DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING POLLEN

Abstract

This document relates to a pollen collection device for collecting pollen from row crops, and more specifically to a tractor-mounted device for transporting pollen through rows of crops. The device comprises a housing assembly, an agitation assembly, and a pollen collection assembly.

Description

The present description relates to a device and method for collecting pollen from crop plants, and more specifically to a device that can be mounted on a tractor to travel along rows of crop plants to collect pollen from the plants and related methods. BACKGROUND Modern agriculture often requires the collection of pollen from plants for use in subsequent processes such as seed pollination. Particularly for corn plants, the pollen collection process generally involves placing bags over the male parts of the plants and shaking them to release the pollen into the bag. This process is laborious and unsuitable for large-scale field collection. Currently, pollen quantities are measured by visual inspection in production fields by shaking the corn plants (i.e., the ears) and estimating the ear size and pollen volume. This process does not allow for an accurate volume estimate since it relies solely on human visual inspection. Furthermore, this method does not allow for additional assessments such as granular quantity estimation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1A is an illustration of a tractor equipped with a plurality of pollen-collecting devices; Fig. 1B is an illustration of a pollen-collecting device arranged to move through a row of crop plants; Fig. 1C is a perspective view of the pollen collection device; Fig. 1D is a view of the end of the pollen collection device; Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a pollen collection device housing assembly; Fig. 2B is another perspective of the accommodation assembly; Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a stirring assembly of the pollen collection device; Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the stirring units of the stirring assembly; Fig. 30 is a perspective view of one of the stirring units; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a pollen collection assembly of the pollen collection device; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a pollen diverter and pollen receiver of the pollen collection assembly; Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the pollen diverter and pollen receiver; Fig. 7A is a section of the pollen diverter and pollen receiver; Fig. 7B is an end view of a pollen diverter vane assembly; Fig. 70 is a perspective view of the pallet assembly; Fig. 8 is another section of the pollen diverter and pollen receiver; Fig. 9 is an illustration of the pollen journey through the pollen diverter and into the pollen receiver; Figures 10A to 10F are perspectives of alternative palette insertion configurations; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another modality of a housing assembly for the pollen collection device; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of another modality of a housing assembly for the pollen collection device; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a pollen collection device that includes another modality of a shaking assembly; Figure 14 is a view of the end of the pollen-collecting device of Figure 13; and Figure 15 is a perspective view of another modality of a pollen-collecting device. The corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts in all drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to Figs. 1A and 1B, a tractor T can be configured to carry one or more pollen-collecting devices, generally denoted by 10, for collecting pollen from crop plants in a field. In one embodiment, the pollen-collecting device 10 is configured to collect pollen from maize plants P. However, it is understood that in other embodiments, a pollen-collecting device can be configured to collect pollen from other crop plants such as, for example, canola; tomato; eggplant; bell peppers and hot peppers; wheat; amaranth; barley; oats; rye; wild rice; walnut; pecan; brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, and spinach; and various types of trees. The tractor T can be positioned in a field to drive along the rows of crop plants while supporting the pollen-collecting devices 10.The tractor T has a front end and a rear end and normally travels along the rows of plants in a forward direction. In the illustrated configuration, the pollen-collecting devices 10 are mounted adjacent to the front end. The tractor T comprises a carriage C configured to be driven along rows of crop plants. A base B is attached to the carriage C. The base B has a width that is oriented transversely (for example, generally perpendicular) to the forward direction of travel of the tractor T, so that the base extends laterally outward from the tractor. Pollen-collecting devices 10 are mounted on the base B at separate locations along the width of the base. Suitablely, the pollen-collecting devices 10 are spaced along the width of the base B at intervals that correspond to the spacing of the crop plant rows in the field, so that each pollen-collecting device 10 can generally be aligned with one or more rows of pollen-bearing plants as the tractor T travels through the field. The tractor T can be driven at any speed suitable for collecting pollen from the plants.In one embodiment, tractor T travels at speeds of approximately 2 to approximately 5 mph during pollen collection. It is understood that the tractor may travel at other speeds, such as speeds exceeding 5 mph, without departing from the scope of the description. In the illustrated embodiment, base B comprises a folding agricultural implement arm. In Fig. 1A, arm B is shown in the deployed or expanded configuration. As known in the art, a folding arm can also be folded into a compact or folded configuration (not shown) in which the base width is narrow enough for the tractor T to drive on a road while carrying the pollen-collecting devices 10. In the illustrated embodiment, tractor T comprises a high-clearance agricultural tractor such as an applicator sold by Hagie Manufacturing Company