Abstract: Methods and systems for device maintenance are described herein. Objects, such as pills, tablets, capsules, etc., may build an electrostatic charge as they pass through a dispensing device. This electrostatic charge may cause the objects to adhere to components of the dispensing device, such as inside a tube, chamber, etc. To prevent this from happening, the dispensing device may comprise an ionizing component, such as a fan, that may be configured to perform a maintenance procedure. The maintenance procedure may allow the objects to pass through various components of the dispensing device more freely.

Abstract: A reader device of a physical access control system includes an ultra-wide band (UWB) physical layer and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is operatively coupled to the UWB physical layer and is configured to: receive access credential information from a separate second device; receive ranging information from the second device; grant access through a physical portal according to the access credential information and ranging information; determine a number of people intending to pass through the physical portal; and generate an indication according to the determined number.

Abstract: An automatic guidance system is adapted to be mounted on a work vehicle such as a farm tractor for assisting an operator steer the vehicle on a desired track relative to a furrow. The system includes sensors for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic ranging signals. The sensors are ultrasound transducers mountable on ends of a planter drawn by the vehicle for directing ranging signals downwardly toward field adjacent of a furrow such that the ranging signals strike the field or furrow and are reflected back into the respective sensor. Guidance logic stored in a memory of a controller is executed by a processor to determine tractor headway direction and headland turning directions representative of desired tractor headway and headland turning directions, and a human interface device generates guidance images viewable by an operator for steering the tractor relative to furrows in the field and in the headland.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide for analysis of a video using a scanning technique. According to some embodiments, a video is analyzed by scanning a region of interest in a series of frames of the video, and generating a composite image based on the pixels captured by the scanning operation.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a metering system comprising one or more meters configured to meter particulate material into a first material distribution line and a second material distribution line, a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a first measure of a flow of the particulate material in the first material distribution line, a second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a second measure of the flow of the particulate material in the first material distribution line, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive an indication of a sensed flow rate of the particulate material in the second material distribution line, obtain an adjusted flow rate indication by applying, to the sensed flow rate, a rate offset based on the first and second sensor signals, and control the metering system based on the adjusted flow rate indication.

Abstract: Provided is a system (1) for autonomous filling of a container (5), comprising: a fluid dispenser (9); a distance (11); a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters (2) and receivers (3); a user interface (6) configured to receive a desired percentage of the height of the container (5) to be filled with liquid; and a controller electronically connected to the distance sensor (11), the plurality of emitters (2) and receivers (3), the user interface (6) and the fluid dispenser (9).

Abstract: A system that includes a driving component, such as a motor, and a driven component. The system also includes a torque limiter positioned between the driving component and the driven component. The driving component is coupled to a driving end of the torque limiter and the driven component is coupled to a driven end of the torque limiter. The torque limiter is configured to assume a normal operating state with no slippage between the driving and driven ends of the torque limiter and an over-torque operating state with slippage occurring between the driving and driven ends of the torque limiter. The torque limiter includes a metal moving part that assumes a first position when the torque limiter is in the normal operating state and a second position different than the first position when the torque limiter assumes the over-torque operating state. An inductive proximity sensor monitors the position of the metal moving part.

Abstract: A weaving installation includes a loom that receives a series of strands, and at least one device for measuring the diameter of a strand having a defined number of filaments. The device includes a diaphragm having an external ring forming a support on which a series of strips forming an iris are fixed. The strips are movable and allow a substantially circular space with variable dimensions to be defined at the center of the iris. The diaphragm is configured to adjust the dimensions of the space so as to allow a strand of the loom to pass through it, and to encircle the profile of the strand so as to allow the number of filaments in the strand to be determined.

Abstract: A system includes a longitudinal rack storing a plurality of packs of cigarettes, a shoe movably attached to the rack, a magnet coupled to the shoe and a longitudinal circuit board arranged along the length of the rack. The circuit board includes an array of sensors along the length of the rack, wherein spacing between each pair of sensors equals a pre-selected thickness. Each sensor generates a value depending on a position of the magnet in relation to the sensor. The circuit board further includes a memory storing values generated by the sensors, and a processor configured to determine a position of the shoe/magnet based on the values and determine a pack count of the packs based on the position of the shoe/magnet.

Abstract: An object counting method is applied to a surveillance camera and used to determine an amount and a direction an object passing over a surveillance region. The object counting method includes acquiring a plurality of known traces, dividing the plurality of known traces into a first group passing the surveillance region along a first direction and a second group passing the surveillance region along a second direction, computing a first start point computed value of the first group and a second start point computed value of the second group to acquire a start point connection vector, and comparing the start point connection vector with a trace vector of a target object to determine whether the target object passes over the surveillance region along the first direction or the second direction.

