Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to measure fluid flow rates are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a circulator to selectively circulate a fluid in a flowline, a generator thermally coupled to the flowline at a first location and controllable to form a heat wave in the fluid, a sensor thermally coupled to the flowline at a second location to measure a first value representative of the heat wave, a phase detector to determine a second value representative of a wavelength of the heat wave based on the first value, a frequency adjuster to control the generator to form the heat wave in the fluid at a first frequency, the first frequency selected so that the second value is substantially equal to a distance between the first and second locations, and a flow rate determiner to determine a flow rate of the fluid based on the first frequency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torque sensor comprising a torsion spring having first and second sides which are rotated with respect to one another by a torque applied to the torque sensor, wherein a mechanical coupling apparatus is provided between the first and second sides of the torsion spring and includes a movement element which is moved in the axial direction by a rotation of the first side with respect to the second side. In addition, a measuring apparatus is provided for the measurement of the axial movement of the movement element.

Abstract: A fluid sampling and analysis module for a downhole fluid characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The fluid sampling and analysis module comprises a primary flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module, a bypass flowline in fluid communication with the primary flowline and a single valve, interconnecting the primary flowline and the bypass flowline, operable to a first position for formation fluids to flow in the primary flowline and to a second position for formation fluids to flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling a fluid enriched in a selected phase from a multiphase fluid mixture flowing into a main pipe, the multiphase fluid mixture containing at least the selected phase and one other phase, the apparatus comprising: —a sampling arrangement: for taking a fluid sample of the multiphase fluid mixture flowing into the main pipe, —a sample chamber having a variable volume for collecting the fluid sample of the multiphase fluid mixture and letting settle by gravity the fluid sample into the fluid enriched in the selected phase and at least another phase enriched fluid, and —a valve manifold coupling the sampling arrangement to the sample chamber for driving the fluid sample in the sample chamber and for driving the fluid enriched in the selected phase to a sample outlet and the other phase enriched fluid back to the main pipe.

Abstract: A pressure vessel test rig for testing a component under high pressure and temperature, the pressure vessel having a flange with an opening so that instrumentation lines can pass from inside the vessel to outside, and a sealing plate with grooves that provide a seal for the instrumentation lines when a cover plate is secured to the flange. A removable instrumentation hold-down tool is attached to the flange and includes a number of spring biased clamps that secure the instrumentation lines to the flange during changes to the component within the vessel.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus may include an arm member, a vacuum pump, a contact member, and at least one probe. The contact member may be connected to the arm member and connected to the vacuum pump for contacting and applying vacuum pressure from the vacuum pump to a workpiece surface being inspected. The at least one probe may be connected to the arm member for emitting signals against the workpiece surface being inspected and for receiving signals from the workpiece surface being inspected.

Abstract: Solids deposition in a gas environment, such as a gas transmission line or pipeline are measured using metal-coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in a QCM probe within a high pressure gas chamber in the gas environment. The metal coated on the QCM may be iron, iron alloys and/or iron oxide. The weight measurements are conducted at a constant (?T) or controlled (T=f(t)) temperature between the high pressure gas chamber and the QCM probe. The weight gain during a CE cycle is associated with the solids formation rate.

Abstract: A device for indicating the passage of a pig beyond a predetermined location in a pipeline comprising a pig detector connected to a pipeline and communicating with the interior of the pipeline through an opening at the location. A means for divorcing the pressure inside the pipeline from the pressure outside the pig. A trigger mounted in the pig detector and adapted to project into the interior of the pipeline through the opening, an indicator associated with the pig detector, a cylindrical indicator being slidably mounted within the indicator housing, catch fingers mounted in the housing for movement toward and away from the central axis of the housing, a catch spring for urging the fingers towards the central axis, an indicator spring mounted within the housing for urging the indicator beyond the indicator housing so as to be visible and to provide an indication that a pig has passed.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a first actuator arrangement operable to allow relative axial movement to occur between a first component and a second component, a second actuator arrangement operable to allow relative axial movement to occur between a third component and a fourth component, brake means operable to prevent extension of the first and/or second actuator arrangement, and damping means operable to control the rate of extension of at least one of the first and second actuator arrangements.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a housing formed of a first half shell and a second half shell and defining an accommodation chamber, a front opening in front of the accommodation chamber and a receiving chamber at the bottom side of the accommodation chamber, a driving mechanism having a push rod movably mounted in the accommodation chamber and extending out of the front opening, a motor mounted outside the accommodation chamber and a spindle coupled to and rotatable by the motor for causing the transmission shaft to reciprocate, and limit switches detachably mounted in the receiving chamber for stopping the motor upon movement of the transmission shaft to a front or rear limit position.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a first structure having an axis. A second structure is configured to translate relative to the first structure in response to rotation of the first structure. First and second stops are respectively operatively connected to the first and second structures. The first and second stops are configured to engage with one another at a travel limiting position. A compliant member is operatively arranged between the first and second structures and is configured to absorb energy between the first and second structures in the travel limiting position.

