Abstract: A rock picker towing apparatus attachable by mounting to a prime mover end (power unit) includes a front and rear elevator transfer apparatus; a tromell separator; dump trailer detachably connectable to the tromell unit frame; a hydraulic power supply unit in fluid communication with the tromell unit and transfer apparatus.

Abstract: This agricultural device introduces an innovative approach to soil treatment that restores the fertility of depleted soils, which currently depend on chemical fertilizers to keep up with global food production needs. The new technology is based upon the concept of bioenergetics, whereby soil is conceived as the main factor that needs to be balanced in order to increase natural soil fertility, crop production, and food quality. This scientifically-based farming technology utilizes horizontal tillage—as opposed to conventional tillage—to reduce the entropy of the soil-plant-atmosphere system, helping regenerate biological memory and natural soil fertility.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for an agricultural implement having a carrier frame, an implement support frame pivotally connected to the carrier frame, and a rubber torsion spring having a drive shaft disposed coaxially within a square tubular housing, with an elastic rubber element captured within the housing and the shaft embedded in and adhered to the elastic rubber element. The torsion spring is connected to the implement support frame. An externally threaded screw has an internally threaded member engaged therewith, the screw being connected to the carrier frame. An adjusting arm has a first portion in driving engagement with the drive element, and has a second portion connected to the threaded member. Displacing the threaded member along the screw provides selectable spring force that adjustably biases the implement support frame away from the carrier frame such that an implement connected to the support frame is pressed against the soil with a selected force.

Abstract: A tractor control system, which controls an operating condition of an implement attached to the tractor. The control system includes a sensing means providing a force signal which indicates the pull force necessary to pull an implement in a desired position; a control which receives the force signal; and means for measuring at least one parameter associated with the tractor mode and/or the implement mode and the implement position is adjusted to a new position when the force signal varies. The control system includes pre-determined values associated with certain tractor and/or implement modes. A measured parameter is compared with a pre-determined parameter value and if the measured parameter would result in an undesired movement of the implement, the force signal is deactivated, or the response to the force signal is deactivated to prevent undesired movement of the attachment.

Abstract: A hitch control system for a tractor which includes a force signal, to indicate the pull force necessary for an implement attached to a hitch, and a control which receives the signal and other inputs from the operator, which indicate the required operating condition of the implement. The system adjusts the vertical position of the hitch relative to the tractor in response to variations in the force signal in order to maintain the required operating condition of the implement. The system further includes a brake sensor which provides a signal to the control which overrides the force signal so there is no movement of the hitch during braking.

Abstract: An apparatus to move in-tow at least one farm implement. The apparatus is an elongated rectangular member that has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A movement transfer mechanism is connected between the elongated rectangular member's first end and the farm implement. The apparatus has a first wheel mounted on one side of the elongated rectangular member's first end and a second wheel mounted on the other side of the elongated rectangular member's first end. A third wheel is mounted adjacent to the second end of the elongated rectangular member. The wheels may, if desired, be ground engaging wheels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for automated guidance comprising receiving an image of a field; identifying one or more characteristics of the field in the image; determining one or more geographic locations corresponding to the one or more characteristics of the field in the image; determining a path to be followed in the field using the one or more geographic locations; and automatically guiding the machine to follow the path.

Abstract: A lift control apparatus includes a height sensor that outputs a height detection signal after a height of a ground work apparatus is detected. The ground work apparatus is coupled to a traveling work vehicle via a lift mechanism. An upper limit manager sets an upper limit position of the ground work apparatus based on an operation input signal from an input operation device for an upper limit setting USD. A setting prohibitor prohibits, when the upper limit position being set by the operation input signal is lower than the height of the ground work apparatus based on the height detection signal, the setting of the upper limit position from the operation input signal, and setting the upper limit position to the height of the ground work apparatus based on the height detection signal.

Abstract: A soil distribution indicator is generated, and indicates a soil distribution. An action signal is automatically generated based on the soil distribution indicator.

