Abstract: A sod scrap collection apparatus is disclosed that enables pickup and collection of scraps of sod that have been discarded on the ground. The apparatus is pulled by a tractor and includes a pickup head followed by a dump bed. A pickup head conveyor moves pickup teeth along and over the ground at a particular distance in order to scrape up sod scraps and discard them into the dump bed where they are collected. A dump bed conveyor of the dump bed, which runs in the opposite direction as the pickup head conveyor, moves parallel spaced sweeping bars along a top of the sod scraps residing in the dump bed at an upward angle from front to back, so that the dump bed fills with the sod scraps efficiently from front to back.

Abstract: An implement connectable to a work vehicle includes an arm, a fastening arrangement arranged at a first part of the arm, and an attaching arrangement. The fastening arrangement is connectable to the work vehicle an attaching arrangement is arranged at second part of the arm. The attaching arrangement is attachable to a tool. The implement further includes a second hydraulic circuit configured to carry hydraulic fluid to at least one second hydraulic function. The first hydraulic function comprises a lifting function and a local control element. The implement further includes at least one second sensor arranged to obtain sensor signals at least related to the lifting function, a local control element and a digital interface to the work vehicle. The control element is arranged to receive and process the received sensor signals so as to determine a load weight and to feed the determined load weight to the digital interface.

Abstract: A picking device for storing bottles and a corresponding method are provided. The picking device includes a plurality of storage locations for bottles, an operating device having a gripper, at least one storing device, at least one identification device and an unloading device. The storage locations have storage location receptacles and the storing device has at least one storing receptacle for bottles, wherein the storage location receptacles and the storing receptacle are configured such that the bottles are held therein in such a way that they are protected against rolling. The gripper includes a gripping member configured such that the bottles are movable from the storing receptacles and storage location receptacles by being lifted by the gripping member or by being pulled to a holding area of the gripper.

Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated case handling system and method. The automated case handling system can determine the existence of a proper seal on a case, the location of a label or other criteria or place a label or other information on a case. It can be a self-contained unit that can be easily inserted into an existing case handling line. To facilitate easy installation, the disclosed embodiment is powered by electricity and can be configured to plug into a single power source. The automated case handling system has a control unit for controlling the operation. A first sensor determines the dimensions of a case. A second sensor is mounted on the moveable sensor support. The second sensor senses predetermined criteria on a case as the second sensor is moved along a case. The second sensor provides a detection signal to the control unit as to the existence of the predetermined criteria on a case.

Abstract: An automated package Pickup and Receiving Station (PRS) (100) with autonomous ground vehicles (AGV) (18) are presented, which may be used to pick up, deliver and securely store packages (28), parcels, mail, prepared food, groceries or other items that may be placed in a tray, which may include an integrated container. A portal (10) facilitates loading of items into, and removal of items from, the PRS (100). Within the PRS (100), items (28) may be transported from source to destination on standardized trays (25), via a two-dimensional gantry (32) and an end of arm tool (22). The gantry (32) may be oriented for movement through a central corridor (21) in the PRS (100), with end of arm tool (22) adapted for pushing trays towards, or pulling trays from, either side of the gantry (32). Items may be stored on a tray (25) in internal shelving (20), or placed directly into an AGV (18), on either side of the PRS (100).

Abstract: Object manipulation in warehouses and logistics facilities is a challenging task because of the unstructured environment. The unstructured environment can have items/objects with different form factors, weight, shape, and size. Traditionally, multiple robots have been used to handle for specific task to be performed by an individual robot which requires high floor. This leads to higher cost and infrastructure. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gripper apparatus that addresses a single gripper design handling multiple parcels, wherein the apparatus consists of ‘m’ fingers parallel to each other and can be independently controlled through actuators, each finger has a force sensors feedback and also actuators which are controlled with force. Each finger comprises a linear slider for actuation for gripping objects and wherein bottom fingers are moved to provide enough gravity support.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to use a robotic arm to palletize or depalletize diverse items. In various embodiments, data associated with a plurality of items to be stacked on or in a destination location is received. A plan to stack the items on or in the destination location is generated based at least in part on the received data. The plan is implemented at least in part by controlling a robotic arm of the robot to pick up the items and stack them on or in the receptacle according to the plan, including by for each item: using one or more first order sensors to move the item to a first approximation of a destination position for that item at the destination location; and using one or more second order sensors to snug the item into a final position.