Abstract: A tablet press comprises a gate and a control apparatus configured to generate a switching signal. A drive apparatus is configured to move the gate in response to the switching signal received from the control apparatus between a first switching position and at least a second switching position. At least one sensor is configured to generate a detection signal when the gate reaches one of the switching positions. The control apparatus receives the detection signal and is configured to output a switching signal to the drive apparatus to at least partially move the gate back into a home position when there is a switching signal to move the gate out of the home position and there is no detection signal received from the at least one sensor. The control apparatus subsequently outputs a switching signal to again move the gate out of the home position to a target position.

Abstract: A larvae counter comprising a first container for receiving water, eggs of insects and/or larvae, a second container in fluid communication with the first container for receiving water and larvae from the first container, and a larvae counting module in fluid communication with the second container for receiving water and larvae from the second container and counting the larvae.

Abstract: Described are a system, method, and computer program product for generating and applying a predictive wait time estimate using predictive modeling. The method includes receiving initial transaction data representative of a plurality of transactions between a plurality of transaction accounts and at least one merchant. The method also includes generating, for each subinterval, training data including at least one of the following: service rate during the subinterval, number of transactions during the subinterval, total transaction value during the subinterval, mean transaction value during the subinterval, year, month, day of week, or any combination thereof. The method further includes generating a predictive model that generates an output of arrival rate for an input of at least one time parameter. The method further includes generating the predictive wait time estimate for a designated time.

Abstract: A soil apparatus (e.g., seed firmer) having a locking system is described herein. In one embodiment, the soil apparatus includes a lower base portion for engaging in soil of an agricultural field, an upper base portion, and a neck portion having protrusions to insert into the lower base portion of a base and then lock when a region of the upper base portion is inserted into the lower base portion and this region of the upper base portion presses the protrusions to lock the neck portion to the upper base portion.

Abstract: A system for estimating the angular position of a rotating shaft in an aircraft, the system including at least three electromagnetic effect sensors. The system including a flight controller that runs a voting algorithm, wherein the voting algorithm computes an output datum based on shaft position datum that qualify as both active and admissible. Furthermore, system may include, as a component of the voting algorithm, a banning process where sensors that repeatedly return datum that are either not active or not admissible can be banned.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and associated methods for detecting drops dispensed by a dropper are provided. For example, a drop detection device may include a light source and a light detector configured to be coupled to a drop dispenser such that the light source and light detector are disposed proximal of a distal dispensing tip of the drop dispenser. The light detector may be configured to receive a reflected portion of a beam of light from the light source, which is reflected by a drop dispensed through the dispensing tip of the drop dispenser. In some embodiments, a processing circuit is configured to analyze a signal provided by the light detector to detect the dispensed drop.

Abstract: A tablet press comprises a gate that defines a first switching position that feeds tablets into a first tablet outlet and at least a second switching position that feeds tablets into at least one second tablet outlet. The table press further comprises a control apparatus and a drive apparatus. The drive apparatus is configured to be actuated by the control apparatus to move the gate from a home position defined as one of the first switching position and the at least a second switching position into a target position defined as a switching position that is not the home position. The gate is moved from the home switching position at a speed of movement toward the target position such that the speed of movement of the gate is reduced before the target position is reached.

Abstract: A person count apparatus obtains a person count result of a region person count that counts the number of persons existing in a predetermined region of an image captured by an image capturing unit and a person count result of a passing person count that counts the number of persons passing a predetermined line set in an image captured by the image capturing unit, displays a still image captured by the image capturing unit in a time period corresponding a person count result selected from the plurality of person count results for each time period based on the region person count, and reproduce a moving image captured by the image capturing unit on the display unit in a time period corresponding to a person count result selected from the plurality of person count results for each time period based on the passing person count.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species.

Abstract: A double rotation type drug feeder having an easily cleanable, simple structure is provided. The drug feeder includes a rotatable annular first rotator 20 that has a mount surface 23 on which drugs are placed and that is rotatable about a first rotation axis, a second rotator 30 that is disposed at a fixed position on an inner side of the first rotator 20 while being rotatable about a second rotation axis, inclined with respect to the first rotation axis, the second rotator 30 transporting the drugs onto the mount surface 23, restricting members 71 and 72 that align the drugs disposed on the mount surface 23, and multiple support members 40 that support the first rotator 20 and the second rotator 30 mounted thereon from below the first rotator 20 and the second rotator 30. The multiple support members 40 include a driving member 55 that drives the first rotator 20 and the second rotator 30 to rotate.

Abstract: A component management system includes an acquirer that acquires the component information from the component supply device, a management system side storage that stores the component information acquired by the acquirer in association with the component supply device, and an information updater that updates the component information stored in the component supply device side storage and the management system side storage based on a detection result of the detector.

Abstract: A small seed counting system includes a hopper mounted to a frame and having an open top and a discharge opening. Also connected to the frame is a vertical rail. Mounted to the vertical rail are a first and a second gate assemblies. Each gate assembly has a horizontal support member with an aperture. The gate assemblies also each have a measuring tube that are slidably and telescopically connected to form a measuring chamber.

Abstract: A facility management assistance device includes an image extractor that extracts an image of a target area from an image of the interior of the facility, an image presenter that presents the image of the target area to a first user, an individual evaluation information acquirer that acquires individual evaluation information on an evaluation result of the target area, in response to an input by the first user, an evaluation aggregation information generator that aggregates the individual evaluation information in a designated period, and generates evaluation aggregation information for listing an evaluation result for the designated period, an evaluation aggregation information presenter that presents the evaluation aggregation information to a second user, an improvement implementation information acquirer that acquires improvement implementation information on the implementation situation of an improvement measure, in response to an input by a second user, and an improvement implementation information pres

Abstract: A commodity monitoring device includes a visitor number acquirer that acquires the number of visitors, a purchasing customer number acquirer that acquires the number of purchasing customers who purchase a commodity, a statistical information generator that generates statistical information, based on the number of visitors and the number of purchasing customers, a commodity detector that detects commodity, based on a captured image of a display area, a sales opportunity loss analyzer that analyzes a cause of the sales opportunity loss from a commodity detection result, and a display screen generator that generates a monitoring screen in which a display image representing the cause of the sales opportunity loss is superimposed on the image of the display area.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure include a system for providing non-contact, computer-vision based monitoring of the health and pollination activity of a beehive. The system may include camera positioned proximate to a beehive. The camera may include an onboard processor that analyzes video of the beehive captured by the camera and calculates an activity value that estimates a number of bees moving about the beehive. The video calculated activity values may be uploaded to a server where they can be accessed via a user device. The user device may allow the user to display interactive plots of the activity values over a variety of time bases. The disclosed beehive monitoring system relies on relatively lost-cost hardware and requires neither modification to the hive nor special constraints on the placement of the camera.

Abstract: A motor system includes a motor including two Hall sensors configured to output binary values, and a controller configured to control the motor. The two Hall sensors are placed 120 or 60 electrical degrees apart. The controller is operable to monitor output signals of the two Hall sensors and to determine a third Hall sensor output binary value. The controller is operable to fulfill the commanded requirements to operate in a servo system, by controlling commutation of a drive current into the motor, and by keeping track of the motor rotor position based on the third generated signal and the outputs of the two Hall sensors.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species.

Abstract: An agricultural product distribution system is presented that includes an inductor box configured to receive agricultural product and conveyed air to combine the agricultural product and the conveyed air. The agricultural product distribution system also includes a removable baffle configured to control an amount of the conveyed air that flows into each port of the plurality of ports. Furthermore, the inductor box is configured to enable the removable baffle to be slidingly inserted into the inductor box, and the removable baffle comprises a tang configured to at least partially block insertion of the removable baffle into the inductor box while the removable baffle is oriented at an undesirable orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to count people in a target area includes a wireless transceiver and a controller. The wireless transceiver is configured to radiate an impulse electromagnetic wave to the target area and receive a reflection signal from the target area, and the controller is configured to obtain a signal strength of the reflection signal over a reception time period during which the reflection signal is received and count people according to the signal strength, considering that the signal strength is weakened in proportion to the reception time period.

Abstract: A handheld cup counter is disclosed. The cup counter may have a mechanical or optical sensor used to count the number of brim portions within a stack of cups. In order to properly position the optical or mechanical sensor, the sensor is disposed in relation to a ridge plate that helps the user to properly align the sensor to the stack of cups so that the sensor may accurately sense the number of brim portions within the stack of cups. The cup sensor may also have additional calculator functionality that works in conjunction with the sensed number of cups in order to more efficiently add and subtract the sensed number of cups of a plurality of stack of cups.

Abstract: A method executed by a circuit for counting electrons in storage cells in an array of at least two storage cells is provided. The method includes providing a storage array of at least two storage cells, and each of said at least two storage cells containing an unknown amount of electrons. A receiving array of at least two receiving cells is provided, where said at least two receiving cells initially contain no electrons. Then, extracting a layer of said electrons from said storage array of cells and inserting said layer into corresponding locations in said receiving array. The method then repeats said steps of extracting and inserting while at least one of said at least two storage cells is not empty. The method counts, for each said storage cell in said storage array, a productive-extraction amount.

