Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080203201 | AGRICULTURAL SAMPLE GRINDER - In various embodiments, an agricultural sample grinding system is provided. The system includes a grinder unit for grinding and uniformly mixing an agricultural sample. The system additionally includes a collection chamber connected to a transfer spout extending from a side of the grinder unit. The collection chamber is for collecting the ground and uniformly mixed agricultural sample dispensed from the grinder unit via the transfer spout. The system deposits the ground and uniformly mixed agricultural sample into the collection chamber such that the uniform mixture of the sample is maintained. | 08-28-2008 |
20080310674 | SEED SORTER - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sorting seeds based on identified phenotypes of the seeds. In various embodiments, the system includes an optics and controller station structured and operable to collect image data of a top portion, a bottom portion and a plurality of side portions of each respective seed in a set of seeds, and to analyze the collected image data to determine whether each seed exhibits a desired phenotype. The system further includes a seed loading, transporting and sorting station structured and operable to singulate each seed of the set of seeds from a plurality of seeds in a bulk seed hopper, transport the set of seeds to the optics and controller station, and selectively sort each seed to a respective one of a plurality of seed repositories based on whether each respective seed exhibits the desired phenotype. | 12-18-2008 |
20080317279 | AUTOMATED HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an automated seed sampling and sorting system. The system includes an imaging station for collecting image data of a set of seeds and a seed orientation station for independently positioning each seed in the set in a desired orientation based on the collected image data. The system further includes a seed sample and sort station for extracting a sample from each seed in the set, sorting each sample to a sample tray and sorting each sampled seed to a seed tray. | 12-25-2008 |
20090025288 | AUTOMATED SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station, a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray, and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. And a method for bulking up a quantity of plant seed having a desired characteristic generally includes testing each seed for the desired characteristic, cultivating plants only from seeds which tested positive for the desired characteristic, recovering seed from the cultivated plants, and repeating the processes of testing, cultivating, and recovering seed for one or multiple generations. | 01-29-2009 |
20090161102 | AUTOMATED SYSTEMS AND ASSEMBLIES FOR USE IN EVALUATING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND METHODS THEREFOR - Methods and assemblies are provided for evaluating plants for presence of pests. Methods may include separating pests from a plant to produce a sample of pests for analysis, illuminating the sample to produce emitted light from the sample, and comparing the emitted light from the sample to a model to discriminate pests within the sample. Assemblies may include a separating unit operable to separate pests from a plant to produce a sample comprising pests, a light source for illuminating at least part of the sample, and an imaging device adjacent the light source for receiving light from the illuminated sample and creating an image of the sample. | 06-25-2009 |
20090215060 | HIGH THROUGHPUT METHODS FOR SAMPLING SEEDS - A high-throughput method is provided for analyzing individual seeds in a population of seeds. The method generally includes removing a tissue sample from at least one or more seeds in the population of seeds while preserving germination viability of the at least one or more seeds from which the tissue sample is taken, depositing the tissue sample into an individual compartment of a sample tray, contacting the tissue sample with an extraction buffer to remove DNA from the sample, and analyzing the extracted DNA for the presence or absence of a transgene of interest. The extraction buffer may be present in the individual compartment of the sample tray before the tissue sample is deposited into the individual compartment. | 08-27-2009 |
20100086963 | AUTOMATED SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - An automated system for sampling seeds generally includes an automated sampler operable to remove a tissue sample from a seed, a seed tray configured to receive from the automated sampler the seed from which the tissue sample is removed, and a sample tray configured to receive the tissue sample removed from the seed. A table supports the seed tray and the sample tray, and an index mechanism is operable to move the table to bring the seed tray into position for receiving from the automated sampler the seed from which the tissue sample is removed, and to bring the sample tray into position for receiving the tissue sample removed from the seed. | 04-08-2010 |
20100196950 | AUTOMATED SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station; a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray; and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. The method of the present invention comprises feeding seeds individually to a sampling station, removing a sample from the seed in the sampling station; conveying the sample to a compartment in a sample tray, and conveying the seed to a corresponding compartment in a seed tray. The samples can be tested, and the seeds can be sorted according to the results of the testing of their corresponding samples. | 08-05-2010 |
20100263087 | METHODS OF SEED BREEDING USING HIGH THROUGHPUT NONDESTRUCTIVE SEED SAMPLING - The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for analyzing a population of haploid seeds generally includes providing a population of seeds comprising haploid seeds, removing tissue samples from a plurality of the seeds in the population using an automated seed sampler system while preserving the germination viability of the sampled seeds, and analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics indicative of at least one genetic or chemical trait. | 10-14-2010 |