Abstract: The invention consists of a sonication and imbedding process for the uptake of water and/or other beneficial substances into a seed for the purposes of reducing the time needed for germination of a plant and the time needed for full maturity growth of the resultant plant. This invention teaches that ultrasound applied to the shell of a seed will develop micro-punctures which enable the faster absorption of water and other liquid nutrients into the seed structure. The sonic energy may be at frequencies between 15 kHz and 30 kHz for periods between about 1 and 20 minutes, and can utilize either a sinusoidal waveform or an alternating ultrasonic transmission consisting of a saw tooth wave form lasting 50 milliseconds, followed by a square wave form lasting 50 milliseconds, or such similar combination of ultrasonic transmissions. The treated seed tends to grow into a mature plant at a substantially accelerated rate.

Abstract: Embodiments of a technique are provided for removing dust from treated seeds. The method includes applying a treatment to a number of seeds at a seed treatment station and at least partially drying the seeds at the treatment station. The partially dried seeds may then be conveyed through a conveying station from the treatment station to an output area. Air may be directed through an inlet of the conveying station, where the directed air is configured to remove non-seed particles from the seeds. Furthermore, air may be filtered through an outlet of the conveying station to capture the removed non-seed particles using a filtering system. In some cases, an initial temperature of the air may be controlled to optimize the dust removal process, such as by heating and/or chilling the air.

Abstract: A self-contained hydroseeding packet that can be quickly loaded into a portable hydroseeder having seed, mulch and fertilizer in a predetermined ratio. The seed, mulch and fertilizer dissolve into a slurry when combined with water. Optionally, the packet can have a color to identify areas previously seeded. The seed, fertilizer, and mulch are bound by a water soluble binding agent and is biodegradable.

Abstract: A portable hydroseeding system comprising a housing for containing a slurry, a propellant means connected to the housing and an outlet control mechanism for distributing the slurry.

Abstract: A planting system and method for planting multiple seed varieties is provided. The planting system includes a planter having a plurality of tanks and a plurality of row units. A plurality of seed meters are included in of the plurality of the row units. The seed meters are aligned in a non-horizontal configuration within each row unit, and one of the plurality of meters is operated at a time to plant a seed variety associated with the meter being operated.

Abstract: An inductor box for an agricultural implement having compression limiters. One inductor box includes a housing having a first side configured to receive an agricultural product from a tank. The first side has a sealable surface, and the sealable surface has plates attached thereto. The inductor box includes a first gasket disposed on the sealable surface and configured to establish a seal between the sealable surface and a corresponding surface of the tank. The plates are configured to extend through respective openings in the gasket, and to block compression of the first gasket beyond a desired compression limit.

Abstract: A storage tank sump arrangement for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes row units configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a storage tank configured to hold the flowable agricultural product. The storage tank includes a first sump and a second sump. Further, the first sump is positioned adjacent to a front portion of the storage tank relative to a direction of travel and the second sump is positioned adjacent to a rear portion of the storage tank relative to the direction of travel. The agricultural implement includes a pump in fluid communication with the first sump and the second sump. The pump is configured to pump the flowable agricultural product from the storage tank to the row units.

