Abstract: An interposer for a flow cell comprises a base layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The base layer comprises black polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A first adhesive layer is disposed on the first surface of the base layer. The first adhesive layer comprises methyl acrylic adhesive. A second adhesive layer is disposed on the second surface of the base layer. The second adhesive layer comprises methyl acrylic adhesive. A plurality of microfluidic channels extends through each of the base layer, the first adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer.

Abstract: An interposer for a flow cell comprises a base layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The base layer comprises black polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A first adhesive layer is disposed on the first surface of the base layer. The first adhesive layer comprises methyl acrylic adhesive. A second adhesive layer is disposed on the second surface of the base layer. The second adhesive layer comprises methyl acrylic adhesive. A plurality of microfluidic channels extends through each of the base layer, the first adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer.

Abstract: A seed sorter system is operable to sort seeds based on one or more characteristics of the seeds. The system includes a seed loading station operable to isolate individual seeds from a plurality of seeds and load the isolated seeds into a seed tray, an imaging and analysis subsystem operable to collect image data of at least a top portion and a bottom portion of each of the seeds in the seed tray and determine one or more characteristics of each of the seeds, a seed off-load and sort station operable to remove the seeds from the seed tray and sort the seeds to desired receptacles based on the determined one or more characteristics of the seeds, and a seed transport operable to move the seed tray between the seed loading station, the imaging and analysis subsystem, and the seed off-load and sort station.

Abstract: A seed sorter system is operable to sort seeds based on one or more characteristics of the seeds. The system includes a seed loading station operable to isolate individual seeds from a plurality of seeds and load the isolated seeds into a seed tray, an imaging and analysis subsystem operable to collect image data of at least a top portion and a bottom portion of each of the seeds in the seed tray and determine one or more characteristics of each of the seeds, a seed off-load and sort station operable to remove the seeds from the seed tray and sort the seeds to desired receptacles based on the determined one or more characteristics of the seeds, and a seed transport operable to move the seed tray between the seed loading station, the imaging and analysis subsystem, and the seed off-load and sort station.

Abstract: A plurality of isolated microvessels including a plurality of encoded microvessels each having a microbody and a reservoir core. The microbody is configured to separate a biological or chemical substance in the reservoir core from an ambient environment surrounding the microbody. The microbody includes a transparent material that at least partially surrounds the reservoir core and facilitates detection of an optical characteristic of the substance within the reservoir core. The microbody of each microvessel includes an identifiable code that distinguishes individual microvessels of the plurality of encoded microvessels from each other. The plurality of isolated microvessels also includes a plurality of compartments each configured to separate individual microvessels of the plurality of encoded microvessels from each other.

Abstract: A seed sorter system is operable to sort seeds based on one or more characteristics of the seeds. The system includes a seed loading station operable to isolate individual seeds from a plurality of seeds and load the isolated seeds into a seed tray, an imaging and analysis subsystem operable to collect image data of at least a top portion and a bottom portion of each of the seeds in the seed tray and determine one or more characteristics of each of the seeds, a seed off-load and sort station operable to remove the seeds from the seed tray and sort the seeds to desired receptacles based on the determined one or more characteristics of the seeds, and a seed transport operable to move the seed tray between the seed loading station, the imaging and analysis subsystem, and the seed off-load and sort station.

Abstract: A plurality of isolated microvessels including a plurality of encoded microvessels each having a microbody and a reservoir core. The microbody is configured to separate a biological or chemical substance in the reservoir core from an ambient environment surrounding the microbody. The microbody includes a transparent material that at least partially surrounds the reservoir core and facilitates detection of an optical characteristic of the substance within the reservoir core. The microbody of each microvessel includes an identifiable code that distinguishes individual microvessels of the plurality of encoded microvessels from each other. The plurality of isolated microvessels also includes a plurality of compartments each configured to separate individual microvessels of the plurality of encoded microvessels from each other.

Abstract: A seed sorter system is operable to sort seeds based on one or more characteristics of the seeds. The system includes a seed loading station operable to isolate individual seeds from a plurality of seeds and load the isolated seeds into a seed tray, an imaging and analysis subsystem operable to collect image data of at least a top portion and a bottom portion of each of the seeds in the seed tray and determine one or more characteristics of each of the seeds, a seed off-load and sort station operable to remove the seeds from the seed tray and sort the seeds to desired receptacles based on the determined one or more characteristics of the seeds, and a seed transport operable to move the seed tray between the seed loading station, the imaging and analysis subsystem, and the seed off-load and sort station.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating and sorting seeds based on characteristics of the seeds. One method generally includes collecting image data from different parts of the seeds, and then analyzing the collected image data to determine if the seeds exhibit at least one or more characteristics. The seeds can then be sorted to desired seed repositories based on whether or not the seeds exhibit the at least one or more characteristics.

