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:
Apr. 07, 2015
Filed:
Jan. 17, 2012
David L. Johnson, Johnston, IA (US);
Jacob T. Klocke, Elkhart, IA (US);
Lyndon J. Schroeder, Urbandale, IA (US);
Mark W. Spicer, Ankeny, IA (US);
David L. Johnson, Johnston, IA (US);
Jacob T. Klocke, Elkhart, IA (US);
Lyndon J. Schroeder, Urbandale, IA (US);
Mark W. Spicer, Ankeny, IA (US);
Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc, Johnston, IA (US);
Abstract
An automated seed package identification apparatus is presented that may include a sensor device configured to read a machine-readable package identifier on a seed package which identifies the seed package and/or the seeds therein. A sensor positioning mechanism adjusts the position of the sensor device with respect to a seed tray assembly which is configured to retain seed packages. The sensor positioning mechanism may include a moveable track member which translates on a stationary track member, and the sensor device may translate along the moveable track member. A control unit may instruct the sensor positioning mechanism to move with respect to the seed tray assembly to thereby read the machine-readable package identifiers with the sensor device and record the positional layout of the seed packages. One or more cameras may be configured to capture one or more images of the plurality of seed packages retained in the seed tray assembly.