SEED DELIVERY SYSTEM

Abstract

A seed delivery system is an automated system for sorting and distributing different types of seeds from different containers to a shipping container loading system that loads containers with seeds. The seed delivery system includes an intermediate container handling system that transports intermediate containers of seeds from a filling system to a shipping container loading system.

Description

SEED DELIVERY SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to the delivery (fulfillment1) of seeds and, more particularly, to a system and method for handling seeds from inventory to packaging within a seed delivery system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] In the field of agricultural research, selected varieties of seeds (e.g., different lines or hybrids) are planted in experimental plots under selected parameters (i.e., variables), including soil type, climatic zones, different management practices such as no-till or fertilizer rates, etc. A variety of harvested seeds may be directed to a logistics center (e.g., a warehouse) from many geographical locations at different times. Thus, it is difficult to aggregate a variety of seeds from different origins, obtain these materials, and package them for distribution to a large number of experimental plots efficiently and effectively. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[003] In one aspect, a seed delivery system generally comprises a seed inventory handling system configured to handle inventory containers containing different types of seeds; an intermediate container filling system configured to fill intermediate containers with seed types selected from the inventory containers; a shipping container loading system configured to load shipping containers with the seeds in the intermediate containers; and an intermediate container handling system configured to transport the filled intermediate containers from the container filling system. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 8 / 69 2 / 23 intermediates for the shipping container loading system.

[004] In another aspect, an intermediate container handling system includes one or both of an accumulation sorting table and a filling sorting table.

[005] In another aspect, the intermediate container may include a container structure and a barcode that extends 360 degrees around a circumference of the container structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[006] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of one embodiment of a seed delivery system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present description;

[007] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of the seed delivery system;

[008] FIG. 3 is an embodiment of an intermediate container for the seed delivery system;

[009] FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a shipping container for the seed delivery system;

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inventory handling system for the seed delivery system;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a top view of the inventory handling system;

[0012] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of the intermediate container filling system and the intermediate container handling system of the seed delivery system;

[0013] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 7 showing the intermediate container filling system;

[0014] FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 7 showing cumulative sorting tables of the intermediate container handling system; Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 9 / 69 3 / 23

[0015] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 7, showing recirculation tables of the intermediate container handling system;

[0016] FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 7 showing the fill sorting tables of the intermediate container handling system;

[0017] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective of one of the accumulation classification tables;

[0018] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the accumulation classification table;

[0019] FIG. 14 is a top view of the accumulation classification table;

[0020] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective of one of the filling classification tables;

[0021] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the fill sorting table;

[0022] FIG. 17 is a top view of the fill sorting table;

[0023] FIG. 18 is a schematic drawing of a seed container handling system; and

[0024] FIG. 19 is a front elevation of an embodiment of a primary seed container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In general, the present description is directed to a seed delivery system. In one embodiment, seeds selected from inventory are loaded into individual intermediate containers, which are handled by an intermediate container handling system. In one or more embodiments, the intermediate container handling system functions as an intermediary between an inventory handling system and a system Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 10 / 69 4 / 23 Automated shipping container loading for distribution delivery of filled intermediate containers to the shipping container loading system. In one or more examples, the automated shipping container loading system loads seeds from filled intermediate containers into shipping containers, which may comprise a cartridge that defines individual cells. In one or more examples, the seed delivery system also includes an automated inventory handling system, in which a seed inventory is stored in bulk in bags (generally, inventory containers). The seed delivery system may also include a packaging system (e.g., palletizing system), where complete experimental sets (i.e., completed orders) are packaged for delivery to a field to be planted. In one or more embodiments, a controller controls the operation of the seed delivery system.The controller includes a planning application or program that determines and optimizes the delivery operation based on seed inventory and experimental maps (i.e., orders) accessible by the controller.