Abstract: An automated food production work cell includes a robotic system that utilizes a food-grade robotic gripper to transfer individual food items. The robotic gripper is constructed using food-grade materials and includes finger structures that are linearly movably connected by linear bearings to parallel guide rods and are independently driven by a non-contact actuating system to grasp targeted food items disposed on a first work surface, to hold the targeted food items while the robotic system moves the gripper to a second work surface, and to release the targeted food items onto the second work surface. Encoding and external sensing systems facilitate fully automated food transfer processes. Optional sensor arrays are disposed on tip portions of the finger structures to provide feedback data (e.g., grasping force/pressure). Two or more pairs of independently controlled finger structures are provided to facilitate the transfer of multiple food items during each transfer process.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing powder for firearm ammunition and associated methods. The dispenser can include a hopper, a conveyor, a scale, a dispenser controller, and a tangible storage medium storing instructions executable by the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller can execute a powder calibration sequence and/or a dispensing sequence. In the powder calibration sequence and/or the dispensing sequence, the dispenser controller desirably learns the dispense rate of the powder and uses the dispense rate to optimize dispensing of the powder and increase precision in dispensing a target mass of powder. The conveyor can comprise a conveyor tube having a conveyor tube axis oriented to extend at an upward angle with respect to horizontal.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing powder for firearm ammunition and associated methods. The dispenser can include a hopper, a conveyor, a scale, a dispenser controller, and a tangible storage medium storing instructions executable by the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller can execute a powder calibration sequence and/or a dispensing sequence. In the powder calibration sequence and/or the dispensing sequence, the dispenser controller desirably learns the dispense rate of the powder and uses the dispense rate to optimize dispensing of the powder and increase precision in dispensing a target mass of powder. The conveyor can comprise a conveyor tube having a conveyor tube axis oriented to extend at an upward angle with respect to horizontal.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing powder for firearm ammunition and associated methods. The dispenser can include a hopper, a conveyor, a scale, a dispenser controller, and a tangible storage medium storing instructions executable by the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller can execute a powder calibration sequence and/or a dispensing sequence. In the powder calibration sequence and/or the dispensing sequence, the dispenser controller desirably learns the dispense rate of the powder and uses the dispense rate to optimize dispensing of the powder and increase precision in dispensing a target mass of powder. The conveyor can comprise a conveyor tube having a conveyor tube axis oriented to extend at an upward angle with respect to horizontal.

Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to methods and systems for selecting a grasp point on an object. In particular, a robotic manipulator may identify characteristics of a physical object within a physical environment. Based on the identified characteristics, the robotic manipulator may determine potential grasp points on the physical object corresponding to points at which a gripper attached to the robotic manipulator is operable to grip the physical object. Subsequently, the robotic manipulator may determine a motion path for the gripper to follow in order to move the physical object to a drop-off location for the physical object and then select a grasp point, from the potential grasp points, based on the determined motion path. After selecting the grasp point, the robotic manipulator may grip the physical object at the selected grasp point with the gripper and move the physical object through the determined motion path to the drop-off location.

Abstract: Hydraulic valve circuitry adapted for hydraulic connection to a lift truck having a mast and at least one lift cylinder for alternately raising and lowering the mast. The hydraulic assembly is also adapted for hydraulic connection to an attachment to the lift truck, the attachment having opposed clamps actuated by respective clamp cylinders. The hydraulic assembly preferably comprises a valve circuit capable of causing the at least one lift cylinder to be an accumulator.

