Abstract: Systems and methods for a stud plate connector are disclosed. The system can include a base plate having a first cam slot and a second cam slot, where the second cam slot is approximately a mirror image of the first cam slot. The system can include a first upper cam-follower located within the first cam slot. The system can include a second upper cam-follower located within the second cam slot, where the first and second cam-followers hold opposite sides of a first lumber and move the first lumber to contact a second lumber. The system can include a first lower gripper and a second lower gripper for holding the second lumber in a perpendicular direction with respect to the first lumber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a real-time prevention and emergency management system and respective method of operation. The system comprises a Central Processing Unit (1), a plurality of Local Units (2), a plurality of Local Entities (3) and a plurality of Agent Entities (4), which are connected together by means of a communication network (5). The architecture of the system implements a stratified hierarchical scheme, where the elements are organized in 3-layers, being the Central Processing Unit (1) the core-knowledge and processing element. The Local Units (2), belong to a second layer, and are responsible for generating processed-data from event's raw data collected by the Agent Entities (4) and Local Entities (3), representing a third layer, that are assign to each Local Unit. The Agent Entities (4) can be of a singular or collective type, and are organized according to a hierarchical scheme.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface and a processor. The processor uses the interface to receive a first set of text from a first user and to transmit the first set of text to a second user. The processor determines, based at least in part on the first set of text, that the first user and the second user had an in-person meeting. The processor uses the interface to transmit a request to the first user for a first set of data. The first set of data includes information about the in-person meeting between the first user and the second user. The processor uses the interface to receive the first set of data from the first user. The processor determines, based on the first set of data, a score of the second user. The processor uses the interface to transmit a notification, based on the score, to the second user.

Abstract: A heavies removal device including a frame supporting a transporter, a perforated sheet, and an opposing weight. A plurality of upper arms pivotally connect the transporter with the frame and a matching number of lower arms pivotally connect the opposing weight to the frame. Air is directed through the perforated sheet. A drive assembly, including a motor and an eccentric bearing, drive the arms in an upward and forward fashion. As lamina is fed onto the infeed end of the perforated sheet, each forward stroke of the upper arms throws the lamina upward and forward toward the discharge end of the sheet. Vanes on the perforated sheet direct the air as needed to the forward of the sheet to achieve the desired transport. The heavies are transported to the discharge end of the device where they are removed and may afterward be sent through to the next phase of processing.

Abstract: A feed device for a linear airflow separator that eliminates the use of a winnower in the separation of tobacco products. The feed device includes an adjustable angle baffle deflector in combination with an air knife. The air-fed adjustable angle baffle deflector feeds with non-product contact and as a result does not lead to mechanical degradation of the treated material. The air knife is fed with air from a high pressure blower having a variable frequency drive. The feed device treats the product with air only, thereby eliminating mechanical contact with the product and resulting in higher separation yields and higher operating efficiency than conventional recirculating pneumatic separators.

Abstract: A feed device for a linear airflow separator that eliminates the use of a winnower in the separation of tobacco products. The feed device includes an adjustable angle baffle deflector in combination with an air knife. The air-fed adjustable angle baffle deflector feeds with non-product contact and as a result does not lead to mechanical degradation of the treated material. The air knife is fed with air from a high pressure blower having a variable frequency drive. The feed device treats the product with air only, thereby eliminating mechanical contact with the product and resulting in higher separation yields and higher operating efficiency than conventional recirculating pneumatic separators.

Abstract: A lamina/air separator for use atop apparatus for removing tobacco lamina from a lamina/stem mixture includes a horizontally disposed perforated cylindrical drum rotatively secured within a housing having sidewalls containing air exit ports adjacent the extremities of the drum. A sealing assembly interactive between each extremity of the drum and associated sidewall utilizes two flexed sealing strips to create a stagnant zone, bounded in part by the sidewall, that envelopes the extremity of the drum.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing tie elements from hands of tobacco leaves on a conveyor belt involve a rotating drum having radially emergent cutting blades that contact the tie elements without contacting the belt. The axle of the drum is disposed at an angle to the direction of belt travel, and the blades are disposed at a compensatory angle with respect to the axle, whereby the drum provides an advancing effect on the leaves, yet the blades cut along the mid-rib of the leaves.

Abstract: A modular pneumatic type tobacco separator apparatus employs a separation chamber which receives a threshed tobacco mixture at a feed trough at an upper elevation, and receives an upwardly directed air stream at a lower elevation. The air stream separates the mixture into lamina material, which is blown upwardly and removed by way of a screening separator, and stem material which falls to the bottom of the chamber, and is removed by an upwardly inclined conveyor belt. The configuration of the apparatus is such that, when two units of the apparatus are placed interactively together, the stem material emergent from a first unit drops by gravity into the feed trough of the next successive downstream unit of the apparatus.