[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a seed delivery system is generally indicated by reference number 10. The seed delivery system generally includes an inventory handling system, generally indicated by 12; an intermediate container filling system, generally indicated by 14; an intermediate container handling system, generally indicated by reference number 16; a shipping container loading system, generally indicated by reference number 18; and a shipping container handling system, generally indicated by reference number 20. Each of systems 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 is in communication with a Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 11 / 69 5 / 23 Programmable controller 22 (i.e., a central processing unit and a memory), which may include one or more programmable controllers. Controller 22 may comprise a central controller (i.e., a central processing unit and a memory) communicating with each of systems 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, as illustrated. Alternatively or in addition, controller 22 may include system controllers (i.e., a central processing unit and a memory) associated with systems 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and communicating with the controllers of one or more of the other systems and / or the central controller. With reference to FIG. 1, the seed delivery system 10 may also include a shipping container packaging system, usually indicated by reference number 30, which may also be communicating with controller 22 or another controller.

[0027] Each of the systems 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 30 of the illustrated seed processing system 10 may be housed in a single warehouse, for example, or in other separate buildings or accommodations. In other embodiments, the seed delivery system 10 may include additional systems and / or components. In still other embodiments, the seed delivery system 10 may include the intermediate container handling system 14, even though one or more of the other illustrated systems may be omitted. The illustrated systems may be of other designs and constructions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0028] In one example, controller 22 includes a planner 34 (i.e., a computer program) and a database 36 (i.e., at least one database) including an inventory database with information related to the seed inventory. Experimental maps 40 are entered into controller 22. The experimental maps 40 are considered orders for the delivery system. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 12 / 69 6 / 23 of seeds 10. Experimental maps 40 include information related to the types of seeds that will be planted in the desired plots of the desired experimental fields. The planner application 34 uses the information in experimental maps 40 and the inventory database to determine the logistics of order delivery (e.g., filling shipping containers, such as individual cartridge cells).

[0029] In one example, from the point of view of a single experimental unit for a single experimental plot, a desired type of bulk seed or inventory seed for the single experimental unit is chosen by the inventory handling system 12. In the intermediate container filling system 14, the harvested bulk seed is counted in an intermediate seed container, such as the intermediate seed container 44 shown in FIG. 3 and described below. The intermediate container handling system 16 handles the intermediate container 44 containing the desired quantity of seeds and delivers the filled intermediate container to the container loading system 18. The shipping container loading system 18 loads the seeds from the intermediate seed container 44 into a desired predetermined cell of a selected shipping container, such as one of the cells 46 of the cartridge 48 shown in FIG.4 and described below. The shipping container handling system 20 delivers the selected shipping container to the shipping container loading system 18 and handles the shipping container 34 after seed loading (e.g., back to a shipping container area or to the shipping container packaging system 30 for shipment to the experimental plot site). In one example, the logistics of the seed delivery system 10, including the order in which seed from inventory is collected, as well as the containers. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 13 / 69 7 / 23 filled intermediate containers are handled by the intermediate container handling system 16 and the order in which the seed is loaded from the intermediate containers to the cells 46 of the cartridges 48 is determined by the planner 34.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the illustrated inventory handling system 12 generally comprises a robot 50 (e.g., a suspended robot) configured to pick up, move and deliver inventory containers 52 (e.g., boxes, bags and / or baskets, etc.) containing at least a bulk quantity of seeds of the same type (i.e., seeds of the same variety, hybrids, lineage and / or source, etc.). As an example, seeds of the same type are associated with the same seed SKU (stock keeping unit). Each inventory container 52 may include one or more machine-readable labels, including, without limitation, machine-readable optical labels, such as a barcode (e.g., matrix barcode, such as QR codes) that includes information relating to one or both seed SKUs of the seeds contained in the inventory container.In one or more embodiments, the machine-readable label may be a radio frequency label (e.g., RFID) or another type of machine-readable label. The database 36 – accessible by the controller 22 – may associate the information on the machine-readable optical label of the inventory container with an associated seed SKU or other seed identifier. Other ways of associating bulk seeds with inventory containers 52, so that the inventory container containing a desired seed type is accessible by the controller, do not necessarily depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0031] In one example, seeds of the same type (e.g., same variety, hybrid, line and / or source, etc.) arrive at the warehouse. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, p. 14 / 69 8 / 23 of the seed delivery system 10 in packages that have identification labels affixed. The identification labels can be used as or can be associated with seed SKUs (stock keeping units) to identify the seed type associated with the respective packages. In one embodiment, the identification labels are machine-readable optical labels, such as barcodes (e.g., matrix barcodes, such as QR codes). In another example, machine-readable optical labels can be applied to seed packages in the warehouse upon arrival, using the information provided related to the seed type on the packages. In each example, the controller-accessible database 36 can associate the information on the package's machine-readable optical label with an associated seed SKU or other seed identifier.In one example, the machine-readable optical labels on the packages can be associated with the corresponding inventory containers 52 in which the seeds from the packages are contained. For example, the inventory containers 52 and the corresponding seed packages can be scanned and saved as associations in the database 36 accessible by the controller.

