Abstract: A leak detection apparatus includes a test chamber and a vacuum source connected to the test chamber via a pneumatic line. A first pressure transducer is in communication with the test chamber. A controller is configured to collect and analyze data generated by the first pressure transducer at a predetermined frequency throughout an entire test cycle. The controller is also configured to convert specified collected data to logarithmic scale to accumulate a first set of data and apply a linear regression to the first set of data and determine regression parameters.

Abstract: A leak detection apparatus includes a test chamber and a vacuum source connected to the test chamber via a pneumatic line. A first pressure transducer is in communication with the test chamber. A controller is configured to collect and analyze data generated by the first pressure transducer at a predetermined frequency throughout an entire test cycle. The controller is also configured to convert specified collected data to logarithmic scale to accumulate a first set of data and apply a linear regression to the first set of data and determine regression parameters.

Abstract: The current invention mitigates the problem of incorrect determinations of leaking packages during vacuum decay leak detection testing. As described in this disclosure, a testing chamber used for vacuum decay leak detection testing is exposed to interferences when not under vacuum or at low pressure conditions between testing cycles. By measuring one or more exposure time intervals immediately preceding a present test cycle, it is possible to improve detection of leaking packages by adjusting raw measured pressure gathered during vacuum decay leak testing based upon the length of exposure times and create corrected pressure data used to improve vacuum decay leak detection.

Abstract: The current invention mitigates the problem of incorrect determinations of leaking packages during vacuum decay leak detection testing. As described in this disclosure, a testing chamber used for vacuum decay leak detection testing is exposed to interferences when not under vacuum or at low pressure conditions between testing cycles. By measuring one or more exposure time intervals immediately preceding a present test cycle, it is possible to improve detection of leaking packages by adjusting raw measured pressure gathered during vacuum decay leak testing based upon the length of exposure times and create corrected pressure data used to improve vacuum decay leak detection.

Abstract: An airborne ultrasonic testing system includes two sets of ultrasound transmitters and receivers, an ultrasound frequency generator, a computer analyzer, and a controller. The ultrasound transmitters and opposing receivers are fixedly mounted at oblique angles from a support. A seal-receiving slot is defined between the transmitters and receivers, and is sized to receive a sealed edge portion of a container to be tested. The ultrasound transmitters preferably emit respective ultrasound streams that encounter a top surface of a sealed edge portion of the container at an angle between approximately 0-45 degrees, and most preferably, approximately 45 degrees. The angle of ultrasound emission of the first transmitter may be inverse of the angle of emission of the second transmitter. The signal response of each pair of receivers can be processed individually or combined to produce a summary test result of the two measurements that eliminates systematic variation associated with material variation.

Abstract: An airborne ultrasonic testing system includes two sets of ultrasound transmitters and receivers, an ultrasound frequency generator, a computer analyzer, and a controller. The ultrasound transmitters and opposing receivers are fixedly mounted at oblique angles from a support. A seal-receiving slot is defined between the transmitters and receivers, and is sized to receive a sealed edge portion of a container to be tested. The ultrasound transmitters preferably emit respective ultrasound streams that encounter a top surface of a sealed edge portion of the container at an angle between approximately 0-45 degrees, and most preferably, approximately 45 degrees. The angle of ultrasound emission of the first transmitter may be inverse of the angle of emission of the second transmitter. The signal response of each pair of receivers can be processed individually or combined to produce a summary test result of the two measurements that eliminates systematic variation associated with material variation.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for preparing pizza, and method of operating same. A customer selects a type of pizza, such as toppings or crust style. The apparatus slices and defrosts dough, applies cheese, slices and applies toppings, and cooks the pizza to order. The cooked pizza is packaged for delivery to the customer and may include a separate cutting apparatus. Proper temperature of hot and cold sections is maintained while ingredients are stored and as the pizza is cooked. The process is monitored and controlled by one or more processors.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for preparing pizza, and method of operating same. A customer selects a type of pizza, such as toppings or crust style. The apparatus slices and defrosts dough, applies cheese, slices and applies toppings, and cooks the pizza to order. The cooked pizza is packaged for delivery to the customer and may include a separate cutting apparatus. Proper temperature of hot and cold sections is maintained while ingredients are stored and as the pizza is cooked. The process is monitored and controlled by one or more processors.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for preparing pizza, and method of operating same. A customer selects a type of pizza, such as toppings or crust style. The apparatus slices and defrosts dough, applies cheese, slices and applies toppings, and cooks the pizza to order. The cooked pizza is packaged for delivery to the customer and may include a separate cutting apparatus. Proper temperature of hot and cold sections is maintained while ingredients are stored and as the pizza is cooked. The process is monitored and controlled by one or more processors.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers which include at least one internally directed generally concavely configured sonic energy radiating element which directs sonic energy toward at least one arcuate energy reflecting surface which redirects and focuses the energy through an opening in a housing defining the transducer. The configuration of the at least one radiating element and the at least one energy reflecting surface are such that sound waves from substantially any point along the radiating element to the reflecting surface and to a focus exteriorly of the opening are substantially equal. The transducers function to focus energy either as transmitters or receivers.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers which include at least one internally directed generally concavely configured sonic energy radiating element which directs sonic energy toward at least one arcuate energy reflecting surface which redirects and focuses the energy through an opening in a housing defining the transducer. The configuration of the at least one radiating element and the at least one energy reflecting surface are such that sound waves from substantially any point along the radiating element to the reflecting surface and to a focus exteriorly of the opening are substantially equal. The transducers function to focus energy either as transmitters or receivers.