Abstract: A seed sensor system determines the position of the seed relative to the seed tube as the seed passes the sensor. The position of the seed as well as the speed of the planter and the position of the seed tube above the planting furrow are used to calculate trajectory of the seed into the furrow from which the seed spacing is predicated. By sensing the seed in both X and Y directions in the seed tube, the sensor is better able to determine multiple seeds as well providing more precision to the seed population.

Abstract: A device for counting and determining the direction of passage of living beings. A first cell delivers an electrical signal representing the passage of a living being. A second pryoelectric cell delivers a second electrical signal. A processing unit analyzes the signals and determines the number of living beings moving past and their direction of movement.

Abstract: A method executed by a circuit for counting electrons in storage cells in an array of at least two storage cells is provided. The method includes providing a storage array of at least two storage cells, and each of said at least two storage cells containing an unknown amount of electrons. A receiving array of at least two receiving cells is provided, where said at least two receiving cells initially contain no electrons. Then, extracting a layer of said electrons from said storage array of cells and inserting said layer into corresponding locations in said receiving array. The method then repeats said steps of extracting and inserting while at least one of said at least two storage cells is not empty. The method counts, for each said storage cell in said storage array, a productive-extraction amount.

Abstract: A seed counting device where accuracy is maintained at higher counting rates. The seed counting device has a hopper in communication with a tray. An activator is connected to the tray to vibrate the tray. Connected to one end of the tray is a separator having sensors. Below the tray and in partial alignment with the separator is a projecting device. The projecting device projects seeds that fall from the tray past the sensors and into a seed chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for counting items in storage containers in an array of at least two storage containers, the method including the steps of: providing a storage array of at least two storage containers, each of the storage containers containing an unknown amount of items; providing a receiving array of at least two receiving containers, wherein the receiving containers initially contain no items; extracting a layer of the items from the storage array; inserting the layer into corresponding locations in the receiving array; repeating the steps of extracting and inserting while at least one of the storage containers is not empty; counting, for each storage container in the storage array, a productive-extraction amount; and reporting, for at least some of the storage containers, the productive-extraction amount from each storage container. Preferably, the method further includes recovering a storage identity upon recovery from a system failure that erases the productive-extraction amount.

Abstract: A counting device for counting rimmed articles arranged in a nested configuration to define a series of stacked rims defining a stacked direction is disclosed. The counting device has a gear with a plurality of teeth adapted to engage the article rims such that advancement of the articles along the stacked direction adjacent the gear rotates the gear. An indicator wheel is provided configured to rotate with rotation of the gear. The indicator wheel has a plurality of indicia thereon for monitoring rotation of the gear. At least one sensor is positioned to detect the indicia and to generate an output signal as the indicator wheel rotates to bring the indicia into alignment with a detection axis. The sensor is in communication with a counter which produces in response to the output signal of the sensor a usable output representing a quantity of articles having engaged the gear.

Abstract: A seed counting device where accuracy is maintained at higher counting rates. The seed counting device has a hopper in communication with a tray. An activator is connected to the tray to vibrate the tray. Connected to one end of the tray is a separator having sensors. Below the tray and in partial alignment with the separator is a projecting device. The projecting device projects seeds that fall from the tray past the sensors and into a seed chamber.

Abstract: A screw counter includes a first interface, a second interface, and a processing unit. The first interface connected to a screwdriver, the screwdriver is adapted for screwing a predetermined total number of screws into a workpiece to perform a screwing operation on the workpiece. The second interface is connected to a detecting unit. The detecting unit detects a start time and a finish time of the screwing operation. The processing unit counts a variable, each time when the processing unit is changed from a first state to a second state, the variable adds one; a total added value of the variable is calculated during a time interval between the start time and the finish time to acquire a total number of screws which are completely screwed into the workpiece.

Abstract: A door cycle tracker for a door with at least an open position and a closed position mounted on a track having at least one spring. The door cycle tracker includes a counter mounted to the door having an actuator for incrementing the counter; a trip lever pivotally mounted adjacent to the counter and moveable to a position in which the trip lever actuates the counter actuator; and a plate assembly mounted adjacent to the track in a location such that when the door approaches a selected position, the trip lever contacts the plate assembly. When the door slides on the track and the trip lever contacts the plate assembly, the trip lever pivots, contacts the counter actuator and increments the counter.