[0032] It is foreseen that one or more seed packages may be placed in inventory containers 52, thus making one or more bulk containers within each inventory container. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, seed packages comprise primary seed containers 53 (FIG. 19) containing seeds. Each primary seed container 53 includes a structure 53a containing a quantity of seeds, a lid 53b and a label 53c (e.g., a machine-readable optical label, such as a barcode (e.g., matrix barcode, such as a QR code) attached to the structure that identifies the seed type. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, p. 15 / 69 9 / 23 on the seed container and which may be associated with additional information. The lid 53b is removable by a robot (e.g., a robotic arm) from the intermediate container filling system 12, as explained below. Inventory containers 52 may arrive at the warehouse with seed containers 53 filled with seeds, or seed containers with seeds may arrive separately and be placed in the inventory containers. The identity of inventory container 52 is associated with each of the seed containers 53 contained within it, so that a database including the location of each seed container is included in an accessible database. In another example, the seeds in inventory container 52 may not be contained within another container. For example, seeds in the same SKU package may be emptied into the same inventory container 52.In this example, it is assumed that all seeds in inventory container 52 will have the same seed SKU.

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the illustrated robot 50 is controllable by the controller 22 and is coupled to a gantry 54. The robot 50 includes a gripper 56. The gantry 54 defines an inventory workspace 58 in which inventory containers 52 are stacked, unstacked, and distributed. The robot 50 is mobile horizontally and vertically in the gantry 54, and the gripper 56 is configured to hold or grasp one or more inventory containers 52. A suitable non-limiting robot 50 and gantry 54 are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,272,845, filed September 18, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The inventory handling system 12 may have other designs and configurations without necessarily departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] Inventory containers 52 are organized in inventory workspace 58 in an order stored in the database of Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, p. 16 / 69 10 / 23 data 36 (e.g., an inventory map database) accessible by controller 22 based on the optically readable label (or other labels) associated with inventory containers 52, for example. Therefore, the location of each seed type listed in the inventory map database is accessible by controller 22, and the controller is configured to control the suspended robot 50 to grasp (i.e., pick up) the inventory container 52 with a selected seed type and deliver the inventory container to the intermediate container filling system 14. For example, the inventory handling system 12 may include one or more mechanical conveyors 62 configured to deliver the collected inventory containers 52 to the intermediate container filling system 14.In another example, the inventory handling system 12 can deliver the collected inventory containers 52 to a work area where the collected inventory containers are subsequently delivered (e.g., delivered manually) to the intermediate container filling system 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the inventory handling system 12 may include an inventory controller communicating with a central controller and controlling the robot 50 based on instructions from the central controller.

[0035] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 18, the illustrated intermediate container filling system 14 comprises a container delivery system 63, a seed container handling system 64, a seed container routing system 65 and a seed counting apparatus 66 for depositing a desired quantity of seeds into each of the intermediate containers 44. The inventory container delivery system 63 includes one or more conveyors to which the inventory handling system 12 delivers the collected inventory containers 52 which Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 17 / 69 11 / 23 contain the seed containers. The conveyors of the inventory container delivery system 63 move the containers 52 to the seed container handling system 64. The seed container handling system 64 includes a robotic arm configured to select one or more seed containers from container 52. The robotic arm is controlled by the controller. The controller accesses the database to determine the location of the seed container to be removed from container 52. In one example, the robotic arm includes a suction cup that pulls the seed container up and out of the container. The robotic arm transfers the removed seed container to the seed container routing system. The seed container routing system is configured to deliver the selected seed container to the seed counting apparatus 66.The ID of each of the seed containers 53 is tracked throughout the seed container routing system 65, such as by sensors that read the machine-readable code 53c of the seed container. In the seed counting apparatus 66, a robotic arm removes the lid 53b from the seed container 53 (or the lid is removed by the robotic arm that pulled the seed container from the container 52) and pours a quantity of seeds into a hopper of the seed counting apparatus 66. The seed counting apparatus 66 delivers a desired number of seeds into one or more intermediate containers 44. A suitable seed counting apparatus 66 is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,598,191, filed November 26, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Other types of seed counting devices may be used in the intermediate container filling system 14 without necessarily departing from the scope of the present invention. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 18 / 69 12 / 23 example, the seed counting apparatus 66 can be modified so that excess seeds in the hopper that are not counted and distributed into one or more primary seed containers 53 are returned, for example by vacuum, to the seed container from which the seeds came. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate container filling system 14 includes twelve seed counters 66 for rapidly depositing a selected quantity of seeds into individual intermediate containers 44.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the seed container handling system 64 includes one or more rows of seed containers 69. Seed containers removed from containers 52 may first be distributed to a row 69 (or accumulation area) before being transported to the seed counting apparatus 66 via one or more seed container conveyors. The row of seed containers 53 is controlled by the controller. After a quantity of seeds is disposed of in one or more intermediate containers 44 in the seed counting apparatus 66, the primary seed container 53 may be transported via one of the seed container conveyors to row 64 or a separate row (or seed container retention area) before the seed container is placed back into the container 52 from which it was removed.If the primary seed container 53 is empty, the seed container can be discarded. A robotic arm (e.g., an arm with a suction cup) can pick up and place the primary seed containers 53 back into their respective containers 52. The containers 52 are then transported back, via one or more container conveyors, to the inventory handling system 12, where the containers are placed back into the inventory workspace. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 19 / 69 13 / 23 58.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 3, each of the intermediate containers 44 includes a container structure 68 dimensioned and shaped to hold a selected quantity of seeds and a machine-readable optical label 70 coupled to the container structure. In other embodiments, the container structure 68 may include other types of machine-readable labels without necessarily departing from the scope of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine-readable optical label 70 comprises a linear or one-dimensional barcode that extends 360 degrees around a circumference of the container structure 68. In particular, the one-dimensional barcodes are distinguishable by variable widths and spacings of parallel lines that extend 360 degrees around the circumference of the container structure 68.Through this design and configuration, intermediate containers 44 can be machine-scanned in any rotational orientation as they move within the intermediate container handling system 16 and the seed delivery system 10, as explained in more detail below.

[0038] In the intermediate container filling system 14, the intermediate container 44 is associated with the seed from the inventory being deposited into the intermediate container. This association can be saved in the database 36 (e.g., an intermediate container database) which is accessible by the controller 22. This association can be temporary, where some time after filling a corresponding cell 46 of a cartridge 48 with the seeds in the intermediate container 44, the association is removed from the database 36 and the intermediate container can be returned to the filling system 14, as described below.As a non-limiting example, consider machine-readable optical labels. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 20 / 69 14 / 23 of inventory container 52 and / or the seed packaging or container inside the inventory container can be scanned and the machine-readable optical label with the intermediate container 44 can be scanned to associate the inventory seed in the inventory container with the seed that is deposited in the specific intermediate container. This step can be performed automatically by a scanner controlled by the controller 22 in the intermediate container filling system 14. In another embodiment, this step can be performed manually, such as by an employee, using a scanner interfacing with the controller 22.

[0039] With reference to FIG.7, the intermediate container handling system 16 illustrated generally comprises at least one accumulation sorting table, usually indicated by reference number 76; at least one filling sorting table, usually indicated by 78; and at least one recirculation table, usually indicated by reference number 80. A conveyor system (e.g., a series of conveyors) moves the intermediate containers 44 from the intermediate container filling system 14 to at least one accumulation sorting table 76, from at least one accumulation sorting table to the filling sorting table 78, from the filling sorting table to the recirculation table 80, and from the recirculation table back to the intermediate container filling system.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, at least one accumulation sorting table 76 comprises a group of accumulation sorting tables. The accumulation sorting tables 76 receive the filled intermediate containers 44 from the intermediate container filling system 14 via a set of interconnected accumulation conveyors 84. The scanners 86 Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 21 / 69 15 / 23 positioned along the accumulation conveyors 84 scan the code 70 on the intermediate containers 44 and communicate the data to the controller 22. Thus, through the use of a series of scanners 86, the controller is aware of the location of each of the filled intermediate containers 44 as they move through the intermediate container handling system 16. Gates or diverters are adjacent junctions of the interconnected accumulation conveyors 84. The controller 22 activates the gates or diverters to direct the filled intermediate containers 44 along a predetermined path to one of the accumulation sorting tables 76, based on the instructions of the planner 34. Thus, the controller 22, through the use of the location data from the sensors and by activating the gates or diverters, delivers the filled intermediate containers 44 to one of the selected accumulation sorting tables 76.In this illustrated embodiment, any intermediate container 44 of the intermediate container filling system 14 can be transported to any of the accumulation sorting tables 76.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 12-14, each of the illustrated accumulation sorting tables 76 includes separate upper and lower sorting tables, generally indicated by reference numbers 90, 92. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate container handling system 16 includes a total of sixteen accumulation sorting tables (eight accumulation sorting tables 76, each with two sorting tables 90, 92). It is understood that the intermediate container handling system 16 may include more or fewer accumulation sorting tables without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the accumulation sorting tables 76 may have a single sorting table (i.e., one level) or more than two sorting tables. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 22 / 69 16 / 23 (that is, more than two levels).

[0042] Each accumulation sorting table 76 is identical to that illustrated in the modality and, therefore, only one table will be described in detail for convenience, with the understanding that the teachings apply equally to each of the sorting tables in rows. With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the upper and lower sorting tables 90, 92 are generally the same in structure and function.Each sorting table 90, 92 comprises an inlet 96 that receives the filled intermediate containers 44; an outlet 98 through which the filled intermediate containers exit the sorting table; at least one table conveyor 100 (e.g., two parallel conveyors) that moves the filled intermediate containers along a displacement path; and a plurality of track barriers 102 that extend along the displacement path defining a plurality of tracks in which the intermediate containers move on the table conveyor 100 from inlet to outlet. The filled intermediate containers 44 from the intermediate container filling system 14 enter the corresponding sorting table 90, 92 through the inlet.

[0043] The sorting table also includes a tabletop scanner. 110 and a robotic sorting mechanism, usually indicated by 112, communicate with input 96. Controller 22 communicates with table scanner 110 and robotic sorting mechanism 112. Table scanner 110 scans the machine-readable code 70 of the filled intermediate containers 44 entering the sorting table 90, 92, and controller 22 determines in which lane each of the intermediate containers should be placed, based on instructions from planner 34. Controller 22 operates robotic sorting mechanism 112 to sequentially place Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 23 / 69 17 / 23 each of the filled intermediate containers 44 in the desired range as the filled intermediate containers enter the table 90, 92. In one example, the robotic sorting mechanism 112 may include a robotic arm configured to grasp and move the filled intermediate containers 44. In another example, the robotic sorting mechanism 112 may include a gate or diverter to move each filled intermediate container 44 to the desired range. The robotic sorting mechanism 112 may have other designs and constructions without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0044] Each sorting table 90, 92 also comprises a plurality of gates or stops 114 associated with the lanes adjacent to exit 98. Each gate 114 is associated with one of the lanes, so that each lane includes a dedicated gate. The controller 22 is in communication with each gate 114, so that the controller is configured to selectively and individually open and close each gate. When a selected gate 114 is closed (e.g., via communication with the controller 22), the filled intermediate containers 44 within the lane associated with the closed gate remain in the lane and do not exit to exit 98. The gates 114 are configured to release one intermediate container 44 at a time or remain open for a selected period of time to release a selected number of containers simultaneously. Even with the conveyors 100 operating, the filled intermediate containers 44 within the closed lane do not exit the sorting table 90, 92.Instead, the filled intermediate containers 44 form a line on the closed track, as shown in FIG. 14, for example. In this way, the filled intermediate containers 44 are aligned in a row and can accumulate on tables 90, 92, based on the instructions of planner 34.

[0045] Exit 98 includes an exit lane and a carrier Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 24 / 69 The dedicated 18 / 23 is configured to transport the filled intermediate container 44 along the exit track. When the filled intermediate containers 44 are released from the tracks, the containers on conveyor 100 are diverted to the exit track by the diverter bars 120. The released containers 44 form a single line on the exit track, and the dedicated exit conveyor moves the released containers 44 away from the accumulation sorting table 76.

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, from exit 98 of sorting tables 90, 92, a conveyor network fills the filled intermediate containers 44 to the filling sorting tables 78. The filling conveyor network includes a plurality of interconnected filling conveyors 122, a plurality of filling scanners 124 and a plurality of gates or diverters at the junctions of the interconnected filling conveyors. The scanners 124 positioned along the filling conveyors 122 scan the code 70 on the filled intermediate containers 44 and communicate the data to the controller 22. Thus, through the use of a series of scanners 124, the controller 22 is aware of the location of each of the filled intermediate containers 44 as they move along the filling conveyors 122.Gates or diverters are adjacent junctions of the interconnected filling conveyors 122. The controller 22 actuates the gates or diverters to direct the filled intermediate containers 44 along a predetermined path to one of the filling sorting tables 98, based on the instructions of the planner 34. Thus, the controller 22, through the use of location data from the sensors 124 and by actuating the gates or diverters, delivers the filled intermediate containers 44 to one of the tables. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 25 / 69 19 / 23 filling classification 78 selected. In this illustrated mode, any intermediate container 44 from the accumulation classification tables 76 can be transported to any of the filling classification tables 78.

[0047] Each filling sorting table 78 is similar to sorting tables 90, 92 of the accumulation sorting tables 76. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate container handling system 16 includes six filling sorting tables 78. It is understood that the intermediate container handling system 16 may include more or fewer filling sorting tables without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0048] Each filling sorting table 78 is identical to that illustrated in the embodiment and, therefore, only one table will be described in detail for convenience, with the understanding that the teachings apply equally to each of the sorting tables in rows.Each filling sorting table 78 comprises an inlet 140 that receives the filled intermediate containers 44; an outlet 142 through which the filled intermediate containers exit the sorting table; at least one table conveyor 144 moving filled intermediate containers along a displacement path; and a plurality of track barriers 146 extending along the displacement path that define a plurality of tracks in which the intermediate containers move on the table conveyor 100 from inlet to outlet.

[0049] The fill sorting table 78 also includes a table scanner 150 and a robotic sorting mechanism, usually indicated as 152, in communication with input 140. The controller 22 is in communication with the table scanner 150 and the robotic sorting mechanism 152. The table scanner 150 scans Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, p. 26 / 69 20 / 23 The machine-readable code 70 of the filled intermediate containers 44 entering the sorting table 78 and the controller 22 determines in which lane each of the intermediate containers should be placed, based on the instructions of the planner 34. The controller 22 operates the robotic sorting mechanism 152 to sequentially place each of the filled intermediate containers 44 into the desired lane as the filled intermediate containers enter the table 78. In one example, the robotic sorting mechanism 152 may include a robotic arm configured to grasp and move the filled intermediate containers 44. In another example, the robotic sorting mechanism 152 may include a gate or diverter to move each filled intermediate container 44 to the desired lane. The robotic sorting mechanism 152 may have other designs and constructions without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0050] The fill sorting table 78 also comprises a plurality of gates or stops 154 associated with the lanes adjacent to the exit 142. Each gate 154 is associated with one of the lanes, so that each lane includes a dedicated gate. The controller 22 is in communication with each gate 154, so that the controller is configured to selectively and individually open and close each gate. When a selected gate 154 is closed (e.g., via communication with the controller 22), the filled intermediate containers 44 within the lane associated with the closed gate remain in the lane and do not exit to the exit 142. The gates 154 are configured to release one intermediate container 44 at a time or remain open for a selected period of time to release a selected number of containers simultaneously.Even with conveyors 144 operating, the filled intermediate containers 44 inside the closed lane do not leave the sorting table 78. Instead, the filled intermediate containers 44... Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 27 / 69 21 / 23 form a line on the closed track, as shown in FIG. 16, for example. In this way, the filled intermediate containers 44 are aligned in a row and can accumulate on the tables 78, based on the instructions of the planner 34.

[0051] Exit 142 includes an exit lane configured to transport the filled intermediate container 44 along the exit lane. When the filled intermediate containers 44 are released from the lanes, the containers on the conveyor 100 are diverted to the exit lane by a diverter bar 160. The released containers 44 form a single line on the exit lane and the conveyor 144 moves the released containers 44 away from the filling sorting table 78 and to the shipping container loading system 18.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the shipping container loading system 18 is configured to deposit the seeds from the received intermediate container 44 into the desired cell 46 of the cartridges 48 present in the shipping container loading system, based on the instructions of the planner 34. In one example, the shipping container loading system 18 includes a robotic arm or other mechanism that grips and inverts the received container 44 to pour the seeds into the desired cell 46. In other embodiments, each transport container 48 may include a package or tray for the seeds and may not include individual cells such as the illustrated cartridges.

[0053] The container handling system 20 generally comprises a robot system (e.g., a suspended robot system) configured to pick up, move, and distribute the cartridges 48 to the shipping container loading system 18. Each cartridge 48 may include one or more machine-readable optical labels, such as a barcode (e.g., barcode of Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 28 / 69 22 / 23 matrix, such as QR codes) which includes information that identifies the cartridge. The database 36 (e.g., shipping container database) can associate the information on the machine-readable optical label of the cartridge 48 with the desired seed to be loaded into the cartridge cells 46. The construction of the container handling system 20 may be similar to the inventory handling system 12, with the teachings established above regarding the inventory handling system 12 applying equally to the container handling system. The container handling system 20 also includes one or more conveyors to transport the cartridges 48 to and from the container loading system 18.The cartridges 48 can be moved via conveyors from the shipping container loading system 18 back to the shipping container handling system 20 if, for example, the cartridges are not ready for shipment, or to the shipping container packaging system 30 for shipment.

[0054] After depositing the seeds from the intermediate container 44 into the desired cell 46 of the cartridge 48, the intermediate container is transported to at least one recirculation table 80, such as by one or more conveyors 168. In the illustrated embodiment, the handling system for the intermediate container 16 includes three recirculation tables 80. The recirculation tables 80 each include a feed conveyor 170 that moves the empty intermediate containers 44 towards a conveyor 172 that distributes the containers to the container filling system 14. A diverter 176 at the end of the feed conveyor 170 directs the intermediate containers 44 towards the empty container conveyor 172. The containers 44 can be selectively fed to the empty container conveyor 172 via a Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, p. 29 / 69 23 / 23 gate or other mechanism. If the empty container conveyor has a reserve of intermediate containers 44 or a gate closes access to the empty container conveyor 172, so that the intermediate containers cannot leave the recirculation table 80, the intermediate containers will be transported on a redirection conveyor 178 that transports the intermediate container 44 in a direction opposite to the direction of the feed conveyor. In this way, the empty intermediate containers 44 are constantly moving on the recirculation table 80 to prevent blockages.

[0055] Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without necessarily departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

[0056] When introducing the elements of the present invention or embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "referred to" are intended to signify that there is one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "with" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the elements listed.

