U.S. patent application number 13/224045 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for apparatus, method and system for reconfiguring items.
This patent application is currently assigned to PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Steven M. Becker, Jason Cope, James D. Dimond.
Application Number | 20110309102 13/224045 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41445974 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110309102 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Becker; Steven M. ; et
al. |
December 22, 2011 |
APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECONFIGURING ITEMS
Abstract
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for reconfiguring some or all
content from one or more first containers into a second container
are provided. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a
dispensing system having a dispenser to dispense content from one
container into another, and a delivery system adapted to
reconfigure the dispensed content from the one container into
another container. In another example, a method includes dispensing
selected contents from one container and reconfiguring the
dispensed contents from the one container into another. In another
example, the system includes a controller, a machine controlled by
the controller, wherein the machine has a pair of container
handlers, a content dispenser, and a content delivery system. The
controller is adapted to control the machine using a selection
criterion to operate the content dispenser to dispense selected
content from one container to move with the delivery system into
another container.
Inventors: |
Becker; Steven M.;
(Johnston, IA) ; Cope; Jason; (Ankeny, IA)
; Dimond; James D.; (Ames, IA) |
Assignee: |
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL,
INC.
Johnston
IA
|
Family ID: |
41445974 |
Appl. No.: |
13/224045 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12491524 |
Jun 25, 2009 |
8033426 |
|
|
13224045 |
|
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|
61075818 |
Jun 26, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/1 ;
222/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B07C 5/36 20130101; B65B
1/06 20130101; B65B 69/0033 20130101; A01C 1/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/1 ;
222/52 |
International
Class: |
B67D 7/14 20100101
B67D007/14 |
Claims
1. A method for reconfiguring some or all content from a first
container into a second container with an automated machine, the
method comprising: providing container holders, and a dispenser and
a content handler configured to operate cooperatively with each
other; rupturing selected content from confinement within said
first container using said dispenser; and reconfiguring ruptured
content from said first container into said second container using
said content handler located between and in communication with said
first and second containers.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising identifying locations
of selected seed in said first container and indexing location of
selected seed when moved to said second container using a manual or
machine readable identifier associated with said first container
and said second container.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising rupturing content from
said first container with a mechanical force associated with said
dispenser acting on said first container.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising shuttling an outlet of
said content handler to a position relative to said second
container to move seed from said first container through an inlet
of said content handler and to said outlet to deposit into said
second container for reconfiguring content from said first
container to said second container.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising basing content
selection rupturing from said first container based upon a
predefined selection criterion, wherein said predefined selection
criterion is based upon: a. at least one biological trait; b. at
least one genetic trait; c. at least one phenotypic trait; d.
morphological traits; e. field layout; or f. pedigree.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: a.
providing said automated machine having first and second container
handlers, a dispensing system having said dispenser, and a seed
delivery system having said content handler; b. positioning said
dispenser relative to said first container being held by said first
container handler; c. positioning an outlet of said content handler
at a desired seed depositing location in said second container
being held by said second container handler; d. selecting seed to
dispense from said first container and move to said desired seed
depositing location in said second container based on a seed
selection criterion; e. rupturing selected seed from confinement
within said first container; and f. passing seed from said
rupturing step into said content handler for reconfiguring
dispensed seed into said second container.
7. An automated system for reconfiguring some or all seed in one or
more first containers into a second container using a predefined
seed selection criterion, said system comprising: an intelligent
control in communication with a controller; a seed reconfiguration
machine operable by said controller receiving instructions from
said intelligent control based on said predefined seed selection
criterion; and said controller adapted to use information known
about seed in said first container to select and rupture seed from
confinement within said first container to be moved into said
second container according to said seed selection criterion.
8. The automated system of claim 7 wherein the seed reconfiguration
machine further comprises a first holding position adapted to hold
a first container and a second holding position adapted to hold a
second container.
9. The automated system of claim 8 wherein the seed reconfiguration
machine further comprises a dispensing system having a dispenser
operating in working relation to said first holding position, said
dispenser moveable with respect to said first holding position to
dispense selected seed from said first container based upon said
seed selection criterion.
10. The automated system of claim 9 wherein the seed
reconfiguration machine further comprises a delivery system having
a guideway with a collector at an inlet of said guideway, said
inlet in communication with a nozzle at an outlet of said guideway,
said outlet in communication with said second container in said
second holding position, said nozzle shuttleable with respect to
said second container to reconfigure seed from said first container
into said second container.
11. The automated system of claim 10 wherein the seed
reconfiguration machine further comprises a first multi-axis
shuttle for positioning said dispenser relative to said first
container and a second multi-axis shuttle for positioning said
nozzle relative to said second container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/491,524, filed Jun. 25, 2009, which claims priority to
provisional application Ser. No. 61/075,818, filed Jun. 26, 2008,
each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to reconfiguring seed from one
or more containers into another container in an efficient and high
throughput manner.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are a wide variety of applications where seed need to
be stored, where the seed can be protected and preserved, and at
some time later be easily, efficiently, accurately identified
and/or possibly individually selected, retrieved or discharged from
one or more containers for reconfiguration into another container
based upon the presence or absence of at least one advantageous
property associated with the seed.