Abstract: A twin clutch speed-change apparatus that can reduce shift shock includes a transmission with multiple gear pairs disposed between a main shaft and a countershaft. A twin clutch is provided on the main shaft, a rotational drive force from an engine being connected/disconnected between the transmission and the engine, a dog clutch is provided between an axially slidably attached slidable gear and an axially non-slidably attached non-slidable gear to select a gear pair, for transmitting a rotational drive force, from the multiple gear pairs. Dog teeth of the dog clutch include steps different in axial height from each other between a portion abutted against a lateral wall surface of a dog hole when the rotational drive force is transmitted by the dog clutch, and a portion abutted against a lateral wall surface of the dog hole when the rotational drive force is not transmitted by the dog clutch.

Abstract: A gearbox is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to at least a first input shaft and at least a first output shaft. The first input and output shafts carrying at least a first drive gearwheel and a first driven gearwheel, respectively, for establishing a forward gear ratio, and a second drive gearwheel and a second driven gearwheel, respectively, coupled by a 10 first intermediate gearwheel for establishing a reverse transmission ratio. The second driven gearwheel meshes with a third driven gearwheel on a second output shaft for establishing a further forward gear ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a converter gearing, comprising a gear rim (7), which is connected to the pivoting axis (6) of a converter box, said gear rim being engaged with at least one drive pinion (8) of the converter gearing (9) and at least one locking device, which can be pivoted to engage with and be disengaged from the toothed gearing of the gear rim, (7) in the form of a locking arm (12) that is positioned on a horizontal shaft (10) and configured with toothed gearing (11). The aim of the invention is to improve said locking device. To achieve this, the shaft (10) of the locking arm (12) is mounted in at least one terminal bearing (13, 13?) and the locking arm (12) can be engaged with and disengaged from the toothed gearing of the gear rim (7) in a non-positive manner, preferably by means of active force elements (14, 14?) in its end regions.

Abstract: A ball screw device 10 capable of increasing a load capacity by increasing the size of ball diameter and the number of threads by preventing the cutout of a nut from being interfered with a thread groove adjacent to the cutout even in the thread groove of a small lead screw and a multiple thread screw, wherein a circulating block 18 forming, in association with the cutout 17, a ball 15 circulation passage 21 for communicating an area between both thread grooves 11 and 13 with a ball return passage 16 is fitted to the cutout 17 formed at the end of the nut 14 so that the large number of balls 15 can be endlessly circulated between both thread grooves 11 and 13, ball circulation passage 21, and ball return passage 16.

Abstract: An umbilical member motion limiting device is provided on a robot which has a forearm, a wrist portion, an operating tool attached to the end of the wrist portion, and the umbilical member connected to the operating tool through the forearm, for limiting the motion of the umbilical member corresponding to the motion of the robot. The motion limiting device comprises a swing portion attached to the wrist portion so as to swing around a swing axis and a limiting portion arranged on the swing portion for limiting the motion of the umbilical member. Thus, the motion limiting device can minimize interference due to surplus length of the umbilical member and avoid contact of the umbilical member with external equipment.

Abstract: An end effecter is positioned with high precision by stabilizing its attitude. Included are arms each having a pair of rods arranged in parallel, a bracket having the end effecter attached thereto and retained by the pair of rods, ball joints and each including a first joint element having a ball and displaceably connecting the bracket with the arm and a second joint element having a socket for retaining the ball, a connecting member for connecting the pair of parallel rods together and restricting rotation of the rods about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal direction thereof, and a biasing member for providing a biasing force for retaining the ball in the socket.

