Abstract: A boom sprayer includes any number of components to treat plants as the boom sprayer travels through a plant field. The components take actions to treat plants or facilitate treating plants. The boom sprayer includes any number of sensors to measure the state of the boom sprayer as the boom sprayer treats plants. The boom sprayer includes a control system to generate actions for the components to treat plants in the field. The control system includes an agent executing a model that functions to improve the performance of the boom sprayer treating plants. Performance improvement can be measured by the sensors of the boom sprayer. The model is an artificial neural network that receives measurements as inputs and generates actions that improve performance as outputs. The artificial neural network is trained using actor-critic reinforcement learning techniques.

Abstract: A combine harvester (combine) includes any number of components to harvest plants as the combine travels through a plant field. The components take actions to harvest plants or facilitate harvesting plants. The combine includes any number of sensors to measure the state of the combine as the combine harvests plants. The combine includes a control system to generate actions for the components to harvest plants in the field. The control system includes an agent executing a model that functions to improve the performance of the combine harvesting plants. Performance improvement can be measured by the sensors of the combine. The model is an artificial neural network that receives measurements as inputs and generates actions that improve performance as outputs. The artificial neural network is trained using actor-critic reinforcement learning techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for applying discrete particles of absorbent material to a predetermined location on a fibrous web. The apparatus comprises a continuously rotating mask, and a means for directing a supply stream of absorbent particles to form an acute included angle with a diverting surface on the rotating mask. The mask diverting surface splits the supply stream of absorbent particles into a first intermittent stream passing through the mask and a second intermittent stream deflected by the diverting surface. The absorbent particles in one of the first and second intermittent streams is directed to the fibrous web.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for applying discrete particles of absorbent material to a predetermined location on a fibrous web. The apparatus comprises a continuously rotating mask, and a means for directing a supply stream of absorbent particles to form an acute included angle with a diverting surface on the rotating mask. The mask diverting surface splits the supply stream of absorbent particles into a first intermittent stream passing through the mask and a second intermittent stream deflected by the diverting surface. The absorbent particles in one of the first and second intermittent streams is directed to the fibrous web.

Abstract: The automatic registration control system of the present invention is a closed loop system including a driving mechanism for feeding a continuous web of disposable absorbent articles, such as diaper pads, toward a cutter. The cutter may separate completed pads from the web. A sensor is positioned along the manufacturing line, and preferably preceding the cutter, for detecting at least one preselected feature of each diaper pad and producing a detection signal when the feature passes by the sensor. A position resolver determines the angular position of the cutter at the moment when the preselected diaper feature is detected, and the average angular position is calculated from a predetermined number of cutter positions. The average cutter position is compared to and subtracted from a target cutter position to produce an error signal. The error signal is then converted into a control signal and supplied to a phase variator which adjusts the position of the cutter in response to the control signal.