[0004] One notable example of this can be found in research and
development directed toward identifying and perpetuating
advantageous seed properties. For instance, plant researchers often
group seed, into specific groups. In the case of seed, seed
portions (e.g., a portion, sample or chip from the seed) may be
removed from the seed for testing, what remains are viable seed
that may be stored collectively or individually to protect against
degradation or harm and to maintain viability. The information
learned from testing the seed portions may indicate if the
remaining, viable portion of a particular seed has the desired
advantageous properties as a result of a biological trait, a
genetic trait, a phenotypic trait, a morphological trait, or
pedigree. Furthermore, the information learned from testing the
seed portion can be linked with the individual seed from which it
originated (viable seed portion) using an indexing system to
correlate the two seed parts. Thus, by comparing a seed selection
criterion with the information known about the seed, the remaining
viable seed portion may be accurately identified, recovered,
dispensed from its container and reconfigured into another
container for storage with other viable seed portions meeting the
same or other seed selection criterion.
[0005] A need has therefore been identified in the art for a more
efficient and high throughput apparatus, method and system for
reconfiguring any seed, seed part or seed portion, whether viable
or not, from one or more containers, having been identified with
the desired qualities, advantageous properties or genetics, into
another container to provide a single container with seed having
the desired qualities, advantageous properties and/or genetics
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Apparatuses, methods and systems to reconfigure some or all
seed from one or more containers into another container in an
efficient and high throughput manner are provided.
[0007] The apparatus includes a container handling system, a seed
dispensing system and a seed delivery system. The container
handling system holds one or more containers. The seed dispensing
system dispenses seed from the one or more containers and the seed
delivery system reconfigures dispensed seed from the one or more
containers into another container.
[0008] Methods include dispensing selected seed from one or more
containers and 20 reconfiguring the dispensed seed into another
container based upon a seed selection criterion.
[0009] Systems for reconfiguring some or all seed from one or more
containers into another container are also provided. The system may
include a computer and a machine operated by the computer. The
machine may have a pair of container handlers, a seed dispensing
system, and a seed delivery system. The computer is adapted to
control the machine using a seed selection criterion to operate the
seed dispensing system to dispense selected seed from one or more
containers to reconfigure with the seed delivery system into
another container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the machine according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the machine shown in
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the machine without
supporting hardware and cabinetry.
[0013] FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the machine shown in
FIG. 3A.
[0014] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the dispensing system shown
in FIG. 3A.
[0015] FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the seed dispensing
system shown in FIG. 4A.
[0016] FIG. 5A is a perspective overview of the seed delivery
system shown in FIG. 3A.
[0017] FIG. 5B is a side elevation overview of the seed delivery
system shown in FIG. 5A.
[0018] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the lower half of the seed
delivery system shown in FIG. 5A.
[0019] FIG. 6B is a front elevation view of the lower half of the
seed delivery system shown in FIG. 6A.
[0020] FIG. 7A is a section view taken along line 7A-7A in FIG. 3A
showing resingulation of seed into a compartment layer.
[0021] FIG. 7B is a section view taken along line 7B-7B in FIG. 3A
showing bulking of seed into another container.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an overview of an exemplary system of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 9A illustrates a section of a flowchart for the
electrical operating system according to an exemplary aspect of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 9B illustrates another section of the flowchart for the
electrical operating system shown in FIG. 9A.
[0025] FIG. 9C illustrates another section of the flowchart for the
electrical operating system shown in FIG. 9A am 9B.
[0026] FIG. 10A illustrates a section of a flowchart for the
software operating system according to an exemplary aspect of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 10B illustrates another section of the flowchart for
the software operating system shown in FIG. 10A.
[0028] FIG. 10C illustrates another section of the flowchart for
the software operating system shown in FIG. 10B.
[0029] FIG. 10D illustrates another section of the flowchart for
the software operating system shown in FIG. 10C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or
uses.
[0031] For a better understanding of the invention, several
exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail. Reference
will be taken from time-to-time to the appended drawings. Reference
numerals will be used to indicate certain parts or locations in the
drawings. The same reference numerals will indicate the same parts
or locations throughout the drawings unless otherwise
indicated.
[0032] Apparatus
[0033] In one aspect, the apparatuses of the present invention
reconfigure some or all content or articles from one container into
another container in an efficient and high throughput manner.
Articles could include, but are not limited to, seed, seed parts,
plant parts, parts, ingredients, compounds, medication, or the
like. In another aspect, the apparatuses of the present invention
reconfigure plant seed selected from one or more containers into
another container to combine seed into one container wherein the
selected seed have at least one property matching a seed selection
criterion. Seed could include, but are not limited to seed from
corn, canola, soybean, rice, or any other seed of interest.
Typically, seed will be within size limits that are readily
conducive to handling, such as the sizes exemplified by the seed
listed above, however embodiments include modifications of any one
or more of the various components of the container, dispensing, and
delivery systems to facilitate handling of any seed or other items
falling outside of the typical size ranges.
[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of the seed
reconfiguration machine 10 in front and side perspective views.
Machine 10 operates within cabinet 12. In a preferred form, machine
10 has two primary operating systems, namely a dispensing system
100 and delivery system 200. The dispensing system 100 and delivery
system 200 are supported and positioned relative to each other in
cabinet 12 using mounting hardware 24. Like traditional machine
cabinetry, cabinet 12 may be enclosed by panels 18, whether opaque
or translucent, and include a door 14 for providing access to the
interior. The base of cabinet 12 may include feet 16, whether
adjustable or rigid, for supporting and controlling the orientation
of cabinet 12 relative to a supporting surface. It should be
appreciated that machine 10 need not operate within cabinet 12.