Abstract: A wrist assembly (311) for a robotic arm or other mechanical device is provided. The wrist assembly comprises a first arm (313) which terminates in a first radius (317), a second arm (315) which terminates in a second radius (319), and a first band (331) that is devoid of weld joints and that extends around a portion of each of said first and second radii.

Abstract: A parallel robot including a movable-section drive mechanism having a parallel mechanism configuration and operating to allow a movable section to perform a three-axis translational motion with respect to a base section, and a wrist-section drive mechanism operating to allow a wrist section to perform a three-axis orientation-changing motion with respect to the movable section. The wrist section includes a first rotary member supported on the movable section and rotatable about a fourth rotation axis different from axes of the three-axis translational motion of the movable section, a second rotary member connected to the first rotary member and rotatable about a fifth rotation axis orthogonal to the fourth rotation axis, and a third rotary member connected to the second rotary member and rotatable about a sixth rotation axis orthogonal to the fifth rotation axis. The third rotary member is provided with an attachment surface to which a tool is attached.

Abstract: An axle assembly with an axle housing assembly and a differential that is mounted in the axle housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The axle housing assembly defines an interior cavity with a sump having a static liquid lubricant level. The axle housing assembly includes a housing structure and a cover that is coupled to the housing structure. First and second sets of ribs are coupled to the cover and extend into the interior cavity. The first and second sets of ribs are disposed on opposite sides of a ring gear associated with the differential and include a plurality of ribs. A first portion of at least one of the ribs extends below the static liquid lubricant level to thereby be immersed when a liquid lubricant fills the sump to a level that coincides with the static liquid lubricant level.

Abstract: A transmission between a drive element and a drive shaft of the wheels of a self-propelled tractor vehicle includes generally housed at least partially inside a box, a progressive friction clutch that includes at least one rotary driving element and two driven elements that are carried by the drive shaft and are integral in rotation therewith. These driving and driven elements are, under the action of a control element, brought into variable-tightening support contact to obtain a variation of the torque transmitted to the shaft. The drive shaft is formed by two half-shafts mounted to rotate freely relative to one another, each able to be connected, directly or indirectly, to one of the wheels of the vehicle, whereby each of the driven elements is carried by one of the two half-shafts.

Abstract: A cutting system with enhanced wear resistance comprises a first cutting element having a first surface and a second surface, and a first cutting edge formed at an intersection of the first surface and the second surface. The first cutting element comprises a body with a first base surface and a second base surface intersecting the first base surface. The first base surface has an undulating contour character along the intersection of the first base surface and the second base surface. A layer of wear resistant material is applied to the first base surface of the body adjacent to the first cutting edge. The layer of wear resistant material has a substantially uniform thickness along the first cutting edge to transfer the undulating contour character of the first base surface to the first surface of the first cutting element to give the first cutting edge a serrated character.

Abstract: Drill bit bodies are provided having one portion formed of one composition and a further portion formed of a different composition. The different compositions provide different functional properties to respective portions of the drill bit body. Methods for forming such drill bit bodies are also provided.

Abstract: An ergonomic side-load nail holding hammer for the industry of striking tools and hammers. It comprises a magnetic hammerhead including a multinail holder and starter, with half conical shaped vertical slots (such as 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) with magnets (9) and self-releasing groove. It also permits nails to be straightened when hammered. It has curved shaped claws (6) for digging nails and preventing damage to the surface where the nail is located. The claw body (7) has a curved shape and the claws have a small claw end (5a) and a larger claw end (5b). The neck includes an indentation (3).