Abstract: A counting device for counting rimmed articles arranged in a nested configuration to define a series of stacked rims defining a stacked direction is disclosed. The counting device has a gear with a plurality of teeth adapted to engage the article rims such that advancement of the articles along the stacked direction adjacent the gear rotates the gear. An indicator wheel is provided configured to rotate with rotation of the gear. The indicator wheel has a plurality of indicia thereon for monitoring rotation of the gear. At least one sensor is positioned to detect the indicia and to generate an output signal as the indicator wheel rotates to bring the indicia into alignment with a detection axis. The sensor is in communication with a counter which produces in response to the output signal of the sensor a usable output representing a quantity of articles having engaged the gear.

Abstract: A method of evaluating one or more kernels of an ear of maize using digital imagery includes acquiring a digital image of the one or more kernels of the ear of maize, processing the digital image to estimate at least one physical property of the one or more kernels of the ear of maize from the digital image, and evaluating the at least one kernel of maize using the estimate of the at least one physical property of the at least one kernel of maize.

Abstract: A device for electronically and optically counting objects, such as fish, animals, vegetation or other materials, as they are placed into a container. The device surrounds a defined opening on a container. As objects are placed into the container, they fall through the frame of the opening. A light source, such as a laser or LED, is directed toward a light detector in such a way as to be disrupted as the animal falls into the container. A light detector detects said disruption of the light and signals the electronic circuit to add to the number previously counted. Various methods of communicating the count are provided. The preferred method of communicating the count is via an integrated visual display. The preferred method of powering the device is by the use of one or more electric battery. Various methods of electrically powering the device are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing varying quantities of pills quickly, conveniently, securely, accurately operable to incorporate one or more sensors and at least two data sets for the purpose of monitoring the activity of transferring pills from a pill singulation to a bottle. For example, a counting means may be operable, in real-time or near-real time, to count the pills transferred to a bottle. A sensor array data-acquisition means may be utilized to facilitate the collection and monitoring of data relating to transfer of pills to a bottle. The counting means and sensor array data-acquisition means may be applied in a cooperative manner so as to facilitate examinations for the purpose of identifying pill events, such as overlapping pill dispensing, that have the potential to invalidate the counting means results.

Abstract: A seed counting device where accuracy is maintained at higher counting rates. The seed counting device has a hopper in communication with a tray. An activator is connected to the tray to vibrate the tray. Connected to one end of the tray is a separator having sensors. Below the tray and in partial alignment with the separator is a projecting device. The projecting device projects seeds that fall from the tray past the sensors and into a seed chamber.

Abstract: A tablet T is divided without moving a cutter and divided tablets T1, T2 are fed one by one. A rotor 24 is installed in a container 21 receiving the tablets T. A rotor receiving part of the container has a barrel shape with a bottom section formed with a discharge port 27, and a fixing blade 33 is installed outside the rotor receiving part. Recesses 25 are formed on an entire lateral side of the rotor at a regular interval to receive a tablet. A peripheral groove is formed on the entire lateral side of the rotor and a fixing blade and a support plate are inserted into the peripheral groove. The fixing blade divides the tablet, which is accommodated in the recess and move while being guided along an inner wall of the rotor receiving part as the rotor rotates. A lower divided tablet T1 is discharged to the discharge port 27 and an upper divided tablet T2 is kept on the fixing blade. The upper divided tablet is discharged as the rotor further rotates.

Abstract: An aquatic-animal counting system is provided. The system includes a channel, a linear photographing device, and an operation processing device. A channel is used for a plurality of aquatic animals to pass through. The linear photographing device is used for photographing the aquatic animals passing through the channel to generate at least one image. The operation processing device is electrically connected to the linear photographing device and the operation processing device includes an image processing module. The image processing module utilizes at least one operation rule to analyze the at least one image, so as to calculate a number of the aquatic animals in the at least one image. An aquatic-animal counting method and a recording medium are also provided.

Abstract: A traffic and population counting device system and method is provided. The traffic and population counting device may be executable by a computing device and may include an entry selector configured to be selected to indicate that a shopper has entered a shopping zone and to keep a running count of a number of shoppers who enter the shopping zone. An exit selector may be configured to be selected to indicate that a shopper has exited a shopping zone and to keep a running count of a number of shoppers who exit the shopping zone. Further, a display may be configured to display a running population count of shoppers within the shopping zone. The running population count may be determined by a running difference between the running count of the number of shoppers who enter the shopping zone and the running count of the number of shoppers who exit the shopping zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic process counter that detects electrical signals from fasteners and attachments fastened to devices in a hard disk drive manufacturing line and uses the signals to increment the count of the fastens. Count signals are then transmitted to a plurality of display units for visual display to monitoring operators in the manufacturing line.