Robotic seed-planting apparatus and methods
US6688037B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25J15/0616
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Robotic apparatus for removing seeds contained in covered or uncovered containers and planting the seeds into selected planting chambers are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a first vacuum-activated probe configured to pick up an entire seed population from a donor container. A seed-alignment trough is provided to receive the seed population from the first probe. The seed-alignment trough is configured such that seeds deposited in the trough become aligned or otherwise arranged. A second vacuum-activated probe is configured to successively remove individual seeds from the seed-alignment trough and to plant each removed seed in a selected planting chamber. Also disclosed are automated methods for transferring and planting
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.