Abstract: A robotic system includes a robotic arm that interacts with an object during operation. It further includes a locking component that, during operation, locks a multi-position component in an operating position. Responsive to a triggering event, locking of the multi-position component in the operating position is released and the multi-position component moves away from its operating position, facilitating separation between the robotic arm and the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the saturated, surface dry (SSD) condition point of aggregates includes warm air-drying of a water saturated aggregate sample of known initial weight. The sample is rotated in an open mesh screened drum, and heated ambient air is passed radially through the drum and the sample to remove water. Initially surface water is removed, followed by pore water. The loss in water weight and the exit air relative humidity (EAH) is tracked by sensors and recorded. The EAH values change significantly at the SSD point. Following SSD point determination, the test procedure continues until all free water is removed from the sample to determine total moisture content of the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the saturated, surface dry (SSD) condition point of aggregates comprises warm air-drying of a water saturated aggregate sample of known initial weight. The sample is rotated in an open mesh screened drum, and heated ambient air is passed radially through the drum and the sample to remove water. Initially surface water is removed, followed by pore water. The loss in water weight and the exit air relative humidity (EAH) is tracked by sensors and recorded. The EAH values change significantly at the SSD point. Following SSD point determination, the test procedure continues until all free water is removed from the sample to determine total moisture content of the sample.