Plant husbandry – Miscellaneous – Modified earth's surface – e.g. – sod – turf – reinforced
Patent
1991-01-03
1993-09-28
Raduazo, Henry E.
Plant husbandry
Miscellaneous
Modified earth's surface, e.g., sod, turf, reinforced
111104, 47901, A01G 2302
Patent
active
052477614
ABSTRACT:
A computer controlled seedling transfer apparatus includes a pair of free-wheeling conveyors for supporting a commercial grower's seed flat and pot flat. Each conveyor includes an associated indexing mechanism for gripping the respective flat and translating the flat along the conveyor so that certain of the flat recesses are aligned with a transfer station between the flats. A seedling transfer mechanism is supported above the conveyors so that the mechanism can be moved transversely between the seed flat and pot flat. The seedling transfer mechanism includes extendable gripping fingers for gripping a seedling, removing it from the seed flat, transferring it to a specific pot flat recess and replanting the seedling. The indexing mechanisms for the two flats are computer controlled, as is the seedling transfer mechanism, to optimize the seedling transfer operation and to ensure that the pot flat is completely filled with seedlings. In one embodiment, a sensor, such as a camera or an infrared sensor, are mounted over the seed flat and pot flat to sense the condition of the recesses in the flats. The computer responds to the sensed conditions of the recesses to control the sequence of transfer moves, for example to avoid attempted transfers from empty seed flat recesses. A nozzle is provided in another embodiment that is associated with the seedling transfer mechanism that is used to facilitate removal, transfer and replanting of the seedling. The seedling transfer mechanism includes a pair of resilient gripping fingers with a flexible web extending therebetween. The web slightly bends the seedling during the transfer so that the seedling does not get tangled with the transfer mechanism.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3012370 (1961-12-01), Lortz
patent: 4408549 (1983-10-01), Quarnstrom
patent: 4947579 (1990-04-01), Harrison
patent: 4970824 (1990-11-01), Visser
patent: 5048434 (1991-09-01), Forster
patent: 5054831 (1991-10-01), Ting
patent: 5068999 (1991-12-01), Visser
Beam Stephen M.
Miles Gaines E.
Raduazo Henry E.
Robotic Solutions, Inc.
LandOfFree
Computer controlled seedling transfer apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Computer controlled seedling transfer apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Computer controlled seedling transfer apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2184059