Those skilled in the art can appreciate that machine 10 could
operate within a confined or unconfined area providing for
unrestricted access and a free-flow of containers into and out of
machine 10. Cabinet 12 may be stationary or mobile. For example,
cabinet 12 may include casters (not shown) in lieu of feet 16 for
moving cabinet 12 about. Machine 10 may also include a control box
20 situated relative to the cabinet 12 to provide an enclosure for
necessary hardware, software, wiring, electronics or the like for
operation of the machine 10. Machine 10 may also include a hard
control on/off switch 22, such as a dial, toggle or button for
cutting and providing power to the machine 10. Wires from control
box 20 are channeled through the cabinet 12 and enclosed in wire
harness 42 connected to dispensing system 100 and wire harness 44
connected to delivery system 200. Within cabinet 12 and positioned
relative to the dispensing system 100 is container holding hardware
28. Container holding hardware 28 is adapted to secure a container
brought into cabinet 12, such as compartment layer 26. One skilled
in the art should appreciate that container holding hardware 28
could be configured or adapted to hold various types and container
shapes, including a bag, an envelope, a bubble tray, a reusable
compartment tray, a breeder tray, a clamshell tray, seed tape, an
assay tray, or any of the like. Container holding hardware could
include a slot like slot 28 shown in FIG. 1. Slot 46 is configured
to receive compartment layer 26 and provide a parking place for
keeping compartment layer 26 in a fixed position relative to the
container holding hardware 28. For example, one embodiment of the
present invention includes the parking place for compartment layer
26 being keyed to secure the compartment layer 26 in a fixed
position. The present invention contemplates that container holding
hardware 28 could also be one or more brackets, one or more clamps,
a sleeve, a recess, a conveyor, a carousel, a mechanical armature,
a gantry, a conveyor in combination with a gantry, a multi-axis
shuttle, a slot, or any like container holding structure, geometry,
apparatus or device. In sum, these features would provide a holding
means for securing compartment layer 26 at a fixed position
relative to slot 46.
[0035] Container holding hardware 32 is provided within cabinet 12
for securing one or more containers introduced into cabinet 12,
such as compartment layer 30 at a fixed position. Container holding
hardware 32 is configured to hold compartment layer 30 in a fixed
position and possibly in combination with an optional jig 40. Jig
40 may also be provided as a supportive layer configured to hold
and provide some rigidity to compartment layer 30 to aid in
handling and securing both within cabinet 12. For example, jig 40
may include handle 56 to aid in handling, moving and positioning
jig 40 in container holding hardware 32. Jig 40 may also include
one or more passive position indicators to indicate when jig 40 is
properly positioned within container holding hardware 32. For
example, jig 40 may include one or more small apertures (not shown)
that cooperate and mate with posts (not shown) associated with
container holding hardware 32 to indicate when jig 40 is correctly
docked or positioned within container holding hardware 32. Delivery
system 200 is adapted to reconfigure articles individually into
another container, such as compartment layer 30 or reconfigure
articles collectively into another container, such as envelope 34.
In the case where the container is envelope 34, envelope 34 may be
supported on one end within cabinet 12 by an envelope holder 36, as
best illustrated in FIG. 2, and on the opposite end by feeder tube
38. Thus, multiple containers such as envelopes 34 or compartment
layer 26 or 30 can be positioned and supported within or relative
to cabinet 12. In one aspect of the present invention, a scanner 58
may be positioned within cabinet 12 relative to container holding
hardware 28 such that scans from the scanner read the surface of
the compartment layer 26 having an identifier, such as a UPC or
other readable tag, to read the identifier and access information
about the compartment layer 26 and/or each seed 52 within
compartment layer 26. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that
a scanner or reader similar to scanner 58 could also be positioned
relative to container holding hardware 32.
[0036] FIGS. 3A and 3B show side and front perspective views of
machine 10 with supporting hardware and cabinetry removed from the
illustration to best show dispensing system 100 and delivery system
200. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a perspective and side elevation view of
the dispensing system 100 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In one aspect
of the present invention, dispensing system 100 is configured to
move a dispenser 120 to the stored location of selected seed within
compartment layer 26 and dispense the selected seed from
compartment layer 26 for subsequent handling by the delivery system
200. In another aspect, dispensing system 100 includes a multi-axis
shuttle 132 for positioning dispenser 120 relative to one of wells
48 in compartment layer 26 having a selected seed. One axis of
movement of the multi-axis shuttle 132 is provided by cogwheel 102.
Cogwheel 102 is an annular ring which is rotatable using motor 104.
