In one aspect, a calibration method for a seed meter may include controlling an air pressure source to apply an initial air pressure to a seed transport member of the seed meter defining a plurality of seed cells. The method may further include controlling the seed meter to rotate the seed transport member relative to a seed chamber of the seed meter containing a plurality of seeds. The method may additionally include performing a calibration cycle for the seed meter, which may include monitoring a first parameter indicative of a number of empty seed cells as the seed transport member rotates, iteratively adjusting the air pressure from the initial air pressure as the first parameter is being monitored, and when the first parameter crosses a first threshold, recording the associated air pressure as a minimum air pressure for the seed meter.

In one aspect, a calibration method for a seed meter may include controlling an air pressure source to apply an initial air pressure to a seed transport member of the seed meter defining a plurality of seed cells. The method may further include controlling the seed meter to rotate the seed transport member relative to a seed chamber of the seed meter containing a plurality of seeds. The method may additionally include performing a calibration cycle for the seed meter, which may include monitoring a first parameter indicative of a number of empty seed cells as the seed transport member rotates, iteratively adjusting the air pressure from the initial air pressure as the first parameter is being monitored, and when the first parameter crosses a first threshold, recording the associated air pressure as a minimum air pressure for the seed meter.

A system and method for providing power to moving elements on a conveyor system while the moving elements are moving. An accessory for mounting on one or more of the moving elements, which receives power from the system. Various accessories for using the power provided. In one case, the accessory is a rotary gripper that includes a body; a gripper motor; a rotation motor; and a plurality of grippers, wherein the gripper motor is mechanically connected with and configured to open and close the plurality of grippers, the rotation motor is mechanically connected with and configured to rotate the plurality of grippers. Other accessories include a gripper, a vacuum system, a heater, and a cooler.

A system is disclosed for calibrating the compressive forces exerted on a component during a component retrieval process from a carrier or support surface by a component handling device. The system includes a sensor, a component pickup assembly having a reference structure, a housing and a spring guide holder coupled to a suction tip. A resilient member may reside within the housing and the reference structure such that the spring guide holder and the housing are spaced from each other to define a variable first gap thereinbetween. A gate is formed by the reference structure and a sheath located on the housing whereby the reference structure is spaced from the housing to define a variable second gap thereinbetween. A detection structure is located within the variable second gap such that the sensor is able to detect portions of the detection structure. The detected portion of the detection structure or element at the second gap size is correlated to the height of the variable first gap and the height of the variable first gap is correlated to a reference predetermined threshold compressive force exerted on the component by the resilient member.

A door assembly includes a structural wrapper defining an insulating cavity. The structural wrapper defines a sensor port. A sensor assembly is coupled to an outer surface of the structural wrapper proximate to the sensor port. The sensor assembly includes a connector having a base coupled to a housing. The base is coupled to the structural wrapper. The connector defines an interior in fluid communication with the insulating cavity. A pressure sensor is disposed within the housing. The pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure within the insulating cavity. At least one plate is disposed at an open end of the housing. The pressure sensor includes sensor pins that extend through the at least one plate.

A door assembly includes a structural wrapper defining an insulating cavity. The structural wrapper defines a sensor port. A sensor assembly is coupled to an outer surface of the structural wrapper proximate to the sensor port. The sensor assembly includes a connector having a base coupled to a housing. The base is coupled to the structural wrapper. The connector defines an interior in fluid communication with the insulating cavity. A pressure sensor is disposed within the housing. The pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure within the insulating cavity. At least one plate is disposed at an open end of the housing. The pressure sensor includes sensor pins that extend through the at least one plate.

In an approach to generating a digital sentiment signature to characterize an end to a communication, one or more computer processors detect a start of a communication between at least two participants. A computer starts a digital timer of the communication. A computer identifies one or more digital marks of the communication, where the one or more digital marks are a reflection of a sentiment of at least one of the at least two participants in the communication. A computer generates a digital sentiment signature based on the digital timer and on the one or more digital marks, where the digital sentiment signature is a digital signal that can be communicated across a plurality of types of communication channels. A computer detects an end of the communication. A computer determines a reason for the end of the communication. A computer stores the reason.

The invention relates to energy saving in vacuum systems by means of a method and a controller enabling to consider the fluctuation in system-pressure of a system by determining a maximum system-pressure S2H and a minimum system-pressure S2h for each working cycle W.sub.C based on a determined target system-pressure p.sub.n.sup.− and a pre-set system-pressure p.sub.0.sup.− for the current working cycle W.sub.Cn (n=1, 2, 3, . . . ). The method is especially adapted to fluctuations in system-pressure level of a vacuum system comprising a vacuum gripper tool.

A capacitance diaphragm gauge (CDG) assembly includes a CDG sensor positioned within a vacuum enclosure, which is maintained at a vacuum. The CDG sensor generates sensor signals responsive to a pressure of an applied gas. The vacuum enclosure provides thermal insulation around the CDG sensor. The CDG sensor is maintained at a selected operating temperature using an internal heater positioned on the CDG sensor. The internal heater is responsive to external heater control signals. The temperature of the CDG sensor is monitored using an internal temperature sensor mounted on the CDG sensor. The temperature sensor generates a temperature signal. The vacuum enclosure includes an end cap that seals the vacuum enclosure. Connectors positioned through the end cap communicate the sensor signals, the heater control signals and the temperature signals through the end cap. The connectors are hermetically sealed to the end cap to maintain the vacuum within the vacuum enclosure.

A capacitance diaphragm gauge (CDG) assembly includes a CDG sensor positioned within a vacuum enclosure, which is maintained at a vacuum. The CDG sensor generates sensor signals responsive to a pressure of an applied gas. The vacuum enclosure provides thermal insulation around the CDG sensor. The CDG sensor is maintained at a selected operating temperature using an internal heater positioned on the CDG sensor. The internal heater is responsive to external heater control signals. The temperature of the CDG sensor is monitored using an internal temperature sensor mounted on the CDG sensor. The temperature sensor generates a temperature signal. The vacuum enclosure includes an end cap that seals the vacuum enclosure. Connectors positioned through the end cap communicate the sensor signals, the heater control signals and the temperature signals through the end cap. The connectors are hermetically sealed to the end cap to maintain the vacuum within the vacuum enclosure.