The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 16, 2014
Filed:
May. 23, 2011
Steven M. Becker, Johnston, IA (US);
Jason M. Cope, Ankeny, IA (US);
James Dimond, Ames, IA (US);
Joshua L. Mongan, Saint Charles, IA (US);
Steven M. Becker, Johnston, IA (US);
Jason M. Cope, Ankeny, IA (US);
James Dimond, Ames, IA (US);
Joshua L. Mongan, Saint Charles, IA (US);
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Johnston, IA (US);
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.