Abstract: Embodiments of product handling systems facilitate transfer of individual product items from incoming bulk form into dedicated trays for inspection, sorting, selection, and packaging. Inspection may comprise interrogation of product items within a tray by electromagnetic (e.g., optical, hyperspectral) or other (e.g., physical, acoustic, gas sensing, etc.) techniques. Prior to packaging, product items disposed within the tray may be stored in a moveable carousel responsible for controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, illumination, ambient gases, product-to-product interactions, and/or others. Movement of product items from a carousel's transfer station to an outside staging position may be accomplished using robots and/or conveyor belts. Embodiments may allow rapid, low-cost consumer selection of specific individual product items based upon their accompanying metadata (e.g., source, identifier), in combination with the results of inspection (e.g., visual appearance).

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to use a robotic arm to palletize or depalletize diverse items. In various embodiments, data associated with a plurality of items to be stacked on or in a destination location is received. A plan to stack the items on or in the destination location is generated based at least in part on the received data. The plan is implemented at least in part by controlling a robotic arm of the robot to pick up the items and stack them on or in the receptacle according to the plan, including by for each item: using one or more first order sensors to move the item to a first approximation of a destination position for that item at the destination location; and using one or more second order sensors to snug the item into a final position.

Abstract: Hydraulic valve circuitry adapted for automatic weight-responsive control of load-clamping members of a load-lifting system having a free lift mast. The load-lifting system generally includes one or more fluid power actuator for applying a gripping force to a load, at least one elongate, longitudinally-extensible fluid power lifting device having a free lift range of motion and at least one main lift range of motion, and manually operated load-clamping and load-lifting selector valves. The hydraulic valve circuitry provides, independently, weight-responsive control of the load-clamping members when lifting a load, full-time automatic weight-responsive force control of the load-clamping members without concurrent manual actuation of load-clamping or load-lifting selector valves, and equalization of sensed load weight so that the sensed load weight is substantially independent of the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting device.

Abstract: A heating device for removing snow or ice that accumulates in between a moving-point train track rail and a fixed train track rail consists of an induction coil, a holding case, and a mounting tray. The induction coil is positioned within the holding case which is then positioned on the mounting tray. For optimal performance, the mounting tray is positioned adjacent a planar bottom surface of both the fixed train track rail and the moving-point train track rail. The eddy current field of the induction coil excites the atoms within the steel which then results in elevated temperatures. The heat radiated from the fixed train track rail and the moving-point train track rail removes any accumulated snow or ice.

Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.

Abstract: A workpiece placement system includes a robot for placing a workpiece in a containment area or on a jig; a sensor for measuring a three-dimensional shape of the containment area or jig; a processor for performing a process to determine a workpiece placement position and a workpiece placement posture based on the three-dimensional shape; and a robot controller for controlling the robot based on the workpiece placement position and the workpiece placement posture. The processor obtains a workpiece shape of the workpiece to be placed; retrieves workpiece placement postures chosen by a user; calculates a vacant area of the containment area or jig based on the three-dimensional shape; calculates workpiece placeable areas that satisfy the workpiece shape and the workpiece placement posture in the vacant area; and determines the workpiece placement position and the workpiece placement posture suitable for placement of the workpiece in the workpiece placeable areas.

Abstract: The present utility model pertains to the technical field of equipment for producing asphalt concrete (AC) or hot mix asphalt concrete (HMAC), and relates more particularly to an improvement to mobile asphalt plants provided with side protectors. Proposed are protective screens for the areas which should be avoided by operators and others, where high temperatures and noise levels prevail. The protectors are installed in the area where virgin aggregate arriving from the metering system is transferred to the drying/heating system, where the intake temperature of the metered material is high and elements such as the conveyor belt can cause injury to operators. The other area to be isolated is the place where the burner of the plant carries out the process of combustion.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to use a robotic arm to palletize or depalletize diverse items. In various embodiments, data associated with a plurality of items to be stacked on or in a destination location is received. A plan to stack the items on or in the destination location is generated based at least in part on the received data. The plan is implemented at least in part by controlling a robotic arm of the robot to pick up the items and stack them on or in the receptacle according to the plan, including by for each item: using one or more first order sensors to move the item to a first approximation of a destination position for that item at the destination location; and using one or more second order sensors to snug the item into a final position.

