Abstract: The disclosure relates to a lighted connector configured to be attached to a rechargeable battery to allow the rechargeable battery to charged and/or discharged. The lighted connector includes a light that is operably connected to a control unit and/or processing component. The control unit and/or processing component may be programmed to control operation of the light in accordance with various parameters. In some embodiments, the light may be configured to be illuminated in response to an illumination triggering event, such as the lighted connector transitioning from a closed position toward an open position or a battery maintenance device associated with the lighted connector being connected to a power source. In addition, the lighted connector may be configured to be turned off in response to a shut-off triggering event, such as the lighted connector being correctly attached to a rechargeable battery. Furthermore, the light may be used in various ways to provide feedback to the user.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a battery exercising device configured to discharge and charge a rechargeable battery. The battery exercising device is configured to receive electrical power from a power source and periodically transfer this power into a rechargeable battery connected to the battery exercising device. A battery assessment may be performed on the rechargeable battery to determine whether to charge the battery after the battery assessment. The rechargeable battery may be desulfated during the battery assessment in an effort to restore or increase the cranking power and/or the charge timing of the rechargeable battery. A solar panel may be provided as the power source and may be used in conjunction with a bank battery to store collected solar power until needed to recharge the battery.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a battery exercising device configured to discharge and charge a rechargeable battery, such as a lead-acid battery, after a set amount of time has elapsed. The battery exercising device is configured to receive electrical power from a power source and periodically transfer this power into a battery connected to the battery exercising device. After a period has elapsed, for example two weeks, the device applies a discharging load to the connected battery to drain the battery to a predetermined discharge level. Thereafter, the device charges the connected battery to a predetermined charge level. Once charged to the predetermined charge level, the device again waits the set period of time and repeats the discharge/recharge sequence.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a battery exercising device configured to discharge and charge a rechargeable battery, such as a lead-acid battery, after a set amount of time has elapsed. The battery exercising device is configured to receive electrical power from a power source and periodically transfer this power into a battery connected to the battery exercising device. After a period has elapsed, for example two weeks, the device applies a discharging load to the connected battery to drain the battery to a predetermined discharge level. Thereafter, the device charges the connected battery to a predetermined charge level. Once charged to the predetermined charge level, the device again waits the set period of time and repeats the discharge/recharge sequence.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a barrel for a single auger extrude having angular sections of material.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized device comprises the steps of providing a motorized device, receiving a code, checking that code, and changing the operational state of a portion of the motorized device in response to the code in certain circumstances. In one embodiment, the motorized device comprises a drive system, an activation mechanism, and a safety circuit that is in communication with the activation mechanism and at least a portion of the drive system. After receiving an unlocking code from the activation mechanism, the next step is to determine if the received unlocking code corresponds to a predetermined unlocking code. Subsequently, if the received unlocking code corresponds to the predetermined unlocking code, then the safety circuit is transitioned from a locked state to a normal operation state. Additional codes and corresponding operational states may also be incorporated into other embodiments of the method.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata cheese. In one embodiment, a continuous cooker stretcher is used for the production of pasta filata cheese.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata cheese. In one embodiment, electromagnetic energy is used for the production of pasta filata cheese.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata cheese. In one embodiment a tube within a tube design is used for the production of pasta filata cheese.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata cheese. In one embodiment, a microwave system is used for the production of pasta filata cheese.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata cheese. In one embodiment, a microwave system is used for the production of pasta filata cheese.

Abstract: A string cheese-forming machine provides for extrusion of cheese into control volumes, for example, implemented with tubes each movably blocked with a piston having a stop. Complete filling of each tube is detected before ejection of the cheese from the tubes is undertaken, thereby ensuring consistent product volume and weight.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata cheese. In one embodiment, a microwave system is used for the production of pasta filata cheese.

