Method of sorting and categorizing seed
AssigneePioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
InventorLouis Mailloux
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of sorting and categorizing seed departs from the traditional method of sorting based primarily on size of the seeds and instead sorts primarily on the basis of shape of the seeds. Sorted categories based primarily on shape can reduce the number of categories of the same type of seed that need to be packaged and inventoried. It simplifies warehousing, selection and planting of the seed. Optionally, the method can include sorting a substantial portion of a type of seed primarily by shape and sorting at least a portion of the remainder of the seed by traditional methods which also include size as a factor.
Claims25
A method for sorting and categorizing seed of the same variety of an agricultural crop of the type plantable by a mechanized planter comprising:
- (a) collecting a quantity of the variety of seed;
- (b) sorting at least a substantial portion of the quantity into a plurality of categories based principally on differences in seed shape as opposed to seed size, each said category containing seed of similar shape but a range of seed sizes;
- (c) maintaining said plurality of categories segregated from one another in preparation for planting by a mechanized planter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.