Seed handling systems and methods

Abstract

The preferred embodiments provide, among other advances over existing systems: a) a system and method that can count seeds; b) a novel counting apparatus; and/or c) a novel seed handling process (e.g., from cleaning to bagging) including an in-line seed counter.

1 . A method for packaging seed based on seed count, comprising: counting seeds with an in-line counter.  
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further including counting said seeds with an in-line counter at a location between cleaning and bagging equipment.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the in-line counter continuously sampling and counting and returning seed to the flow.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further including using a controller to control the weight of the bags.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said seeds include cotton seeds.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further including having harvested seed initially brought into and stored in bulk warehouses.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , further including delinting the seed and storing the same in a delinted state.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , further including on a demand basis treating and bagging the seed.  
   
   
       9 . A method for packaging seed based on seed count, comprising: counting seed using an in-line seed counter that substantially continuously removes seeds from a flow of seeds to a bagger.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further including sampling the removed seeds to obtain a seeds-per-pound and/or bushel weight.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , further including with the seeds-per-pound and/or bushel weight from a plurality of samples, using a controller to set a bag weight for a bagger.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , further including based on a bushel weight, using a controller to establish a bag size to use.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein when significant deviations from a bagger set point are encountered, a controller prompts an operator to change a bagging lot number or sets a bagger with a new set weight.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein if the bag weight deviates from a set range, a bag is rejected.  
   
   
       15 . A seed counting system, comprising: an in-line seed counter arranged to receive seed being delivered toward a bagger, said in-line seed counter including a plurality of detectors and a controller that determines a seed number based on output from said detectors.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said controller is adapted to set a bag weight for a bagger.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said controller is adapted to establish a bag size to use.