response to the rotation of the turntable. A rotary knife severs the stem ends from the spears which drop onto a discharge conveyor. All of the described actions occur as the broccoli moves at a constant uniform speed through the slicing machine.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for slicing broccoli and the like into relatively uniform spears suitable for packing and freezing by grasping the stem end of the broccoli in clamping jaws with the main portion of the broccoli head depending vertically, moving a plurality of slicing knives upwardly to slice through said main portion, and severing the stem portion from the sliced portion to provide spears of similar size and shape. The heads of broccoli move along a feed conveyor and erecting means to a transfer station where their stem ends are grasped by clamping jaws carried on a rotary turntable in vertical alignment with a slicing knife assembly reciprocable vertically in response to the rotation of the turntable. A rotary knife severs the stem ends from the spears which drop onto a discharge conveyor. All of the described actions occur as the broccoli moves at a constant uniform speed through the slicing machine.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention is for dispensing two liquids so that the ratio K of the flow rates of the liquids is substantially constant. The apparatus comprises two containers each having a dispensing orifice and an air vent passage having two ends, an inlet end at the outside surface of the container and an outlet end inside the container. In the preferred embodiment, the containers are geometrically proportional in shape with the dispensing or pouring orifices and vent passages all in corresponding locations. The ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the pouring orifices of the two containers is C K.sup.5/6 where C is the ratio of the flow coefficients of the two liquids to be poured.