Abstract: A seed rack (20) for use in assembling artificial seeds is provided. The seed rack includes base (22) having a length and a plurality of receptacles (26). Each one of the plurality of receptacles is sized and configured to receive at least one artificial seed coat (28) having an opening. The seed rack also includes a retaining arm (24) attached to the base for reciprocating movement between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the retaining arm clamps the at least one artificial seed coat within one of the plurality of receptacles and assists in positioning the opening of the at least one artificial seed coat within the seed rack.

Abstract: A manufactured seed (20) is provided. The manufactured seed includes a first seed shell (22a) and a first restraint (32a) disposed within the first shell. The first restraint includes a cavity (38a), and at least two embryos (34a) and (34b) disposed within the manufactured seed.

Abstract: A combination end seal and cotyledon restraint (20) for an artificial seed (22) is provided. The combination end seal and cotyledon restraint includes a cap portion (30) sized to substantially seal one end of an artificial seed and a cotyledon restraint (32) unitarily formed with the cap portion.

Abstract: A embryo delivery system 20 is composed of an embryo orientation assembly 22, a transfer assembly 24, and an embryo reception assembly 26. In operation, the embryo delivery system 20 retrieves plant embryos one at a time from a position on the manufactured seed production line with microtweezers and places each embryo into a separate growing medium, such as a seed coat. The embryo delivery system 20 further includes a control system 28 having a computer 56 or other general computing device for automating the embryo delivery process.

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: An apparatus and method for reducing the circling upward movement of a product such as waste paper entrained in a carrier stream. The invention includes a product rake placed within a discharge chute to capture and direct product within the product flow. A further aspect of the invention includes a relief valve integrated into the discharge chute to alleviate pressure in the discharge chute and allow excess air to be relieved from the discharge chute to control the product flow.

Abstract: A system for coating discontinuous fibers with a liquid coating material uses a hopper/blender which entrains the fiber particles in a toroidal mass of moving fibers. The hopper/blender has an inverted conical section with an agitator assembly rotated therein. The agitator assembly has a base disc with tubular blades projecting outwardly therefrom into the conical section. Aft swept lifter blades relative to the direction of rotation are mounted to the agitator disc. A method of applying a liquid coating material to discontinuous fibers is also disclosed.