Cogwheel 102 may include cogs 128 on its outer periphery or another
surface as needed. Cogs 128 on cogwheel 102 mesh with gear 108
attached to shaft 106 powered by motor 104. Thus, rotation may be
imparted to cogwheel 102 by operation of motor 104 to effectuate
rotational movement of cogged belt pulley 110. Cogged belt pulley
110 is fixed and positioned relative to cogwheel 102 so that as
motor 104 imparts rotation to cogwheel 102, cog belt pulley 110
rotates with cogwheel 102. Cog belt pulley 110 includes a pair of
cogged pulley wheels 114 spaced apart by slider rail 118. The two
cogged pulley wheels 114 are connected by cogged belt 112. One of
the cogged pulley wheels 114 may be an idler wheel whereas the
other cogged pulley wheel 114 may be a drive wheel connected to
shaft 116 of motor 126. Slidably connected to slider rail 118 and
fixedly connected to cogged belt 112 is dispenser 120. Rotation of
cogged belt 112 using motor 116 causes dispenser 120 to translate
back and forth on slider rail 118. The combination of movement of
the cogwheel 102 and dispenser 120 provides dual axis movement of
dispenser 120. Thus, by rotating cogwheel 102, which imparts
rotation to cogged belt pulley 110, in combination with sliding
dispenser 120 back and forth along slider rail 118, dispenser 120
can be positioned relative to any desired well 48 in compartment
layer 26 for dispensing seed contained therein. The present
invention contemplates other positioning means to position
dispenser 120 relative to the compartment layer 26. For example,
dispenser 120 could be shuttled along multiple axes using a
conveyor, a carousel, a gantry, a mechanical armature, a conveyor
in combination with a gantry, a multi-axis shuttle, or any like
device. Dispenser 120 uses a plunger 122 having a tip 124 moveable
up and down relative to dispenser 120 to engage a well 48 in
compartment layer 26 to dispense seed therein. Plunger 122 may
include an internal or external spring for biasing plunger 122 in a
preferred direction. Those skilled in the art should appreciate
that plunger 122 could be actuated or driven to engage wells 48 in
compartment layer 26 for dispensing seed from compartment layer 26
using various driving means. For example, plunger 122 could be
driven pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically. FIGS. 1 and 2
show in one aspect of the present invention a pressure regulator
assembly 60 mounted to control box 20 for pneumatically controlling
movement of plunger 122 relative to dispenser 120. Tip 124 attached
to plunger 122 could be a plastic, rubber, metal, felt, elastomer,
or other suitable material with sufficient suppleness and rigidity
to compress well 48 without harming seed 52 being dispensed from
well 48. Although dispenser 120 is shown with a single plunger 122,
the present invention contemplates that dispenser 120 could include
multiple plungers, in fact, the same number of plungers for each
well 48 in compartment layer 26 whereby the plungers over the
well(s) 48 with the desired seed would be activated to dispense the
seed as would any other plungers in an efficient and high
throughput manner for dispensing seed from compartment layer 26. In
another aspect of the present invention, tip 124 could be formed to
the shape of well 48 to facilitate dispensing of seed out of
compartment layer 26.
[0037] The present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned
embodiments comprising dispenser 120. The present invention
contemplates that dispenser 120 could be any device that provides a
light mechanical force, a pneumatic force, a hydraulic force, a
hydrostatic force, a linear force, a positive pressure, a negative
pressure, a fluid shear pressure, a fluid laminar pressure, or a
liquid jet pressure to dispense seed. Dispenser 120 could be
configured to cut, pierce, puncture and/or apply uniform pressure
across multiple wells 48 with a device such as a roller for
dispensing seed from desired wells 48 in compartment layer 26.
Similarly, in addition to driving plunger 122 with a solenoid
motor, plunger 122 could be operated using an electro-mechanical
actuator or an actuator driven by any of the aforementioned forces.
Those skilled in the art can appreciate that tip 124 and the
force/pressure at which tip 124 engages each well 48 to dispense
seed from compartment layer 26 can be adjusted to protect the seed
from harm while being dispensed and to ensure the seed is dispensed
each time and not caught up in the compartment layer 26.
[0038] FIGS. 5A-B and 6A-B provide perspective views and front
elevation views respectively of delivery system 200 shown in FIGS.
3A and 3B. In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, the
delivery system 200 provides structure for collecting seed
dispensed from compartment layer 26 by the dispensing system 100
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and reconfiguring dispensed seed from
compartment layer 26 into another container. The delivery system
200 of the present invention includes, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B,
a collector 202 situated beneath compartment layer 26. The
collector 202 captures dispensed seed from compartment layer 26.
Collector 202 may include vertical retaining walls 236 to coral
dispensed seed to prevent seed from escaping from delivery system
200. Vertical retaining walls 236 of collector 202 may be
sufficiently tall so as to reduce the gap between compartment layer
26 and collector 202 to eliminate seed escaping the delivery system
200 by deflecting off and popping out of collector 202. Seed
dispensed from compartment layer 26 are moved by gravity through
collector 202 connected to tube 206 by union 204. Union 204 allows
tube 206 to swivel multi-axially relative to collector 202. Tube
206 is connected to union 208 which is attached to nozzle 210. Like
union 204, union 208 allows tube 206 to swivel multi-axially
relative to nozzle 210. Union 204 and 208 provide the necessary
degrees of freedom or multi-axial movement for nozzle 210 to move
despite the fixed position of collector 202. Although collector 202
is at a fixed position relative to cabinet 12, those skilled in the
art can appreciate that collector 202 could be configured to move
relative to dispenser 120 or collector 202; moreover, dispenser 120
and collector 202 could move simultaneously and relative to each
other to decrease the time required to shuttle one by shuttling
both 202 and 120 at the same time. Seed dispensed from compartment
layer 26 moves by gravity through tube 206 into nozzle 210. In one
aspect, tube 206 is pliable or sufficiently flexible to allow
nozzle 210 to rotate and move linearly relative to the position of
collector 202 such that tube 206 is unlikely to kink or to become
obstructed. The present invention contemplates including a sensor,
whether optical or otherwise, to monitor the progression of seed
through collector 202, union 204, tube 206, union 208, and nozzle
210 to detect when seed may get caught-up, lodged or trapped during
reconfiguration from one container such as compartment layer 26 to
other containers such as compartment layer 30 or envelope 34. One
skilled in the art would appreciate the vast number of commercial
and even special order materials available for tube 206 that have
such attributes due to the flexibility of the material itself, or
due to the design or manufacture of the article, such as the use of
pleated, corrugated, or convoluted regions, or due to a combination
of material and design. For example, tube 206 could be constructed
from materials including but not limited to latex, rubbers,
plastics such as PVC, or silicon any of which are optionally
reinforced with fiber or wire to provide the necessary flexibility
to move one end of the tube 206 relative to the other end. In some
embodiments; tube 206 may be sufficiently transparent so that
dispensing of items can be visually observed. Although tube 206 is
shown connecting collector 202 with nozzle 210, the present
invention contemplates other delivery means for communicating or
delivering articles from collector 202 to nozzle 210. For example,
the present invention contemplates other delivery means such as a
conveyor, a conduit, a sleeve, a manifold, a carousel, a funnel, a
tube, a path, a column, a chute, a tunnel or any other like
delivery means.