Abstract: A power tong continuously rotates tubulars for spinning and torquing threaded connections. Continuous rotation is achieved through a rotating jaw having grippers that grip the tubular and continuously rotate with it. Hydraulic and electrical power necessary for actuating the grippers is generated on board. A serpentine belt system turns the motors of the on-board hydraulic power unit and electric generators to supply the grippers with hydraulic and electrical power. The serpentine belt system is driven by a secondary drive mounted on a fixed frame. The rotating jaw is rotatably mounted to the fixed frame and driven during continuous three hundred and sixty degrees of rotation by a primary drive, mounted on the fixed frame. A fixed jaw is also mounted to the frame. Tubular grippers on the fixed jaw grip a first side of a tubular joint. The grippers on the rotating jaw grip the opposite second side of the tubular joint. High torque low-rotational speed applied to the rotating jaw torques the joint.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head rotatably receiving a drive member. The head includes an end wall having a hole. One of an inner face of the end wall and an end face of the drive member defines a first abutment face. The other of the inner face and the end face includes an annular groove having a bottom wall defining a second abutment face. A dustproof ring is mounted and compressed in the annular groove. The dustproof ring in an uncompressed state has a natural maximum height along a rotating axis of the drive member larger then a spacing between the first and second abutment faces. The dustproof ring includes three sealing units along a radial direction perpendicular to the rotating axis. Each sealing unit has a thickness along the rotating axis smaller than the spacing.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver with an assembly of a handle (10), a body (17), a gear (56), a pawl (21, 22, 71), and a selector (27) movable on the assembly. The selector carries a pawl actuator (38, 81) for pivoting the pawl, and there is a rotation lock (42, 92) on the selector for releasably holding the rotated selector. The selector can be axially, and also rotationally, movable on the body for controlling the lock. The assembly is along an axis (A), and there are a member (44) and axial force appliers (62, 64) effective between the body and the member, thus restricting axial movement in the assembly. There is provision for assembly along the axis from adjacent the handle. There are modifications and an assembly method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ratchet tool, wherein a circular tooth row is arranged into the round groove of the main body's actuating end. A tool driving seat is assembled rotatably onto the round groove of the main body. A first braking slot, a second braking slot and an arched control slot are triangularly configured onto the internal surface of the tool driving seat. The first and second braking slots are separately fitted with the first and second braking swing blocks. A moveable control gear is placed into the control slot and can shift to the through-hole at both ends of the control slot such that it is mated simultaneously with inner tip edges of the first and second braking swing blocks. An elastic resetter is additionally provided to make the first and second braking swing blocks with inner tip edge swing inwards in a normal state.

Abstract: An impact resistant tool or tool bit holder has an active end for driving a fastener and a shanking end for securing to a power tool. The active end includes a body with a bore to receive the shank and a pocket to receive a damping mechanism. The shank includes an end to engage the bore in the body, and a pocket to receive the damping mechanism. The shank is received in the bore in the body for limited rotation with respect to the body. A damping mechanism is positioned in the pockets to provide damping between the body and the shank during torque loading.

Abstract: The method and device for cutting fresh tissue slices utilizes a vibrating microtome. The vibrating microtome uses a cutting blade that vibrates in a horizontal direction. The microtome has a base, a specimen holder attached to the base, and a diagonal slide carriage and support arm that are supported on the base for movement diagonally with respect to the specimen holder. A vibrating blade support is located on the support arm and moves horizontally with respect to the specimen holder. A cutting blade is mounted on the vibrating blade support and moves in a compound diagonal and vibrating motion with respect to the specimen holder.

Abstract: A cutter blade is cut-in by being moved towards a deep part of a notch from one open end of the notch while being moved in a forward direction with respect to an outer periphery of a wafer. Immediately before a blade edge reaches the deep part of the notch, cutting movement of the cutter blade is once stopped, reversely moved to a initial piercing position, and thereafter, the cutter blade is moved towards the deep part of the notch from the other open end of the notch while being moved in a reverse direction with respect to the outer periphery of the wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping food products such as bacon, cheese or cooked meat in a slicing machine, together with methods of operation thereof. The gripper apparatus comprises hooks for gripping one end of the food product. During slicing, the slicing machine cuts slices from the other end of the food product. Two sets of hooks are present and each set of hooks is moveable between a retracted inoperative position and an extended product-gripping position, independently of the other set. The second set of hooks, when in their extended position, projects for a distance greater than the first set of hooks. Both sets of hooks occupy their extended positions during initial stages of slicing and the second set of hooks is withdrawn to their retracted position during a final stage of slicing so that more of the remaining end of the product can be sliced.

Abstract: A tissue harvesting method and device for obtaining micrograft tissue particles within the size range of 50-1500 microns, and more preferably 500-1000 microns, and most preferably 600 microns. The particles may be processed after a piece of donor tissue has been excised from the donor site, or processed into the desired size directly at the donor site, and thereafter excised. Cutters having blades or cutting edges spaced in the range of 50-1500 microns are utilized to obtain particles within the desired size range. An elastomer is positioned between the cutting edges to push the excised particles out of the blades for ease of use.

Abstract: Modified slicing shoes and method for making food product shavings. A conventional slicing shoe for insertion into a slicing head assembly used in conjunction with a centrifugal type slicing machine is modified. The modified slicing shoes comprise a cutting edge having top and bottom ends that protrude towards the interior of a slicing head assembly as a vertex protrudes away from the interior such that the blade is not confined to one plane. In one embodiment, the slicing shoe blade cutting edge and its components comprise a V-shape having an angle that ranges from between about 90° to about 140°. In a second embodiment, the slicing shoe and its components are curvilinear having a curvature ranging from about 1.5 cm to about 2.0 cm. The shape of the blade and its corresponding components allow for the production of snack chips having folded or curled shapes.

Abstract: A hole punching device includes two first punching members and a second punching member intermediate the two first punching members. First, second and third lever arms are adapted to render one of the two first punching members, another of the two first punching members and the second punching member to press holes in sheets respectively. The first lever arm has a longitudinal length longer than those of the second and third lever arms, with the second lever arm being longer than that of the third lever arm. Further, the first lever arm actuates the second and third lever arms upon depression of the hole punching device.

Abstract: A system for accelerating an armature to launch a projectile by injecting liquid aluminum between the armature and a pair of electrically conductive rails. A system for accelerating an armature by injecting liquid metal between the armature a plurality of electrically conductive rails and collecting the liquid metal. The liquid metal or liquid aluminum can comprise solid particles. A railgun structure with mechanical guide rails. A railgun structure with a film stack of alternating copper and nickel layers. An armature with guide rail supports. A method of using the system by placing liquid metal in the armature, placing the armature between conductive rails, and applying an electric current to the rails.

Abstract: A remote digital firing system for selectively firing a plurality of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a first set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding first set of remote mission payloads and a second set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding second set of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a firing control panel communicatively linked to the first and second sets firing circuits, a first digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the first set and the firing control panel, a second digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the second set and the firing control panel, and a payload selector switch for selecting a remote mission payload.

Abstract: The invention relates to weapon mount systems that can be locked into a particular position. In an embodiment, the invention includes a weapon mount including a base structure; a mounting structure pivotably coupled to the base structure; a weapon cradle pivotably coupled to the mounting structure, the weapon cradle configured to hold a weapon. The weapon mount also includes a first locking mechanism configured to restrict pivoting of the weapon cradle relative to the mounting structure in a vertical plane, the first locking mechanism comprising a first brake caliper; and a first brake rotor, wherein the first brake caliper selectively engages the first brake rotor. The weapon mount also includes a second locking mechanism configured to restrict pivoting of the mounting structure relative to the base structure in a horizontal plane, the second locking mechanism comprising a second brake caliper; and a second brake rotor, wherein the second brake caliper selectively engages the second brake rotor.

Abstract: A kit for modifying a bolt carrier group actuating apparatus of a firearm manufacturer-configured with a gas-driven bolt carrier comprises a gas expansion assembly, an operating rod driven bolt carrier and an operating rod. The gas expansion assembly is configured for receiving combustion gases from an as-manufactured OEM gas block of the firearm and for facilitating expansion of said gases for generating a bolt carrier driving force. The operating rod driven bolt carrier includes an operating rod engaging lug. The operating rod driven bolt carrier is configured for being operably engaged within an as-manufactured OEM receiver body of the firearm with the operating rod engaging lug located in a gas tube lug receiving portion of the as-manufactured OEM receiver body. The operating rod is engagable between the gas expansion assembly and the operating rod engaging lug.

Abstract: A gas block clamping apparatus for a firearm includes a plurality of sections, each including a shaped upper section, and a lower cylindrical section to which the shaped upper section is attached. A plurality of clamp sections are symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of a barrel of the firearm, each clamp section having an upper surface for attaching the gas block to the barrel, a curved surface that aligns the clamp section to an outer surface of the barrel when the clamp sections are tightened, and a lower surface that aligns with the shaped upper section of the gas block. A plurality of fasteners are disposed through a plurality of openings in the lower surface of the clamp sections and the shaped upper surface of the gas block for securing each clamp section to both the barrel and gas block.

Abstract: A gas operated firearm having a gas venting system which configures the carrier key and the gas tube so that a substantial portion of the recoil gas is vented from the gas tube into the cavity defined by a hand guard to reduce fouling and high temperatures associated with conventional venting systems which route gases into the receiver.