of Clairon, Iowa. In other embodiments, other types of tractors or other types of vehicles or machines suitable for transporting the pollen-collecting devices 10 across a field may be used. For example, manned or unmanned aerial vehicles (e.g., drones), unmanned robots, etc., may be used.for transporting the pollen-collecting devices 10 in other configurations. Although the illustrated configuration shows four pollen-collecting devices 10, in other configurations the base B can have any number of pollen-collecting devices 10 mounted on it, including a single pollen-collecting device. In addition, the pollen-collecting devices 10 can be mounted on the base B in other locations and with other spacings as needed to position them along the rows of plants. ίί / Γίη / ΖΖηΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ With reference to Fig. 1B, a pollen-collecting device 10 is configured to move through a row of pollen-bearing plants P to extract, dislodge, or otherwise displace the pollen from the plants and collect the extracted pollen for later use. In the illustrated embodiment, the plants P are maize plants, such as sweet corn or kernel corn. As such, the plants P include female flowers FF (e.g., corn silks) and male flowers MF (e.g., corn tassels). As understood by those skilled in the art, the male flowers MF produce pollen. Pollen from the male flowers MF of the plants P can be used to pollinate the female flowers of other plants, such as in a cross-pollination process. The collected pollen can also be used for other pollination processes. With reference to Figs. 1C and 1D, each pollen collection device 10 comprises a housing assembly 12 configured to receive and guide plant parts P through the pollen collection device, a shaking assembly 14 attached to the housing assembly and configured to shake and advance the plants through the pollen collection device to remove or displace the pollen from the plants, and a pollen collection assembly 16 attached to the housing assembly and configured to collect the pollen extracted from the plants.As will be explained in more detail below, the pollen collection assembly 16 generates a force (e.g., a suction force) within the housing assembly 12, creating an airflow through the device 10 to draw pollen through the collection assembly and expel air from the device for a continuous pollen collection process as the device moves through the row of plants. The airflow can be created by other means, such as supplying a positive airflow through the device 10. Other means of generating a pollen-carrying force are also provided for. The housing assembly 12 can be used to mount the pollen collection device 10 on the base B of the tractor T. However, the collection device 10 can be supported on the tractor T in other ways without departing from the scope of the description. Consequently, the pollen collection device 10 allows for continuous pollen collection as the device moves through a row of crop plants. Therefore, the pollen collection device 10 facilitates the efficient collection of pollen directly from the plant in the field. Furthermore, the pollen collection assembly 16, by utilizing the airflow generated by the suction force, provides a low-impact method that maintains pollen quality by substantially eliminating compaction forces on the pollen. LL / eLn / zznz / E / YiAi such, the pollen collected using pollen collection device 10 is of higher quality than the pollen collected through conventional pollen collection methods. With reference to Figs. 1C-2B, the housing assembly 12 comprises a frame 18 for supporting the housing assembly components. The frame 18 includes a plurality of frame members 20 connected to each other and defining an interior space. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame members 20 comprise elongated bars fixed together by supports 22. The configuration of the frame 18 in this way provides a modular construction that allows the frame to be formed in different lengths by joining additional or fewer sections of the frame members 20 together. For example, additional frame members 20 can be joined together to form a frame of extended length 18' (Fig. 11), or fewer frame members can be joined together to form a frame of shorter length 18' (Fig. 12). The frame members 20 also allow the top, bottom, sides, and ends of the frame 18 to be open.A pair of guides 24 are attached to the bottom of frame 18 and extend forward from the frame. The guides 24 flare outward as they extend from frame 18 to define a funnel for directing the plants P into the interior space of frame 18. A main duct 26 is received within the interior space of frame 18. The main duct 26 is shaped like an inverted U so that the bottom of the duct is open. The sides of the main duct 26 extend upward along the sides of frame 18, generally closing off the open sides of the frame. The curved top of the main duct 26 similarly closes off the open top of the frame. The main duct 26 can be formed from a transparent material such as clear acrylic to provide visibility of the plants in the housing assembly 12.In one configuration, the main duct 26 has a length of approximately 60.96 to approximately 121.92 centimeters, a height of approximately 53.34 centimeters, and a maximum width of approximately 17.78 centimeters. In another configuration, the main duct 26 has a length of approximately 91.44 centimeters. The main duct 26 may have other sizes and configurations without deviating from the scope of this description. An inlet duct 28 is attached to a front end of frame 18 and connects to a front section of the main duct 26 to provide a pathway from the inlet duct to the main duct. The inlet duct 28 has an inverted U-shaped opening and a body section that tapers inward from the opening to an opposite end of the inlet duct. The U-shaped opening and the tapered profile of the inlet duct 28 facilitate the supply of water from the upper parts of the plants P to the main duct 26. However, the inlet duct 28 could have other configurations without departing from the scope of the description. An outlet duct 30 is attached to a rear end of frame 18 and connects to a rear section of the main duct 26 to provide a pathway from the main duct to the outlet duct. A lower