Abstract: A material sampling and analyzing assembly comprises a material sampling device and a material analyzer assembly. The material sampling device is configured to extract a core sample of material from a supply of material. The material analyzer assembly is attached to a portion of the material sampling device. The material analyzer assembly comprises a first material analyzer configured to analyze a first testing sample, which comprises a first portion of the core sample. An alternate material sampling an analyzing assembly comprises a material sampling device comprising a discharge chute and a material analyzer assembly comprising a sample container and a material analyzer. The sample container is attached to the discharge chute. The sample container is configured to receive and temporarily retain a testing sample that is discharged from the discharge chute. The material analyzer is configured to analyze the testing sample while it is retained by the sample container.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized device comprises the steps of providing a motorized device, receiving a code, checking that code, and changing the operational state of a portion of the motorized device in response to the code in certain circumstances. In one embodiment, the motorized device comprises a drive system, an activation mechanism, and a safety circuit that is in communication with the activation mechanism and at least a portion of the drive system. After receiving an unlocking code from the activation mechanism, the next step is to determine if the received unlocking code corresponds to a predetermined unlocking code. Subsequently, if the received unlocking code corresponds to the predetermined unlocking code, then the safety circuit is transitioned from a locked state to a normal operation state. Additional codes and corresponding operational states may also be incorporated into other embodiments of the method.

Abstract: A safety system comprises an activation mechanism, a safety circuit, and a drive system in communication with each other. In one embodiment, the activation mechanism produces an activation signal in response to an actuation of the activation mechanism. The safety circuit operates in either a locked state or a normal operation state. In this embodiment, the safety circuit is programmed to prevent the activation signal from being communicated to the drive system when the safety circuit is operating in the locked state and to allow the activation signal to be communicated to the drive system when the safety circuit is operating in the normal operation state. The safety circuit is programmed to transition from the locked state to the normal operation state in response to receiving both an unlocking code and a follow-up signal that is received by the safety circuit within a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A safety system comprises an activation mechanism, a safety circuit, and a drive system in communication with each other. In one embodiment, the activation mechanism produces an activation signal in response to an actuation of the activation mechanism. The safety circuit operates in either a locked state or a normal operation state. In this embodiment, the safety circuit is programmed to prevent the activation signal from being communicated to the drive system when the safety circuit is operating in the locked state and to allow the activation signal to be communicated to the drive system when the safety circuit is operating in the normal operation state. The safety circuit is programmed to transition from the locked state to the normal operation state in response to receiving both an unlocking code and a follow-up signal that is received by the safety circuit within a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an enclosure, an electronic switch, and a solar panel. The enclosure is operable to house electronic components and is configured to be explosion proof. The electronic switch is in communication with the enclosure and the solar panel. The solar panel is operable to deliver power to the electronic switch without accumulating charge. The solar panel is further configured to deliver power to the electronic switch without generating any sparks.

Abstract: A material sampling device comprises an auger, a first motor, and a rotatable tube assembly. The auger is configured to extract material from a container. The first motor is configured to rotate the auger. The rotatable tube assembly comprises an outer tube and a second motor. The outer tube is configured to allow the auger to rotate within the outer tube. The outer tube comprises an upper portion configured to remain stationary, and a lower portion configured to rotate. The second motor is configured to rotate the lower portion of the outer tube. In a second embodiment, a material sampling device comprises an auger, and a rotatable tube assembly. The rotatable tube assembly comprises an outer tube comprising an upper portion configured to remain stationary and a lower portion configured to rotate. The auger and the lower portion of the outer tube are configured to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions.

Abstract: Crusher has a housing with a cylindrical crushing chamber defined by a tubular wall. Opposed side plates are secured to respective ends of the wall. A drive shaft rotates impact tools within the chamber. An intake aperture and a discharge aperture are in communication with the chamber. An inlet door, having an inner face with a curvature of similar radius to the cylindrical chamber, may be pivoted over the intake aperture such that the inner face is flush with the inner surface of the chamber, whereby impact tools strike and remove material adhering to the inner face. An arcuately shaped screen, having a curvature of similar radius to the cylindrical chamber, may be pivoted over the discharge aperture such that the screen is flush with the inner surface of the chamber. The screen may be pivoted away from the discharge aperture for the service thereof.