An apparatus and method for metering and treating seed. The apparatus incorporates a belt conveyor or circular conveyor within a housing enabling a low-profile configuration, the conveyor having a plurality of cleats forming a series of separate voids for transporting determinable volumes of seed, and a seed treatment applicator adjacent the conveyor outlet for applying seed treatment to the seed. The apparatus and method enables the application of seed treatment based on a mass flow calculation derived from the measured volume flow through the apparatus.

An apparatus and method for metering and treating seed. The apparatus incorporates a belt conveyor or circular conveyor within a housing enabling a low-profile configuration, the conveyor having a plurality of cleats forming a series of separate voids for transporting determinable volumes of seed, and a seed treatment applicator adjacent the conveyor outlet for applying seed treatment to the seed. The apparatus and method enables the application of seed treatment based on a mass flow calculation derived from the measured volume flow through the apparatus.

In one aspect, a system for monitoring field profiles may include a vision-based sensor configured to capture vision data indicative of a profile of a field, with the profile being at least of a crop canopy profile of the field or a soil surface profile of the field. The system may also include a secondary sensor configured to capture secondary data indicative of the profile of the field. Furthermore, a controller of the disclosed system may be configured to receive the vision data from the vision-based sensor and the secondary data from the secondary sensor. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine a quality parameter associated with the vision data. Additionally, when the quality parameter falls below a minimum threshold, the controller may be configured to determine at least a portion of the profile of the field based on the secondary data.

In one aspect, a system for monitoring field profiles may include a vision-based sensor configured to capture vision data indicative of a profile of a field, with the profile being at least of a crop canopy profile of the field or a soil surface profile of the field. The system may also include a secondary sensor configured to capture secondary data indicative of the profile of the field. Furthermore, a controller of the disclosed system may be configured to receive the vision data from the vision-based sensor and the secondary data from the secondary sensor. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine a quality parameter associated with the vision data. Additionally, when the quality parameter falls below a minimum threshold, the controller may be configured to determine at least a portion of the profile of the field based on the secondary data.

Method for sorting corn kernels of a batch of corn kernels, the method comprising the steps of: laying the corn kernel on a support surface, the corn kernel having a resting surface in contact with the support surface, and an upper surface opposite the resting surface, acquiring at least one orientation image of the corn kernel with an orientation imaging system, the orientation imaging system having a modality adapted to enable structural features of the corn kernel to be measured, determining an orientation of the corn kernel with respect to the support surface based on the structural features of the corn kernel measured on the orientation image, sorting the corn kernel as a function of the orientation.

Method for sorting corn kernels of a batch of corn kernels, the method comprising the steps of: laying the corn kernel on a support surface, the corn kernel having a resting surface in contact with the support surface, and an upper surface opposite the resting surface, acquiring at least one orientation image of the corn kernel with an orientation imaging system, the orientation imaging system having a modality adapted to enable structural features of the corn kernel to be measured, determining an orientation of the corn kernel with respect to the support surface based on the structural features of the corn kernel measured on the orientation image, sorting the corn kernel as a function of the orientation.

A method of processing cottonseed includes applying an acid solution to a quantity of fuzzy cottonseed within an acid application device. Transferring the quantity of fuzzy cottonseed to a fluid bed dryer station after applying the acid solution. At least partially drying the quantity of fuzzy cottonseed at the fluid bed dryer station.

A seed processing system for cottonseeds includes a fluid distribution system configured to sequentially dispense an acid solution, a base solution and a rinse liquid onto the cottonseeds. A seed applicator system defines an interior configured to hold the cottonseeds and receive the acid solution, base solution and rinse liquid dispensed from the fluid distribution system. The seed applicator system includes a rotor configured to agitate the cottonseeds in the interior as the acid solution, base solution and rinse liquid are dispensed onto the cottonseeds to effectuate mixing.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology are directed to a method for combining seed priming and vacuum infiltration to facilitate deep penetration of chemicals or other substances into seeds. By combining the two processes, the germination process of seeds can be started allowing a relatively lengthy period of disinfection. The lengthy period of disinfection under vacuum provides maximum penetration into the seed in order to eradicate diseases occurring deep inside the seed. Any type of seed priming may be used in the disclosed method, including, but not limited to, osmopriming, matrix priming, or hydropriming. Further, any type of seed may be treated, including most vegetable crops, ornamentals, and agronomic crops.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology are directed to a method for combining seed priming and vacuum infiltration to facilitate deep penetration of chemicals or other substances into seeds. By combining the two processes, the germination process of seeds can be started allowing a relatively lengthy period of disinfection. The lengthy period of disinfection under vacuum provides maximum penetration into the seed in order to eradicate diseases occurring deep inside the seed. Any type of seed priming may be used in the disclosed method, including, but not limited to, osmopriming, matrix priming, or hydropriming. Further, any type of seed may be treated, including most vegetable crops, ornamentals, and agronomic crops.