Self-guided blossom picking device

US11134617B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · US

Inventors

• Herman Herman · Gibsonia, US
• Christopher Fromme · Fürth, DE
• Elliot Allen Cuzzillo · Pittsburgh, US
• Jaime Bourne · Pittsburgh, US
• Richard Pantaleo · Pittsburgh, US
• Neil Frederick Stegall · Pittsburgh, US
• James Andrew Bagnell · Pittsburgh, US
• Jeffrey David McMahill · Wexford, US
• Joan Campoy · Pittsburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 19, 2016
• Grant date: Oct 5, 2021
• Expiry date: Aug 1, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A01G2003/007
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A self-guided blossom picker uses a vision system to identify and locate blossoms or inflorescence growing on a plant. The device can be towed by a tractor or it can be self-propelled. Image data captured by the vision system is sent to an machine vision module, which interprets the data and identifies a location of blossom. A controller uses the location data to command a picker to the proper location. A cutter on the picker is actuated to remove the blossom.