portion of the outlet duct 30 has an opening 32 that allows the plant tops to emerge from the housing assembly 12 as the pollen-collecting device 10 passes over the plants. A top portion of the outlet duct 30 tapers downward from a frame connection end to an opposite tube connection end. As will be explained in more detail below, the configuration of the outlet duct 30 increases the time the plant tops P are positioned within the main duct 26 and the outlet duct to maximize pollen collection by the device 10.It is understood that the outlet duct could have other configurations without deviating from the scope of the description. Furthermore, although three separate duct sections are shown, a single unit duct or any other number of duct sections could be incorporated without deviating from the scope of the description. The housing assembly 12 also includes a plurality of clamps 34 attached to the frame 18. The clamps 34 can be attached to the frame using fasteners (not shown). The clamps 34 are configured to clamp around a portion of the base B on the tractor T for mounting the pollen collection device 10 to the tractor. It is understood that other means for attaching the pollen collection device 10 to the tractor T are provided for within the scope of this description. With reference to Figs. 1C, 1D, and 3A-3C, the stirring assembly 14 comprises a support frame 36 attached to the frame 18 of the housing assembly 12. The support frame 36 comprises a plurality of elongated support members, including vertical support members 38 attached directly to the frame 18 of the housing assembly 12, and a pair of horizontal support members 40 attached to the vertical support members. A stirring unit 42 is mounted on each horizontal support member 40 by means of mounting brackets 44. Thus, the plants P pass between the two stirring units 42 to come into contact with the stirring units when the pollen-collecting device 10 moves through the row of plants.Each stirring unit 42 comprises a pair of stirring frames 46, a motor 48 coupled to one of the stirring frames, a horizontal motor shaft 50 attached to the motor, a pair of gear assemblies 52 each connected to the horizontal motor shaft, a pair of vertical shafts 54 connected to respective gear assemblies, and two sets of arms 56 attached to respective vertical shafts. ίί / Γίη / ΖΖηΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ The operation of motor 48 causes the rotation of the arms 56 by means of the mechanical linkage between the horizontal motor shaft 50, the gear assemblies 52, and the vertical shafts 54. In particular, the motor 48 is oriented horizontally such that the horizontal shaft 50 rotates about a horizontal axis. The gear assemblies 52 transfer the horizontal rotation from the horizontal shaft 50 to the vertical shafts 54, which in turn rotate about a vertical axis. The arms 56 are attached and extend laterally from their respective vertical shafts 54. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four arms 56 attached to a vertical shaft 54 ​​by means of a spindle 58 (Fig. 3C). The arms 56 are circumferentially spaced around the vertical shaft 54 ​​and equally spaced from each other. Therefore, the drive of motor 48 causes the arms 56 to rotate about a vertical axis, such that the arms generally rotate within a horizontal plane.In one embodiment, one of the stirring units 42 is configured to rotate the two sets of arms 56 clockwise, and the other stirring unit is configured to rotate the two sets of arms 56 counterclockwise. Therefore, the rotation of the arms 56 can be in the same general direction as the relative movement of the plants P as the pollen-collecting device 10 moves through the row of plants. Thus, the arms 56 will strike the stems of the plants P to agitate them, releasing the pollen and providing a forward force to move the plants through the housing assembly 12. More specifically, in one embodiment, the plants P are initially propelled out of the interior space of the housing assembly 12 by the vertical support members 38 as the pollen-collecting device 10 moves over the plants.However, the continuous relative motion of the collection device 10 and the plants P causes the rotating arms 56 to come into contact with the plant stems, drawing the plants into the housing assembly 12. These two opposing forces can produce a beating action on the upper part of the plants P, where the male flowers MF are located, potentially causing the pollen to be displaced from the plants. The motor 48 can be driven to rotate the arms 56 at any suitable speed. For example, the arms 56 can rotate at approximately 250 RPM. In one embodiment, the arms 56 rotate at a speed between approximately 250 RPM and approximately 500 RPM. In the illustrated version, the arms 56 comprise hollow tubes. However, the arms could have other constructions without departing from the scope of the description. Furthermore, each stirring unit 42 includes a set of front tubes and a set of rear tubes. For a first stirring unit 42, the front tube set 56 is arranged at a first height, and the rear tube set 56 is arranged at a second height. LL / eLn / zznz / E / YiAi height above the front tube assembly. For a second stirring unit 42, the front tube assembly 56 is arranged at a third height above the second height, and a rear tube assembly is arranged at the first height of the front tube assembly of the first stirring unit. Each tube assembly 56 is also staggered along the length of the stirring assembly 14. Therefore, the tubes 56 can rotate freely without coming into contact with any tube of another assembly. In one embodiment, the pollen collection device 10 is mounted such that the lowest tube assembly 56 is located less than approximately 76.2 centimeters from the ground. In another embodiment, the lowest tube assembly 56 is located between approximately 30.48 centimeters and approximately 66.04 centimeters from the ground.As will be explained in more detail below, placing the 56 tubes in these locations facilitates coupling the tubes to the stems of the P plants. However, the 56 tubes could be placed at other heights and positions without departing from the scope of the description. Furthermore, it is understood that the rotation of the arms 56 could be imparted by other means without departing from the scope of the description. The arms 56 could also rotate in other directions. For example, both sets of arms 56 in the two stirring units 42 could rotate in the same direction, or each set of arms within a single stirring unit could rotate in opposite directions. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two stirring units 42. However, other numbers of stirring units could be used without departing from the scope of the description. In addition, each stirring unit 42 could have additional sets of rotating arms 56. Alternatively, a motor could be dedicated to each set of rotating arms 56. Other configurations of the stirring assembly 14 are also provided for within the scope of the description. With reference to Figs. 13 and 14, an alternative embodiment of a stirring assembly is generally designated 14'. The stirring assembly 14' includes a pair of rotating stirrers 42' attached to a lower portion of the housing assembly 12 on opposite sides of the housing assembly. Each stirrer 42' includes a plurality of bars 56' extending longitudinally along the housing assembly 12'. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two bars 56' in each stirrer 42'. However, any number of bars may be used. The bars 56' are operatively connected to a motor 48' via a gear and linkage assembly 52' to rotate about a horizontal axis that generally extends along the sides of the housing assembly 12'. In one embodiment, the motor 48' effects the rotation of the two stirrers 42' in opposite directions.Additionally, the bars 56' are offset from their axis of rotation so that they pass below the inner space of the housing assembly 12' when they rotate. Therefore, the bars 56' will come into contact with the plant stems when the pollen collection device 10' moves over the row of plants. Consequently, the bars 56' will agitate the plants to release pollen, similar to the agitation assembly 14 of the first embodiment. In one embodiment, the agitation assembly 14' provides 12 impacts per plant. As shown in the figures, the orientation of the bars 56' in one of the agitators 42' is angularly offset from the orientation of the bars 56' in the other agitator. For example, the 56' bars of one 42' stirrer are oriented 90 degrees out of phase with the 56' bars of the other 42' stirrer.Thus, the bars will make contact with the plants alternately, striking the plants from one side to the other between the agitators 42'. Alternatively, the agitation assembly 14' may include a single agitator having one or more bars for agitating the plants. Further configurations of the agitation assembly 14' are also provided for. With reference to Figs. 1C, 4, and 5, the pollen collection assembly 16 comprises a blower 60 (generally, an air manipulator) for generating an airflow through the pollen collection assembly, a diverter 62 for diverting the pollen within the collection assembly, and a receiver 64 attached to the diverter for receiving and collecting the diverted pollen. A first tube 66 connects the diverter 62 to the outlet duct 30 of the housing assembly 12, and a second tube 68 connects the blower 60 to the receiver 64. An air passage thus extends through the pollen collection device 10 from the first tube 66, through the pollen collection assembly 16, to the second tube 18, and to the blower 60.The blower is configured to generate an airflow within the air passage that draws the pollen, which has been separated from the plants using the stirring assembly 14, from the housing assembly 12, through the first tube 66, through the diverter 62, and into the receiver 64. The second tube 68 provides a passage for pollen-free air to be expelled from the collection assembly 16 and through the blower 60 into the surrounding atmosphere. Thus, the pollen collection assembly 16 continuously separates the pollen from the airflow as the pollen collection device 10 moves through a row of plants. Furthermore, the diverter 62 eliminates clogging within the device 10 and the need for replacement. Additionally, the diverter substantially reduces the compaction forces on the pollen employed by conventional pollen collection methods.Therefore, pollen collection assembly 16 maintains pollen quality after collection, thereby increasing the pollen germination rate in subsequent pollination processes. The blower 60 comprises an air inlet 70 and an air outlet 72. The air inlet 70 is connected to the second tube 68 and the air outlet 72 is in communication with the atmosphere. The blower 60, by expelling air from the air outlet 72, creates suction at the air inlet 70, generating an airflow through the air passage in the pollen collection assembly 16 and the interior of the housing assembly 12. Therefore, the pollen displaced or extracted from the plants P in the housing assembly 12 is carried through the air passage by the airflow generated by the blower 60. In one embodiment, the blower 60 creates a volumetric flow rate of at least approximately 500 CFM within the air passage through the pollen collection device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the blower 60 creates a volumetric flow rate of approximately 600 CFM.In one configuration, the blower 60 creates a volumetric flow rate between approximately 400 and approximately 600 CFM. The blower can generate other volumetric flow rates. A terminal velocity of pollen traveling through the air passage can be approximately 7 m / s. Pollen can travel through the device at a speed of at least approximately 2 m / s, and in one example, from approximately 2 m / s to approximately 25 m / s, or from approximately 2 m / s to approximately 11 m / s. However, pollen can travel at other speeds without deviating from the scope of the description. Pollen traveling at the described speeds through the pollen collection assembly 16 has been found to provide a low-impact collection process that maintains pollen viability and health. With reference to Figs. 4-6, the diverter 62 comprises a housing 74 (e.g., a cylindrical housing or a housing having a different shape), a paddle insert 76 received at a first end of the cylindrical housing, an adapter 78 received around the first end of the cylindrical housing to retain at least a portion of the