METHODOLOGIES, PROCESSES AND AUTOMATED DEVICES FOR ORIENTATION, SAMPLING AND COLLECTIONS OF SEED TISSUES FROM INDIVIDUAL SEEDS
First Claim
1. A method of sampling seed comprising:
- a. automatically positioning the seed in a pre-determined orientation;
b. removing a measurable sample from the seed.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus, methods, and systems for high throughput, useful sampling of seed, wherein viability is optionally maintained, are disclosed. Seed from one generation in a plant advancement experiment is individually sampled by removal and collection of tissue from the seed. The tissue is then processed to derive one or more biochemical, genetic, or phenotypic characteristic of the seed before a decision is made whether to utilize that seed further in a plant advancement experiment or other plant research and development. In some embodiments of the method, the sampling is controlled to remove a useful amount of tissue for analytical purposes without significant effect on viability potential of the sampled seed. In some embodiments, the sampling is controlled to deter contamination of the sample. In some embodiments, the seed is automatically positioned and oriented to facilitate efficient and accurate sampling.
129 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method of sampling seed comprising:
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a. automatically positioning the seed in a pre-determined orientation; b. removing a measurable sample from the seed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for sampling one or more seed comprising:
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a. a means to position a seed; b. a means to orient the seed in a pre-determined orientation when the seed is positioned; c. a means to separate a sample of the seed from the remainder of the seed when the seed is in position and pre-determined orientation. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of sampling a seed comprising:
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a. separating a sample from the remainder of a seed, the separating comprising one or more of; i. without significantly affecting germination potential of the seed; ii. providing a useful amount of sample; iii. providing a sample from a desired location of the seed; iv. minimizing risk of contamination of the sample; and v. producing the sample at a relatively high throughput rate; b. translating the sample to a pre-determined location for further use, the translating comprising one or more of; i. minimizing risk of contamination of the sample; ii. moving the sample at a relatively high throughput rate; and iii. tracking the sample. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A method of sampling seed tissue from individual seed comprising:
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a. separating a relatively small portion of the seed from the remainder of the seed; b. the separating step adapted to; i. be non-lethal to the remainder of the seed; and ii. provide a relatively measurable sample of the seed. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of sampling a seed comprising:
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a. generating a controlled laser beam; b. positioning the seed in a pre-determined orientation relative the laser beam; c. passing a laser beam through the a seed or the seed through the laser beam to non-lethally cut a sample from the seed. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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Specification