Abstract: An imaging system. An array of light sources and an array of lenses corresponding to the light sources and having optical axes substantially parallel to one another are provided. The lenses produce collimated output beams. An afocal optical relay having an optical axis substantially parallel to the optical axes of the lenses is also included, the array of lenses being positioned relative to the afocal optical relay so as to form an optical system that produces an image of each collimated output beam on an image plane, each image having a prescribed depth of focus and spot size. The light sources preferably are lasers producing an array of respective laser beams having high intensity and a long waist. A system for writing information on a light-sensitive label includes the imaging system. Methods of imaging and of writing information on a light-sensitive label are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging system. An array of light sources and an array of lenses corresponding to the light sources and having optical axes substantially parallel to one another are provided. The lenses produce collimated output beams. An afocal optical relay having an optical axis substantially parallel to the optical axes of the lenses is also included, the array of lenses being positioned relative to the afocal optical relay so as to form an optical system that produces an image of each collimated output beam on an image plane, each image having a prescribed depth of focus and spot size. The light sources preferably are lasers producing an array of respective laser beams having high intensity and a long waist. A system for writing information on a light-sensitive label includes the imaging system. Methods of imaging and of writing information on a light-sensitive label are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging system. An array of light sources and an array of lenses corresponding to the light sources and having optical axes substantially parallel to one another are provided. The lenses produce collimated output beams. An afocal optical relay having an optical axis substantially parallel to the optical axes of the lenses is also included, the array of lenses being positioned relative to the afocal optical relay so as to form an optical system that produces an image of each collimated output beam on an image plane, each image having a prescribed depth of focus and spot size. The light sources preferably are lasers producing an array of respective laser beams having high intensity and a long waist. A system for writing information on a light-sensitive label includes the imaging system. Methods of imaging and of writing information on a light-sensitive label are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for assessing the condition of fruit or vegetables comprises a transducer (22) which is brought into contact with the surface of fruit or vegetable (12) in a tapping motion. The transducer (22), where it contacts the fruit or vegetable's surface is generally curved in shape to ensure accuracy of measurement over a relatively wide range of angles of impact with the fruit or vegetable (12). The transducer (22) can be delivered to and away from the fruit or vegetable surface by an air controlled bellows arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for automatically labeling individual produce items. Individual produce items are conveyed towards a rotary bellows or other applicator. A sensor senses at least one variable characteristic, such as size of each of the produce items. The sensed variable is transmitted to a laser coding device and a variable human or machine readable code is printed on an individual label prior to application of that label to the specific item of produce for which the variable characteristic was sensed. The laser coding beam either reacts with a reactive or ablatable film on each label.

Abstract: An Internet based method for ordering and supplying selected coded labels to be applied to a variety of fruits and vegetables at a plurality of labelling sites is provided. The supply of different coded labels at each labelling site is continuously and automatically inventoried. The inventorying is facilitated by the use of a data tag carried by the core on which a label strip is wound, the data tag including data sufficient to uniquely identify the labels carried by that core including the specific label identify and quantity. The label inventory for each of the labelling sites is stored. Approved customers or representatives may access the stored inventory data and display the data on a computer monitor and may order additional selected labels for one or more of the labelling sites.

Abstract: An Internet based method for ordering and supplying selected coded labels to be applied to a variety of fruits and vegetables at a plurality of labelling sites is provided. The supply of different coded labels at each labelling site is continuously and automatically inventoried. The inventorying is facilitated by the use of a data tag carried by the core on which a label strip is wound, the data tag including data sufficient to uniquely identify the labels carried by that core including the specific label identify and quantity. The label inventory for each of the labelling sites is stored. Approved customers or representatives may access the stored inventory data and display the data on a computer monitor and may order additional selected labels for one or more of the labelling sites.