Abstract: Systems are provided for curing a deposited curable material film using a light source and feedback system for monitoring the degree of curing using detected optical properties of the film. Operational parameters of the light source (e.g., power) are adjusted by a control system in response to the detected optical properties of the film. In certain embodiments, the curing system includes at least one light source in optical communication with an uncured material, a detector for monitoring an optical property of the curing material, and a feedback system for controlling the light emitted from the light source in response to the detector.

Abstract: Methods and systems for three-dimensionally imaging an apical dome located at the cotyledon end of a plant embryo are provided. Three-dimensional information of an apical dome can be obtained by scanning the apical dome at varying focal planes along an axis of the embryo, or by using multiple cameras arranged in a confocal manner to image the apical dome. It can also be obtained by irradiating the apical dome with polychromatic light, wherein light beams of multiple wavelengths are focused at multiple focal planes along the axis of the embryo so that the dome's height information can be obtained based on the wavelength of the light precisely focused and reflected at each surface point of the dome. The three-dimensional information is used to ascertain various morphological features (e.g., size, shape, texture, etc.) of the apical dome, which are in turn used to assess the embryo's germinant vigor.

Abstract: Organic transistors having a nonplanar interface between the insulating layer and the semiconductor layer are provided, along with methods for manufacturing.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a fluid dispensing pump interchangeably connected to a fluid dispensing pump manipulator that is capable of translating the fluid dispensing pump between two known positions along the Z-axis, and at least one open ended container, such as a seedcoat, disposed below the fluid dispensing pump for receiving fluid therefrom. The fluid dispensing system further includes a controller. The controller 30 sends control signals for automating the fluid dispensing process.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically harvesting and screening plant embryos in multiple stages to identify those embryos that are suited for incorporation into manufactured seeds are provided. The method includes generally three steps. First, plant embryos are automatically sorted according to their rough size/shape and also singulated into discrete embryo units, for example by vibrational sieving. Second, the sorted and singulated plant embryos are classified using a first classification method. For example, each embryo may be imaged by a camera and the image is used to ascertain the embryo's more precise size/shape. Third, for those embryos that have passed the first classification method, a second classification method is applied. For example, a pre-developed classification algorithm to classify embryos according to their putative germination vigor may be applied to the same image used in the first classification method, to identify those embryos that are likely to germinate.

Abstract: Organic transistors having a nonplanar interface between the insulating layer and the semiconductor layer are provided, along with methods for manufacturing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimally curing a deposited curable material film using a light source and feedback system for monitoring the degree of curing using detected optical properties of the film. Operational parameters of the light source (e.g., power) are adjusted by a control system in response to the detected optical properties of the film. The curing system includes at least one light source in optical communication with an uncured material, a detector for monitoring an optical property of the curing material, and a feedback system for controlling the light emitted from the light source in response to the detector.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a fluid dispensing pump interchangeably connected to a fluid dispensing pump manipulator that is capable of translating the fluid dispensing pump between two known positions along the Z-axis, and at least one open ended container, such as a seedcoat, disposed below the fluid dispensing pump for receiving fluid therefrom. The fluid dispensing system further includes a controller. The controller 30 sends control signals for automating the fluid dispensing process.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a fluid dispensing pump interchangeably connected to a fluid dispensing pump manipulator that is capable of translating the fluid dispensing pump between two known positions along the Z-axis, and at least one open ended container, such as a seedcoat, disposed below the fluid dispensing pump for receiving fluid therefrom. The fluid dispensing system further includes a controller. The controller 30 sends control signals for automating the fluid dispensing process.