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to methods and systems for selecting a grasp point on an object. In particular, a robotic manipulator may identify characteristics of a physical object within a physical environment. Based on the identified characteristics, the robotic manipulator may determine potential grasp points on the physical object corresponding to points at which a gripper attached to the robotic manipulator is operable to grip the physical object. Subsequently, the robotic manipulator may determine a motion path for the gripper to follow in order to move the physical object to a drop-off location for the physical object and then select a grasp point, from the potential grasp points, based on the determined motion path. After selecting the grasp point, the robotic manipulator may grip the physical object at the selected grasp point with the gripper and move the physical object through the determined motion path to the drop-off location.

Abstract: A pelletized feed distributor includes a hopper having an auger positioned at the bottom thereof for moving feed in the hopper toward a discharge opening. A discharge door selectively closes the discharge opening. A door linkage connected between the auger and the discharge door cyclically opens and closes the door.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method and system for blending multi-component granular compositions such as proppant used in hydraulic fracturing in well drilling. The system includes the control and management of an on-site storage system for each of the components, regulating the delivery of specified quantities of each component to a well site, and coordinating the flow of materials into and out of the blender.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit with electronic latching through valve assemblies to allow full control of ground engaging tools including raising, lowering, and providing regulated active down force pressure via a work vehicle valves with manual input while allowing a continuous pressure source to be used in parallel. Pressure transducers and electrically controlled valves along with an electric control circuit allow automatic switching between manual control and automatic control of the ground engaging tools.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets for the fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure provides improvements in the handling of goods in fulfillment of orders for items of mixed sizes, weights, and other dimensions.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable robotic picking systems to locate and pick boxes from an unstructured pallet using computer vision and/or one or more “exploratory picks” to determine the sizes and locations of boxes on the pallet.

Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for utilizing Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors to facilitate loading and unloading of assets into receptacles. The LIDAR sensors may be configured to detect the location of various surfaces (e.g., asset surfaces) within a receptacle such that mapping data indicative of the location of the detected surfaces may be generated. This mapping data may facilitate a determination of a total volume of unoccupied space within the receptacle and/or the identification of an unoccupied volume sufficient to accommodate an item having defined dimensions. The mapping data may additionally be indicative of the location of asset identifiers disposed on one or more detected surfaces to facilitate locating a particular asset associated with a provided asset identifier.

Abstract: A selective sorting method in order to identify and sort material objects of different natures, sizes and shapes having the form of a pile is described. The method is characterized in that the choice of a gripping zone, associated with an object contained in the pile to be sorted, is carried out automatically, and in that the defining of the nature of the object associated with this gripping zone is carried out using at least one sensor that measures at least one electromagnetic radiation emitted by this object. A device able to implement such a method is also described.

Abstract: A system including a first feeder configured to transport asphalt, a second feeder configured to receive the asphalt from the first feeder, and a controller configured to control a speed of the first feeder and the second feeder in response to an input from an operator.

Abstract: A drum (10,12) for receiving, transporting and discharging long metal products (P), such as bar or the like, preferably coming from a hot rolling mill: the drum includes at least one pair of channels (C1-C2) extending longitudinally axially and the channels being around the circumference of the drum, the channels simultaneously receive two long products (P1,P2), respectively one long product in each one of the channels that is part of the pair. Also a method and a system for handling long rolled products coming from different strands of a rolling mill are disclosed.

Abstract: An automated palletizer system comprises a plurality of container buffers and a sensor for measuring containers in the buffers. A controller computes a selected tier layout for building by a pallet loading machine in a tier of a pallet within a defined periphery. The controller computes candidate tier layouts, each comprising a two-dimensional arrangement of containers in the buffers. The controller calculates a value of a tier quality metric for each candidate layout, representing at least one of stability, area utilization and volume utilization. One of the candidate layouts is selected based on the tier quality metric and the pallet loading machine arranges containers according to the selected tier layout.

Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.

Abstract: Force and location sensing systems and methods are disclosed. A method comprises bending a L-beam at an initially unknown location on a force-supporting portion of the L-beam, the L-beam substantially having a tension side and a compression side, measuring a first local stress at a first location on the tension side, measuring a second local stress at a second location on the tension side, measuring a third local stress at a third location on the compression side, and measuring a fourth local stress at a fourth location on the compression side. A weight-sensing storage system capable of tracking removed items is disclosed with a product image captured via a camera, a plurality of sensors on an L-beam, a first signal from the plurality of sensors indicating a first state prior to change of the product image, and a second signal indicating lower strain on the L-beam than the first signal.

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to methods and systems for selecting a grasp point on an object. In particular, a robotic manipulator may identify characteristics of a physical object within a physical environment. Based on the identified characteristics, the robotic manipulator may determine potential grasp points on the physical object corresponding to points at which a gripper attached to the robotic manipulator is operable to grip the physical object. Subsequently, the robotic manipulator may determine a motion path for the gripper to follow in order to move the physical object to a drop-off location for the physical object and then select a grasp point, from the potential grasp points, based on the determined motion path. After selecting the grasp point, the robotic manipulator may grip the physical object at the selected grasp point with the gripper and move the physical object through the determined motion path to the drop-off location.

Abstract: Example embodiments may provide for control of a suction gripper with multiple suction cups. One example system includes a suction gripper and a control system. The suction gripper may include a vacuum pump, a plurality of suction cups coupled to the vacuum pump, and a plurality of sensors corresponding to the suction cups, where a sensor is positioned between the vacuum pump and a suction cup and measures a vacuum pressure of the suction cup. The control system may be configured to activate the vacuum pump to cause the suction gripper to apply suction to an object through one or more active suction cups, receive sensor data indicative of the vacuum pressure of the one or more active suction cups from the corresponding sensors, identify at least one suction cup to deactivate from the one or more active suction cups, and deactivate the at least one identified suction cup.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus is usable in conjunction with a device such as a forklift and includes a front plate upon which a set of forks are placed, a rear plate that is mounted to a lift mechanism of the forklift, a pair of connection apparatuses that are situated between the front and rear plates, and a load cell apparatus that extends between the front and rear plates. Each connection apparatus includes an inboard rail and an outboard rail between which a number of rollable engagement structures are generally situated. The front plate is movable along a movement direction while being resisted from moving in any direction other than the movement direction. The connection apparatuses are configured to avoid binding between the inboard and outboard rails and enable the load cell apparatus to accurately provide an output that is representative of the weight of a load situated on the forks.

Abstract: An elevator installation includes an elevator cage with a support construction carrying the elevator cage, wherein the support construction has two beams. Mounted on each beam is a positioning arrangement on which, for example, a sensor is positioned, which is part of a load measuring device, wherein the positioning arrangements have material structures or sensor carriers. The sensors detect a change in spacing of the material structures or of the sensor carriers from one another, wherein this change in spacing is caused by a change in loading of the elevator cage. Signals of the sensors are processed in an evaluating unit and a signal representing the loading is used in an elevator control.

Abstract: A seed cart includes first and second mating frames. The hopper is mounted on the first frame for holding seed and has an outlet to discharge the seed. A conveyor is mounted on the second frame for movement between seed loading and unloading positions. A plurality of cylinders with extendible and retractable arms control the desired position of the conveyor. A plurality of load cells are mounted on the second frame and support the first frame. The weigh scales weigh the first frame, the hopper, and the seed in the hopper, without weighing the conveyor. Therefore, an accurate amount of seed can be dispensed from the hopper via the conveyor. Wheels and a hitch tongue can be detachably mounted on the second frame to convert the cart from a stationary unit to a mobile unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsurface refuse collection system comprising an underground bunker (4), a refuse container (3), a deposit bin (1) and a cover (2) with automatic opening and closing which can be powered electrically using a solar system. The container (3) is collected by means of an automated crane (18) with automatic hitching to facilitate collection. The system is equipped with multiple devices to measure volume and weight of the refuse deposited in the deposit bin (1), for the purpose of system monitoring or improvements to the management of truck routes. It also includes a safety device to prevent accidental fails into the underground bunker during collection.

