Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a compact, automated food preparation and customization device.

Abstract: A hand pruner having a first and second handle, the first handle having a hook, formed at a far end, the second handle having a cutting blade formed at the far end. The first handle and hook and second handle and blade pivotally connected for movement with respect to each other. The blade and second handle having a cup formed between the blade and second handle. The hook and first handle having a cup formed between the hook and first handle. The cutting edge of the hook is formed along two concave intersecting arcs of different diameters, the smaller diameter arc located next to the pivot. The cutting edge of the blade is formed along two convex intersecting arcs having diameters that complement the two concave arcs in the hook cutting edge.

Abstract: A hand pruner having a first and second handle, the first handle having a hook, formed at a far end, the second handle having a cutting blade formed at the far end. The first handle and hook and second handle and blade pivotally connected for movement with respect to each other. The blade and second handle having a cup formed between the blade and second handle. The hook and first handle having a cup formed between the hook and first handle. The cutting edge of the hook is formed along two concave intersecting arcs of different diameters, the smaller diameter arc located next to the pivot. The cutting edge of the blade is formed along two convex intersecting arcs having diameters that complement the two concave arcs in the hook cutting edge.

Abstract: A record management system is provided for generating a multi-dimensional view for different measures. A set of records is retrieved in response to a set of queries. The set of records is maintained in a master table. The record management system generates a record structure foundation, including a query map and a master table index. The record management system then employs the record structure foundation to generate a multi-dimensional layout mapping for the measures that are to be represented in the view. The record structure foundation and measure values in the master table are used to convert the layout mapping into the desired multidimensional view. The record management system includes data storage units. These data storage units are coupled to a set of processing engines, which that provide for performing operations that result in the generation of a multi-dimensional view.

Abstract: A method for increasing recording format reliability in a tape drive system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a default media information region (MIR) on a media, wherein the default MIR includes MIR information divided into segments, reading the MIR information, rotating the MIR information into a first rotation MIR information by rotating the segments by one segment; and writing the first rotation MIR information into a first MIR on the media. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for increasing recording format reliability in a tape drive system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a default media information region (MIR) on a media, wherein the default MIR includes MIR information divided into segments, reading the MIR information, rotating the MIR information into a first rotation MIR information by rotating the segments by one segment; and writing the first rotation MIR information into a first MIR on the media. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A frozen confectionary vending machine employs robotics and other features to provide a customized frozen confectionary product, with or without toppings, in an entertaining environment. At least portions of the vending machine interior are visible to customers as the machine assemblies a frozen confectionary product according to specifications selected by the customer. A robotic arm moves a product receptacle between various dispensing stations that dispense measured amounts of a frozen confectionary and one or more optional toppings into the receptacle. After assembly, the product is moved by the robotic arm to a product delivery port that provides customer assess to the product in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: A system for measuring light absorption levels includes a light source providing a light beam and a container for a liquid. The container includes an opening to provide access to the liquid. A prism is disposed over the opening and is operable to direct at least a first portion of the light beam toward the opening to the liquid such that the at least a portion of the first portion of the light beam is reflected back from the liquid forming an attenuated beam. A detector is operable to measure at least one of a portion of the attenuated beam and a second portion of the light beam. The detector is operable to produce at least one of a liquid measurement signal and a reference signal. A device is operable to compute a ratio of the liquid measurement signal to the reference signal to determine a signal ratio.

Abstract: A record management system is provided for generating a multi-dimensional view for different measures. A set of records is retrieved in response to a set of queries. The records include dimension values and measure values, which are associated with the measures. The set of records is maintained in a master table. The record management system generates a record structure foundation, including a query map and a master table index. The record management system then employs the record structure foundation to generate a multi-dimensional layout mapping for the measures that are to be represented in the view. The record structure foundation and measure values in the master table are used to convert the layout mapping into the desired multi-dimensional view.