paddle insert in the cylindrical housing, and an inlet connector 80 attached to a second end of the cylindrical housing to connect the diverter to the receiver 64. The paddle insert 76 can be slid into the first end of the cylindrical housing 74 to selectively position the paddle insert within the cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing 74 is of sufficient length to correctly position the paddle insert 76 of the receiver 64.An inner diameter of the cylindrical housing 74 is sized to receive the paddle insert 76 at the first end of the housing. An outer diameter of the cylindrical housing 74 is sized to receive it in the inlet connector 80. In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the cylindrical housing 74 is approximately 20.32 centimeters. However, other dimensions of the cylindrical housing 74 may be used. The adapter 78 is configured to fix the position of the paddle insert 76 within the cylindrical housing 74. Therefore, the paddle insert 76 does not rotate or otherwise move within the cylindrical housing 74 during use. LL / eLn / zznz / E / YiAi With reference to Fig. 7A, the vane insert 76 comprises a cylindrical or semicylindrical member including vanes 82 arranged within an interior of the cylindrical member. The vanes 82 are formed around a core 84 that extends longitudinally within the cylindrical member. The vanes 82 and the core 84 can generally be considered a vane assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the vanes 82 extend helically around the core 84 from an adjacent end of the core to an opposite end of the core. However, the vanes need not extend helically around the core as long as the vanes produce rotation of the airflow. Therefore, non-helical assemblies can be used.Furthermore, since the vane insert 76 does not rotate in the cylindrical housing 74, the vanes 82 also remain stationary in the housing and do not rotate or otherwise move relative to the rest of the cylindrical member of the vane insert. As will be explained in more detail below, the vanes 82 are configured to direct the pollen in the air passage radially outward by inertial force toward the inner surface of the cylindrical housing 74 for eventual collection by the receptor 64. The inlet connector 80 comprises an annular flange 86 for joining the inlet connector to the receiver 64, and a tubular extension 88 projecting from the annular flange to receive the second end of the cylindrical housing 74. The tubular extension 88 can be attached to the cylindrical housing 74 by any suitable means. For example, the cylindrical housing 74 can be press-fitted into the tubular extension 88 and / or adhesive can secure the tubular extension to the cylindrical housing. In one embodiment, the internal diameter of the tubular extension 88 of the inlet connector 80 is approximately 20.32 centimeters. The inlet connector 80 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of the description. Furthermore, the inlet connector 80 could be omitted so that the cylindrical housing 74 is directly attached to the receiver 64. For example, an annular flange (not shown) could be formed on the cylindrical housing 74 for joining to the receiver 64.Further means are planned to connect diverter 62 to receiver 64. In the illustrated version, there are four paddles 82 on the derailleur 62. However, any number of paddles 82 can be used without deviating from the scope of the description. The paddle length can also vary. In one version, the paddle length 82 is approximately 10.16 centimeters. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the position of the paddles 82 can be adjusted by moving paddle insert 76 within the cylindrical housing 74. In one version, one end of the paddles 82 is positioned between approximately 40.64 and approximately 50.8 centimeters from the other end of the cylindrical housing 74 attached to the receiver 64. The geometry and shape of the paddles 82 can also vary. In one ii / Gίη / ZZΖ / E / YILI mode, the 82 paddles have a sweep angle of approximately 40 degrees, an exit angle of approximately 60 degrees, and an annular space of approximately 2.54 centimeters (Figs. 7B and 7C). With reference to Fig.Figure 10 shows several alternative vane insert configurations. For example, the vanes can comprise a long helix where the vanes complete a full helical sweep around the core (Fig. 10A), a short helix where the helical pitch has been reduced to provide a more aggressive curve (Fig. 10B), an aggressive sweep where the vane length has been reduced to provide a more aggressive curve (Fig. 10C), a helix vortex where the number of vanes increases to 12 (Fig. 10D), or an alternative helix vortex (Fig. 10E). Furthermore, the vane inserts are interchangeable. Therefore, an operator can select a particular vane insert for a desired application. An outlet adapter (Fig. 10F) can also be used to minimize air velocity within the receiver 64 and promote settling.A flange on the outlet adapter is configured to reduce the annular space between the inlet and outlet conduits. With reference to Figs. 4-7, the receiver 64 comprises a collection box 90 for receiving the pollen diverted by the diverter 62, a pollen bucket 92 detachably attached to the collection box for storing the pollen collected by the collection box, and an outlet connector 94 attached to the collection box 90 for conveying the substantially pollen-free airstream through the collection box to the second tube 68 for removal from the pollen collection assembly 16. As will be explained in more detail below, the receiver 64 is positioned and configured to collect and store the pollen extracted from the plants P while allowing the airstream to pass through the receiver and out of the pollen collection assembly 16.Therefore, pollen collection assembly 16 can continuously collect pollen from plants P while pollen collection device 10 moves through the row of plants. The collection box 90 comprises a housing that defines an inlet opening 96 in communication with the diverter 62, an outlet opening 98 in communication with the outlet connector 94, and an interior 100 between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The collection box 90 has an open bottom in communication with the pollen tray 92 attached