Abstract: There is provided a system and a method for assessing a quality of a cooking medium in a fryer. The system includes a fryer pot, a filtration unit, a conduit, an electronic module, and a processor. The conduit is in fluid communication with the fryer pot for carrying the cooking medium from the fryer pot through the filtration unit back to the fryer pot. The electronic module collects values of a plurality of operating parameters of the fryer, over a period of time. The processor produces an assessment of the quality from an evaluation of the values in accordance with a model of a relationship between the quality and a combination of the operating parameters. There is also provided a storage device that contains instructions for controlling the processor.

Abstract: A communication system (100) includes at least one digital signal processor (DSP) and a WAN driver (80) operating on a processor that is electrically coupled to a memory. The WAN driver (80) receives task allocation requests from a host to open/close communication channels that are handled by the at least one DSP. Each task is allocated to one of the at least one DSP according to a total current task processing load for each of the at least one DSP, a maximum processing capability for each of the at least one DSP, and a processing requirement for each task being allocated to the one of the at least one DSP that can handle the additional processing load of the task being allocated.

Abstract: A communication system (100) includes at least one digital signal processor (DSP) and a WAN driver (80) operating on a processor that is electrically coupled to a memory. The WAN driver (80) receives task allocation requests from a host to open/close communication channels that are handled by the at least one DSP. Each task is allocated to one of the at least one DSP according to a total current task processing load for each of the at least one DSP, a maximum processing capability for each of the at least one DSP, and a processing requirement for each task being allocated to the one of the at least one DSP that can handle the additional processing load of the task being allocated. A configuration controller (92) keeps track of the MIPs processing requirement of each task available for allocation across the plurality of DSPs and the maximum processing capability of each DSP of the plurality of DSPs in response to changes in configuration of the communication system (100).

Abstract: A fixture automatically aligns a laser transmitter bolted to a rifle. A case is horizontally oriented and a hinged end cover is swung upwardly to reveal a control unit. The barrel of the rifle is supported on a weapon rest mounted to the base unit and the trigger guard or clip receptacle is mounted in a vise on a sliding rack inside the case. The vise has knobs for adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the weapon, thereby permitting the soldier to aim at a target reticle. An optics unit is mounted on a forward portion of the base unit and includes a lens and a beam splitter which is transparent to infrared light from the laser transmitter but reflective to visible light. The illuminated target reticle is mounted inside the optics unit. The beam splitter is positioned forward of the lens and is angled at forty-five degrees to project the image of the target reticle through the lens at infinity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing periodic subscription television services comprises a way for subscribers who cannot afford the fees for full time television services such as a regular cable television service to obtain subscription service to a plurality of allocated channels on a periodic basis. The method comprises the steps of allocating channels to a periodic service offering and storing in memory of service denial apparatus service code data which represents the allocated channels. The service denial apparatus for providing periodic service comprises a service denial device such as a switch 389 or other circuit controlled by a controller 260 of service denial apparatus for periodically closing and opening service lines to the periodic service subscriber in accordance with predetermined periodic service intervals.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and apparatus for a cable television interdiction system is provided. One or more diagnostic modes each corresponding to a particular problem or state associated with the interdiction unit may be entered into by the interdiction unit. If a diagnostic mode is detected, the television signal provided to a television signal receiving apparatus, e.g., a television set, is disabled for a specified length of time. Thereafter, depending upon the diagnostic mode detected, either the television signal provided to the receiving apparatus and/or a light-emitting device, e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED), is pulsed a specified number of times corresponding to the detected diagnostic mode. The cycle of disabling the television signal provided to the receiving apparatus and pulsing either or both the television signal provided to the receiving apparatus and/or the LED is repeated until a transaction is received from the headend cancelling the diagnostic mode.

Abstract: Apparatus for broadband signal distribution is equipped with a detector for detecting when the apparatus is open and is further adapted to receive an entry code generator. If the entry code generator is not installed or, if installed, fails to generate an entry code which matches an authorized entry code stored in the apparatus, the apparatus enters a particular mode of operation whereby service provided by the apparatus is interfered with. The entry code generator comprises a circuit board for coupling with an electrical connector of the apparatus having at least one ear which precludes closure of a cover to the apparatus. A method of screening access to the apparatus from others than authorized service personnel includes waiting a predetermined period of time for coupling the access code generator before service is interfered with. Furthermore, the stored access code may be changed or the predetermined time varied by addressable command from a headend of a broadband signal distribution system.