Abstract: A control system for an engineless, motor-driven lawnmower vehicle includes electric motors and controllers. At least one of the electric motors is an electric drive motor connected to a drive wheel of the lawnmower vehicle to enable transmission of motive power. At least one other electric motor is a mower-related electric motor connected to a lawnmower rotary tool to enable transmission of motive power. At least one of the controllers is a drive wheel controller which includes a drive wheel driver and which controls operation of the electric drive motor in response to a signal from at least one operator sensor for detecting an operation amount of at least one operator. At least one controller controls to activate or stop the mower-related electric motor. At least one controller is connected to the drive wheel controller and transmits a control signal thereto in response to a signal from the operator sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trimmer head for a vegetation cutting machine, comprising: a body (1) adapted to be coupled to a driving shaft of the vegetation cutting machine so as to cause said body to rotate about a rotation axis (X), at least one rod (12) comprising at least one retaining portion intended to hold a cutting filament in a determined direction, wherein the body (1) comprises a housing for receiving each end (122, 123) of said rod (12) such that the rod axis (Y) is perpendicular to the rotation axis (X) of the body (1) and substantially tangential to the rotational path of the body (1), said housing and said ends of the rod being having respective shapes allowing at least two relative orientations of the rod with respect to the body: (i) a first orientation wherein the determined direction of the filament is substantially parallel to the rotation axis (X) of the body, and (ii) a second orientation wherein the determined direction of the filament is substantially radial and substantially pe

Abstract: A drive system of a lawn mower includes a drive belt, a drive pulley, a drive shaft pulley and an idler pulley. The drive pulley is disposed at a rocking transmission of the lawn mower to transfer drive belt motion to power for a set of wheels of the lawn mower via the rocking transmission when the rocking transmission is engaged. The drive shaft pulley is operably coupled to a drive shaft of the lawn mower to rotate responsive to rotation of the drive shaft. The drive shaft pulley engages the drive belt responsive to engagement of the rocking transmission.

Abstract: A harvester interacts with plants so as to separate a harvested portion from a biomass portion of each of the plants. At least one sensor carried by the harvester outputs a signal based upon an attribute of the biomass portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combine that can accurately measure the weight of grain retained in a grain tank. When a weight measurement signal is output from a measurement switch 66, a weight measurement decision unit 75 instructs a working state determination unit 71 to perform working state determination. If it is determined that the combine is in the working state, the weight measurement decision unit 75 does not instruct a load cell 39 to perform weight measurement.

Abstract: A mower has a plurality of rotary cutters for cutting a crop and a swathing unit for forming a cut crop into a swath. In some embodiments, the swathing unit includes an auger and a housing that extends around at least part of the auger and provides a swathing aperture through which cut crop material is ejected to form a swath. In some embodiments, the housing includes at least one guide plate that can be adjusted to adjust the width W of the swathing aperture.

Abstract: A method for operating a forage harvester includes steps of capturing images of chopped material produced in the forage harvester using a camera, identifying images of kernel-type particles in the images, sorting the images of the kernel-type particles into at least two size fractions and determining a cardinality of the size fractions.

Abstract: A combine harvester has a driving shoe arrangement. The driving shoe includes a preparation pan and one or more sieves, coupled to a drive mechanism for driving a reciprocating movement of the pan and sieves. The stroke of the reciprocating movement of the pan and/or sieves is adjustable, through the application of a drive mechanism including one or more pivotably mounted support arms for supporting the pan or sieve, and a drive arm connected to one of said support arms through an adjustable connection means. The adjustable connection means can be a variable length actuator whose length determines the stroke of the pan or sieve. The stroke of said pan or sieve can be adjusted during a harvesting run, thereby allowing a fast adjustment to changing external conditions such as the slope of the terrain.

Abstract: An inline bale wrapping device is for wrapping at least one bale. The wrapping device includes a base frame defining a bale wrapping section between a bale receiving section and a bale discharging section. The wrapping device also includes a moving mechanism configured to move the at least one bale longitudinally along a longitudinal moving axis, an end surface wrapping mechanism configured to dispense and maintain a length of end surface film across the longitudinal moving axis and a side surface wrapping mechanism mounted between the end surface wrapping mechanism and the bale discharging section and configured to wrap a length of side surface film around at least a longitudinal portion of the side surface of the bale, over a portion of the length of end surface film. A method of operation of the inline bale wrapping device is for wrapping at least one bale.

