Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are directed to automated preparation of food or consumable items, such as for preparation of fried foods. An example cooking apparatus may include processing devices for the consumable items. In some examples, a robot arm is provided that extends from a moveable base. Locators may define a relative position of the moveable base relative to processing device(s) of the cooking apparatus, such that the robot arm is configured to determine robot arm movements to move the consumable items to and from the processing device(s). In some examples, one or more zones may be used to detect movement near a robot arm, with one or more restrictions being placed upon robot arm and/or base movement in response. In some examples, a cooking apparatus provides automated transport of food ingredients for preparation of food or other consumable items.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are directed to automated preparation of food or consumable items, such as for preparation of fried foods. An example cooking apparatus may include processing devices for the consumable items. In some examples, a robot arm is provided that extends from a moveable base. Locators may define a relative position of the moveable base relative to processing device(s) of the cooking apparatus, such that the robot arm is configured to determine robot arm movements to move the consumable items to and from the processing device(s). In some examples, one or more zones may be used to detect movement near a robot arm, with one or more restrictions being placed upon robot arm and/or base movement in response. In some examples, a cooking apparatus provides automated transport of food ingredients for preparation of food or other consumable items.

Abstract: Various example systems and component systems for an automated food processing system are provided. In an example, a food processing apparatus comprises a basket retainer configured to support a basket of consumable items above a food processing device. The food processing apparatus may also include a reciprocating agitator configured to impart a repetitive contact to the basket, thereby inducing motion of the consumable items within the basket. In another example, guidance of a robot performing tasks such as moving a basket of consumable or food items may be enhanced using one or more mechanical guides configured to catch, engage, or otherwise contact a corresponding feature of a basket for the consumable/food items. In another example, one or more sensors may be provided to provide an indication that a robot gripper is within a proximity of a basket and/or handle thereof.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are presented herein for dispensing a frozen food item from storage. A food dispensing apparatus comprises a food storage cabinet, a plurality of storage bins within the cabinet, and a plurality of actuators corresponds to the plurality of storage bins. The food storage cabinet is configured to maintain a plurality of consumable items at a storage temperature. The plurality of storage bins are each configured to hold one of the consumable items. The plurality of actuators are each configured to move the consumable item out of the storage bin to a dispensing area.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a chamber and two pumps coupled to opposing sides of the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive a medium and includes a first cryogenically cooled structure having a first surface and an opposing second surface and a second cryogenically cooled structure having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface of the first cryogenically cooled structure faces the first surface of the second cryogenically cooled structure forming a gap. The gap is configured to receive the medium. The chamber also includes a gas inlet.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are directed to automated preparation of food or consumable items, such as for preparation of fried foods. An example cooking apparatus may include processing devices for the consumable items. In some examples, a robot arm is provided that extends from a moveable base. Locators may define a relative position of the moveable base relative to processing device(s) of the cooking apparatus, such that the robot arm is configured to determine robot arm movements to move the consumable items to and from the processing device(s). In some examples, one or more zones may be used to detect movement near a robot arm, with one or more restrictions being placed upon robot arm and/or base movement in response. In some examples, a cooking apparatus provides automated transport of food ingredients for preparation of food or other consumable items.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a chamber configured to receive a medium. The chamber comprises a first cooled structure having a first surface and a second cooled structure having a first surface. The first surface of the first cooled structure faces the first surface of the second cooled structure and is positioned a predetermined distance therefrom to form a gap, and the gap is configured to receive the medium. The chamber further includes a first gas inlet positioned proximate the center of the first cooled structure, a first slidable structure configured to seal a first side of the chamber when in a closed position, and a second slidable structure, positioned opposite the first slidable structure, and configured to seal a second side of the chamber when in a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a gas input and a cooling plate. A groove surrounds the gas input and less than one hundred percent of the cooling plate. An inflatable seal is in the groove.

Abstract: A system includes a cooling plate coupled to a first disk holder and to a second disk holder. The first disk holder and the second disk holder are each shaped to be removably coupled to respective inner diameter surfaces of disks such that, when coupled, each disk is positioned a distance from the cooling plate.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrode and a first channel segment within the electrode. A second channel segment is within the electrode, wherein the second channel segment is parallel to the first channel segment. A third channel segment is within the electrode. The third channel segment connects the first channel segment and the second channel segment, and the third channel segment includes a continuously smooth radial bend. A heating element is attached to the electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrode and a heating element attached to the electrode. A heat sink is between the electrode and the heating element. A mirror is between the heat sink and the heating element. An aperture reflector surrounds the mirror and the heating element.

Abstract: A device includes a housing unit and a number of magnets. The housing unit includes a number of holes therein. The magnets are positioned in the holes. The magnets have a same pole orientation. It is appreciated that the magnets are positioned in the holes to form a mechanically balanced and magnetically unbalanced structure.

Abstract: A method includes moving a sensor and an article at a first speed to position the sensor into a reference position relative to an article fixture. The sensor and the article are moved at a second speed as the sensor approaches the reference position. It is determined when the sensor is in the reference position, wherein the sensor is configured to be in the reference position when a contact is established between the sensor and a surface of the article fixture. The article is moved by a predetermined increment relative to the reference position to position the article in a target position in response to determining that the sensor is in the reference position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrode and a heating element attached to the electrode. A heat sink is between the electrode and the heating element. A mirror is between the heat sink and the heating element. An aperture reflector surrounds the mirror and the heating element.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrode and a first channel segment within the electrode. A second channel segment is within the electrode, wherein the second channel segment is parallel to the first channel segment. A third channel segment is within the electrode. The third channel segment connects the first channel segment and the second channel segment, and the third channel segment includes a continuously smooth radial bend. A heating element is attached to the electrode.

Abstract: A device includes a housing unit and a number of magnets. The housing unit includes a number of holes therein. The magnets are positioned in the holes. The magnets have a same pole orientation. It is appreciated that the magnets are positioned in the holes to form a mechanically balanced and magnetically unbalanced structure.

Abstract: A plasma etching source installable into at least one of multiple compartments of a sputter deposition tool. The plasma etching source includes a first mounting plate and at least one electrode plate coupled to the first mounting plate. A gas inlet is included in the first mounting plate of the plasma etching source.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose an apparatus including at least two carbon source deposition tools for emitting electrons, at least two reflective polarity rear button permanent magnets integrated into the carbon source deposition tools for reflecting emitted electrons, and at least two paired polarity Helmholtz coils integrated into the carbon source deposition tools for forming uniform parallel magnetic field lines for confining the emitted electrons to uniformly deposit carbon onto the surfaces of a two-sided media disk.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a gas input and a cooling plate. A groove surrounds the gas input and less than one hundred percent of the cooling plate. An inflatable seal is in the groove.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cooling plate with a central opening. The central opening within the cooling plate is positioned to be opposite an opening in a workpiece when the cooling plate is positioned at a target location opposite the workpiece. The cooling plate is configured to absorb heat from a gas heated by the workpiece. A diffuser is in the central opening of the cooling plate. The diffuser is configured to receive a gas from a gas input. The diffuser is further configured to slow a flow of the gas and output the gas into the workpiece opening.