Abstract: Method for pasteurizing almonds and other nuts with steam at atmospheric pressure. The amount of condensation on and the consequent water uptake of nuts is limited by pasteurizing the nuts in a heating chamber with a gaseous atmosphere including a steam mixture and forming a forced-convection path through the nuts. The limited water uptake maintains the quality of the nuts. A forced-convection steam cooker conveying food products on a foraminous conveyor belt forces the steam mixture through the nuts. A preheater preheats the nuts so that they can be pasteurized in the steam cooker at a temperature of between 85° C. and 99° C. to reduce the dwell time and increase throughput.

Abstract: Method for pasteurizing almonds and other nuts with steam at atmospheric pressure. The amount of condensation on and the consequent water uptake of nuts is limited by pasteurizing the nuts in a heating chamber with a gaseous atmosphere including a steam mixture and forming a forced-convection path through the nuts. The limited water uptake maintains the quality of the nuts. A forced-convection steam cooker conveying food products on a foraminous conveyor belt forces the steam mixture through the nuts. A preheater preheats the nuts so that they can be pasteurized in the steam cooker at a temperature of between 85° C. and 99° C. to reduce the dwell time and increase throughput.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for heat-treating almonds and other nuts and food products with steam at atmospheric pressure. The amount of condensation on and the consequent water uptake of almonds is limited by heating the almonds in a low-temperature gaseous atmosphere including a steam mixture and forming a forced-convection path through the almonds. The limited water uptake prevents the almond skins from blistering. A forced-convection steam cooker conveying food products on a foraminous conveyor belt the cooker forces the steam mixture downward through the food product along a portion of the cooker and upward along another portion of the cooker for a more uniform heat treatment.

Abstract: Method and system for processing shrimp using hydrodynamic turbulence and hydrostatic pressure to peel shrimp. The system uses hydraulics to remove the heads, shells, and appendages from shrimp. Heads are detached in a hydraulic head detacher that uses one or more venturis to subject the shrimp to a turbulent hydrodynamic flow. The shells and appendages of headless shrimp are loosened in a high-pressure hydraulic press that subjects the headless shrimp to a high hydrostatic pressure. The loosened shell and appendages are detached from the headless shrimp in a hydraulic shell detacher similar to the head detacher to produce peeled shrimp meats. Shrimp meats with residual shell or appendages are separated from the completely peeled shrimp meats.

Abstract: Utility of keyboard controlled multipurpose calculating computers with large numbers of modes of operation on data is substantially increased by making available these modes of operation with fewer keys on the keyboard and relating-the keyboard keys to integral keyboard panel carried operating instructions identifying hundreds of accessible operating steps and functions. Typically 12 or 16 key keyboards will initiate considerably more than a hundred different input characters and instructions each clearly identified so that the computer can be used for most of its intended purposes at all times by relatively unskilled operators without reference to instruction manuals. The operating mode requires two successive instantaneous keystrokes for one entry, and the two keystrokes necessary for each of the accessible operating modes and input characters are displayed adjacent the keys for indicating the keys to stroke for each desired entry.

Abstract: Word processing in a pocket sized alphanumeric programmable computer is made possible by means of a self contained movable magnetic recording medium and a keyboard accomodating touch typing with as few as twelve keys operable for a wide range of alphanumeric and computer instruction entries. The keyboard thus takes up little room to share panel space with a visual display for generating temporary text being processed by the computer and therefore providing panel room for a multiple line alphanumeric display for recall and editing of text in the word processing mode of computer operation.

Abstract: A programmable portable electronic computer by means of a twelve key keyboard array capable of entering a full range of alphameric characters and computer commands has room for a large area electronic display screen. This affords room for graphical presentations with alphanumeric notation, and enough rows of printed text to afford word processing capabilities. Thus, a tape recorder within the housing may include software and is coupled for use in dictating, storage, word processing and computer interfacing use, all under control of the keyboard keys.