20100299790 | AUTOMATED SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - A population of seeds wherein substantially all of the seeds in the population have a portion of seed tissue removed by an automated sampling system. Substantially all of the seeds in the population have the presence or absence of at least one transgene in common, and/or substantially all of the seeds in the population have a high recurrent parent allele frequency. The presence or absence of the at least one transgene in the seeds in the population and/or the recurrent parent allele frequency in the seeds in the population is determined by analyzing the portion of seed tissue removed from the seeds by the automated sampling system. | 11-25-2010 |
20110081716 | AUTOMATED SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - A seed sampler system generally includes an automated sampling station configured to orient a seed and remove a tissue sample from the oriented seed. The seed sampler system may include a support configured to orient a seed received by the support, and an automated sampling mechanism configured to remove a tissue sample from the oriented seed. | 04-07-2011 |
20110129836 | Automated Seed Sampler and Methods of Sampling, Testing and Bulking Seeds - An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station; a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray; and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. The method of the present invention comprises feeding seeds individually to a sampling station, removing a sample from the seed in the sampling station; conveying the sample to a compartment in a sample tray, and conveying the seed to a corresponding compartment in a seed tray. The samples can be tested, and the seeds can be sorted according to the results of the testing of their corresponding samples. | 06-02-2011 |
20110210047 | AUTOMATED PICKING, WEIGHING AND SORTING SYSTEM FOR PARTICULATE MATTER - An automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces of particulate matter. The particulate matter is contained in a bin. The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles. Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight of each piece. | 09-01-2011 |
20110217700 | METHODS OF SEED BREEDING USING HIGH THROUGHPUT NONDESTRUCTIVE SEED SAMPLING - The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for analyzing a population of haploid seeds generally includes providing a population of seeds comprising haploid seeds, removing tissue samples from a plurality of the seeds in the population using an automated seed sampler system while preserving the germination viability of the sampled seeds, and analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics indicative of at least one genetic or chemical trait. | 09-08-2011 |
20120021411 | AUTOMATED HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - A seed sampling system includes a seed transport configured to hold multiple individual seeds together as a group and transport the multiple individual seeds together as the group, and to allow the multiple individual seeds to be oriented, substantially simultaneously, while the multiple individual seeds are being held in the seed transport. The seed sampling system also includes a seed sampling subsystem configured to remove tissue from the oriented multiple individual seeds. And, a method for removing tissue from the multiple individual seeds includes loading the multiple individual seeds in the seed transport, orienting the multiple individual seeds in the seed transport substantially simultaneously, and removing tissue from the oriented multiple individual seeds. | 01-26-2012 |
20120079629 | AUTOMATED SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - A population of seeds wherein substantially all of the seeds in the population have a portion of seed tissue removed by an automated sampling system. Substantially all of the seeds in the population have the presence or absence of at least one transgene in common, and/or substantially all of the seeds in the population have a high recurrent parent allele frequency. The presence or absence of the at least one transgene in the seeds in the population and/or the recurrent parent allele frequency in the seeds in the population is determined by analyzing the portion of seed tissue removed from the seeds by the automated sampling system. | 03-29-2012 |
20120117865 | AUTOMATED SYSTEMS FOR REMOVING TISSUE SAMPLES FROM SEEDS, AND RELATED METHODS - A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly. | 05-17-2012 |
20120180386 | HIGH THROUGHPUT SCREENING OF FATTY ACID COMPOSITION - A method of accumulating a quantity of seeds having a desired fatty acid characteristic is provided. The method includes removing a sample from each seed in a population of seeds while maintaining the germination viability of the seeds; contacting each sample with a solvent to form a mixture comprising fatty acid methyl esters; analyzing the mixture of fatty acid methyl esters from each sample to determine the fatty acid profile of the corresponding seed; selecting seeds having at least one desired fatty acid characteristic based on the analysis of the samples removed from the seeds; cultivating plants from the selected seeds; recovering seeds from the cultivated plants, wherein the recovered seeds are a subsequent generation of the selected seeds; and repeating the operations for one or more generations of the recovered seeds to thereby accumulate the quantity of seeds having the desired fatty acid characteristic. | 07-19-2012 |
20120228199 | SEED SORTER - Systems and methods are provided for evaluating and sorting seeds based on characteristics of the seeds. One system includes an imaging and analysis subsystem that collects image data from the seeds and analyzes the collected image data for characteristics of the seeds. This subsystem can include an imaging theater having minors that reflect image data from the seeds to an imaging device for collection. The system can also include an off-loading and sorting subsystem configured to sort the seeds based on their characteristics. And, one method includes illuminating the seeds and collecting image data from the seeds for determining their characteristics. The image data can be collected from at least three portions of the seeds at each of a plurality of sequentially changing spectral wavelengths. In addition (or alternatively), the image data can be collected from top and bottom portions of the seeds using a single imaging device. | 09-13-2012 |