[0039] Similar to the operation of dispenser 120 shown in FIGS. 4A
and 4B, delivery system 200, best shown in FIGS. 5A-6B, includes a
multi-axis shuttle 234 having a nozzle 210 that translates back and
forth across slider rail 232 using cogged belt pulley 222. Cogged
belt pulley 222 includes a pair of cogged pulley wheels 226 spaced
apart by slider rail 232. The two cogged pulley wheels 226 are
connected by cogged belt 224. One of the cogged pulley wheels 226
may be an idler wheel whereas the other cogged pulley wheel 226 may
be a drive wheel connected to shaft 230 of motor 228. Slidably
connected to slider rail 232 and fixedly connected to cogged belt
224 is nozzle 210. Rotation of the cogged belt 224 using motor 228
causes nozzle 210 to translate back and forth on slider rail 232.
In addition to linear movement imparted to nozzle 210 by cogged
belt pulley 222, cogwheel 212, as best illustrated in FIG. 5A,
imparts rotational movement to nozzle 210. Like cogwheel 102 shown
in FIG. 4A, cogwheel 212 includes cogs 214 that mesh with gear 220
attached to shaft 218 driven by motor 216. Thus, motor 216 imparts
rotation to cogwheel 212 which cogged belt pulley 222 and nozzle
210 are attached thereto. The combined movement of cogwheel 212 and
cogged belt pulley 222 allows nozzle 210 to be positioned on top of
any desired well 50 within compartment layer 30 for reconfiguring
seed therein. Alternatively, compartment layer 30 along with jig 40
may be removed from container holding hardware 32 so that nozzle
210 may be aligned with one of feeder tubes 38 for bulking seed
from one or more compartment layers 26 into envelope 34. The
present invention contemplates other positioning means to position
nozzle 210 relative to the compartment layer 30. For example,
nozzle 210 could be shuttled along multiple axes using a conveyor,
a carousel, a gantry, a mechanical armature, a conveyor in
combination with a gantry, a multi-axis shuttle, or any other like
device.
[0040] The apparatuses of the present invention contemplate and
appreciate the advantages of tracking and indexing location,
trait(s), and other information specific to each seed or groups of
seed reconfigured into another container, such as compartment layer
30 or envelope 34. For example, information specific to each seed
or groups of seed could be catalogued, recorded, and/or stored
electronically or otherwise for tracking and indexing seed or seed
groups after being reconfigured into another container.
[0041] Method
[0042] FIG. 7A illustrates one method of the present invention
wherein some or all content, such as seed 52, in one or more
compartment layers 26 is reconfigured into compartment layer 30.
Similarly, FIG. 7B illustrates a method of the present invention
wherein some or all content, such as seed 52, in one or more
compartment layers 26 is reconfigured by bulking into another
container. According to an exemplary aspect of the present
invention, a container, such as compartment layer 26, is moved into
cabinet 12. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the
containers of the present invention are not limited to compartment
layer 26 illustrated in FIG. 5A. The present invention contemplates
other containers, such as, but not limited to a bag, an envelope, a
tray, including but not limited to a bubble tray, a reusable tray,
a breeder tray, an assay tray, a clamshell container, seed tape, or
any other like tray or container.
[0043] Containers such as compartment layers 26 and 40 and
envelopes 34 could be moved into cabinet 12 and container holding
hardware 28 or 32 by manual, semi-automatic or fully-automatic
means, such as a conveyor, a carousel, a gantry, a mechanical
armature, a conveyor in combination with a gantry, a multi-axis
shuttle, a robotic device or any other like container handling and
moving devices. These same devices could function as container
holding hardware 28 or 32. Other hardware for holding containers
could include one or more brackets, one or more clamps, a sleeve, a
recess, a slot, a keyed parking place, or other like hardware.
[0044] Before or after compartment layer 26 is positioned within
container holding hardware 28, specific information may be acquired
regarding the content. For example, in the case of storing seed 52
in wells 48 of compartment layer 26, information acquired about
each seed 52 from testing and stored in a data store, a manual data
log, a computer-assisted data log, or an intelligent control may be
recalled. Stored information about seed 52 in compartment layer 26
may be accessed by including an identifier on compartment layer 26.
