Abstract: An autoprogrammer is provided for a television receiver capable of receiving conventional analog (NTSC) channels and DTV (8VSB) channels. First, conventional analog channels are identified and then skip channel data for each of the channels is stored in a memory. Subsequent executions of the autoprogramm function map DTV channels. Skip channel data is entered in the memory for these additional DTV channels. Mapping DTV channels occurs without deletion or overwrite of previous channel mapping information. Additionally information is stored in the skip channel memory giving antenna location for mapped DTV stations. DTV autoprogramming can be carried out at different channel positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing whole head vegetables, characterized by a core end, and an open leafy end, is disclosed. Whole head vegetables pass through a washer which has a bottom belt which runs through the length of the washing line and passes through a first and a second tank (or more tanks) of cleaning water. Between the first and second cleaning tanks, a plurality of spray bars further clean the whole head vegetables. Top belts at each of the cleaning tanks above the bottom belt to secure the produce as it passes through the first cleaning tank and through the second cleaning tank. The lower belt, and the upper belts are controlled by a single speed control system resulting in less damage to the produce. Additionally, the angle of the belts conveying the produce through the two cleaning tanks is chosen for optimum performance.

Abstract: An improved configuration for dual fluid steam injected power generators incorporates means to bypass the steam generated by the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) around the superheater. The bypass allows for variation in the amount of superheat added to the injection steam used by the gas turbine. In an alternative configuration, the bypass means is placed between the turbine gas outlet and the superheater gas inlet. The bypass allows the hot turbine exhaust gases to be switched between the HRSG gas inlet and the superheater gas inlet. Finally, a method for controlling the power output and amount of steam generated by a steam injected power generator is described.

Abstract: A harvester is disclosed for harvesting leafy vegetables, lettuce and the like which are very delicate and which are grown in precisely configured beds of either a regular or single width (40 inches or 42 inches) or a double width (80 inches). A conveyer/cutter assembly is located on one side of the harvester centerline and has a width somewhat exceeding the width of a single width bed. The wheels on each side are separated by somewhat more than the width of a double bed. The driver and engine is located on the other side of the centerline. Such a harvester can cut single width beds, or can cut double width beds by making a first pass in one direction and a second pass in the other direction. An improved single conveyer/cutter assembly is disclosed along with a method of harvesting and processing leafy vegetables to reduce the amount of debris and unwanted material in the harvested leafy vegetables.

Abstract: A drying apparatus and method is described wherein baskets, or totes, filled with produce to be dried, are stacked vertically within an inner support frame. The totes are arranged with the open tops facing upwardly. The inner support frame has top and bottom spindles or shafts which are rotationally supported by bearing structures at the top and bottom of the dryer body. Moisture is driven from the enclosed procuce by centrifugal force when the inner support frame/totes are rotated. Produce such as whole head vegetables are preferably arranged in rows in the totes with the cores or cut ends of a row of produce juxtapositioned with, or "butted" against, the cut ends of another row, with the leafy ends generally pointing away from the axis of rotation. In this position, water or moisture tends to flow outwardly from the leafy open ends when the inner frame is rotated during a drying operation.

Abstract: A measuring spout for installation on a container that dispenses particulate material. One embodiment of the spout measures and dispenses variable amounts of particulate material. Another embodiment of the spout measures and dispenses a fixed amount of particulate material. The spout comprises a wedge-shaped spout member that pivots through an opening formed in a wall of the container. The opening in the container has a gate which, in the preferred embodiment, acts as the back wall to the spout, separating the particulate material in the spout from the particulate material remaining in the container. Thus, as the spout opens, the front wall moves further away from the back wall, thereby, providing a variably sized chamber depending on how far the spout is opened from the container wall. The particulate material is measured by tilting the container so as to let the contents fill the spout.