Abstract: A method of reading a plurality of encoded microvessels used in an assay for biological or chemical analysis. The method can include providing a plurality of encoded microvessels. The microvessels can include a respective microbody and a reservoir core configured to hold a substance in the reservoir core. The microbody can include a material that surrounds the reservoir core and facilitates detection of a characteristic of the substance within the reservoir core. Optionally, the material can be transparent so as to facilitate detection of an optical characteristic of a substance within the reservoir core. The microbody can include an identifiable code associated with the substance. The method can also include determining the corresponding codes of the microvessels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating and sorting seeds based on characteristics of the seeds. One system includes an imaging and analysis subsystem that collects image data from the seeds and analyzes the collected image data for characteristics of the seeds. This subsystem can include an imaging theater having mirrors that reflect image data from the seeds to an imaging device for collection. The system can also include an off-loading and sorting subsystem configured to sort the seeds based on their characteristics. And, one method includes illuminating the seeds and collecting image data from the seeds for determining their characteristics. The image data can be collected from at least three portions of the seeds at each of a plurality of sequentially changing spectral wavelengths. In addition (or alternatively), the image data can be collected from top and bottom portions of the seeds using a single imaging device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating and sorting seeds based on characteristics of the seeds. One system includes an imaging and analysis subsystem that collects image data from the seeds and analyzes the collected image data for characteristics of the seeds. This subsystem can include an imaging theater having minors that reflect image data from the seeds to an imaging device for collection. The system can also include an off-loading and sorting subsystem configured to sort the seeds based on their characteristics. And, one method includes illuminating the seeds and collecting image data from the seeds for determining their characteristics. The image data can be collected from at least three portions of the seeds at each of a plurality of sequentially changing spectral wavelengths. In addition (or alternatively), the image data can be collected from top and bottom portions of the seeds using a single imaging device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sorting seeds based on identified phenotypes of the seeds. In various embodiments, the system includes an optics and controller station structured and operable to collect image data of a top portion, a bottom portion and a plurality of side portions of each respective seed in a set of seeds, and to analyze the collected image data to determine whether each seed exhibits a desired phenotype. The system further includes a seed loading, transporting and sorting station structured and operable to singulate each seed of the set of seeds from a plurality of seeds in a bulk seed hopper, transport the set of seeds to the optics and controller station, and selectively sort each seed to a respective one of a plurality of seed repositories based on whether each respective seed exhibits the desired phenotype.

Abstract: A method of reading a plurality of encoded microvessels used in an assay for biological or chemical analysis. The method can include providing a plurality of encoded microvessels. The microvessels can include a respective microbody and a reservoir core configured to hold a substance in the reservoir core. The microbody can include a material that surrounds the reservoir core and facilitates detection of a characteristic of the substance within the reservoir core. Optionally, the material can be transparent so as to facilitate detection of an optical characteristic of a substance within the reservoir core. The microbody can include an identifiable code associated with the substance. The method can also include determining the corresponding codes of the microvessels.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies are provided for evaluating plants for presence of pests. Methods may include separating pests from a plant to produce a sample of pests for analysis, illuminating the sample to produce emitted light from the sample, and comparing the emitted light from the sample to a model to discriminate pests within the sample. Assemblies may include a separating unit operable to separate pests from a plant to produce a sample comprising pests, a light source for illuminating at least part of the sample, and an imaging device adjacent the light source for receiving light from the illuminated sample and creating an image of the sample.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an animal has ingested a plant of interest is provided. The method includes screening the animal for the presence of at least one indicator of a plant of interest.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies are provided for evaluating plants for presence of pests. Methods may include separating pests from a plant to produce a sample of pests for analysis, illuminating the sample to produce emitted light from the sample, and comparing the emitted light from the sample to a model to discriminate pests within the sample. Assemblies may include a separating unit operable to separate pests from a plant to produce a sample comprising pests, a light source for illuminating at least part of the sample, and an imaging device adjacent the light source for receiving light from the illuminated sample and creating an image of the sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sorting seeds based on identified phenotypes of the seeds. In various embodiments, the system includes an optics and controller station structured and operable to collect image data of a top portion, a bottom portion and a plurality of side portions of each respective seed in a set of seeds, and to analyze the collected image data to determine whether each seed exhibits a desired phenotype. The system further includes a seed loading, transporting and sorting station structured and operable to singulate each seed of the set of seeds from a plurality of seeds in a bulk seed hopper, transport the set of seeds to the optics and controller station, and selectively sort each seed to a respective one of a plurality of seed repositories based on whether each respective seed exhibits the desired phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for analyzing agricultural products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device and method for real time, non-destructive analysis of the physical and chemical characteristics of one or more seeds.