[0057] As various changes could be made to the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all the subject matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying figures should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Seed delivery system, characterized in that it comprises: a seed inventory handling system configured to handle inventory containers containing different types of seeds; an intermediate container filling system; wherein the seed inventory handling system is configured to transport at least one of the inventory containers to the intermediate container filling system, and wherein the intermediate container filling system is configured to remove selected seeds from at least one of the inventory containers and fill at least one intermediate container with the removed seeds, wherein the at least one intermediate container includes a body configured to contain the seeds within it;a shipping container loading system configured to remove seeds from at least one intermediate container and load at least one shipping container with the seeds removed from at least one intermediate container; and an intermediate container handling system configured to transport at least one filled intermediate container from the intermediate container filling system to the shipping container loading system and then transport at least one intermediate container from the shipping container loading system back to the intermediate container filling system, after the seeds have been removed from at least one intermediate container in the shipping container loading system.

2. Seed delivery system, according to Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, page 31 / 69 2 / 5 claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate container handling system comprises an accumulation sorting table configured to receive at least one filled intermediate container from the intermediate container filling system, and wherein the accumulation sorting table includes a plurality of individual lanes in which at least one intermediate container is receiveable.

3. Seed delivery system according to claim 2, characterized in that the accumulation sorting table comprises a plurality of accumulation sorting tables.

4. Seed delivery system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the seed inventory handling system comprises a robot configured to pick up, move and distribute at least one of the inventory containers to the intermediate container filling system.

5. Seed delivery system according to claim 4, characterized in that the robot of the seed inventory handling system comprises a robotic gantry.

6. Seed delivery system, according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises at least one inventory container, wherein at least one of the inventory containers includes a machine-readable label configured to associate information relating to the type of seed contained in at least one of the inventory containers.

7. Seed delivery system, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises seed containers sized and shaped to be received in at least one of the inventory containers, wherein the seed containers include a machine-readable label configured to associate information relating to the type of seed contained in the seed container.

8. Seed delivery system according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a seed container handling system configured to remove one or more selected seed containers from at least one of the inventory containers.

9. Seed delivery system according to claim 8, characterized in that the seed container handling system includes a robotic arm configured to grasp one or more of the selected seed containers from at least one of the inventory containers.

10. Seed delivery system according to claim 9, characterized in that the seed container handling system further includes a conveyor configured to transport one or more seed containers removed from at least one of the inventory containers to the intermediate container filling system.

11. Seed delivery system, according to claim 10, characterized in that the seed container handling system further includes a conveyor configured to transport one or more selected seed containers from the intermediate container filling system to a seed container retention area to be repositioned in at least one of the corresponding inventory containers from which they were removed.

12. Seed delivery system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate container filling system comprises a seed counter configured to count a selected quantity of seeds removed from at least one of the inventory containers and fill at least one intermediate container with the selected quantity of counted seeds.

13. Seed delivery system, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one transport container, wherein the at least one transport container comprises a cartridge with a plurality of cells for receiving seeds from the at least one intermediate container.

14. Seed delivery system, according to claim 13, characterized in that the shipping container loading system is configured to load the plurality of cartridge cells with seeds of the respective selections from at least one intermediate container.

15. Seed delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate container handling system comprises a conveyor configured to transport at least one filled intermediate container to the shipping container loading system.

16. Seed delivery system according to claim 15, characterized in that the intermediate container handling system comprises one or both of an accumulation sorting table and a filling sorting table.

17. Seed delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of intermediate containers, wherein each of the plurality of intermediate containers comprises a container structure and a machine-readable label on the structure configured to associate the intermediate container with the type of seed in the intermediate container. Petition 870250109540, dated 11 / 28 / 2025, p. 34 / 69 5 / 5 18. Seed delivery system according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises: a conveyor system configured to transport intermediate containers from the intermediate container filling system to the intermediate container handling system; and a plurality of scanners configured to scan machine-readable labels on the intermediate containers.

19. Seed delivery system according to claim 17, characterized in that the machine-readable labels on the intermediate containers include a barcode that extends 360 degrees around a circumference of the container structure.

20. Seed delivery system, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a controller for communication and operation of the seed inventory handling system, the intermediate container filling system, the container loading system, and the intermediate container handling system.

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