Abstract: A system and method for transferring a part being machined by a machine from a first fixture to a second fixture so that an un-machined side of the part can be exposed for machining, where the first fixture is secured to a first actuator and the second fixture is secured to a second actuator. The method includes securing the part to the first fixture, operating the first actuator so that the part is able to be machined on sides of the part except a side of the part coupled to the first fixture, and machining the part while the part is secured to the first fixture. The method operates the first actuator and the second actuator so that the part secured to the first fixture is aligned with the second fixture, and secures the part to the second fixture and releases the part from the first fixture.

Abstract: A carrier with a reagent selected to detect a contaminant and provide an alert is provided on a media in the environment of a consumable containing the contaminant and at a temperature below the dew point of the environment, which causes condensation of the media and allows for detection and alert of the contaminant.

Abstract: A flexible robotic kitchen assistant automates the preparation of food items. The robotic kitchen assistant includes a robotic arm, a sensor assembly comprising a plurality of cameras aimed at a kitchen workspace for preparing the food items, a controller operable to move the robotic arm, and a processor. The processor is operable to command the robotic arm to perform a food preparation step on the food items in the kitchen workspace based on order information, recipe information, kitchen equipment information, and camera data. The system is capable of performing a wide range of tasks commonly used in residential and commercial kitchens and is able to work collaboratively with and in close proximity to human kitchen workers.

Abstract: A sleeve apparatus for protecting a robotic kitchen arm from contamination. The sleeve includes a proximal end, a distal end, a passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and an exterior surface. The passageway has an effective diameter less than the effective diameter of the robotic kitchen arm such that the exterior surface of the sleeve apparatus is substantially fold-free when the robotic arm is in the extended configuration. Methods of cleaning a robotic kitchen arm are also described.

Abstract: A robotic sled-enhanced food preparation system includes a robotic kitchen assistant operable to determine and to perform food preparation steps, and an autonomous mobile sled operable to supply the robotic kitchen assistant with ingredients and supplies. The robotic kitchen assistant includes a scheduling engine to evaluate food inventory levels and automatically determine when to replenish the food inventories using the sled if the food inventory levels are insufficient to complete the food preparation steps. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A food preparation system is configured to enhance the efficiency of food preparation operations in a commercial kitchen by displaying instructions on a surface in the kitchen work area. The food preparation system includes a plurality of cameras aimed at a kitchen workspace for preparing the plurality of food items and a processor operable to compute an instruction for a kitchen worker to perform a food preparation step based on one or more types of information selected from order information, recipe information, kitchen equipment information, data from the cameras, and food item inventory information. A projector in communication with the processor visually projects the instruction onto a location in the kitchen workspace for the kitchen worker to observe. Related methods for projecting food preparation instructions are described.

Abstract: A sleeve apparatus for protecting a robotic kitchen arm from contamination. The sleeve includes a proximal end, a distal end, a passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and an exterior surface. The passageway has an effective diameter less than the effective diameter of the robotic kitchen arm such that the exterior surface of the sleeve apparatus is substantially fold-free when the robotic arm is in the extended configuration. Methods of cleaning a robotic kitchen arm are also described.

Abstract: A flexible robotic kitchen assistant automates the preparation of food items. The robotic kitchen assistant includes a robotic arm, a sensor assembly comprising a plurality of cameras aimed at a kitchen workspace for preparing the food items, a controller operable to move the robotic arm, and a processor. The processor is operable to command the robotic arm to perform a food preparation step on the food items in the kitchen workspace based on order information, recipe information, kitchen equipment information, and camera data. The system is capable of performing a wide range of tasks commonly used in residential and commercial kitchens and is able to work collaboratively with and in close proximity to human kitchen workers.

Abstract: A sleeve apparatus for protecting a robotic kitchen arm from contamination. The sleeve includes a proximal end, a distal end, a passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and an exterior surface. The passageway has an effective diameter less than the effective diameter of the robotic kitchen arm such that the exterior surface of the sleeve apparatus is substantially fold-free when the robotic arm is in the extended configuration. Methods of cleaning a robotic kitchen arm are also described.

Abstract: A robotic sled-enhanced food preparation system includes a robotic kitchen assistant operable to determine and to perform food preparation steps, and an autonomous mobile sled operable to supply the robotic kitchen assistant with ingredients and supplies. The robotic kitchen assistant includes a scheduling engine to evaluate food inventory levels and automatically determine when to replenish the food inventories using the sled if the food inventory levels are insufficient to complete the food preparation steps. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: In one form, there is disclosed a system (100) for storing, validating and disseminating credential information about an entity. The system (100) generates data representing at least part of the credential information and a data representation of at least part of a document supporting that information and stores the credential information and data representation in a database (120) in an encrypted form.

Abstract: A roof assembly (10) including a plurality of beams (11) to which there is fixed mounting brackets (12). The brackets (12) attach roof sheeting (15) that extends generally transverse of the beams (11). Clips (24) are provided to aid in fixing the sheets (11) to the brackets (12). The clips (24) inhibit separation of the sheets (15) thereby increasing the load at which the assembly (10) will fail.