Abstract: A strapping system for an agricultural implement includes a strap feeding assembly positioned on a first side of a baling chamber, the strap feeding assembly being configured to propel a strap through or around at least a portion of the baling chamber. The system includes a needle positioned on a second side of the baling chamber, opposite the first side. The needle is configured to move through the baling chamber to extend from the second side to the first side of the baling chamber, and the needle includes an opening configured to receive the strap from the strap feeding assembly and to facilitate transfer of an end of the strap from the first side to the second side of the baling chamber to position the strap for capturing material as the material accumulates within the baling chamber.

Abstract: Bale measuring method for a rectangular baler includes the steps of: measuring a movement of a binding material that is being tied around a bale; using the measured movement of the binding material to calibrate a measurement and calculation tool for measuring a movement of the bale in the baler and for calculating a length of the bale based on said measurement; determining the length of the bale using the calibrated measurement and calculation tool as the bale moves backward in the baler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reliable, efficient, and low cost ventilation system for storage covers that improves the distribution of air flow and improves aeration of the particulate material.

Abstract: A cutting device for agricultural harvesters has a conveying channel and pivotably supported cutting knives arranged in a row on a frame. The cutting knives project in the cutting position into the conveying channel. A conveying member with conveying tines, rotatingly driven about a horizontal axis, interacts with the cutting knives for comminuting crop. Individual adjusting devices, each associated with one cutting knife, yieldingly support the cutting knives in the cutting position. A knife switching device is provided to move the cutting knives from the inoperative position into the cutting position. With a preselecting device a desired group of cutting knives can be selected that is pivoted into the cutting position upon activation of the knife switching device. The preselecting device is activatable with reduced force expenditure by eliminating resistances, caused by adjusting and connecting devices of the knife switching device, when preselecting the desired group of cutting knives.

Abstract: A remote platform receives plant selection criteria and determines a plant selection based on the plant selection criteria. The plant selection criteria may include a plant preference, a budget preference, and garden parameters measured by sensors in a garden.

Abstract: A remote platform receives and analyzes a set of desired garden parameters that is to be emulated or recreated in a first garden. The desired garden parameters may be measured by sensors installed in a second garden. The desired garden parameters may include soil moisture, soil salinity, soil temperature, soil pH, external temperature, external humidity, and light exposure. The remote platform then generates a data set based on its analysis of the desired garden parameters. The data set includes instructions to open or close a first sprinkler valve, add fertilizer, apply mulch, and provide covering. The data set may be transmitted to a user associated with the first garden, a controller hub controlling sprinkler valves in the first garden, sprinkler valve controllers installed in the first garden, or sensor-controller hybrids installed in the first garden.

Abstract: A platform may receive raw data from a remote system and may then applies various forms of analysis to convert the raw data into parameters of interest in a garden. These parameters include but are not limited to soil moisture, soil salinity, air temperature, soil temperature, and pH. The platform enables inexpensive and simple sensors to be deployed in the garden. The platform may also use other data, such as the data from a weather service, to predict actions that should be taken in the garden to provide optimal growing conditions.

Abstract: A lopper having a lopping assembly (2) mounted to an upper end of a pole (1), said lopping assembly (2) comprising a movable knife (21) and a counter knife (22). The movable knife (21) is connected via a first transmission and connection means (3) to an operating means (4) disposed at a lower end of the pole, said operating means (4) being adapted to move the movable knife and/or the counter knife in a direction to one another on a movement of said operating means in a first direction (S). Said operating means (4) comprises a first (41) and a second (42) actuating element.

Abstract: A new or improved modular plant display and storage system that reduces the risks of plants tipping over and of spillage of plant and soil (or other growing medium) out the top of the pot, as well as the risk of water (and soil/growing medium) seepage and mess from the bottom of the pot. The invention can house potted plants without the need to re-pot or transplant the plants into growing medium that sits within the modular structure.