Abstract: The invention provides a livestock feed-displacing device and system, with a grab bucket which can be positioned above a feed kitchen with feed positions by a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to compose an amount of animal feed from feed material provided in the feed kitchen by positioning the grab bucket at a grabbing position, grabbing livestock feed underneath said grabbing position, positioning the grab bucket at a desired feed-unloading point, such as in a feed wagon, and unloading the grabbed livestock feed at the feed-unloading point, wherein the control unit is designed to earmark, if at least one predetermined clearing-up criterion has been met, livestock feed in the feed kitchen as waste to be removed and to make the device carry out a clearing-up operation, wherein the clearing-up operation comprises the removal of the livestock feed at said feed position by displacing it to another position in the feed kitchen.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus is usable in conjunction with a device such as a forklift and includes a front plate upon which a set of forks are placed, a rear plate that is mounted to a lift mechanism of the forklift, a pair of connection apparatuses that are situated between the front and rear plates, and a load cell apparatus that extends between the front and rear plates. Each connection apparatus includes an inboard rail and an outboard rail between which a number of rollable engagement structures are generally situated. The front plate is movable along a movement direction while being resisted from moving in any direction other than the movement direction. The connection apparatuses are configured to avoid binding between the inboard and outboard rails and enable the load cell apparatus to accurately provide an output that is representative of the weight of a load situated on the forks.

Abstract: For minimizing the height of the load-measuring attachment for a lift-truck, the cover is made of thin sheet metal. The side-walls of the channel-section of the cover are folded into double thickness, to stabilize the side-walls of the cover.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for loading a railcar with crop material. A grain cart has a frame, ground wheels, a hitch assembly, a storage container and an auger assembly having a discharge end for removing particulate material from the storage container discharging it out the discharge end. A spout can be moveably connected to the discharge end of the auger. The method can include loading the storage container of the grain cart with crop material, maneuvering the grain cart adjacent to a railcar using a tow vehicle and discharging crop material from the storage container of the grain cart into the railcar using the auger assembly. A mobile computer or other processing device can be used to determine how much crop material is being loaded into the railcar during the loading by the grain cart.

Abstract: A seed cart includes first and second mating frames. The hopper is mounted on the first frame for holding seed and has an outlet to discharge the seed. A conveyor is mounted on the second frame for movement between seed loading and unloading positions. A plurality of cylinders with extendible and retractable arms control the desired position of the conveyor. A plurality of load cells are mounted on the second frame and support the first frame. The weigh scales weigh the first frame, the hopper, and the seed in the hopper, without weighing the conveyor. Therefore, an accurate amount of seed can be dispensed from the hopper via the conveyor. Wheels and a hitch tongue can be detachably mounted on the second frame to convert the cart from a stationary unit to a mobile unit.

Abstract: A grain cart including a hopper for transporting harvested material. The hopper can include a first opening for receiving harvested material discharged from a harvesting vehicle, a second opening for unloading harvested material from the hopper, and a conveyor assembly operatively connected to the second opening so as to allow harvested material to be unloaded from the hopper using the conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly can include a sump operatively connected to the second opening of the hopper so as to receive harvested material from the hopper, a conveyor housing including a discharge opening for discharging harvested material from the conveyor assembly, and a conveyor operatively connected to the sump so as to move harvested material from the sump to the discharge opening of the conveyor housing. The sump can include a moisture sensor designed to detect the moisture content of harvested material passed through the sump.