Device for automated crop root sampling

US11703404B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION · US

Inventors

• John Keith McKay · Fort Collins, US
• Caleb ALVARADO · Fort Collins, US
• Guy Robert Babbitt · Fort Collins, US
• Kyle Joseph Palmiscno · Greeley, US
• Christopher Wayne Turner · Fort Collins, US
• Bryce Whitehill · Fort Collins, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 17, 2020
• Grant date: Jul 18, 2023
• Expiry date: Jul 2, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01S17/89
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

This invention comprises a device for measuring root pulling force (RPF) in a plant. The RPF device comprises a plant grasping mechanism, as well as a force measurement sensor. In certain embodiments, the device is automatic, so that the “hand of man” is not required to exert force on the plant while the root pulling force of the plant is being measured. Also disclosed is a root pulling force motion mechanism, which brings the RPF device into proximity of a plant to be measured. Further disclosed is a method for measuring root pulling force of a plant.