The identifier could include, but should not be limited to, a
barcode, an RFID tag, a label, a sticker, an inscription, an
optical character, or other scannable or readable labels. The
identifier on the compartment layer 26 could be recognized by
scanning, reading, or manually identifying. In addition, the
identifier could be recognized using optical character recognition
(OCR) or some order-based identification system. In one aspect of
the present invention, a scanner 58 is positioned within cabinet 12
relative to container holding hardware 28 such that scans from the
scanner read the surface of the compartment layer 26 having the
identifier to read the identifier and access information about the
compartment layer 26 and/or each seed 52 within compartment layer
26. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that a scanner or
reader similar to scanner 58 could also be positioned relative to
container holding hardware 32. The retrieved information
corresponding to each seed 52 could be used to screen which seed 52
comply with a desired seed selection criterion. For example, the
seed selection criterion could be based upon the desire to select
seed 52 having at least one biological trait, at least one genetic
trait, at least one phenotypic trait, some morphological trait, or
any of the aforementioned traits to facilitate field planting
layouts, a desired pollination between plants grown from seed 52,
or some desired pedigree. Using the aforementioned selection
criterion and information known about each of the seed 52, seed 52
meeting the requirements of the selection criterion can be
dispensed from compartment layer 26 and reconfigured into another
container, such as compartment layer 30 or envelope 34. Thus, for
example, if it is desirable to fill compartment layer 30 or
envelope 34 with all seed 52 having trait X, containers having seed
52 with trait X could be identified by accessing a data store
having known information about the seed 52, including information
regarding trait X recallable by recognition of identifier on
compartment layer 26. The selected seed 52 could then be dispensed
from its location in container 26 to be reconfigured into well 50
in compartment layer 30 or into envelope 34 having only seed 52
with trait X. Thus, reconfiguration of seed 52 from compartment
layer 26 is accomplished as motors 104 and 126, which may be servo
motors controlled by a computer 54 (shown in FIG. 8), an
intelligent control, a programmed logic controller (PLC), a
semi-manual control or fully-manual control, move dispenser 120
overtop the well 48 having the selected seed 52 or seed 52 meeting
the desired selection criterion. Using any one of the
aforementioned controls, the dispenser 120 may be activated so
plunger 122 thrusts tip 124 downward onto well 48 such that seed 52
is forced out of well 48 to dispense selected seed 52 from the
compartment layer 26 for reconfiguring into compartment layer 30 or
bulking into envelope 34. Before or while seed 52 is being
dispensed from compartment layer 26, nozzle 210 may be positioned
atop a specific well 50 within compartment layer 30, envelope 34 or
some other container. The present invention further contemplates
more than one envelope being filled at one time, such that if the
selection criteria is for trait X, Y, & Z, trait "X" seeds are
specifically selected and dispensed into envelope X, trait "Y"
seeds into envelope Y, and trait "Z" seeds into envelope Z. Seed 52
descends by gravity after being dispensed from the compartment
layer 26 and is collected by collector 202. It should be
appreciated that seed descent could be accomplished other than by
gravity. For example, seed descent and even loading into another
container from nozzle 210 could be accomplished using pneumatics,
such as air currents or back pressure introduced into collector
202. Seed 52 continues its descent through collector 202 into tube
206, through nozzle 210, and into the desired storage point,
whether well 50 within compartment layer 30, envelope 34 or some
other container. The dispensing system 100, nozzle 210 of delivery
system 200 is positioned relative to the desired well 50 within
compartment layer 30 or envelope 34 by way of cogged belt pulley
222 and cogwheel 212. Operating motors 228 and 216 allow the nozzle
to be turned radially and traversed laterally to be positioned at a
desired point above compartment layer 30 or envelope 34. Although
the present invention discloses the dispenser 120 and nozzle 210
being moved relative to containers 26, 30, and 34, it should be
appreciated that the present system may be configured to move
containers 26, 30, or 34 relative to dispenser 120 and nozzle 210.
According to one embodiment of the method of the present invention,
the machine, or by operation of an intelligent control, such as
computer 54, may select seed 52 having a desirable advantageous
trait from one or more compartment layers 26 and reconfigure the
selected seed 52 within compartment layer 30 for subsequent
experiments, planting or the like. Other benefits may be derived
from reconfiguring seed. For example, ridding of unwanted seed to
reduce storage needs, cost, etc. may be accomplished. Seed may also
be stored as a pool, other seed as single seed, or even just
separate seed into different containers on the basis of a certain
selection criteria. Seed may also be reconfigured into different
containers for subsequent assays. The methods of the present
invention may also be used to identify seed 52 having trait X, Y,
and Z, dispensing seed 52 having trait X, Y, and Z from one or more
compartment layers 26 into a desired configuration into compartment
layer 30 to facilitate subsequent experiments, storage, planting,
pollination, and the like. The present invention also contemplates
methods including applying an identifier to compartment layer 30 or
envelope 34 to index the end location of seeds reconfigured from
compartment layer 26 into compartment layer 30 and to track the
origination of seeds reconfigured in compartment layer 30 or
envelope 34. Further embodiments of the present invention include,
providing seed treatment hardware operating in cooperation with the
dispensing system 100 and/or the delivery system 200 to treat the
seed reconfigured in well 50 within compartment layer 30 or in
envelope 34. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the
treatment process, such as treating with an antifungal, could occur
during the dispensing or reconfiguring process. For example,
treatment could be added to the destination well 50 after the seed
has been dispensed and collected therein, but before resealing
compartment layer 30. In another aspect, dispensed seed passing
through tube 206 could be treated by being passed through a spray
path of treatment liquid in cooperating relation with tube 206 such
that the seed is received in the destination well 50 or envelope 34
having been treated.
[0045] The methods of the present invention contemplate and
appreciate the advantages of tracking and indexing location,
trait(s), and other information specific to each seed or groups of
seed reconfigured into another container, such as compartment layer
30 or envelope 34. For example, information specific to each seed
or groups of seed could be catalogued, recorded, and/or stored
electronically or otherwise for tracking and indexing seed or seed
groups before and after being reconfigured into another
container.
[0046] System
[0047] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary system of the
present invention. The system of the present invention contemplates
semi- and fully-automatic operation in addition to manual operation
of machine 10. For example, machine 10 could be controlled and
operated by computer 54 or any like intelligent control,
programmable logic controller (PLC), semi-manual control, or a
fully-manual control. Computer 54 could have a data store for
storing information about seed 52 in compartment layer 26. Specific
information about seed 52, including but not limited to information
based on seed 52 pedigree, previous experimental treatments of the
seed 52 or the parent plant, information from non destructive
testing of the seed 52 or the parent plant, information acquired by
testing a portion of seed 52 or the parent plant, pollination
information for the parent plant and previous generations,
transformation information such as transgene(s) of interest, event
information and the like, or any combination of information, could
be accessed from the data store by reading an identifier associated
with or physically located on compartment layer 26. The identifier
associated with each compartment layer 26 could be read manually or
by using scanner 58 associated with machine 10 or some device
external to machine 10, such as a scanner, a reader, an optical
character recognition (OCR) system, an order-based system, or any
like device adapted to read an identifier associated with each
compartment layer 26. In another aspect of the present invention,
compartment layer 26 identified as having seed 52 meeting the
selection criterion could be identified using computer 54, hand or
robotically selected from multiple compartment layers 26, and
loaded by hand or automation into machine 10 to dispense and
reconfigure selected seed 52 from compartment layer 26 into another
container, such as compartment layer 30 or envelope 34, as desired.