Abstract: A data processing keyboard system is provided wherein data and command signals from the keyboard are entered by two or more successive keystrokes. At least two operation modes serve to change the entry command assignments to the keys, thereby affording a large number of selections from a few keys. This makes available from the comprehensive capability of present day computers large numbers of keyboard accessible commands. Also surprisingly then this invention can replace a normal QWERTY typewriter keyboard with most of its functions by a set of only three, four, seven or nine keys. Thereby alphabetic characters, decimal digits and a store of computer command entries may be processed with each entry requiring two or more strokes of the computer keyboard keys. Functional commands such as spacing return or shift can be intermixed with the choice of data characters. Means for shifting from a computation mode to an alpha mode of computer operation may be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a fish body into a plurality of transverse fish body section includes a plurality of spaced apart vertically standing work stations, each including a structural frame that supports a continuous rail or runway. The runway includes inclined sections that extend between the work station thereby defining an inclined travel path between the work stations. A wheeled carriage is movably mounted upon the runway and includes a set of spring loaded jaws for holding a fish body section to be processed. The carriage is movably mounted upon the runway so that the carriage can travel from one work station to the next in a sequential fashion. Each work station has a section of rail connected to the inclined runway which is at a lower elevation than the previous work station by a dimension which is equal to the thickness of the fish body section to be processed. Each work station may include a cutting blade such as, for example, a rotary band saw. The saws are at a constant elevation.

Abstract: An integrally molded module for forming a conveyor belt which receives a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally assembled and disassembled with a multiplicty of similar modules by pivot rods to construct the conveyor belt. More specifically, the pivot rods can be removed in a non-destructive manner such that they are suitable for reuse. Each of the modules includes first and second pluralities of link ends, each of which define a pivot hole and are aligned to form first and second pivot axes. The link ends of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which maintains and joins the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other. One or more stop members are also integrally molded in close proximity to the outermost link ends of one of the pluralities and partially obstructs the insertion of a pivot rod into the aperture defined in the outermost link.

Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of a plurality of interconnected modules, each of identical construction and end to end mateable. Each module includes a multiplicity of elongated parallel spaced link elements terminating in first and second link ends. An intermediate section between the link ends is of grid-like structure providing a box beam across the width of the module for structural strength. This intermediate section also includes angled surfaces which define sprocket recesses located midway between the pivot axes and which are adapted to mate with corresponding sprocket teeth of an associated sprocket wheel. These intermediate sprocket recesses provide the benefit of minimizing chordal action and scrubbing between the mating surfaces of the module and sprocket.

Abstract: Particularly in hand held alphameric keyboard actuated computers, available room dictates a need to limit the number of keys without sacrificing computer performance. Further, for portable computers reference to an instruction manual is not feasible. Thus usefulness critically depends upon integrated operating instructions. Formerly there is neither room or facilities for instructions, nor room on the keyboard for enough keys. Herein, a computer keyboard of a few keys controlled by a computer multi-mode processing system to have a plurality of roles permits a very large number of computer functions to be entered and controlled. Further in combination with these roles, a computer organized temporary display panel displays keystroke selection indicia for the different keyboard operating roles. This expands instructional notation otherwise possible on the keys and adjacent keyboard locations.

Abstract: Selection of pre-formed patterns available for manual input to a general purpose computer operable in different modes with no more than sixteen key positions includes decimal digits, punctuation, and a complete set of alphabetic characters. Alphabetic characters and computer commands are selected manually with two keystrokes per entry, and a numeric mode selects decimal digits with one keystroke per entry. Keystroke positions are identified upon menu patterns, which change with the computer modes of operation and for first and second keystrokes in the two stroke per entry modes for more convenient and rapid operation without reference to computer manuals.

Abstract: A module for forming by a simple two-piece mold, a conveyor belt of integral plastic molded construction and having a conveying surface of selected cross-sections is disclosed. The module includes a first plurality (22) of pivot ends joined to a second plurality (24) of pivot ends by an intermediate section (34). Each of the first and second pluralities of pivot ends define apertures (26, 30) suitable for receiving a pivot rod (16, 18, 20). The intermediate section (34) joins and connects the first and second pluralities of pivot ends (22, 24) such that the pivot axis (26, 28, 32) formed by aligning the first pluralities and second pluralities of apertures respectively are maintained parallel to each other and define a common plane (36). Each of the modules receives a driving force such as a tooth (40) for moving the module orthogonal to the pivot axis (28, 32) and substantially parallel to the common plane (36).

