Apparatus and method for seed selection
US8833565B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/0077
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for selecting one or more seeds from a group of seeds based on a predetermined characteristic of the selected seeds are provided. In various embodiments, the seeds are selected from multiple containers of seeds and re-configured into a single container for later use. The apparatus includes an array of seed selectors that expel the selected seeds from the corresponding compartments through contact with the compartments. A transfer member then directs each expelled seed to a cavity of a collection tray or into an envelope or other receptacle. A controller may run operation of the apparatus and associate the selected seeds with the cavities and/or receptacle into which they are deposited. In this way, numerous seeds may be automatically selected substantially simultaneously or in rapid succession and re-configured in a short period of time and with limited user intervention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.