Pioneer Hi-bred International, Inc.

Jason J Kelsick

Daniel M Goldman

David C Smith

Joseph Kevin Gogerty

James L Hunter

Joshua Luke Mongan

Timothy P Meyer

Neil Jonathan Hausmann

Loren Steenhoek

Barry Stott

Timothy J Wilhelm

Kent Hoeppner

Scott E Alley

Craig R Homan

Michelle L Parlett

Matthew K Glendenning

David E Johnson

Kent L Hoeppner

Barry L Stott

A system for automated high throughput presentation of an ear of corn for image acquisition and evaluation is provided. The ear evaluation system may include an image acquisition system for acquiring an image of the ear of corn. An ear staging system may be configured for coordinating timing and movement of the ear of corn through the image acquisition system. The ear evaluation system may define a mobile structure. Thereby the mobile structure may be driven or towed over rows of corn in order to acquire images of the corn substantially simultaneously with picking the ears of corn. Accordingly, image data relating to ears of corn may be obtained in a rapid manner. A method for high throughput presentation of a plurality of ears of corn for image acquisition and evaluation is also provided.

System and method for presentation of ears of corn for image acquisition and evaluation

The invention is directed to an apparatus, method and system for a seed planter. The seed planter has a planting, dispensing and metering assembly operatively attached to a mobile supporting structure. The metering assembly has separated seed pre-staging and/or staging positions for staging pre-specified counts of seed separated from other counts in the batch and maintaining separation of the pre-specified counts of seed from other counts in the batch for planting. Alternatively, the metering assembly has separated seed staging positions for staging a batch of seed in singulated form for planting.

Seed planter

An automated seed detection and planting synchronization apparatus, method and system is disclosed. The invention includes a seed detection protocol configured to monitor a derived metric equated to timing of movement of a seed carried by a seed metering unit from a seed pick-up to seed drop point. For controlling synchronization of planting of seed, a seed metering unit empty notification signal is provided if the derived metric is satisfied and sensor readings confirm the absence of seed in the seed metering unit.

Automated seed detection and planting synchronization apparatus, method and system

Growing community of inventors

Alleman, IA, United States of America

Jason J Kelsick