Abstract: An improved gas tube system for a firearm having a gas tube with a distal end that is selectively openable to permit access to the distal end of the gas tube for cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the movement of a system such as a hydraulic servo controlled gimbal systems. The system includes a plurality of actuators and sensors that sense the position of the actuators. On start up, a control system determines the present orientation of the system and compared it to a user defined desired orientation. The system operates in a first mode on start up where the control system moves the actuators so that the system is moved form the present orientation to the desired orientation at a controlled rate. Once the desired orientation is reached, control is then passed to a user controlled device such as a joystick.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus 1 includes a switch valve 11, a valve support chamber 35, a flow control valve 12 movable within the valve support chamber 35, an on-off valve 13 movable within the communication path chamber 12a, and a valve control device 14. The flow control valve 12 has a communication path chamber 12a and a back pressure chamber 12d. The on-off valve 13 is capable of opening and shutting off a communication path X between a cylinder line 32 and a switch valve line 33. A restrictor is formed between the flow control valve 12 and a wall defining the valve support chamber 35. The restrictor connects the cylinder line 32 and the communication path chamber 12a to each other. The opening degree of the restrictor is changed in correspondence with movement of the flow control valve 12.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor comprises: a cylinder having an oil pocket on an inner circumferential surface of a piston insertion hole for inserting a piston with a predetermined width and depth; and a piston having a bearing portion protruding so as to slidably contact an inner circumferential surface of the piston insertion hole, and inserted into the piston insertion hole of the cylinder, wherein the bearing portion is formed to have a length shorter than that of the oil pocket of the cylinder. Accordingly, a frictional loss between the cylinder and the piston is reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a beverage preparation machine comprising a brew head for receiving beverage cartridges of various heights and means for passing an aqueous medium through said beverage cartridges to form a beverage from one or more beverage ingredients contained in said cartridges. The brew head comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable relative to one another from an open position in which said beverage cartridges can be received in the brew head and a closed position in which said beverage cartridge can be fixedly retained in a brew head space defined between the first and second parts. The first part of the brew head comprises a clamping member which extends within the brew head space part-way towards the second part such that a distal end of the clamping member and the second part are a fixed distance from one another when the first and second parts are in the closed position.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for heating foodstuff includes a container defining a heating cavity therein. The container is positioned on a supporting surface during heating of the foodstuff. The kitchen appliance further includes a utensil for manipulating the foodstuff. The utensil has a first and opposite second end. A tray is slidably positioned within a portion of the container. The tray is movable between a storage position in which the tray is substantially within the container and a use position in which the tray is at least partially removed from the container. The tray has a concave portion on a top surface thereof. The concave portion is sized and shaped to support at least a portion of the first end of the utensil above the supporting surface.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus having first and second platens with product recognition. A positioning mechanism moves the second platen toward the first. A detector senses the second platen making contact with a food product disposed on the first platen and provides a signal. A controller uses the signal to measure the travel distance of the second platen. The product thickness is a function of the travel distance, which is used to select a cooking procedure for the food product. The controller then executes the selected cooking procedure to cook the food product. The detector can include a micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor or positioning load change sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing tostones, referred to herein as a tostonera, has a base member with an upper surface including a plurality of concave recesses therein and a relatively planar bottom surface. A first press member is connected to the base member along a first periphery, and has a plurality of punches equal in number and co-located with the plurality of concave recesses. The first press member hingedly connected to the base member is capable of engaging the base member when pressure is applied to the first press member. A second press member hingedly connected to the base member along a second periphery, has at least one depression therein. The depression within the second press member may be configured to permit either a series of tostones or an entire half banana to be pressed at a single time.

Abstract: A steam cooker includes a steam generator for generating steam, a steam temperature-raising device for raising a temperature of steam coming from the steam generator, and a heating chamber in which an object to be cooked is heated by steam supplied from the steam temperature-raising device. The steam generator has a pot (41) to which water is supplied, a heater (42) placed in the pot (41), a water level sensor (43) and a temperature sensor (48) placed in the pot (41). The water level sensor (43) and the temperature sensor (48) are placed at opposed side surfaces in the pot (41) that correspond to the short sides of an elongated roughly rectangular planar shape of the pot (41). An exposed state of the heater (42) from the water in the pot (41) is judged by the water level sensor (43) and the temperature sensor (48).