Abstract: A versatile eco-friendly planting block includes: a block body in a form of a hexahedron; cut-off grooves formed at vertex parts of each surface of the block body in symmetrical to each other about a diagonal line of each surface of the block body; and a planting groove selectively formed in the cut-off groove so that vegetation is planted.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plant growth system and a method for controlling plant growth. The plant growth system includes a cabinet within which partitions are provided so as to divide an interior of the cabinet into a plurality of plant growth compartments, wherein at least one side wall of the cabinet is provided with a touchable; transparent display panel capable of being switched to black screen display.

Abstract: A plant holder having an elongated base body several passages extending transversely to the base body for receiving wire-shaped fasteners for plants, and a clamping device disposed on one end of the base body for affixing the plant holder on a holder to be fastened in the floor or on a wall. The base body has latching protrusions associated with the passages for detachably fastening an end of the wire-shaped fastening means that is bent away and extends substantially parallel to the base body. The wire-shaped fastener for the plant can thus be easily and very rapidly attached to the base body and detached again, without requiring a tool or other resources. With the clamping device, the base body of the plant holder can be quickly attached to a rod or tube with a large holding force and just as easily detached again, also without the use of tools.

Abstract: A tree trimming apparatus includes a movable carrier, a shredder device, a transmission hose, and a support stand. The movable carrier has a container. The shredder device includes a housing, a plurality of cutters, and a motor. The housing has a through hole. The cutters are rotatably positioned in the housing. The motor is located on the housing and is connected to the cutters. The transmission hose has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is connected to the through hole, and the second end portion is aligned with the container. The support stand is connected between the movable carrier and the shredder device. When the cutters contact a branch, the branch is cut and enters the housing, and falls into the container through the through hole and the transmission hose.

Abstract: An elevated irrigation mounting system is mounted in any location desired by the user, or due to system constraints, which utilizes quick disconnects, for ease of installation or moving to another location. The system centralizes all of the control valves, wiring, and includes the irrigation control unit of the elevated irrigation mounting system in one location for mounting on an elevated surface, thus ensuring ease of installation, maintenance, system trouble shooting, winterizing and system zone control. The control valves of the system are controlled by a control unit which Is electrically and cooperatively engaged but may also be controlled by digital means. Also, the elevated irrigation mounting system is accessible for repairs, calibration or maintenance while the owner is away, enabling the maintenance technician to perform all maintenance functions inconveniencing the owner by requiring home or building access.

Abstract: A commercial plant cultivation system generates a controlled environment in which plants can be grown. A grow enclosure generate a controlled environment and can be either a mobile or fixed structure. A plurality of growing panels and a plurality of lighting fixtures are slidably mounted on a grow system support structure positioned within the grow enclosure. The plurality of growing panels can be positioned in either a vertical or horizontal configuration depending on the type of plants being grown. A nutrient delivery system is in fluid communication with the plurality of growing panels to deliver a nutrient solution to the plants. The nutrient solution is dispersed to the roots of the plants through a plurality of supply tubes positioned within each of the plurality of growing panels. Excess nutrient solution is collected and passed through a rock box in order to replenish nutrients and minerals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved modular algal aquaculture system and method including a modular algal aquaculture component having a cultivation surface having a first end and a second end, a supply header located adjacent to one of the first end and the second end, a return header located adjacent to the other of the first end and the second end, a reservoir, the reservoir in fluid communication with the supply header and the return header, a pump, the pump in fluid communication with the reservoir and at least one of the supply header and the return header.

Abstract: A plant growing device includes: a container configured to reserve a nutrient solution in a lower portion of the container; a holding unit configured to hold plants inside the container; spray units configured to spray the nutrient solution toward the inside of the container; and support units configured to support the holding unit, and to move the holding unit to a position depending on how the spray units are driving, in a range from a spray region where the nutrient solution sprayed by the spray units is supplied to roots of the plants to an immersion region where the nutrient solution reserved in the container is supplied to the roots of the plants.