20120288854 | AUTOMATED HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - An automated system for sampling seeds includes a seed loading station for separating individual seeds from a plurality of seeds held in a seed hopper, an imaging station configured to receive the separated seeds from the seed loading station and collect image data of the received seeds, and a seed sampling subsystem configured to remove tissue samples from the seeds after the image data of the seeds is collected. And, an automated method for sampling seeds includes separating individual seeds from a plurality of seeds, imaging the separated seeds, and removing tissue samples from the imaged seeds. | 11-15-2012 |
20130032514 | AUTOMATED PICKING, WEIGHING AND SORTING SYSTEM FOR PARTICULATE MATTER - An automated method is used to direct seeds to desired locations. The method includes isolating individual seeds from a plurality of seeds, for example, in a seed bin, and then measuring desired properties of the seeds. The measured properties are evaluated, and the seeds are then directed to desired locations, for example, based on the measured properties. The individual seeds are each contacted with a stream of air to move the seeds to the desired locations. | 02-07-2013 |
20130079917 | AUTOMATED SMALL OBJECT SORTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In various embodiments, a small object sorting system includes an object tray cart docking station configured to dock an object tray cart here within. The system additionally includes an automated tray removal and positioning subsystem configured to remove an object tray from the object tray cart, selectively position the tray such that selected small objects can be extracted therefrom, and replace the object tray into the object tray cart. Furthermore, the system includes an automated collection assembly positioning subsystem configured to selectively position a collection assembly such that the selected extracted small objects can be deposited into selected object receptacles, and an automated object extraction subsystem configured to extract the selected small objects and deposit each extracted small object into the selected object receptacles. | 03-28-2013 |
20130104454 | INTELLIGENT SELECTION AND REMAPPING OF ELLEPOTS | 05-02-2013 |
20130152836 | Seed Tape Planter - A system and method are disclosed for the planting of a seed tape. The system includes a frame configured for coupling to a tractor, a furrow opening device attached to the frame, and a furrow closing device attached to the frame. In one embodiment, a seed tape guide assembly is attached to the frame and has a tamping arm for guiding the seed tape. In another embodiment, a seed tape wheel is attached to the frame by a mounting arm and positioned within at least a portion of the furrow opening device. The mounting arm is biased by a biasing member and the seed tape wheel is forcibly pressed by the mounting arm into contact with the furrow. | 06-20-2013 |
20130167257 | METHODS OF SEED BREEDING USING HIGH THROUGHPUT NONDESTRUCTIVE SEED SAMPLING - The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method of evaluating seeds for a desired trait, for example, for facilitating germplasm improvement activities, etc., generally includes removing tissue samples from individual seeds using an automated seed sampler without affecting germination viability of the seeds, analyzing the tissue samples for one or more characteristics indicative of a desired trait, and selecting the sampled seeds that include the desired trait. | 06-27-2013 |
20130192134 | Systems and Method for Selection of Seed and Placement on Seed Tape - Systems and methods are disclosed for the selection and removal of seeds from containers and placement of the seeds on a seed tape. The systems include a seed extraction assembly and a seed tape assembly. The seed extraction assembly is configured to extract individual seeds from a tray and place the seeds within an accumulator. The accumulator is disposed in the extraction assembly and is rotatable within the assembly. The seed tape assembly is configured to place the seed disposed in the accumulator onto the seed tape. The method includes the steps of using the seed extraction assembly to extract seeds from the tray and place them within the accumulator. The seed tape assembly is then used to place the seed disposed in the accumulator onto the seed tape. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192135 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL SEEDS AND PLACEMENT ONTO SEED TAPE - Systems and methods are disclosed for the selection of individual seeds from a plurality of seeds and placement on a seed tape. The system includes a seed extraction assembly, a distribution manifold, and a tamping assembly. The seed extraction assembly is configured to extract selected individual seeds from a tray, the seed extraction assembly movably attached to a frame. The distribution manifold has a plurality of queues and each of the plurality of queues has a plurality of reservoirs for receiving the selected individual seeds. Each queue has a tube in selective communication with the plurality of reservoirs for the transfer of the selected individual seed from the reservoir to the tube. The tamping assembly is configured to place the selected individual seed disposed in each of the tubes onto a defined location on the seed tape. | 08-01-2013 |
20130205660 | SEED SORTER - Systems and methods are provided for evaluating and sorting seeds based on characteristics of the seeds. One method generally includes collecting image data from different parts of the seeds, and then analyzing the collected image data to determine if the seeds exhibit at least one or more characteristics. The seeds can then be sorted to desired seed repositories based on whether or not the seeds exhibit the at least one or more characteristics. | 08-15-2013 |
