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AssigneeBotanical Gardens and Parks Authority
InventorsKing LING, Andrew Louis GUZZOMI, Todd ERICKSON, David MERRITT, Kingsley Wayne DIXON
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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.
A method for ablating seeds, the method comprises the step of exposing at least one seed to at least one heat source, wherein the seed is in motion.
A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heat source comprises a flame that comprises a pre-combustion zone, a main reaction zone and a post-combustion zone.
An apparatus for ablating seeds, the apparatus comprises a support surface adapted to receive at least one seed, and at least one heat source, wherein the surface is adapted to transfer motion to the seed for exposing the seed to the heat source while the seed is in motion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.