Device for automated crop root sampling
AssigneeColorado State University Research Foundation
InventorsJohn Keith McKay, Caleb Andrew Alvarado, Guy R. Babbitt, Kyle Joseph Palmiscno, Christopher Wayne Turner, Bryce Conrad Whitehill
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Abstract
This invention comprises a device for measuring root pulling force (RPF) in a plant. The RPF device comprises a plant grasping mechanism, as well as a force measurement sensor. In certain embodiments, the device is automatic, so that the “hand of man” is not required to exert force on the plant while the root pulling force of the plant is being measured. Also disclosed is a root pulling force motion mechanism, which brings the RPF device into proximity of a plant to be measured. Further disclosed is a method for measuring root pulling force of a plant.
Claims10
A device for measuring the root pulling force of a plant, comprising an X-axis actuator, a Y-axis actuator, a Z-axis actuator, and a plant grasping mechanism having plates,
- wherein the X-axis actuator is perpendicular to the plane formed by the Y-axis actuator and the Z-axis actuator,
- wherein the plates of the plant grasping mechanism are oriented approximately parallel to the plane formed by the Y-axis actuator and the Z-axis actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.