Abstract: A system and method for focusing infrared detectors operable at cryogenic temperatures. The invention includes a sensor (10) for detecting electromagnetic energy comprising a first detector (14) operable over a first temperature range and a predetermined number of auxiliary detectors (12) operable over a second temperature range, wherein the auxiliary detectors (12) are adjacent to and in the same optical plane as the first detector (14). In the illustrative embodiment, the energy is infrared or visible light, the first temperature range is a range of cryogenic temperatures, and the second temperature range is a range of ambient temperatures. The first detector (14) is a focal plane array and the auxiliary detectors (12) are uncooled detector arrays. In the preferred embodiment, the focal plane array (14) and the uncooled detectors (12) are disposed on a common substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for focusing infrared detectors operable at cryogenic temperatures. The invention includes a sensor (10) for detecting electromagnetic energy comprising a first detector (14) operable over a first temperature range and a predetermined number of auxiliary detectors (12) operable over a second temperature range, wherein the auxiliary detectors (12) are adjacent to and in the same optical plane as the first detector (14). In the illustrative embodiment, the energy is infrared or visible light, the first temperature range is a range of cryogenic temperatures, and the second temperature range is a range of ambient temperatures. The first detector (14) is a focal plane array and the auxiliary detectors (12) are uncooled detector arrays. In the preferred embodiment, the focal plane array (14) and the uncooled detectors (12) are disposed on a common substrate.

Abstract: A packing plant by-products chiller includes an elongated tank having an inlet end for introducing fresh animal by-products and an outlet end for removing chilled by-products. The tank is rotatably supported on a set of trunnion wheels and is rotated by a chain and sprocket assembly operatively connected to a motor. A liquid coolant supply line from a coolant source introduces low temperature coolant into the tank. An elongated trough is positioned beneath the tank for receiving warmed coolant which drains from the tank through a plurality of apertures therein. A pump is operatively connected to the trough for recirculating the coolant back to the coolant source.The method of chilling fresh animal by-products comprises introducing the by-products and liquid coolant from the coolant source into the chilling tank located at the slaughter location and rotating the tank such that the by-products therein are tumbled for complete exposure to the coolant.

Abstract: A packing plant by-products chiller includes an elongated tank having an inlet end for introducing fresh animal by-products and an outlet end for removing chilled by-products. The tank is rotatably supported on a set of trunnion wheels and is rotated by a chain by sprocket assembly operatively connected to a motor. A liquid coolant supply line from a coolant source introduces low temperature coolant into the tank. An elongated through is positioned beneath the tank for receiving warmed coolant which drains from the tank through a plurality of apertures therein. A pump is operatively connected to the through for recirculating the coolant back to the coolant source. The method of chilling fresh animal by-products comprises introducing the by-products and liquid coolant from the coolant source into the chilling tank located at the slaughter location and rotating the tank such that the by-products therein are tumbled for complete exposure to the coolant.