A method and system is provided for generating batches of food pieces, and includes: conveying incoming food objects through at least one cutting device, where the at least one cutting device is configured to cut the incoming food objects into plurality of food pieces according to at least one first cutting rule, conveying the resulting plurality of cut food pieces to at least one batching system where at least one batch is generated fulfilling at least one first criterion including at least one first weight target. The at least one first cutting rule is selected in accordance to the at least one first weight target such that the resulting weight distribution of the plurality of food pieces entering the batching system fulfils at least one first pre-defined weight target distribution adapted to the at least one first weight target.

Reduced-waste systems and methods for granulated metallic units (GMUs) production are disclosed herein. A representative method can include receiving a first supply of molten iron and producing GMUs by granulating the molten iron poured onto a target material of a reactor. The method can include removing residual fines of the GMUs via a classifier based on a threshold particle size and mixing the residual fines with a second supply of molten iron to produce additional GMUs.

A cigarette filter insertion apparatus and method are provided for automated cigarette production. The apparatus comprises at least one filter delivery tube, a filter positioner with a passage terminating at a stop face, and a detainer yoke movable between obstructing and permitting filter movement. The detainer yoke includes a gate and a compliant detainer, such as a spring-biased pogo pin, to frictionally engage filters and prevent multiple filters from advancing. An actuator, such as a solenoid, controls the detainer yoke, and an air assist port delivers a puff of air to advance a single filter. Photodetectors may monitor filter position and synchronize filter release and air assist. The passage may include slots to vent excess air and minimize filter disturbance. The apparatus deposits filters into a trough formed in a belt for subsequent encapsulation. The method includes conveying, detaining, actuating, air-assisted advancement, and controlled release of cigarette filters.

Systems for continuous granulated metallic unit (GMU) production, and associated devices and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a continuous GMU production system includes a furnace unit, a desulfurization unit, a plurality of granulator units, and a cooling system. The furnace unit can receive input materials such as iron ore and output molten metal. The desulfurization unit can reduce a sulfur content of the molten metallics received from the furnace unit. Each of the plurality of granulator units can include a tundish that can control the flow of molten metallics and a reactor that can granulate the molten metallics to form GMUs. The cooling system can provide cooled water to the reactor. Continuous GMU production systems configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can produce GMUs under continuous operations cycles for, e.g., at least 6 hours.

The present invention relates to a signal processing method for weight signals (W) of scales, in particular combination scales (K). Signal processing is performed using preprocessed discrete values (W(i)) of the weight signal (W), which are supplied to at least one artificial neural network. With the help of this at least one artificial neural network, an estimated value (SW) for the actual weight is determined, for example in a weighing device of a combination scale. This is performed faster than if waiting for the actual weight signal. The estimated values (SW) are forwarded to the combination scale (KW), which uses them to form combinations.

The present invention relates to a signal processing method for weight signals (W) of scales, in particular combination scales (K). Signal processing is performed using preprocessed discrete values (W(i)) of the weight signal (W), which are supplied to at least one artificial neural network. With the help of this at least one artificial neural network, an estimated value (SW) for the actual weight is determined, for example in a weighing device of a combination scale. This is performed faster than if waiting for the actual weight signal. The estimated values (SW) are forwarded to the combination scale (KW), which uses them to form combinations.

Treating cooling water in industrial production facilities and associated systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. The system can comprise a cooling tower with a first and second cell, each having a housing to receive return water and a sump below to maintain supply water configured to directly contact molten metal. The system includes an inlet and an inlet line to provide return water to the cooling tower and an outlet and an outlet line to direct supply water back to the industrial production facility. The inlet, outlet, and cooling tower form a closed-loop network. Additionally, a blowdown line is fluidically coupled to the outlet to divert a portion of the supply water away from the closed-loop network.

A distributing and feeding apparatus includes a distribution table configured to circumferentially distribute a long article and being fed from above, and transport the article in a circumferential direction such that a longitudinal direction of the article is along the circumferential direction of the distribution table at an outer peripheral portion, a plurality of guide members provided around the outer peripheral portion of the distribution table, and a plurality of transport feeders arrayed radially around the distribution table, and configured to transport the article in a radial direction while aligning the article received from the distribution table so as to face the radial direction. The guide member is provided so as to interfere with the article transported at the outer peripheral portion of the distribution table so that the longitudinal direction of the article is directed from the circumferential direction to the radial direction.

Powder is weighed with high accuracy by inexpensive configuration. A weight measurement apparatus for storing, in a subdivision container, material of a target weight from a raw material container includes a movable arm to which a scoop is attached, a scraper, a subdivision weight measurement instrument configured to measure the weight of material in the subdivision container, and a controller. The controller is configured to, by controlling the movable arm, scoop material up by the scoop from the raw material container, level the material off in the scoop using the scraper, and store, in the subdivision container, the material in the scoop based on the weight of the material in the subdivision container measured by the subdivision weight measurement instrument.

A low-carbon granulated metallic unit having a mass fraction of carbon between 0.1 wt. % and 4.0 wt. % is disclosed herein. Additionally or alternatively, the granulated metallic unit can comprise a mass fraction of phosphorous of at least 0.025 wt. %, a mass fraction of silicon between 0.25 wt. % and 1.5 wt. %, a mass fraction of manganese of at least 0.2 wt. %, a mass fraction of sulfur of at least 0.0001 wt. %, and/or a mass fraction of iron of at least 94.0 wt. %.