Automated systems for removing tissue samples from seeds, and related methods

US9003696B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Monsanto Technology LLC · US

Inventors

• Kevin L. Deppermann · Chesterfield, US
• Michael W. Petersen · Sauk City, US
• Allen N. Ondes · Chesterfield, US
• David W. Finley · Kirkwood, US
• William M. Fischer · Saint Peters, US
• John Michael Jensen · Holden, US
• David Butruille · Urbandale, US
• Stanton Dotson · Chesterfield, US
• Sam Eathington · Ames, US
• Heather M. Forbes · Ankeny, US
• Bruce Schnicker · Wildwood, US
• John Tamulonis · Nevada, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 19, 2011
• Grant date: Apr 14, 2015
• Expiry date: Sep 12, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2001/002
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly.