Kenneth A Ross

US Patent:

20130025380, Jan 31, 2013

Filed:

Jul 30, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/561972

Inventors:

Kenneth J. Ross - Des Moines IA, US
Keith J. Quanbeck - Ankeny IA, US
Gang Wan - Grimes IA, US
Jeffrey D. Wille - Ankeny IA, US

Assignee:

PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC. - Johnston IA

International Classification:

G01N 1/28

US Classification:

7386491

Abstract:

A system and method for the automated preparation of one or more samples for analysis is disclosed. The system comprises a processing mechanism configured to process the one or more samples, wherein each sample is contained in a separate sample container. The system further comprises a cover configured to enclose the sample containers while the processing mechanism is operating, a first holder comprising a first pivot point and a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point of the first holder is hingedly connected to the cover, a second holder comprising a first pivot point and a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point of the second holder is hingedly connected to the cover, a first actuator interface arm hingedly connected to the second pivot point of the first holder, and a second actuator interface arm hingedly connected to the second pivot point of the second holder.

US Patent:

20140166786, Jun 19, 2014

Filed:

Jul 16, 2012

Appl. No.:

14/233506

Inventors:

Edwin J. Anderson - Dallas Center IA, US
Steven M. Becker - Johnston IA, US
Thomas G. Lade - Ankeny IA, US
Kenneth J. Ross - Des Moines IA, US

Assignee:

PIONEER HI BRED INTERNATIONAL INC - Johnston IA

International Classification:

B02C 18/16
B02C 23/18
B02C 23/08

US Classification:

241 9, 241 6, 241 12, 241166, 241 60

Abstract:

An apparatus () configured to simultaneously sample a plurality of seeds is provided. The apparatus () may include a grinder () configured to grind each of the seeds of a first plurality of seeds to produce a powder comprising a plurality of seed particles. A sample container () may be configured to receive the powder. Further, a cleaning device may be configured to introduce a neutral media to the grinder () to substantially prevent cross-contamination with a second plurality of seeds, which may be ground thereafter. The apparatus () may further comprise a mixing device () configured to mix the powder. Thereby a sample portion of the powder may be tested for the presence of a genetically modified organism, or other tests may be conducted thereon. A related method for high throughput simultaneous sampling of a plurality of seeds is also provided.