Method and apparatus for measuring protein quality
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
InventorsCraig F. Morris, Brian Axness, Brandon DeCook, Arthur D. Bettge, Stephen R. Delwiche
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Abstract
An array of light sources (lasers) is positioned so that each of the light sources emits a beam that is directed through a sedimenting column of ground grain. Photodetectors (photodiodes) positioned opposite the light sources receive the light beams emerging from the sedimenting column and convert the beams into electronic signals. A computer processor processes the electronic signals and generates values for protein quality.
Claims20
An apparatus for determining protein quality, the apparatus comprising:
- a container configured to hold a hydrated sample of grain;
- an array of light sources directed at the container;
- an array of photodetectors, each of the photodetectors being opposite of one of the respective light sources;
- and,
- a processor in communication with the photodetectors;
- whereby the light sources emit a light beam that passes through a sample of hydrated grain and is received by the detectors and communicated to the processor, the processor generating a value for protein quality.
A method for determining protein quality, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a container:
- (b) positioning an array of light sources along one side of the container so that the light sources are directed at the container;
- (c) positioning an array of photodetectors on an opposite side of the container from the light sources;
- and,
- (d) filling the container with a sample of grain;
- (e) hydrating the sample with a hydrating fluid, thereby creating a sedimenting column of hydrated grain;
- (f) directing a light beam from each of the light sources through the sedimenting column to a corresponding photodetector, each of the photodetectors translating the light beam into an electronic signal;
- and
- (g) generating a value for protein quality.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.