Abstract: A container assembly for tracking a radio frequency identification tag (20) generally includes at least one container (22), an RFID tag (24) associated with the container, and an RFID signal transmitter (26) associated with the radio frequency identification tag. The RFID signal transmitter is capable of transmitting an RFID response signal (1044). The assembly further includes a tracking signal transmitter (28) associated with the RFID signal transmitter. The tracking signal transmitter is capable of transmitting a tracking signal (1046), and the tracking signal is different at least in part from the RFID signal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial seed (20) is provided. The method includes transporting a seed shell (22) to a media fill station (300) and depositing media (26) into the seed shell. The method also includes sealing (28) the media within one end of the seed shell, depositing an embryo (42) within the seed shell, and sealing (44) the embryo within the seed shell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial seed blank (20) is provided. The method includes placing a seed shell (22) on one of a plurality of receptacle (72) containing an end seal formation material (218) at the first assembly station. The method also includes forming an end seal (200) at one end of the seed shell by permitting the predetermined amount of an end seal formation material to change state. Further, the method includes depositing media (26) into the seed shell and positioning the seed shell at a second assembly station. The method also includes removing the seed shell from the receptacle at the second assembly station.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically harvesting and screening plant embryos in multiple stages to identify those embryos that are suited for incorporation into manufactured seeds are provided. The method includes generally three steps. First, plant embryos are automatically sorted according to their rough size/shape and also singulated into discrete embryo units, for example by vibrational sieving. Second, the sorted and singulated plant embryos are classified using a first classification method. For example, each embryo may be imaged by a camera and the image is used to ascertain the embryo's more precise size/shape. Third, for those embryos that have passed the first classification method, a second classification method is applied. For example, a pre-developed classification algorithm to classify embryos according to their putative germination vigor may be applied to the same image used in the first classification method, to identify those embryos that are likely to germinate.

Abstract: Curing systems are provided that include a planar support surface for supporting a substrate having at least one layer deposited thereon, at least one curing device for curing the at least one deposited layer, and a control system for controlling the overall curing process. The curing device includes at least one laser, a lens module, and an optional modulator. During curing, the beam of light emitted from the laser may be directed onto the deposited layer by 1) controlling the position of an X-Y beam deflecting module to direct the focused beam of laser light onto a desired illumination area of the deposited layer; 2) controlling the position of the laser via an X-Y table, or 3) controlling the position of the substrate via an X-Y table.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for labeling items, wherein the labels contain digital information and can be read when desired. The coding of the labels is done by choosing specifically engineered nano-particles, micro-particles, or liquid material in the form of “ink.” The particles are designed to contain materials with distinguishable NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) or NQR (Nuclear quadrupole resonance) frequencies and are combined in sets to encode digital information. The NMR/NQR label particle sets are printed on the item to be labeled, or on a label substrate which is then attached to the item to be labeled. In one embodiment, the printed NMR/NQR label consists of an array of spots, each of which may encode one or more digital characters. These spots can be detected and the digital information in the label can be read using a suitable magnetic resonance detector.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically harvesting and screening plant embryos in multiple stages to identify those embryos that are suited for incorporation into manufactured seeds are provided. The method includes generally three steps. First, plant embryos are automatically sorted according to their trough size/shape and also singulated into discrete embryo units, for example by vibrational sieving. Second, the sorted and singulated plant embryos are classified using a first classification method. For example, each embryo may be imaged by a camera and the image is used to ascertain the embryo's more precise size/shape. Third, for those embryos that have passed the first classification method, a second classification method is applied. For example, a pre-developed classification algorithm to classify embryos according to their putative germination vigor may be applied to the same image used in the first classification method, to identify those embryos that are likely to germinate.

Abstract: A container assembly for tracking a radio frequency identification tag (20) generally includes at least one container (22), an RFID tag (24) associated with the container, and an RFID signal transmitter (26) associated with the radio frequency identification tag. The RFID signal transmitter is capable of transmitting an RFID response signal (1044). The assembly further includes a tracking signal transmitter (28) associated with the RFID signal transmitter. The tracking signal transmitter is capable of transmitting a tracking signal (1046), and the tracking signal is different at least in part from the RFID signal.

Abstract: A method of attaching an end seal to a manufactured seed is provided. The method includes providing a manufactured seed having an open end and inflating a sealing material to form an enclosure having an interior surface. The method also includes placing the enclosure into contact with the open end of the manufactured seed and attaching the enclosure to the manufactured seed to seal the open end of the manufactured seed.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification system (20) generally includes at least one container (22), a radio frequency identification tag (24) capable of transmitting a radio frequency signal associated with the container, and a radio frequency device, such as a repeater (26) associated with the radio frequency identification tag or the container for enhancing readability of the radio frequency signal.

Abstract: Organic transistors having a nonplanar interface between the insulating layer and the semiconductor layer are provided, along with methods for manufacturing.