| 摘要 |
A computer controlled seedling transfer apparatus includes a pair of free-wheeling conveyors for supporting a commercial grower's seed flat and pot flat. Each conveyor includes an associated indexing mechanism for gripping the respective flat and translating the flat along the conveyor so that certain of the flat recesses are aligned with a transfer station between the flats. A seedling transfer mechanism is supported above the conveyors so that the mechanism can be moved transversely between the seed flat and pot flat. The seedling transfer mechanism includes extendable gripping fingers for gripping a seedling, removing it from the seed flat, transferring it to a specific pot flat recess and replanting the seedling. The indexing mechanisms for the two flats are computer controlled, as is the seedling transfer mechanism, to optimize the seedling transfer operation and to ensure that the pot flat is completely filled with seedlings. In one embodiment, a sensor, such as a camera or an infrared sensor, are mounted over the seed flat and pot flat to sense the condition of the recesses in the flats. The computer responds to the sensed conditions of the recesses to control the sequence of transfer moves, for example to avoid attempted transfers from empty seed flat recesses. A nozzle is provided in another embodiment that is associated with the seedling transfer mechanism that is used to facilitate removal, transfer and replanting of the seedling. The seedling transfer mechanism includes a pair of resilient gripping fingers with a flexible web extending therebetween. The web slightly bends the seedling during the transfer so that the seedling does not get tangled with the transfer mechanism.
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