Performance of SECCAP

1. Count the total number of kernels of corn obtained from a single ear.

2. Based on this total number of kernels, as selected by the operator:

   1. Deliver a quantity of kernels, N1, for example, 50, to a packet for analysis.

   2. Save a required minimum number of kernels, N2, for example, 80,to be returned to the supply packet at the conclusion of test operation.

   3. Assuming the total number of kernels available so permits, packet one or more additional packets of kernels of count N3, for example, one additional packet of 50 kernels.

   4. Record and enter into memory along with the sample name, identifying number, the total number of kernels , the number of kernels returned to the supply packet, and the quantity and kernel count of the analysis packets.

    

Functional Sub-Systems Making Up SECCAP

1. A special Model U Counter Controller to which control functions have been added for overall control of the unit. Bar Code reading capabilities are maintained as well as the ability to print self-adhesive labels with an optional printer.

2. A vibratory feeder , bowl, and totalize counting head for counting the total number of kernels placed into the feeder bowl. This sub-system, has a motorized quick empty stand for automatic bowl clean-out, and a treated seed vacuum pick-up head to remove light material from the sample.

3. A vibratory feeder, bowl, and lot size counting head with dual packeting chute. This unit receives the seed delivered by the totalize counter and carries out the required packeting directed by the controller. This unit also includes a motorized quick empty stand for automatic clean- out and a vacuum pick-up head for light material removal.

4. An ESRA (Excess Seed Repack Accessory) unit collects any seed remaining in either the total count or lot size feeder bowls at the conclusion of operation is emptied into the ESRA collection unit when the feeders and bowls are turned upside down. Pulsed air nozzles direct an air stream into the bowls and along the surfaces of the ESRA unit to insure that no seed remains in the ESRA unit. A special envelope or bag clamping unit holds the envelope or bag on the discharge of the ESRA unit and prevents operation if no bag is present or if the bag from the previous test has not been removed.

5. A vacuum filtering unit working in conjunction with the two vacuum pick-up heads which filters dust and light materials which may have been present in the sample.

SECCAP Operation---Typical

Assume the operator has set up the unit for the N1, N2 and N3 values (noted In the Performance section, using the control unit menus and keypad for inputting requirements) The unit is now ready to process a sample.

The sample from a single ear of corn is emptied into the bowl of the total count feeder and the supply envelope put on the discharge of the ESRA unit.
If the supply envelope has a bar code the bar code may be scanned and the Information obtained appears on the controller display.

Depressing the RUN key of the controller keypad begins the operating procedures. The vacuum pick-up head lowers to the operating level over the total count feeder bowl and the feeder starts to feed seeds through the total counting head into the feeder bowl of the lot size counter.

When the control unit detects that all seeds have been delivered from the total counter bowl the control unit then determines from the total count what sequence of packeting is possible from the number of seeds available.

If a packet is present on the left packeting nose of the dual packeting chute it will proceed to deliver the N1 count to this packet. If the number of seed is adequate to meet the N2 requirement (minimum number of seed required to e maintained in the archive packet) And for additional packets for other purposes.

For example: Assume the operator set up the requirement of a 50 count Analysis packet, a minimum archive count of 80 seeds, and 1 additional packet of 75 seeds. The total count of seed placed in the total counter was found to be 257 kernels. This is enough for the controller to provide a 50 count analysis packet, a 75 count additional packet, and to have 132 kernels returned to the supply packet for archive purposes, exceeding the minimum requirement of 80 kernels.

The unit then logs this data into the C-Flash memory of the controller and, if required, a label is printed for each packet, and all units put into the required status for the next sample.