Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a quantity of food to be cooked. The device includes a freezer, a storage container located in the freezer, means located in the freezer for dispensing a predetermined quantity of food from the storage container into a secondary container, and means for dispensing the quantity of food from the secondary container to a location outside the freezer. The means for dispensing a predetermined quantity of food may be, for example, a magazine with dual spiral flights for dispensing food items one at a time, or a vibratory conveyor cooperating with a device for determining a quantity of food in the secondary conveyor and means for terminating the dispensing when a predetermined quantity of food is sensed. The secondary container may have an opening in its bottom and be movable laterally to align its opening with an opening in the freezer.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: A converter and method (10) for converting an assembly language computer program (12) into a high-level language computer program (20, 22) includes the steps of reading and storing the assembler listing (18) into an array in memory (102), logically tracing said assembler listing (112), determining which lines are reachable logically, and marking reachable and unreachable lines accordingly, and further determining an instruction type for each reachable line and identifying each line by type accordingly (114). A data table having a hierarchy of data elements in said assembler listing is built (118), a data division from said data table is generated (134), and an hierarchy of sections of code caused by perform instructions in said assembler listing are identified and labeled (122, 124). The assembler listing is converted into a source program in said high-level language and unloaded as the high-level language source program from memory.

Abstract: The invention of the present document comprises apparatus for receiving and automatically feeding dual-in-line package (DIP) transportation and storage tubes (24) to the singulator (76) of an integrated circuit device handler (20) so that devices (22) in the tubes (24) can be introduced at the singulator (76). The tubes (24) are randomly placed in a hopper (66), and conveyed through an aperture (170) formed in a side wall (172) of the hopper (66). An elevator (74) is provided to raise the tubes (24) to a height at which open ends thereof are disposed above the height of the singulator (76). With a tube (24) so raised, a tube inserter (96) pushes the tube (24) into the tube holder (98) of a manipulator (100). The tube holder (98) is, in turn, pivoted to tilt the tube (24) so that devices (22) within the tube (24) are deposited for introduction into the singulator (76 ).

Abstract: A film cleaning apparatus cleans photographic film while the film is clamped at the print gate aperture of a photographic printer. When the film is clamped at the print gate, and before a print exposure is initiated, high velocity ionized air is directed onto both the top and bottom surfaces of the film to remove dust and other foreign materials from the film surfaces. When the exposure is commenced, the flow of ionized air is reduced to a low velocity which is sufficient to prevent dust from settling on the film surfaces during exposure.

Abstract: In a photographic printer, photographic print paper is transported from the print paper supply to a print mask location. The print paper is guided by an interchangeable guide spool to ensure proper centering at the print mask location. The guide spool, being preset for a particular print paper width, automatically centers the print paper when mounted on a spindle so as to abut against a permanently positioned flange. The guide spool includes an inner sleeve that abuts against the permanently positioned flange, an outer sleeve coaxially rotating around the outer surface of the inner sleeve and having an outer surface that engages the photographic print paper, and guides attached proximate both ends of the outer sleeve for guiding the print paper on the outer surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A paper mask produces even width borders on bordered photographic prints even if the unexposed photographic print paper is misaligned, angularly mistracking, or wandering in alignment through roll feeding, or if the width of the paper varies. The paper mask apparatus includes a base which is mounted on the paper deck of the printer and front and rear guides which are movably mounted to the base and have masking lips which overhang the longitudinal edges of the print paper. The front and rear guides are generally parallel to one another and are urged toward one another by bias springs. A separate masking frame of the desired print size is mounted to one of the two guides and moves with that guide to define transverse masking edges.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a punch marking module for placing cut and end-of-order marks on the photographic paper. A quick connect/disconnect mounting assembly automatically centers the punch marking module properly with respect to a paper mask. The quick mounting assembly includes a pair of detent bars and registration pins on a mounting base attached to the paper mask. A rigid member and a pair of plate holders form the bottom of the punch marking module. A plurality of ball plungers engage a plurality of recesses in the detent bars and the end plate holders engage side edges of the mounting base. The ball plungers apply a force to the rigid member holding it against the registration pins in an engaging relationship.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a punch marking system for placing cut and end-of-order marks on the photographic paper. The punch marking mechanism is adjustable to accommodate different widths of print paper. The punch marking mechanism includes guide rods which are positioned transverse to the path of the print paper. First and second carriage assemblies are movable along the guide path defined by the guide rods on opposite sides of the center line of the paper path. A lead screw moves both the first and second carriage assemblies along the guide path in an essentially symmetrical manner about the center line of the paper path. Interchangeable inserts of different widths may be inserted between the carriages to define a spacing between the first and second carriages for a desired paper width. The punches or other marking devices are carried on the first and second carriage assemblies.

Abstract: The neghold assembly of the present invention is used in photographic printers which do not have an automatic film advance system. The neghold assembly includes a transport base, a top insert holder, first and second aperture insert plates which are held in the transport base and the top insert holder, and a handle which is connected to the top insert holder. The first and second aperture insert plates are a set which have mating apertures which correspond to the desired film size. When a different size film is to be used, another set of first and second aperture insert plates having the appropriate size apertures are inserted.