Abstract: Using a general-purpose computer, the method and system of the present invention enables the forecasting of agricultural commodity prices and amounts of consumption, production and trade flows across regions, under a variety of supply and demand, trade and domestic policy scenarios and over an at least annual time period. The method employs a multi-component spatial equilibrium function approximating an inter-regional market in agricultural commodities, such as dairy commodities, and enables the setting of trade and domestic policy instruments to enable forecasting under a variety of forecast scenarios. The function further enables the incorporation of intermediate commodities, in addition to primary and processed commodities, to account for the effects of reconstitution technologies on said forecasted values.

Abstract: Using a general-purpose computer, the method and system of the present invention enables the forecasting of agricultural commodity prices and amounts of consumption, production and trade flows across regions, under a variety of supply and demand, trade and domestic policy scenarios and over an at least annual time period. The method employs a multi-component spatial equilibrium function approximating an inter-regional market in agricultural commodities, such as dairy commodities, and enables the setting of trade and domestic policy instruments to enable forecasting under a variety of forecast scenarios. The function further enables the incorporation of intermediate commodities, in addition to primary and processed commodities, to account for the effects of reconstitution technologies on said forecasted values.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a methodology for forecasting the effects of domestic and international trade policies on future trends in world dairy trade on an annualized as well as longer-term basis. The spatial hedonic equilibrium model employed in the present invention is used to analyze world dairy sector data and to forecast future trends by simulating the regional market equilibrium impacts of trade policies in the world dairy sector. The model reflects both vertical (e.g. the processing of farm milk into many different dairy products processing that reflects the allocation of milk components (e.g., milkfats, caseins, whey proteins and lactose) to various dairy commodities including primary, intermediate and processed commodities) and spatial characteristics (e.g. the distribution of milk production, demand and trade for dairy products in different regions of the world). Both domestic and trade policies, and their variations among countries, are incorporated in the model.

Abstract: A method and an oven are disclosed which provide reduced baking times for pizza. The method includes the step of impinging the toppings portion of the pizza with jets of heated air. These jets of heated air have a velocity at the point of contact with the pizza sufficient to cause temporary displacement within the toppings portion. As a result, the time needed to properly bake the pizza is reduced. The oven includes means for impinging the toppings portion with jets of heated air at a velocity sufficient to cause temporary displacement within the toppings portion. The oven also preferably includes means for moving the pizza in relation to the jets of heated air. Preferably, the method is practiced and the oven is provided by modifying a commercially available pizza impingement/conveyor oven to produce the requisite heated air velocities.

Abstract: A money activated beverage dispensing line is disclosed of the soda fountain type in which the dispensing of a beverage from a series of dispensing stations is automatically controlled with consumer interaction. The dispensing line includes a money validator which generates a start signal in response to a correct amount of money being detected as deposited by the consumer. In response to the start signal, a cup dispenser dispenses a cup. An ice dispenser subsequently dispenses ice into the cup. A beverage dispenser at a remote station includes a plurality of beverage dispensing nozzles having dispensing switches which must be manually activated by the consumer to dispense a selected beverage. An interlock control responsive to actuation of a beverage dispensing switch associated with a selected beverage dispensing nozzle disenables a remainder of the dispensing nozzles so that dispensing of beverage from the remainder of dispensing nozzles is prevented during a beverage dispensing cycle.

Abstract: An oven for heating food which includes a tray to support the food, the tray having a plurality of openings therethrough. A first heat source is spaced from and above the food. At least one plate having a plurality of openings therethrough is capable of absorbing heat from the first heat source and radiating heat. A fan spaced from and above the plate and the first heat source delivers air past the plate and past the first heat source onto the food. A second heat source beneath the tray also provides heat to the food.