Abstract: A method and system for generating neural architectures to perform a particular task. An actor neural network, as part of a continuous action reinforcement learning (RL) agent, generates a randomized continuous actions parameters to encourage exploration of a search space to generate candidate architectures without bias. The continuous action parameters are discretized and applied to a search space to generate candidate architectures, the performance of which for performing the particular task is evaluated. Corresponding reward and state are determined based on the performance. A critic neural network, as part of the continuous action RL agent, learns a mapping of the continuous action to a reward using modified Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) with quantile loss function by sampling a list of top performing architectures. The actor neural network is updated with the learned mapping.

Abstract: A method and system for generating neural architectures to perform a particular task. An actor neural network, as part of a continuous action reinforcement learning (RL) agent, generates a randomized continuous actions parameters to encourage exploration of a search space to generate candidate architectures without bias. The continuous action parameters are discretized and applied to a search space to generate candidate architectures, the performance of which for performing the particular task is evaluated. Corresponding reward and state are determined based on the performance. A critic neural network, as part of the continuous action RL agent, learns a mapping of the continuous action to a reward using modified Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) with quantile loss function by sampling a list of top performing architectures. The actor neural network is updated with the learned mapping.

Abstract: A method of making a lubrication spray orifice for a valve actuating mechanism includes the steps of forming a dome socket for a finger follower of a valve actuating mechanism of an engine, forming a pocket in the dome socket and thinning out material of the pocket, and forming an elongated slit opening by expanding the pocket in a single lancing operation to lance a surface of the pocket to create a lubrication spray metering orifice.

Abstract: A small item pneumatic diverter for high speed diversion of articles, such as fruit, from a moving conveyor in a product handling system. The pneumatic diverter is particularly suited for diversion of small, relatively fragile articles after they have been optically scanned for size, weight, quality or other characteristics. The diverter has a nozzle connected to an electrical solenoid controlled air valve that is connected to a source of compressed air and a computer for controlling the release of air to the nozzle. The nozzle has a plurality of small discharge ports at one end for discharging air towards an article on the moving conveyor. In one configuration, the nozzle discharges air across the top of a small article to provide lift and against the article to off-load it from the conveyor. A delay mechanism is utilized to selective discharge an article after it has been scanned.

Abstract: A small item pneumatic diverter for high speed diversion of articles, such as fruit, from a moving conveyor in a product handling system. The pneumatic diverter is particularly suited for diversion of small, relatively fragile articles after they have been optically scanned for size, weight, quality or other characteristics. The diverter has a nozzle connected to an electrical solenoid controlled air valve that is connected to a source of compressed air and a computer for controlling the release of air to the nozzle. The nozzle has a plurality of small discharge ports at one end for discharging air towards an article on the moving conveyor. In one configuration, the nozzle discharges air across the top of a small article to provide lift and against the article to off-load it from the conveyor. A delay mechanism is utilized to selective discharge an article after it has been scanned.

Abstract: Several conveyor rollers of singulators are made to rotate by a fruit orientation belt causing fruit carried thereon to rotate in accordance with movement of the belt such that the rotational axes of the fruit, typically lemons, orient themselves along their stem axes, or substantially perpendicularly to the direction of travel of the singulators. Downstream, the rollers contact a rotating spin-accelerating belt to substantially increase speed of rotation of the rollers and oriented fruit thereon in order to permit optical scanning devices to scan a much larger percentage of the fruit surface areas. Fruit rotate in the same direction of rotation during orientation and spin-acceleration, the latter occurring for only a very short duration.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing fruit and the like, particularly for sorting as a function of variables, including color, blemish, size and shape. The apparatus provides an illuminator for substantially uniformly illuminating a portion of the item being examined, and for generating a plurality of signals corresponding to respective different portions of the item being examined. A circuit is provided for obtaining difference signals corresponding to the difference of data signals corresponding to adjacent portions of the surface of the fruit. The fruit is sorted as a function of those difference signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing fruit and the like, particularly for sorting as a function of variables including color, blemish, size and shape. The apparatus provides an illuminator for substantially uniformly illuminating a portion of the item being examined, and a signal detector array for generating a plurality of signals corresponding to respective different portions of the item being examined. The data signals corresponding to a given item are accumulated and then batch processed to determine sorting signals, while a next item is being examined and data signals for it are being accumulated. For blemish detection, the batch processing includes determination of differences between signals representing adjacent surface portions, and generation of blemish sorting signals as a function of such determined differences.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically sorting fruit and the like by weight or color, or both, using conveyance system to move objects to be sorted past an electromechanical weighing station and an optical color sensing station which, in conjunction with sequential and combinational logic, compare the color and weight of the item to a predetermined criteria and sort according thereto.

Abstract: A metal foil or plate for use in the slit mechanism of optical systems and having two jaw sections between which the slit is defined. The jaw sections are interconnected through an integral hinge portion of the plate which is adaptable to flex so that the jaw sections can move towards and away from each other and thereby vary the slit width. When incorporated in actual slit mechanism, the plate, or at least a portion thereof, is interposed between two mounting surfaces so that the jaw sections are maintained coplanar, and an actuator for causing relative movement of the jaw sections is connected to another section of the plate which is integrally connected with each jaw section through a relatively narrow plate portion. The last mentioned section of the plate and the hinge means form the only connections between the jaw sections.