Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dynamically controlling the gain of an optically pumped optical amplifier, and the optical amplifier including such apparatus, which utilizes a multiplying digital to analog converter to implement a digitally adjustable analog feed forward control of a source of pump radiation of the optical amplifier.

Abstract: An automated method of packaging cooked French fries in an individual portion-sized French fry container is provided, wherein the cooked French fries are mechanically delivered to a holding bin, an empty French fry container is mechanically scooped into the cooked French fries to fill the container, and the filled French fry container is mechanically deposited at a drop-off location. The cooked French fries may be received on an inlet chute, the inlet chute optionally vibrated to assist gravity in causing the French fries to travel into the holding bin. Seasoning may be applied to the French fries while the French fries are on the inlet chute, optionally restrained by one or more gates. After filling, the filled container may be mechanically shaken. Additionally, the empty French fry containers may be mechanically selected from a plurality of different-sized collapsed containers, mechanically obtained, and mechanically erected prior to scooping.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dynamically controlling the gain of an optically pumped optical amplifier, and the optical amplifier including such apparatus, which utilizes a multiplying digital to analog converter to implement a digitally adjustable analog feed forward control of a source of pump radiation of the optical amplifier.

Abstract: The invention provides a current multiplexing circuit for time-domain multiplexing a plurality of current signals such as photocurrents that are received in a plurality of input terminals. The current signals are multiplexed using one or more analog low-resistance switches operational to connect each of the input terminals to an output switch terminal at a time in a selected sequence, while coupling the other input terminals and the output switch terminal to a reference potential such as ground. The current multiplexing circuit can be used in an optical power monitor with auto-calibration functionality for monitoring a plurality of optical signals.

Abstract: An automated method of packaging cooked French fries in an individual portion-sized French fry container is provided, wherein the cooked French fries are mechanically delivered to a holding bin, an empty French fry container is mechanically scooped into the cooked French fries to fill the container, and the filled French fry container is mechanically deposited at a drop-off location. The cooked French fries may be received on an inlet chute, the inlet chute optionally vibrated to assist gravity in causing the French fries to travel into the holding bin. Seasoning may be applied to the French fries while the French fries are on the inlet chute, optionally restrained by one or more gates. After filling, the filled container may be mechanically shaken. Additionally, the empty French fry containers may be mechanically selected from a plurality of different-sized collapsed containers, mechanically obtained, and mechanically erected prior to scooping.

Abstract: A device and method for erecting a collapsed individual portion-sized French fry type container of the type having opposed sidewalls connected by a collapsible container bottom are provided. The device includes a retrieving and container grasping device, which may be a suction cup, for grasping one of the opposed sidewalls, a restraining member for restraining the other opposed sidewall, and means for causing movement of the grasping device away from the restraining member to separate the sidewalls. The grasping device may be mounted to carriages for moving it in two dimensions. An inclined ramp may also be included to urge up the container bottom as it is dragged up the ramp, thus urging the container to an erected position. Additionally, a stream of compressed air may be injected into the open end of the container and towards the container bottom by an appropriate injecting means for assisting in the erecting.

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: 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 important consideration in making a fiber optic device (e.g., comprising fiber in a polished tube at a certain angle and GRIN lens) is to limit sense, maintain and/or measure the gap-width between these two polished surfaces before they are either fused or glued for optimum performance. In automating the configuration, the gap is sensed, apart from optimizing in the transverse plane to minimize the loss. In the present application, a limit sensing method and system is provided to improve the effectiveness in automated manufacturing systems, by exploiting the electromechanical properties of induced EMF (Electro-Magnetic Force) by an electrical coil in presence of a magnet at mechanical resonance. Once it is known when two optical surfaces to be glued are said to have zero gap (i.e., contact between the surfaces), the present system provides an annunciation from limit-sensing electronics.

Abstract: An important consideration in making a fiber optic device (e.g., comprising fiber in a polished tube at a certain angle and GRIN lens) is to limit sense, maintain and/or measure the gap-width between these two polished surfaces before they are either fused or glued for optimum performance. In automating the configuration, the gap is sensed, apart from optimizing in the transverse plane to minimize the loss. In the present application, a limit sensing method and system is provided to improve the effectiveness in automated manufacturing systems, by exploiting the electromechanical properties of induced EMF (Electro-Magnetic Force) by an electrical coil in presence of a magnet at mechanical resonance. Once it is known when two optical surfaces to be glued are said to have zero gap (i.e., contact between the surfaces), the present system provides an annunciation from limit-sensing electronics.

Abstract: An ice dispensing machine includes a housing defining an ice retaining bin. The bin includes an auger/dispensing wheel releasably secured to a shaft of a motor, the shaft extending through one sidewall of the ice bin. A motor mounting panel is secured to the opposite side of the sidewall and includes a plurality of keyway slots having a key receiving hole on one end and a narrower slot portion. The motor includes a similar plurality of keys extending therefrom. A further motor retaining plate is secured to the sidewall and includes two holes. A U-shaped motor retaining rod is threaded on one end and unthreaded on the other. In operation, the plurality of motor keys are aligned with the keyways and inserted into the hole ends thereof, after which the motor is rotated so that the keys are locked and retained in the narrower slot portions.