Apparatus and methods for evaluating plant stalk strength
US7401528B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/0098
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for measuring stalk strength and/or root strength of a plant is provided. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus includes a conveyer operably connected to a motor for circulatorily driving the conveyer around at least one guide device. At least one pulling finger is coupled to the conveyer. Each pulling finger is structured such that, when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the plant stalk and the conveyor is driven around the guide device, each pulling finger will contact and pull a plant stalk as each pulling finger travels around the guide device. The apparatus additionally includes a force sensor for measuring resistive force encountered by the motor as each pulling finger pulls the plant stalk.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.