A system having a drone and a payload frame connected to the drone, wherein the payload frame includes a mechanism for attaching at least one payload module to the payload frame and electrically coupling the at least one payload module to the payload frame. The electrical coupling includes a communication interface for communicating with a controller of the drone, and is configured to communicate a relative location of the at least one payload module in the payload frame, a weight of the at least one payload module and a volume of the at least one payload module. The controller of the drone is configured to calculate a weight distribution within the payload frame, based on the relative location of the at least one payload module, the weight of the at least one payload module and the volume of the at least one payload volume.

An offset weighing apparatus and method for use with poultry processing equipment includes a weigh assembly to weigh an animal connected to a shackle assembly as the shackle moves in contact with a force sensor along a conveyor line. A diverter assembly laterally displaces a shackle retaining the animal from below the conveyor line into engagement with the force sensor. The bending axis of the force sensor is approximately parallel to the displaced shackle. The angular position of the bending axis and shackle, and relative positions, friction, and forces of the components of the shackle assembly and weigh assembly are analyzed to calculate the weight of the animal connected to the shackle without removing the animal from the shackle or ceasing movement of the conveyor line.

An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.

An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be used to deliver a package. The UAV may include a communication interface configured to receive a request to transport a package. The UAV may also include a navigation unit configured to direct the UAV to the package. The UAV may further include a sensor configured to determine one or more physical characteristics of the package. The UAV may also include an acceptance unit configured to accept the package for transport in response to the one or more physical characteristics satisfying a set of criteria.

A dynamic scale to achieves a higher throughput, by at least one of a spring steel sheet being installed in the travel direction of the first shaft of the first transport belt, and/or the control of the motors as well as the transmission of the sensor signals taking place via ribbon cables which are arranged parallel to the transport belts, and/or an electronic evaluation of interference oscillations of the signals of the sensors of the weighing cell takes place, within at least one lowpass filter being used, and wherein at least two digital notch filters are used.

An automated sand separator discharge system includes a sand separator disposed downstream of a wellhead, an inlet conduit for transporting a process stream to the sand separator, a fluid outlet conduit for transporting a liquid and gas stream from the sand separator, a sand discharge conduit for removing sand from the sand separator, first, second, and third valves disposed along the sand discharge conduit, a first transducer connected between the first and second valves and operative to measure pressure in a portion of the sand discharge conduit and to produce a pressure reading, and a control panel operatively connected to the first, second, and third valves and the first transducer, the control panel being programmed to initiate and terminate discharge of sand from the sand separator, and to determine if the first and second valves are sealing completely when closed.

An automated sand separator discharge system includes a sand separator disposed downstream of a wellhead, an inlet conduit for transporting a process stream to the sand separator, a fluid outlet conduit for transporting a liquid and gas stream from the sand separator, a sand discharge conduit for removing sand from the sand separator, first, second, and third valves disposed along the sand discharge conduit, a first transducer connected between the first and second valves and operative to measure pressure in a portion of the sand discharge conduit and to produce a pressure reading, and a control panel operatively connected to the first, second, and third valves and the first transducer, the control panel being programmed to initiate and terminate discharge of sand from the sand separator, and to determine if the first and second valves are sealing completely when closed.

Disclosed are related to a dust collecting apparatus, a cleaning apparatus, and a method of controlling the cleaning apparatus. The dust collecting apparatus may comprises a dust collecting space configured to collect impurities and a variable body formed to surround the dust collecting space and having one of transparency, shape and color changed by selectively transmitting or reflecting light in response to applied electric power.

A method for monitoring a packaging process of at least one article. In the method, a sort of an article is acquired before it is placed in a transport container. At least one image and at least one depth measurement of the article are recorded after it is placed in the transport container. The three-dimensional dimensions of the article are calculated and are compared with a specification for the acquired sort of the article. If the dimensions of the article do not agree with the specification, a warning is issued.