Abstract: Screw conveyor apparatus fabricated from integrally molded plastic modules is disclosed. The apparatus includes a multiplicity of modules axially aligned and joined or bonded so as to provide a unitary plastic screw conveyor of a desired length. A plastic axial member extending the length of the screw conveyor and which defines an elongated aperture of a non-circular cross-section is formed by joining or bonding the individual modules. In addition, each of the modules include a flight member which individually helically encircle not more than 360.degree., but when bonded together result in an overall flight member encircling more than 360.degree. and which extends the length of the joined or bonded modules. The plastic screw conveyor is driven by a drive shaft which has a non-circular cross-section and which is inserted through and cooperates with the non-circular aperture extending the length of the joined axial members. A drive or power source is connected to the drive shaft for rotating the apparatus.

Abstract: Particularly in hand held alphameric keyboard actuated computers, available room dictates a need to limit the number of keys without sacrificing computer performance. Further, for portable computers reference to an instruction manual is not feasible. Thus usefulness critically depends upon integrated operating instructions. Formerly there is neither room or facilities for instructions, nor room on the keyboard for enough keys. Herein, a computer keyboard of a few keys controlled by a computer multi-mode processing system to have a plurality of roles permits a very large number of computer functions to be entered and controlled. Further in combination with these roles, a computer organized temporary display panel displays keystroke selection indicia for the different keyboard operating roles. This expands instructional notation otherwise possible on the keys and adjacent keyboard locations.

Abstract: A data processing keyboard system is provided wherein data and command signals from the keyboard are entered by two or more successive keystrokes. At least two operation modes serve to change the entry command assignments to the keys, thereby affording a large number of selections from a few keys. This makes available from the comprehensive capability of present day computers large numbers of keyboard accessible commands. Also surprisingly then this invention can replace a normal QWERTY typewriter keyboard with most of its functions by a set of only three, four, seven or nine keys. Thereby alphabetic characters, decimal digits and a store of computer command entries may be processed with each entry requiring two or more strokes of the computer keyboard keys. Functional commands such as spacing return or shift can be intermixed with the choice of data characters. Means for shifting from a computation mode to an alpha mode of computer operation may be provided.

Abstract: An integrally molded module for forming a conveyor belt which receives a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally assembled and disassembled with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct the conveyor belt. More specifically, the pivot rods can be removed in a non-destructive manner such that they are suitable for reuse. Each of the modules includes first and second pluralities of link ends, each of which define a pivot hole and are alinged to form first and second pivot axes. The link ends of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which maintains and joins the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other. One or more stop members are also integrally molded in close proximity to the outermost link ends of one of the pluralities and partially obstructs the insertion of a pivot rod into the aperture defined in the outermost link.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for use in the processing of transverse fish body sections includes a support frame and a video camera for providing a video image of a transverse fish body section to be processed when aimed at the fish body section along a preselected line of sight. A fish section support is provided for supporting the transverse fish section substantially over its area. The support can be invisible on the video photo image and preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart beams which are of a small dimensional width so that they do not appear on the video photo image that contains the fish body sections. A fluid jetting knife is movable with respect to the transverse fish body section for cutting the section with a pressurized fluid stream and positioned to traverse both the fish section and the support means during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A chain belt formed of a plurality of pivotally connected preassembled parallel links. Each link includes a driving tooth protruding from one surface of the link midway between the pivotal axes of the link. The tooth is preferably formed so that its faces are a pair of intersecting, convex, cylindrical segments of like radii of curvature, the cylindrical axes of the segments being located such that the curvature of the faces insures that there if no scrubbing action where the belt is driven by a sprocket, the teeth of which are shaped to provide an inversely curved mating surface with the link teeth.