to the open bottom of the collection box. The pollen tray 92 comprises a receptacle that includes an open top for positioning the interior 100 of the collection box 90 in communication with an interior of the pollen tray. The outlet connector 94 comprises a tubular member 102 and an annular flange 104 extending around the tubular member.The annular flange 104 is arranged between the longitudinal ends of the tubular member 102, forming an inlet portion extending through the collection box 90 and an outlet portion extending away from the collection box. The inlet portion of the tubular member 102 is received within the outlet opening 98 in the collection box 90, and the annular flange 104 is attached to an outer surface of the collection box to secure the outlet connector 94 to the collection box. The outlet portion of the outlet connector 94 connects to the second tube 68. A clamp 106 (Fig. 4) can be used to secure the second tube 68 to the outlet portion of the outlet connector 94. A flow sensor 108 (Fig. 4) can also be attached to the second tube 68 to monitor the fluid flow through the second tube. It is understood that flow sensors can be located in other positions on the device 10 to monitor the fluid flow. The sensor 108 can also measure the temperature within the flow passage. Alternatively, a separate sensor can be used to measure the temperature. Additionally, the pollen bucket 92 can be replaced with a pollen storage device (not shown) that creates a storage environment with optimal temperature, humidity, and airflow. A large pollen bucket 92 is shown in Figs. 4 and 8, and a small pollen bucket 92 is shown in Figs. 5–7. Other configurations for pollen storage are provided for. Additionally or alternatively, continuous systems for separating anthers and other pollen debris can be attached to the receiver 64. A suitable method for using the pollen-collecting device 10 to collect pollen from crop plants will be briefly described below. The method described below is specifically for collecting pollen from maize plants. However, the same techniques can be employed for collecting pollen from other types of crops. As explained above, and with reference to Fig. 1A, the illustrated pollen-collecting devices 10 are spaced across the width of the base B of the tractor T to collect pollen from rows of pollen-bearing maize plants P. All plants in the field are cultivated until the pollen-bearing maize plants P contain pollen suitable for pollination. Once the plants P have grown to contain pollen suitable for pollination, an operator installs the pollen collection devices 10 on the tractor T. The operator may, for example, measure or visually inspect the heights of the plants P and adjust the height of the housing assembly 12 so that the housing assembly is positioned to receive the male flowers MF within the main duct 26 of the housing assembly. Alternatively, the operator may position the pollen collection device 10 so that the arms 56 of the stirring assembly 14 are arranged at a The predetermined height above the ground (e.g., approximately 66.04 centimeters) is determined by the arms attached to the plant stems P to shake the plants. The heights of the pollen collection devices 10 can also be automatically adjusted using the sensors, controller, and actuators (e.g., hydraulic pistons) mounted on the tractor T. In use, the tractor T can be driven across a field of corn plants P along a row of plants. The operator initially activates the blower 60 to create a suction airflow through the device 10. An airflow then flows from the housing assembly 12, through the first tube 66, through the pollen collection assembly 16, into the second tube 68, and out through the blower 60. The motors 48 of the stirring assembly 14 can also be activated to start the rotation of the arms 56 in the stirring units 42. With the pollen collection device 10 configured to create a suction force in the main duct 26 of the housing assembly, and the stirring assembly 14 activated, the operator drives the tractor T so that the pollen collection devices 10 pass through the rows of plants P.As a pollen-collecting device 10 moves through a row of plants P, guides 24 channel the plant tops into the inner space of the housing assembly 12. After passing through the guides 24, the plants P are initially propelled out of the inner space of the housing assembly 12 by the vertical support members 38. However, the continued movement of the collecting device 10 through the plants P causes the rotating arms 56 of the shaking assembly 14 to make contact with the plant stems, drawing the plants into the housing assembly 12. These two counteracting forces produce a shaking action on the tops of the plants where the male flowers MF are located, which can cause the pollen to be displaced from the plants.The continuous movement of the housing assembly 12 over the plants P moves the outlet conduit 30 into the register with at least some of the plants. The angled shape of the outlet conduit 30 bends the upper parts of the plants P into the main conduit 26 so that even when the stems and lower parts of the plants move from beneath the main conduit, the upper parts of the plants remain within the main conduit for at least a period of time. This maximizes the time that the plants P, and in particular the upper parts of the plants, are contained within the main conduit 26, thus increasing the time available to capture the displaced pollen within the main conduit. It is understood that for the modality shown in Fig. 13, the bars 56' will rotate to make contact with the stems of the plants P to displace the pollen from the plants. ίί / Γίη / ΖΖηΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ The displaced pollen is then temporarily held within the main duct 26 of the housing assembly 12. The airflow in the pollen collection device 10 carries the pollen in the housing assembly 12 out of the outlet duct 30, through the first tube 66, and into the diverter 62 of the pollen collection assembly 16. With reference to Fig. 9, the vanes 82 of the diverter 62 rotate the airflow through the diverter to deflect the PL pollen and other particles in the airstream radially outward, while the pollen travels longitudinally through the diverter. Thus, the