In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a container
handling device 56, such as a conveyor, a carousel, a gantry, a
mechanical armature, a conveyor in combination with the gantry, a
multi-axis shuttle, an order-based system, an automated
stacker-based system or any like container handling device could be
used to automate handling of containers, such as compartment layer
26, and/or 30, whether inserting containers into or removing them
from machine 10. The present invention contemplates multiple
container handling devices for identification of the compartment
layer 26 and its specific content, which could be obtained before
or after compartment layer 26 is inserted into the machine 10. For
example, if the selection criterion is looking for seed 52 with
trait X, a barcode, an RFID tag, a label, a sticker, an
inscription, an optical character or some other scannable or
readable label or identifier on compartment layer 26 could be used
to access stored information about seed 52 to identify whether or
not any of the seed 52 in the compartment layer 26 have trait X; if
so, compartment layer 26 having seed 52 with trait X could be
manually, semi-automatically or by a fully-automated process be
inserted into container holding hardware 28 within machine 10. Once
compartment layer 26 is inserted into machine 10, compartment layer
26 could be shuttled about using a conveyor, a carousel, a gantry,
a mechanical armature, a conveyor in combination with a gantry, a
multi-axis shuttle, or some other like automated or robotic device.
Compartment layer 30 and/or envelope 34 could be shuttled
to-and-fro within machine 10 and moved in and out of the machine 10
using like container handling means. Once seed 52 are reconfigured
in compartment layer 30 or envelope 34, some identification means
such as a barcode, an RFID tag, a label, a sticker, an inscription,
optical characters, or other scannable readable labels may be added
to compartment layer 30 to index the origination and
reconfiguration of seed 52 contained in the compartment layer 30,
envelope 34 or other like container. Thus, by reading the
identifier on the compartment layer 30 or envelope 34 one may at
some later point in time, after recovering the compartment layer 30
or envelope 34 from storage, identify the seed, origination of the
seed, knowledge about seed traits, parentage, advantageous
properties, or the like. The system of the present invention could
also include a container closure system, within or without machine
10, adapted to close and seal reconfigured seed 52 inside
compartment layer 30, envelope 34, or any like sealable
container.
[0048] The systems of the present invention contemplate and
appreciate the advantages of tracking and indexing location,
trait(s), and other information specific to each seed or groups of
seed reconfigured into another container, such as compartment layer
30 or envelope 34. For example, information specific to each seed
or groups of seed could be catalogued, recorded, and/or stored
electronically or otherwise for tracking and indexing seed or seed
groups after being reconfigured into another container.
[0049] Referring further to FIG. 8 and the various embodiments,
machine 10 may be a manually or automatically operated system that
includes at least one computer 54, such as a programmable logic
controller (PLC) suitable to execute all functions, such as
dispensing, delivering, or identifying seed, associated with
machine 10 to manually, automatically, or robotically control
operation of machine 10 as described herein. Those skilled in the
art can appreciate that the PLC may include any computer based
system such as those including an electronic storage device with
one or more readable mediums such as one or more remote or local
electronic data storing devices to store, operate and execute
relevant software programs, including spreadsheets, databases,
archives, algorithms, and any other storable information. Those
skilled in the art can further appreciate that the PLC may be
configured to access, read, and execute information and data stored
in a portable electronic storage device, such as a thumb drive, zip
disc, compact disc, or other external or peripheral memory devices.
The present invention contemplates that machine 10 may be
controlled locally or remotely. For example, computer 54 could be
connected to a computer network to upload and download information
from the network regarding operation of machine 10. For example,
the present invention contemplates that machine 10 may be accessed
by a computer network to allow operation of machine 10 using
operating software 62 (shown in FIGS. 10A-10B) to program, execute
and operate machine 10. In one embodiment of the present invention,
users may log onto machine 10 remotely by connection using a
computer network to access databases and other information
regarding seed type in each compartment layer 30, location of
compartment layer 30 with seed type having the desired trait, and
operational information, algorithms or any other like information
needed to process each job.
[0050] According to another aspect of the present invention,
machine 10 may be controlled by operating software 62, stored on a
storage device such as computer 54, and executed by computer 54
using operating controls such as inputs associated therewith,
sensors, and other manual or automated components of machine 10,
which are shown and may be controlled by the electrical operating
schematic 80 shown in FIGS. 9A-9C. According to one exemplary
embodiment, operating software 62 may be activated or started
manually or even automatically by moving a desired compartment
layer 26 into container holding hardware 28 within machine 10.