Abstract: A grow plant enclosure to maximize plant density for a given growing area has a perimeter frame, a first pane, and a second pane. The first pane is adjacently connected to the perimeter frame, while the second pane is removably attached to the perimeter frame opposite the first pane to form a hollow enclosure. A plurality of plug holder openings traverses through the first pane, and optionally the second pane, being designed to receive a plurality of plant holders for growing various plant types. A plurality of supply tubes traverse into the perimeter frame through a plurality of supply tube openings and each have a plurality of spray nozzles to deliver nutrient solution to the root zone of the plants retained in the plurality of plant holders. Excess nutrient solution is released through a drain fixture positioned about the bottom of the perimeter frame.

Abstract: A growing system and/or plant support structure may include one or more feet supporting at least one or more uprights, on which a plurality of plants and/or grow boards for growing plants may be positioned. A nutrient delivery system may be positioned between opposing uprights to provide nutrient supply to a root zone of plants, which nutrient delivery system may be positioned adjacent each opposing upright in an interior chamber of the plant support structure. A light system may be positioned between two adjacent plant support structures such that it simultaneously provides light to the exterior surface of the two plant support structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides pepper ideotypes and pepper plants with machine harvestable traits combined with desirable agronomic traits. The present invention also provides methods of making such plants and methods of using such plants to produce additional machine harvestable pepper plants.

Abstract: A watermelon plant that produces fruit having (i) ultra-firm flesh and/or liquid-retaining flesh and (ii) soluble solids of at least about 6 brix. The invention further provides for unique watermelon plants with an ultra-firm flesh phenotype and their progeny. Such plants may comprise an introgressed QTL associated with an ultra-firm flesh phenotype. In certain aspects, compositions, including distinct polymorphic molecular markers, and methods for producing, breeding, identifying, selecting, and the like of plants or germplasm with an ultra-firm flesh phenotype are provided.

Abstract: Turfgrass varieties with desirable looking turf when mowed infrequently are provided. Also provided is a method of producing a turfgrass plant having desirable looking turf when mowed infrequently. The turfgrass plants of the present invention display green leaf chlorophyll concentrations above 1.8 mg/g and a field insitu CM-1000 chlorophyll meter reading of 341.7 or higher, as well as high general turfgrass quality ratings. The turfgrass plants of the present invention retain a dark green color even when scalped back by infrequent mowing.

Abstract: Milk flow detecting method and device monitors a flow of milk in a milk line which is connected to a teat cup and which has an aeration opening, like in a milking device. For this purpose, the milk filling level is monitored in a measuring section of the line. If the variation therein is too little, the absence of a flow, or at least an inadequate flow, is established. If, additionally, a (sufficient) filling level is detected, it can be concluded that there is an obstructed aeration opening.

Abstract: A waste disposal apparatus having outwardly-canted sidewalls and a base wall forming a basin. A liner is centrally disposed on an interior of the basin. At least one litter sieve is centrally arranged on the liner. A securing flange is located on a top portion of the sidewalls and is operable between a closed position and an open position and includes at least one handle protrusion. The litter sieves and the liner are held securely in place by the securing flange when the securing flange is in the closed position. A litter sieve can include opposing handle ribbons removably disposed in corresponding envelopes on opposite sides of the sieve. The envelopes can include frangible elements that selectively secure the handle ribbons, but that fail upon application of a force so that the ribbons can at least partially exit the envelopes and thereafter used to lift a loaded sieve.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a two part system for controlling pet odor. The first part is an enzyme spray with a high concentration of microbes that consume ammonia. The second part of the system is absorbent granules that also contain the ammonia consuming microbes. When used in conjunction with each other, the system is ten times more effective at controlling pet odor than comparable one part systems. The microbes can penetrate into the cracks and crevices of most surfaces to further reduce the source of pet odors. The system also works to control moisture which allows for proper pet hygiene by reducing molds, fungus, insects, and parasite infestations. The system is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly product that will not harm pets if ingested. The system can be used with cat litter boxes, pet bedding, dog kennels, or any indoor area where pets expel their waste.