PL pollen, which normally travels along the longitudinal axis of the diverter 62, will be forced radially outward by the vanes 82 as it passes through the vane insert 76.Therefore, as the PL pollen exits the paddle insert 76 and continues traveling along the airstream through the cylindrical housing 74, the pollen will generally travel along the inner wall of the cylindrical housing. As such, when the PL pollen reaches the second end of the cylindrical housing 74, the pollen can pass through an annular space or gap 110 (Fig. 8) between an outer surface of the inlet portion of the outlet connector 94 and the inner wall of the cylindrical housing. The PL pollen then flows into the collection box 90 of the receiver 64. The space within the collection box 90 surrounding the inlet portion of the outlet connector 94 comprises dead air through which the airstream created by the blower 60 does not flow.Therefore, once the PL pollen reaches the dead air space within the collection box 90, the pollen's movement along the airflow direction slows until it eventually stops moving in the airflow direction. At this point, the pollen falls into the collection box 90, where it eventually settles to the bottom and into the pollen tray 92, where it is stored for later extraction. By diverting the PL pollen from the airflow to the dead air space of the receiver 64, the impact of the pollen during the collection process is minimized, thus preserving the pollen's health. In one embodiment, the pollen collection device 10 is 100% efficient, so all the pollen traveling through the collection assembly 16 is collected within the receiver 64. In another embodiment, the pollen collection device 10 is at least 60% efficient.Further levels of effectiveness are envisaged without deviating from the scope of this description. Additionally, or alternatively, the pollen can be directed to any number of intermediate systems before storage. For example, the pollen could be directed to a debris removal system. Finally, the pollen-free airflow continues out of the receiver 64 and into the second tube 68 to be expelled from the pollen collection device 10 via the blower 60. Thus, the pollen collection device 10 creates a continuous airflow that carries the displaced pollen from plants P to the receiver 64 as the collection device travels along a row of plants, allowing the airflow to exit the device. Therefore, the pollen collection device 10 can efficiently collect pollen from plants P while causing minimal impact or damage to the pollen compared to conventional pollen collection methods. With reference to Fig. 15, a pollen collection device of another type is generally designated 10'. This pollen collection device can be mounted on a tractor, detasseler, or sprayer and driven over a row of plants, similar to pollen collection devices 10 and 10' described above. Furthermore, pollen collection device 10 incorporates an automated and standardized process for efficiently collecting pollen from plants and accurately quantifying the volume and quality of the collected pollen. This information can be used to provide yield estimates and identify specific pollen production conditions that can optimize pollen yield and / or viability during subsequent planting. Therefore, plants with the most viable pollen can be planted and harvested for seed production. The Pollen Collection Device 10' is configured similarly to the Pollen Collection Device 10' and therefore functions to collect pollen in the same way. Furthermore, the Pollen Collection Device 10' can be used for research purposes to evaluate the quality and quantity of the collected pollen using different treatment and analysis methods.In the illustrated embodiment, the pollen collection device 10' comprises a housing assembly 12' configured to receive and guide portions of the plants through the pollen collection device, a stirring assembly 14' attached to the housing assembly and configured to stir and advance the plants through the pollen collection device to extract or displace the pollen from the plants, and a pollen collection assembly 16' attached to the housing assembly and configured to collect the pollen extracted from the plants in a collection chamber 90'. The pollen collection device 10' further comprises one or more measuring / detecting devices for measuring various characteristics of the collected pollen. The measuring / detecting devices are shown schematically in Fig. 15. In one embodiment, the pollen collection device 10' includes a scale 120' for measuring the weight of the pollen collected in the collection chamber 90', a volume detector 122' for measuring the volume of the pollen in the collection chamber, a near-infrared (NIR) or capacitance detector 124' for detecting the moisture content of the pollen in the collection chamber, and a viability detector 126' for detecting the pollen's ability to effect fertilization and seed development. These measuring / detecting devices enable the pollen collection device 10' to provide an estimate of the quality of the collected pollen.Estimating pollen quality can help identify the preferred growing conditions for plants to produce the most desirable pollen for seed development. It is understood that other measuring / detection devices may be used without deviating from the scope of this description. In one embodiment, the collection chamber 90' is changed after the pollen collection device 10' is moved to a new plot. For example, an automated device (not shown) can be used to change the collection chamber 90'. The automated device can also be used for sample identification from the collection chamber 90'. Modifications and variations of the described modalities are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the attached claims. When elements of the present invention or embodiments thereof are introduced, the terms "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there is one or more of the elements. The expressions "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and to mean that there may be additional elements besides those listed. Since 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 content of the above description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a definitive sense.

