US Patent:
20070294994, Dec 27, 2007
Inventors:
Kevin Deppermann - St. Charles MO, US
Mike Bohnert - Ames IA, US
Jason Bull - St. Louis MO, US
Jeremy Conry - Ankeny IA, US
Kevin Cook - Ankeny IA, US
Sam Eathington - Ames IA, US
Travis Frey - Huxley IA, US
Jeff Hartsook - Madrid IA, US
Bruce Schnicker - Wildwood MO, US
Jeremy Nefzger - Dyersville IA, US
International Classification:
A01D 45/16
Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring stalk strength and/or root strength of a plant is provided. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus includes a conveyer operably connected to a motor for circulatorily driving the conveyer around at least one guide device. At least one pulling finger is coupled to the conveyer. Each pulling finger is structured such that, when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the plant stalk and the conveyor is driven around the guide device, each pulling finger will contact and pull a plant stalk as each pulling finger travels around the guide device. The apparatus additionally includes a force sensor for measuring resistive force encountered by the motor as each pulling finger pulls the plant stalk.