20130235188 | AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR GERMINATION TESTING USING OPTICAL IMAGING - A system prepares plant specimens, tracks the plant specimens, captures images of the plant specimens, and evaluates growth parameters of the plant specimens in the captured images. The system prepares receptacles by placing a predetermined quantity of gel, if required by a particular test, into a receptacle and a layer of material, if required by a particular test, on top of the gel. The system separates a quantity of seeds into individual seeds and places an individual seed in each receptacle between the gel layer and the cover layer. The receptacles are then arrayed into decks and carts and subjected to controlled stress conditions and conditions conducive to germination and growth. An image capture device captures backlit images of the receptacles, and a processor analyzes the captured images for growth parameters of the plant specimens and enters those parameters into a database together with a unique identifier of the plant specimen. | 09-12-2013 |
20130244321 | Automated Seed Sampler and Methods of Sampling, Testing and Bulking Seeds - An automated system for sampling seeds generally includes an automated sampling station having a seed feeder and a seed sampler. The seed feeder is configured to deliver seeds to the seed sampler, and the seed sampler is configured to remove material from the seeds without substantially adversely affecting the germination viability of the sampled seeds. The system also includes a sample handling station configured to receive the material removed from the seeds, and a seed handling station configured to receive the sampled seeds after the material is removed from the seeds such that the relationship between the material removed from the seeds and the respective seeds can be determined. | 09-19-2013 |
20130260366 | AUTOMATED HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - An automated method for analyzing seeds generally includes collecting image data from individual seeds using a seed sampling system, determining at least one characteristic of each of the individual seeds based on the collected image data, and removing tissue from each of the individual seeds using the seed sampling system. The method also includes, prior to removing the tissue sample from each of the individual seeds, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the seed sampling system based on the at least one characteristic of the seed from which the tissue is to be removed to thereby allow for generally consistent removal of tissue from each of the individual seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic. | 10-03-2013 |
20140020287 | AUTOMATED CONTAMINATION-FREE SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - An automated seed sampler system includes an imaging device for obtaining images of seeds, an orienting device for orienting the seeds based on the images, and a sampling station for removing tissue from the oriented seeds. In some aspects, the system also includes a transport subsystem for supporting the oriented seeds and conveying the oriented seeds to the sampling station. A method for removing tissue from seeds includes imaging the seeds, orienting the seeds based on image information obtained from the seeds, and removing tissue from the oriented seeds. In some aspects, the method also includes transporting the oriented seeds in a transport subsystem to a sampling station for removing the tissue from the oriented seeds, and/or collecting the tissue removed from the oriented seeds so that a one-to-one correspondence exists between the tissue and the sampled seeds, and/or analyzing the tissue for characteristics indicative of genetic and/or chemical traits. | 01-23-2014 |
20140061104 | SEED SORTER - A seed sorter system is operable to sort seeds based on one or more characteristics of the seeds. The system includes a seed loading station operable to isolate individual seeds from a plurality of seeds and load the isolated seeds into a seed tray, an imaging and analysis subsystem operable to collect image data of at least a top portion and a bottom portion of each of the seeds in the seed tray and determine one or more characteristics of each of the seeds, a seed off-load and sort station operable to remove the seeds from the seed tray and sort the seeds to desired receptacles based on the determined one or more characteristics of the seeds, and a seed transport operable to move the seed tray between the seed loading station, the imaging and analysis subsystem, and the seed off-load and sort station. | 03-06-2014 |
20140165506 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PACKAGING SMALL OBJECTS - A small object packaging system including a small object container marking and loading station configured to singulate a plurality of small object containers, mark each with at least one information label, and load each marked container into a respective one of a plurality of container transport pallets. The system additionally includes at least one small object counting station configured to deposit a specified amount of small objects into each marked container. The system further includes a capping station configured to secure a cap onto a marked container. The system includes an offloading station configured to remove the loaded containers and place them into a container packing case. | 06-19-2014 |
20140266196 | HIGH-THROUGHPUT SORTING OF SMALL OBJECTS VIA OIL AND/OR MOISTURE CONTENT USING LOW-FIELD NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE - The current disclosure describes an automated high-throughput small object sorting system for separating small object via oil and/or moisture content using novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems and methods. The disclosed systems and methods for measuring the oil and/or moisture content of a single small object in a low-field time domain NMR instrument are superior in sample throughput and signal-to-noise ratio to conventional NMR systems and methods (free induction decay or spin echo) for single small object oil/moisture measurement. | 09-18-2014 |