Claims

1. A pollen-collecting device for collecting pollen from crop plants growing in rows, the device being characterized in that it comprises: a housing assembly configured to be mounted on a base for being transported through a row of crop plants, the housing assembly receiving at least a portion of the plants while the housing assembly is being transported through the row of crop plants; a shaking assembly attached to the housing assembly for shaking the plants while the housing assembly is being transported through the row of crop plants to displace the pollen from the plants; and a pollen-collecting assembly attached to the housing assembly for collecting the displaced pollen from the plants while the housing assembly is being transported through the row of crop plants.

2. The pollen collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pollen collection assembly includes a deflector for diverting the displaced pollen from the plants and a receiver for receiving the diverted pollen.

3. The pollen collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the pollen collection assembly includes an air manipulator configured to produce an airflow through the diverter to the receiver to transport the displaced pollen to the receiver.

4. The pollen collection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the deflector includes a helical vane configured to produce the rotation of the airstream to direct the pollen in the airstream radially outwards into the deflector.

5. The pollen collection device according to claim 4, characterized in that the deflector includes a housing and an insert received in the housing, the insert including the helical paddle.

6. The pollen-collecting device according to claim 5, characterized in that the insert can be selectively positioned within the housing to adjust the distance between the helical vane and the receiver.

7. The pollen collection device according to claim 6, characterized in that the insert includes a plurality of helical vanes.

8. The pollen collection device according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises a tube connecting the air manipulator to the receiver.

9. The pollen collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the receiver includes a collection box for receiving the pollen from the diverter and a pollen receptacle detachably attached to the collection box.

10. The pollen collection device according to claim 9, characterized in that the collection box is configured to maintain the collected pollen at a desired temperature and humidity to preserve the quality of the pollen.

11. The pollen collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the receiver includes a dead space to receive the diverted pollen.

12. The pollen collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a tube connecting an interior space of the housing assembly to the diverter.

13. The pollen collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a continuous system for removing anthers or other pollen remains.

14. The pollen collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises one or more measuring devices for measuring a characteristic of the collected pollen.

15. A method for collecting pollen from crop plants growing in rows, the device characterized in that it comprises: transporting a pollen-collecting device along a row of crop plants; displacing the pollen from the row of crop plants by contact with the crop plants via an agitator of the pollen-collecting device while the pollen-collecting device is being transported along the row of crop plants; and collecting the displaced pollen from the row of crop plants in the pollen-collecting device while the pollen-collecting device is being transported along the row of crop plants.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises transporting the displaced pollen to a pollen collection assembly of the pollen collection device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises dispersing the displaced pollen from the plants with a diverter.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises collecting the diverted pollen in a receiver.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises producing an airflow that flows through the diverter to the receiver to transport the displaced pollen to the receiver.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that it further comprises producing the rotation of the air stream to direct the pollen in the air stream radially outwards into the deflector.

21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the diverter includes a housing and an insert received in the housing, the method further comprising selectively placing the insert within the housing to adjust a distance between a helical vane of the insert and the receiver.

22. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the receiver includes a collection box for receiving pollen from the diverter and a pollen receptacle detachably attached to the collection box.

23. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises receiving the deflected pollen in a dead space in the receiver.

24. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises measuring a characteristic of the collected pollen.

25. A pollen-collecting device for collecting pollen from crop plants growing in rows, the device characterized in that it comprises: a housing assembly configured to be mounted on a base for transport through a row of crop plants, the housing assembly receiving at least a portion of the plants while the housing assembly is being transported through the row of crop plants; a pollen-collecting assembly attached to the housing assembly for collecting pollen from the plants while the housing assembly is being transported through the row of crop plants; and a measuring device for measuring a characteristic of the collected pollen.

26. The pollen collection device according to claim 25, characterized in that the measuring device comprises a scale for measuring the weight of the collected pollen, a volume detector for measuring the volume of the collected pollen, a moisture detector for detecting the moisture content of the collected pollen, and a viability detector for detecting the ability of the collected pollen to effect fertilization and development.

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