Semiautomatic Harvester Research Articles

Designing a Low-Cost Mechatronic Device for Semi-Automatic Saffron Harvesting

This paper addresses the design of a novel mechatronic device for saffron harvesting. The main proposed challenge consists of proposing a new paradigm for semi-automatic harvesting of saffron flowers. The proposed novel solution is designed for being easily portable with user-friendly and cost-oriented features and with a fully electric battery-powered actuation. A preliminary concept design has been proposed as based on a specific novel cam mechanism in combination with an elastic spring for fulfilling the detachment of the flowers from their stems. Numerical calculations and simulations have been carried out to complete the full design of a proof-of-concept prototype. Preliminary experimental tests have been carried out to demonstrate the engineering feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed design solutions, whose concept has been submitted for patenting.

Stability analysis of tractor mounted hydraulic elevator for horticultural orchards

Konkan tractor mounted elevator is a semiautomatic harvesting mechanism recommended for harvesting mango and coconut orchards upto 12 m to 14 m tree height by Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli, Dist:- Ratnagiri:- 415712. The mechanism is developed with financial support of Coconut Development Board, Ministry of Agriculture Government of India. The stability analysis of KONKAN Tractor Mounted Hydraulic Elevator was carried out to see the stability of elevator at various load condition and angles. The objective of undertaking this study was to increase stability of the proposed machine and avoid the overturning of the elevator bucket at maximum load and at maximum reach position. The results of stability analysis were considered while the design, development and fabrication of refined tractor mounted hydraulic elevator for coconut harvesting. The stability analysis of tractor mounted hydraulic elevator was carried out by using digital weighing bridge with capacity of 60 tonnes having connectivity of data cable attachment with computer for freely interference of data.

Chemoattractant production by synovial fluid cells in chronic arthritis. A study with a new double-chamber method for quantitating the motility of mononuclear cells labelled with chromium-51

A new method was developed to study the migration of lymphocytes under in vitro conditions. Attractant fluid was added to the appropriate lower wells, which were filled to the brim. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were labelled with 51Cr and then put into the upper wells. Surface tension and capillary force are enough to make clamping of these plates possible, separated by a polycarbonate filter, 15 microns thick with a pore size of 8 microns, between these two standard multiwell microculture plates. After three hours of incubation at +37 degrees C in a humidified 5% CO2 atmosphere, the migrated cells were harvested from the lower wells using a semiautomatic harvester, and the radioactivity was counted. The present method makes it unnecessary to enrich or select for different cell subsets for migration studies. Instead, density gradient separated mononuclear cells as such can be used to assess their migratory capacity.

A microquantitative method for investigating the interaction between labeled lectins and the surface membranes of human lymphocytes using a semi-automatic harvesting machine.

We describe a simple, rapid and economical method for the study of the interaction of labeled lectins and the surface membranes of human lymphocytes using a semi-automatic harvesting machine (Titertek Multiple Cell Harvester). The procedure requires both small numbers of cells and small amounts of lectin, moreover it reduces the number of experimental steps required.

A rapid microassay for detecting antibodies against poliovirus based on [ 14C]thymidine uptake of treated cell cultures

DNA synthesis of mammalian cells propagated in microplates can easily be measured if cell cultures incubated with [ 14C]thymidine are harvested on to glass fibre filters by a semiautomatic harvesting technique. Soon after infection with poliovirus, [ 14C]-thymidine uptake of U cells (established, human amniotic cell line) is inhibited. This inhibition can be prevented by previous virus neutralization with antibody. Based on this effect a rapid, precise assay method was set up to determine neutralizing antibody titres against poliovirus. There was a good correlation between titres obtained by this assay and those obtained by 50% endpoint titrations in cytopathogenic effect inhibition assays.

Characterization of human chemotactic lymphokine production induced by mitogens and mixed leukocyte reactions using a new microassay

Quantification of lymphokine production in vitro can be a useful tool in the evaluation of delayed hypersensitivity in various disease states. A micro-method for the measurement of chemotactic lymphokine production by human mononuclear leukocytes (MNL's) has been developed. MNL's are isolated on Ficoll-Hypaque gradients and cultured without plasma in microtiter plates. Culture supernatants are harvested through glass fibre filter paper under vacuum in a semi-automatic harvester. Chemotactic lymphokine activity in the supernatants is quantified in miniaturized Boyden chambers using human monocytes as responder cells. The production of chemotactic activity can be initiated by mixed leukocyte reactions as well as by soluble antigens or mitogens, and therefore may be a useful adjunct in tissue typing. Studies of lymphokine production in normal individuals indicate that these methods are quantitative, reproducible, and readily applicable to the study of this parameter of immune function in human disease.

An evaluation of an assay for DNA synthesis in lymphocytes with [ 3H]thymidine and harvesting on to glass fibre filter discs

Different grades of glass fibre filter paper have been compared for harvesting cells labelled with tritium using a semi-automatic harvester. Grade GF/C (Whatman Ltd.) was selected for routine use although GF/B was found to be useful for whole blood cultures. The factors affecting the choice of thymidine concentration and activity are discussed and 1 μCi of [ 3H]thymidine (5 Ci/mMol)/0.2 ml culture is shown to give a linear relationship with total DNA synthesis for up to 22 h.

Aquarium Systems for the Maintenance of Ctenophores and Jellyfish and for the Hatching and Harvesting of Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina) Larvae

Ctenophores and jellyfish are most difficult marine invertebrates to maintain in artificial aquaria. They require circulating water to distribute a constant supply of live food and to disperse mucus and slime which these animals produce in abundance. They are easily trapped in filter intakes and overflow tubes, and they can be damaged or destroyed in the turbulence produced by air stones. Two practical and inexpensive aquarium systems designed specifically to overcome these problems are described—one for the hatching and semi-automatic harvesting of large quantities of brine shrimp larvae, and a second for the long term maintenance of ctenophores and jellyfish.