Method of handling clamshell containers containing a particulate aliquot

Abstract

A method for handling package assemblies in an automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a method of handling a package assembly containing a particulate aliquot (such as a selected type of agricultural seed) that includes first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, the method including receiving the package assembly in a package assembly handling device, and applying a force to the package assembly using the package assembly handling device so that the first and second portions at least partially separate in response to the force.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of handling a package assembly containing a particulate aliquot and comprising first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, said method comprising:
 receiving the package assembly in a package assembly handling device; and   applying a force to the package assembly using the package assembly handling device so that the first and second portions at least partially separate in response to the force, thus releasing at least a portion of the particulate aliquot,   wherein applying a force to the package assembly using the package assembly handling device comprises inserting an opening tool between the first and second portions of the package assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The method of handling a package assembly of  claim 1 , wherein applying a force to the package assembly using the package assembly handling device comprises applying a force approximately normal to a plane defined by a flange portion of the package assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The method of handling a package assembly of  claim 1 , wherein inserting an opening tool between the first and second portions of the package assembly comprises inserting the opening tool into an aperture defined by at least one of a pair of opposing concave portions located on a flange portion of the package assembly for encouraging at least one of the first or second portions to flex outwardly from the other portion about the flexure axis so that the first and second portions separate. 
     
     
         4 . The method of handling a package assembly of  claim 3 , wherein inserting an opening tool into an aperture comprises inserting the opening tool into an aperture defined by at least one of a pair of opposing concave portions located on a first flange portion of the package assembly and at least one corresponding concave portion located on a second flange portion of the package assembly and adapted to substantially align with at least one of the pair of opposing concave portions when the first and second portions are closed. 
     
     
         5 . The method of handling a package assembly of  claim 3  further comprising applying second force to the package assembly, wherein the second force is applied approximately normal to a plane defined by the flange portion, and wherein the second force encourages the first and second portions to separate. 
     
     
         6 . The method of handling a package assembly of  claim 5 , wherein applying a second force comprises actuating a disengaging tool through a notch portion defined in one of first and second flange portions of the package assembly to exert a force against the other of the first and second flange portions for encouraging the first and second portions of the package assembly to separate. 
     
     
         7 . The method of handling a package assembly of  claim 4 , wherein inserting an opening tool into an aperture defined by at least one of a pair of concave portions located on a flange portion of the package assembly comprises moving the package assembly along a package assembly handling path defined by a pair of opposing guide rails using a pusher assembly so that the aperture of the package assembly contacts an opening tool. 
     
     
         8 . The method of handling a package assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second portions of the package assembly are joined at one end by a hinge, and wherein the method further comprises deflecting one of the first or second portions of the package assembly with the opening tool when the first and second portions separate so that the package assembly at least temporarily remains in an open position. 
     
     
         9 . The method of handling a package assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising identifying a package assembly label comprising a indicia of the aliquot using a machine reader device. 
     
     
         10 . The method of handling a package assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the machine reader device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of:
 a bar code reader;   an RFID reader; and   combinations thereof.   
     
     
         11 . The method of handling a package assembly of  claim 1 , wherein receiving the package assembly comprises receiving a closed package assembly in an inverted orientation wherein the first portion comprises a container portion and the second portion comprises a cover portion, the cover portion being disposed below the container portion, and wherein when the cover portion separates from the container portion, at least a portion of the particulate aliquot is released from the package assembly. 
     
     
         12 . A package assembly handling system for handling a package assembly comprising first and second portions that cooperate to contain a particulate aliquot, the system comprising:
 a package assembly handling device configured for applying a force to the package assembly so that the first and second portions at least partially separate, thus releasing at least a portion of the particulate aliquot,   wherein the force comprises inserting a opening tool between the first and second portions of the package assembly.   
     
     
         13 . The package assembly handling system of  claim 12 , wherein the force comprises a force approximately normal to a plane defined by a flange portion of the package assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The package assembly handling system of  claim 12  wherein the opening tool is configured for inserting into an aperture defined by at least one of a pair of opposing concave portions located on a flange portion of the package assembly, for encouraging at least one of the first or second portions to flex outwardly from the other portion about the flexure axis so that the first and second portions separate. 
     
     
         15 . The package assembly handling system of  claim 14 , further comprising a disengaging tool configured for applying a second force to the package assembly, approximately normal to a plane defined by the flange portion, for encouraging the first and second portions to separate. 
     
     
         16 . The package assembly handling system of  claim 12 , further comprising a pusher assembly and a pair of guide rails defining a package assembly handling path, and wherein the pusher assembly is configured for moving the package assembly along the package handling path so that the aperture of the package assembly contacts a leading end defined by the opening tool. 
     
     
         17 . The package assembly handling system of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second portions of the package assembly are joined at one end by a hinge, and wherein the opening tool further defines a deflecting arm configured to deflect one of the first or second portions of the package assembly when the first and second portions separate so that the package assembly at least temporarily remains in an open position. 
     
     
         18 . The package assembly handling system of  claim 12 , further comprising a machine reader device configured for identifying a package assembly label comprising indicia of the aliquot. 
     
     
         19 . The package assembly handing system of  claim 18 , wherein the machine reader device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of:
 a bar code reader;   an RFID reader; and   combinations thereof.