Abstract: A detection apparatus is discloses comprising an emitter for emitting a plurality of optical pulses; a detector for receiving the optical pulses from the emitter; and a controller connected to the emitter and the detector, the controller comparing a difference between at least one pulse received at the detector and at least one other pulse received at the detector with a threshold to detect the presence of an object between the emitter and detector. Also discloses is an object processing system, which automatically detects the presence of objects at at least one predetermined location during object processing, comprising an object processing subsystem; and an object detection subsystem communicatively connected to the object processing subsystem.

Abstract: A detection apparatus is discloses comprising an emitter for emitting a plurality of optical pulses; a detector for receiving the optical pulses from the emitter; and a controller connected to the emitter and the detector, the controller comparing a difference between at least one pulse received at the detector and at least one other pulse received at the detector with a threshold to detect the presence of an object between the emitter and detector. Also discloses is an object processing system, which automatically detects the presence of objects at at least one predetermined location during object processing, comprising an object processing subsystem; and an object detection subsystem communicatively connected to the object processing subsystem.

Abstract: A detection apparatus comprising a device adapted for transmitting a transmitted serial data stream and receiving a received serial data stream, and further comprising a sensor adapted for receiving the transmitted serial data stream from the device, returning the received serial data stream to the device when a transmission medium is in a Data Pass Through State, and not returning the received serial data stream to the device when the transmission medium is in a No Data Pass Through State. The transmission medium is influenced by an external event. The device verifies the received serial data stream against the transmitted serial data stream to verify the transmission medium is in the Data Pass Through State and to determine whether the external event has influenced the transmission medium.

Abstract: A proximity detection apparatus for detecting objects within a predetermined space. The apparatus comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a processor, and a power supply that provides electrical potential to the transmitter, the receiver, and the processor. The processor produces transmitted data bursts to the transmitter, the transmitter emits optical data bursts toward the predetermined space where, if the object is present, the optical data bursts reflect off of the object as return optical bursts. The receiver detects the return optical bursts and transmits received data bursts to the processor. The processor compares the received data bursts against the transmitted data bursts to verify that the object is present in the predetermined space. The processor produces an output signal to control equipment based the object being present or absent from the predetermined space. A dispensing system embodiment may include a portion control device.

Abstract: A proximity detection apparatus for detecting objects within a predetermined region. The apparatus comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a microcontroller, and a power supply that provides electrical potential to the transmitter, the receiver, and the microcontroller. The microcontroller produces transmitted data bursts to the transmitter, the transmitter emits optical data bursts toward the predetermined region where, if the object is present, the optical data bursts reflect off of the object as return optical bursts. The receiver detects the return optical bursts and transmits received data bursts to the microcontroller. The microcontroller compares the received data bursts against the transmitted data bursts to verify that the object is present in the predetermined region. The microcontroller produces an output signal to control equipment based the object being present or absent from the predetermined region.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and cooling an enclosed operator space in an off-road vehicle controlling evaporator fan speed, compressor clutch and condenser fan operation, and having sensors for detecting operator space temperature and an evaporator freezing condition, the condenser fan motor fuse condition, and under or over pressure conditions in the compressor; the apparatus also controls the operation of a heat source such as a heat valve in a coolant path or an electric resistance heater. The evaporator fan speed is controlled by pulse-width modulating power to the fan motor and speed is displayed by a bar graph; a digital display of temperature and system diagnostics is also provided. Operation of the clutch is inhibited when the evaporator freezes.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and cooling an enclosed operator space in an off-road vehicle controlling evaporator fan speed, compressor clutch and condenser fan operation, and having sensors for detecting operator space temperature and an evaporator freezing condition, the condenser fan motor fuse condition, and under or over pressure conditions in the compressor; the apparatus also controls the operation of a heat source such as a heat valve in a coolant path or an electric resistance heater. The evaporator fan speed is controlled by pulse-width modulating power to the fan motor and speed is displayed by a bar graph; a digital display of temperature and system diagnostics is also provided. Operation of the clutch is inhibited when the evaporator freezes.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and cooling an enclosed operator space in an off-road vehicle controlling evaporator fan speed, compressor clutch and condenser fan operation, and having sensors for detecting operator space temperature and an evaporator freezing condition, the condenser fan motor fuse condition, and under or over pressure conditions in the compressor; the apparatus also controls the operation of a heat source such as a heat valve in a coolant path or an electric resistance heater. The evaporator fan speed is controlled by pulse-width modulating power to the fan motor and speed is displayed by a bar graph; a digital display of temperature and system diagnostics is also provided. Operation of the clutch is inhibited when the evaporator freezes.