Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for separating a seed aliquot from a bulk sample and preparing the seed aliquot for downstream research purposes is provided. The system embodiments may comprise a counter device, which is configured to receive at least a portion of the bulk sample and to separate the seed aliquot from the portion of the bulk sample, and a packaging device, which is configured to receive the separated seed aliquot and to dispense the aliquot into an aliquot container. Other embodiments may include a conveyor system for advancing the bulk sample and/or seed aliquot along a conveyance path that may be determined from a research protocol received from an input source. Various embodiments of the present invention may maintain an identity of the seed aliquot as it is advanced along the conveyance path and may selectively subject the seed aliquot to a variety of processing steps in accordance with the research protocol with little or no manual control or supervision.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for optimizing the flow of seed along a seed handling path. The system and method include multiple stages at which seeds undergo different processes to prepare the seeds for sale or further handling. The stages may include one or more of Receiving, Husking, Sorting, Drying, Shelling, Bulk Storage, Sizing, Conditioning, Treating, and Packaging. Sensors may be located along the seed handling path for monitoring the seed handling path and the operations and conveyances occurring along the seed handling path at and between different stages. The sensors may provide feedback signals to a controller, which may in turn adjust the operating parameters of various processing devices associated with one or more of the stages in a real-time scenario to optimize the operations and conveyances occurring along the seed handling path.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a novel method of sorting seed by providing a first seed population with a fluorescent indicator and a second seed population visually identical to the first seed population under standard operating conditions. The seed populations are combined to provide a combined seed population. A lamp having an output corresponding to the activation wavelength of the fluorescent indicator and a color sorting system are paired to count or separate the seed populations, as desired.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a novel method of sorting seed by providing a first seed population with a fluorescent indicator and a second seed population visually identical to the first seed population under standard operating conditions. The seed populations are combined to provide a combined seed population. A lamp having an output corresponding to the activation wavelength of the fluorescent indicator and a color sorting system are paired to count or separate the seed populations, as desired.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention comprises associating a marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, exciting the seeds using an photonic emitting device, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence or absence of the marker, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence or absence of the marker. In various other embodiments, the method may comprise associating a red fluorescent protein marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker using an evaluating device, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker.

Abstract: A package assembly for automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, wherein a flexure channel is defined in each of opposite sides of at least one of the first or second portions, the flexure channels cooperating to define a flexure axis extending through the pair of flexure channels. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may allow at least one of first and second portions of the package assembly to flex about the flexure axis in response to an opening force exerted on the package assembly such that the first and second portions separate in response to the opening force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated high-throughput processing seed requests or orders includes an autonomous single seed counter and packager which operates by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a thresher, a spiral separator, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining segregation from subsequent seed being processed. Validation of the seed request matching the sample requested occurs prior to processing and information about the seed to process or having been processed can be derived and stored for further use.

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 for handling package assemblies in an automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a method of handling a package assembly containing a particulate aliquot (such as a selected type of agricultural seed) that includes first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, the method including receiving the package assembly in a package assembly handling device, and applying a force to the package assembly using the package assembly handling device so that the first and second portions at least partially separate in response to the force.

Abstract: A package assembly for automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, wherein a flexure channel is defined in each of opposite sides of at least one of the first or second portions, the flexure channels cooperating to define a flexure axis extending through the pair of flexure channels. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may allow at least one of first and second portions of the package assembly to flex about the flexure axis in response to an opening force exerted on the package assembly such that the first and second portions separate in response to the opening force.

Abstract: A system for aggregating data obtained from different organizations within a seed company or within multiple seed companies is provided. The system may receive seed product development data from a seed product development source, seed production data from a seed production source, and/or seed sales and/or marketing data from a seed sales and/or marketing source. The data may be aggregated in a central storage unit based on the geospatial data associated with the received data. The aggregated data may then be accessed and/or output in response to a query and/or algorithm.

Abstract: A package assembly handling system for handling package assemblies in an automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a package assembly handling system for handling a package assembly comprising first and second portions that cooperate to contain a particulate aliquot, the system including a package assembly handling device configured for applying a force to the package assembly so that the first and second portions at least partially separate, thus releasing at least a portion of the particulate aliquot.

Abstract: A method for handling package assemblies in an automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a method of handling a package assembly containing a particulate aliquot (such as a selected type of agricultural seed) that includes first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, the method including receiving the package assembly in a package assembly handling device, and applying a force to the package assembly using the package assembly handling device so that the first and second portions at least partially separate in response to the force.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated research seed planting system, method, and apparatus. The system, method, and apparatus may include a planter configured for planting a research plot and comprising a seed package assembly handling device configured to receive a seed package assembly containing a research seed sample, and a controller configured to communicate with the seed package assembly handling device. The controller is configured to automatically control the seed package assembly handling device to release the research seed sample. In various embodiments, the research seed planter may include a positional data acquisition system configured to acquire position data associated with one or more research seed planting events.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for distinguishing and sort seeds containing a genetic element of interest from a bulk sample. In various embodiments, the present invention comprises associating a marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, exciting the seeds using an electromagnetic energy emitting device, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence or absence of the marker using an evaluating device configured to excite a majority of the surface area of the seeds, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence or absence of the marker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a least a portion of one or more initial seed samples to create one or more treated seed samples for use in research applications is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus and method utilize two or more seed treaters operating in parallel to increase throughput for treating a portion of one or more initial seed samples. The apparatus and method may also include a metering station configured to distribute at least a portion of the one or more initial seed samples to the two or more seed treaters. As a result, the apparatus and method are configured to efficiently and accurately treat seed samples.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a novel method of sorting seed by providing a first seed population with a fluorescent indicator and a second seed population visually identical to the first seed population under standard operating conditions. The seed populations are combined to provide a combined seed population. A lamp having an output corresponding to the activation wavelength of the fluorescent indicator and a color sorting system are paired to count or separate the seed populations, as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for generating a planting profile for seeds planted in a field using a seed planter that includes a seed transfer device. In various embodiments, the planting profile may be generated via a processor that communicates with a timing device and a seed sensor. The timing device is configured to provide timestamps associated with the presence of one or more seeds on a seed carrying feature of the seed transfer device as indicated by the seed sensor. Some embodiments further comprise a speed measuring device that is configured to measure and provide to the processor a speed of the seed planter as it travels through the field. Other embodiments further comprise a second seed sensor that senses seeds after exiting from the drop tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a least a portion of one or more initial seed samples to create one or more treated seed samples for use in research applications is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus and method utilize two or more seed treaters operating in parallel to increase throughput for treating a portion of one or more initial seed samples. The apparatus and method may also include a metering station configured to distribute at least a portion of the one or more initial seed samples to the two or more seed treaters. As a result, the apparatus and method are configured to efficiently and accurately treat seed samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.