Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for seed ablation. In accordance with the method of seed ablation, the apparatus is adapted to expose a heat source to a plurality of seeds while the seeds are in motion. Exposing of the heat source to the moving seed allows ablation of the seeds for de-awning and removing of the appendages of the seeds. In a particular arrangement the seeds are exposed to rotational movement within a centrifugal drum to form a rotating stream of seeds. A torch which reaches into the drum provides a flame directed to the stream of seeds for exposing the seeds to the flame. This allows the ablation of the seed awns and appendages over time as seeds enter into contact with the flame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for seed ablation. In accordance with the method of seed ablation, the apparatus is adapted to expose a heat source to a plurality of seeds while the seeds are in motion. Exposing of the heat source to the moving seed allows ablation of the seeds for de-awning and removing of the appendages of the seeds. In a particular arrangement the seeds are exposed to rotational movement within a centrifugal drum to form a rotating stream of seeds. A torch which reaches into the drum provides a flame directed to the stream of seeds for exposing the seeds to the flame. This allows the ablation of the seed awns and appendages over time as seeds enter into contact with the flame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a dimension of an object which utilizes a reflective photosensor and a facing reflective surface, wherein the spacing between the sensor and the reflective surface is varied depending on the dimension to be measured. The preferred application of the invention is in a sheet feeder for a printer wherein the invention provides an electrical signal indicative of the size of sheets in the sheet feeder. The electrical signal may be used to control a printing function. The sheet feeder (10) includes a base (14) having a paper guide (18) slideably mounted thereon. The guide (18) carries a tapered arm (26) which includes a reflective surface (28). A reflective photosensor (30) is fixedly mounted on the base opposite the reflective surface (28) such that the variable distance between the sensor (30) and the surface (28) as the paper guide (18) is adjusted gives a correspondingly variable electrical output from the sensor.