Abstract: Data storage systems and methods for storing data are described herein. The storage system includes a first storage node is configured to issue a first delivery request to a first set of other storage nodes in the storage system, the first delivery request including a first at least one data operation for each of the first set of other storage nodes and issuing at least one other delivery request, while the first delivery request remains outstanding, the at least one other delivery request including a first commit request for each of the first set of other storage nodes. The first node causes the first at least one data operation to be made active within the storage system in response to receipt of a commit indicator along with a delivery acknowledgement regarding one of the at least one other delivery request.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing metadata in a write-anywhere storage system are disclosed herein. The system includes a plurality of clients coupled with a plurality of storage nodes, each storage node having a plurality of primary storage devices coupled thereto. A memory management unit including cache memory is included in the client. The memory management unit serves as a cache for data produced by the clients before the data is stored in the primary storage. The cache includes an extent cache, an extent index, a commit cache and a commit index. The movement of data and metadata is by an interval tree. Methods for reducing data in the interval tree increase data storage and data retrieval performance of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing a sample of seeds or representative seed portions are provided. In various embodiments, the system and method include a force applying member and a seed container that includes at least one compartment containing a seed. The force applying member is configured to apply a force to the seed so as to break the seed into two or more seed particles, which in some embodiments may be collected in a seed particle collector. The present invention improves on the prior art by greatly reducing (and in some embodiments eliminating) the manual processes typically involved in generating tissue samples from seeds and preparing the tissue for genetic analysis. Additionally, the present invention is scaleable, and can be configured to generate samples from many seeds in a short period of time. The present invention also minimizes the risk of contamination and cross-contamination of the seed particles.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for obtaining a test sample from a seed or seeds. The method generally includes placing at least one seed into a seed sampling chamber, breaking the seed into a plurality of seed particles inside the seed sampling chamber, placing a sampling element into the seed sampling chamber, and collecting at least a portion of the plurality of seed particles with the sampling element by attracting at least a portion of the seed particles to a surface of the sampling element or by forcing at least a portion of the seed particles into a feature of the sampling element. In some embodiments, the method further includes using a sampling element transfer device to transfer the sampling element to an extraction well, which may be used to extract DNA or proteins from the collected portion of seed particles.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for obtaining a test sample from a seed or seeds. The method generally includes placing at least one seed into a seed sampling chamber, breaking the seed into a plurality of seed particles inside the seed sampling chamber, placing a sampling element into the seed sampling chamber, and collecting at least a portion of the plurality of seed particles with the sampling element by attracting at least a portion of the seed particles to a surface of the sampling element or by forcing at least a portion of the seed particles into a feature of the sampling element. In some embodiments, the method further includes using a sampling element transfer device to transfer the sampling element to an extraction well, which may be used to extract DNA or proteins from the collected portion of seed particles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide automated apparatus, systems, and methods for dispensing a substance on a seed. An example embodiment provides a system for automated dispensing of a substance on a seed. The system comprises a seed container with a plurality of compartments each configured to retain a seed. The system further comprises a supply tank configured to retain the substance. The system also comprises at least one dispensing tip configured to dispense the substance and a pump connected to the supply tank and to the dispensing tip. The pump is configured to pump the substance from the supply tank to the dispensing tip. The system further comprises a controller configured to move at least one of the seed container or the dispensing tip relative to the other and to direct the pump to pump the substance into a compartment of the seed container.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing a sample of seeds or representative seed portions are provided. In various embodiments, the system and method include a force applying member and a seed container that includes at least one compartment containing a seed. The force applying member is configured to apply a force to the seed so as to break the seed into two or more seed particles, which in some embodiments may be collected in a seed particle collector. The present invention improves on the prior art by greatly reducing (and in some embodiments eliminating) the manual processes typically involved in generating tissue samples from seeds and preparing the tissue for genetic analysis. Additionally, the present invention is scaleable, and can be configured to generate samples from many seeds in a short period of time. The present invention also minimizes the risk of contamination and cross-contamination of the seed particles.

