Abstract: Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.

Abstract: A tray for vibratory conveying of food articles from a hopper is provided. The tray includes a tray body, food inlet portion, and a food outlet portion. An upwardly extending dividing member divides the tray into at least two food inlet conveyor passageways, the inlet conveyor passageways merging into a single food passageway that extends to the food outlet portion. The single food passageway may have an initially wide portion and subsequently narrow to a narrow portion as it approaches a discharge end. This arrangement helps to declump food items, preferably causing food items the size of chicken nuggets to be conveyed in a single-file arrangement along the single food passageway. The single food passageway is preferably non-linear, and may, for example, have a zigzag or serpentine configuration to promote accurate dispensing of food items.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method are provided that allow food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system. A conveyor system transports the filled container to a suitable pick-up location.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method are provided that allow food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system. A conveyor system transports the filled container to a suitable pick-up location.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a quantity of food to be cooked. The device includes a freezer, a storage container located in the freezer, means located in the freezer for dispensing a predetermined quantity of food from the storage container into a secondary container, and means for dispensing the quantity of food from the secondary container to a location outside the freezer. The means for dispensing a predetermined quantity of food may be, for example, a magazine with dual spiral flights for dispensing food items one at a time, or a vibratory conveyor cooperating with a device for determining a quantity of food in the secondary conveyor and means for terminating the dispensing when a predetermined quantity of food is sensed. The secondary container may have an opening in its bottom and be movable laterally to align its opening with an opening in the freezer.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: A tray for vibratory conveying of food articles from a hopper is provided. The tray includes a tray body, food inlet portion, and a food outlet portion. An upwardly extending dividing member divides the tray into at least two food inlet conveyor passageways, the inlet conveyor passageways merging into a single food passageway that extends to the food outlet portion. The single food passageway may have an initially wide portion and subsequently narrow to a narrow portion as it approaches a discharge end. This arrangement helps to declump food items, preferably causing food items the size of chicken nuggets to be conveyed in a single-file arrangement along the single food passageway. The single food passageway is preferably non-linear, and may, for example, have a zigzag or serpentine configuration to promote accurate dispensing of food items.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a quantity of food to be cooked. The device includes a freezer, a storage container located in the freezer, means located in the freezer for dispensing a predetermined quantity of food from the storage container into a secondary container, and means for dispensing the quantity of food from the secondary container to a location outside the freezer. The means for dispensing a predetermined quantity of food may be, for example, a magazine with dual spiral flights for dispensing food items one at a time, or a vibratory conveyor cooperating with a device for determining a quantity of food in the secondary conveyor and means for terminating the dispensing when a predetermined quantity of food is sensed. The secondary container may have an opening in its bottom and be movable laterally to align its opening with an opening in the freezer.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a food dispensing magazine located in a freezer. Food is dispensed from the magazine to a secondary container located within the freezer for containing a plurality of pieces dispensed from the food magazine. A device is provided for determining the number of food pieces in the container located in the secondary container and for dumping the secondary container so that food pieces contained in the secondary container are dumped to a location outside of the freezer.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, such as an individual portion-sized container. The system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. The food is fried and thereafter it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and filled by an automated container handling and filling system. After a food container is filled, an automated device transports the filled container to a suitable pick-up location.

Abstract: Alternating magnetic flux is directed through a high permeability flux guide to an area of overlapped electrically-conductive sheets between which a heat-curable adhesive material is positioned. Energy from the flux creates eddy currents in the overlapped sheets which dissipate power as heat, and the heat cures the adhesive to bond the sheets together. In addition to bonding, energy consumption is reduced and more uniformity in heating and curing of the adhesive material results from using the flux guide.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: An apparatus for offshore production of hydrocarbon fluids is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base and a buoyant structure secured to said base and connected or adapted to be connected to a subsea well or wells. The key characteristics of the apparatus are that: (A) the apparatus includes storage facility means for fluid(s) received from the subsea well or wells and/or for processed fluid(s) produced by the apparatus; (B) the buoyant structure is tethered to the base by a plurality of flexible tethers; and (C) the buoyant structure comprises (i) a sub-surface housing containing facilities for processing fluids received from the subsea well or wells via said storage facility in said base; and (ii) a column extending upwardly from the housing to a level above the sea surface. The invention also relates to the buoyant structure per se.

Abstract: This application discloses a method of extracting hydrocarbons from a submarine well, which is characterized in that a displacement fluid, e.g. water, is injected under pressure into the submarine well, or into a reservoir connected to the submarine well, from a submerged buoy or from a submerged part of a buoy. Typically, the injection fluid is rawwater. A buoy is also disclosed which comprises an upper section (2) arranged to extend above the sea level; and a lower, submerged section (1), characterized in that the lower, submerged section comprises means for providing a displacement fluid under pressure to an output which is connected or is connectable to a submarine well.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing an offshore drilling operation in a sea, the apparatus comprising a drilling derrick support structure (2) having a base (4) to rest on the sea-floor (5) and a deck (7) to support a drilling derrick (1), the structure being in the form of a concrete block (2) having a hollow cavity to enable the block (2) to be floated to the site where drilling is to take place and being adapted to receive ballast into the cavity in such a way and in a sufficient quantity as to cause the block (2) to sink base-first and rest upon the sea-bed with the deck (7) clear of the surface of the sea, a drilling derrick (1) for mounting on the deck (7) of the block (2) and a tender assist barge (3) for transport to the site in down to 2 m of water to provide services, supplies and equipment to the drilling derrick (1).