Those skilled in the art can appreciate that operating software 62
may be opened and program started as shown at 64 through use of a
wired or wireless network or simply powering up computer 54 or
machine 10 by way of power switch 84 connected to AC power 82 to
supply power to power supply unit 92 (shown in FIG. 9B). With
operating software 62 having been opened and now running, a start
up form for selecting a job as shown at 66 in FIG. 10A is presented
providing information ranging from existing jobs or jobs currently
listed in the jobs directory, as well as newly created jobs by
displaying a job list from which one or more jobs may be selected
and/or a tray list displayed for each of the selected jobs from
which one or more of the trays (such as compartment layer 26) may
be confirmed or selected to be part of the specific job. For
example, each compartment layer 26 or 30 and envelope 34 carry with
it corresponding identifying information, accessible in exemplary
embodiments by scanning a barcode to apprise of seed
characteristics of seed contained in each and/or traits such as
color, composition, weight, genetic trait, quality, size, shape, or
other biological or morphological trait that may be helpful in
distinguishing one seed from another or one compartment layer or
envelope from another to ultimately identify/know what seed is
contained within each well 48 or 50 within compartment layer 28 or
30. Depending upon the specific job selected, any one of the
available compartment layers 26 or trays may be selected for
dispensing seed therefrom, and compartment layer 30 or envelope 34
may be selected for collecting dispensed seed according to the
operating parameters of operating software 62. Once the desired
jobs have been selected, a process job form 68 (shown in FIG. 10B)
is provided on a display associated with computer 54. Process job
form 68 includes displaying the current status of machine 10,
including the trays or compartment layers that have been confirmed
and are a part of the to-do tray list, updated information on any
completed tray or compartment layer list, status indicators of
compartment layers, completed tasks or jobs, scheduled tasks or
jobs, or any other like or relevant status indicators. Additional
displays may include dispensed or undispensed wells 48 in each
compartment layer 26 as well as a display for occupied and
unoccupied wells 50 in compartment layer 30. With the door lock
disengaged and the door opened and motors powered off for safety
reasons, the desired compartment layer 26 or tray indicated in the
tray list displayed may be selected manually or automatically such
as robotically and inserted into container holding hardware 28
within machine 10. Those skilled in the art can appreciate the
various means for monitoring and operating machine 10 safely. For
example, a safety guard monitor 88 may monitor a magnetic door
sensor 86 (shown in FIG. 9B) on door 14 of machine 10 to insure the
power is off until door 14 is confirmed closed and door strike 90
being actuated. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C, sensor information,
such as from safety guard monitor 88 or power supply unit 92 can be
relayed to a data acquisition device (DAQ) 94 associated with
computer 54.
[0051] As illustrated in both FIG. 9A and FIG. 10B, scanner 58 may
be used to auto detect when compartment layer 26 is properly
inserted, positioned or loaded within container holding hardware 28
by communicating information from barcode scanner 58 to computer
54. For example, by reading an identifier, such as a barcode
located on compartment layer 26, to confirm that compartment layer
26 and 30 or envelope 34 has been properly loaded within container
holding hardware 28 and 32 or envelope holder 36 in machine 10.
With compartment layer 26 and 30 or envelope 34 properly loaded
within machine 10, the power to motors 104 and 126 associated with
dispensing system 100 and motors 216 and 228 associated with
delivery system 200 shown in FIG. 9A may be turned on upon closure
of door 14. The desired wells 48 to dispense from compartment layer
26 may be selected and the desired wells 50 in compartment layer 30
or desired envelope 34 to receive dispensed seed may be selected.
With the seed to be dispensed and the compartment layer 30 or
envelope 34 selected to receive dispensed seed, the operating
software 62 is ready to punch a tray as shown at 70 (FIG. 10C). To
dispense seed from compartment layer 26, plunger 122 is moved into
correct position using motors 104 and 126 and nozzle 210 is moved
into the correct position using motors 216 and 228. Operating
software 62 confirms the correct position of motors 104 and 126 of
dispensing system 100 and motors 216 and 228 of delivery system
200. With confirmation of correct position of dispensing system 100
and delivering system 200, operating software 62 actuates dispenser
120 to cause plunger 122 to descend upon the desired well 48 within
compartment layer 26 to dispense the seed therefrom. If there are
multiple wells 48 to punch seed from, the dispensing system 100 and
delivery system 200 are realigned accordingly by operating software
62 to dispense the desired seed and receive the dispensed seed in
the desired well 50 within compartment layer 30 or envelope 34. If
the seed did not fall as shown at 72, several steps may be taken to
troubleshoot machine 10. For example, in the instance where a seed
is not dispensed but the dispenser 120 has been actuated, or seed
is dispensed and not accounted for within the destination well 50
within compartment layer 30 or within envelope 34, operating
software 62 displays troubleshooting operations at 70 and 72. As
previously taught, tube 206 may include a detector such as a light
beam detector or seed sensing fiber optics 98 in communication with
a seed drop sensor as shown in FIG. 9C. The sensor is tripped when
a seed is not reported as having tripped the sensor to indicate
when seed has been properly dispensed and moved from dispensing
system 100 through delivery system 200 and into the destination
well 50 within compartment layer 30 or within envelope 34. In the
case where there is not a positive identification of seed being
dispensed and transported from dispensing system 100 through tube
206 and into one or more of the compartment layers 30 or envelopes
34, the data acquisition device 94 communicates with computer 54
and the malfunction is displayed. The door of machine 10 may be
disengaged and opened and to allow troubleshooting to identify the
location of the unaccounted for seed. Once the unaccounted for seed
has been found and placed in the proper position, an increment
counter which counts each seed dispensing event, as discussed at 72
may be properly adjusted to allow operating software 62 to account
for the seed.
[0052] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been set
forth in the drawings and specification and although specific terms
are employed, these are used in the generically descriptive sense
only and are not used for the purposes of limitation. Changes in
the formed proportion of parts, as well as in the substitution of
equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or are
rendered expedient without departing from the spirit and the scope
of the invention, as further defined in the following claims.
[0053] Any references in the specification are herein incorporated
by reference in their entirety.
* * * * *