Abstract: A seed handling tool includes a handle connected to a working body. The working body includes a working surface, which further includes a plurality of seed retention points. A seed retention source is provided to allow the seed handling tool to pick up and retain seeds at the seed retention points. In some embodiments, the seeds may also be released from the seed retention points. A method for retaining a plurality of seeds by the seed handling tool includes moving the seed handling tool to a position where the working surface is adjacent to a plurality of seeds, and picking up and retaining seeds at a plurality of seed retention points fixed at the working surface. In some embodiments, the method may also include releasing the plurality of seeds from the seed retention points.

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.

Abstract: An automated high throughput apparatus, method and system for seed sampling is provided. The seed sampling system includes an ablation subsystem having a controlled cutting path and a seed handling subsystem comprising a staging system having a plurality of seed staging positions for staging a batch of seed in a sequential manner, and a carrier system for simultaneously presenting seed staging positions at the cutting path for removing a sample portion from each seed in the batch. A method of this invention includes providing ablation means having a controlled cutting path, automatically staging a batch of seed at a plurality of staging positions in a sequential manner, simultaneously presenting the batch of seed at the cutting path, and removing a sample portion from each seed in the batch.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for obtaining a test sample from a seed or seeds. The method generally includes placing at least one seed into a seed sampling chamber, breaking the seed into a plurality of seed particles inside the seed sampling chamber, placing a sampling element into the seed sampling chamber, and collecting at least a portion of the plurality of seed particles with the sampling element by attracting at least a portion of the seed particles to a surface of the sampling element or by forcing at least a portion of the seed particles into a feature of the sampling element. In some embodiments, the method further includes using a sampling element transfer device to transfer the sampling element to an extraction well, which may be used to extract DNA or proteins from the collected portion of seed particles.

Abstract: A high throughput apparatus and method for gaining access to and extracting internal tissue or structure of interest from a seed or plurality of seed is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus utilizes means to expose the internal tissue or structure and means to separate at least some of the exposed internal tissue or structure for collection and evaluation. In one aspect, a method utilizes some force or action to expose the internal tissue or structure and some force or action to separate the internal tissue or structure.

Abstract: A method of adjusting exposure settings for a digital camera includes searching at least a portion of the field of view of the camera for pixels having a flesh tone. The flesh tone pixels are analyzed to identify at least one flesh tone spot. Spot metering of the field of view of the camera is carried out such that at least one flesh tone spot is given greater weight than the rest of the field of view. Then, the exposure settings are adjusted based on the spot metering.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing a sample of seeds or representative seed portions are provided. In various embodiments, the system and method include a force applying member and a seed container that includes at least one compartment containing a seed. The force applying member is configured to apply a force to the seed so as to break the seed into two or more seed particles, which in some embodiments may be collected in a seed particle collector. The present invention improves on the prior art by greatly reducing (and in some embodiments eliminating) the manual processes typically involved in generating tissue samples from seeds and preparing the tissue for genetic analysis. Additionally, the present invention is scaleable, and can be configured to generate samples from many seeds in a short period of time. The present invention also minimizes the risk of contamination and cross-contamination of the seed particles.

Abstract: An image-capturing device, such as a camera or a camera-equipped wireless communication device, includes touch-sensitive user controls disposed on a housing of the device. The touch-sensitive user controls detect user movement along the controls, and allow a user to control one or more image-capturing functions of the device based on a detected direction of user movement along the touch-sensitive user controls.

Abstract: A method of adjusting exposure settings for a digital camera includes searching at least a portion of the field of view of the camera for pixels having a flesh tone. The flesh tone pixels are analyzed to identify at least one flesh tone spot. Spot metering of the field of view of the camera is carried out such that at least one flesh tone spot is given greater weight than the rest of the field of view. Then, the exposure settings are adjusted based on the spot metering.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing pericarp from a seed, such as a corn kernel. The method includes sonicating the kernel to loosen the pericarp and then separation of the pericarp. One example of separation is by frictional milling. An additional optional aspect of the invention is isolation of the pericarp from the remainder of the seed and/or further cleaning or purification of the pericarp.

Abstract: A combination vehicle charger and flashlight provides illumination while a user connects a mobile device to the vehicle charger. A light source disposed on the mobile device plug of the vehicle charger connects to either an external or an internal power supply to provide a beam of light used to illuminate the mobile device. In one embodiment, the external power supply may comprise a vehicle battery. In an alternate embodiment, the internal power supply may comprise a battery disposed within the vehicle charger. Exemplary embodiments may also include a switch to selectively connect the light source to the power supply.