Abstract: Sod harvester stacking head and stacking conveyor configurations can increase the rate at which sod can be harvested. The movement of the stacking head and/or the stacking conveyor can be controlled to maximize the rate at which the stacking head can remove sod from the stacking conveyor. A stacking head can employ multiple pick up positions. A stacking conveyor may also advance sod for pick up at varying rates. A stacking head may include a pivoting connection to allow the stacking head to rotate around a pivot during a pick up operation.

Abstract: The instant invention is a machine/implement used for soil preparation and seeding intended for farming and gardening that mounts on a standard three point hitch and is powered by the tractor's power-take-off (PTO). The implement integrates the processes of ground breaking, tilling, fertilizing and planting in one adjustable unit. The adjustments include the spacing and depth of the ground cutting and tilling blades and the openings of the fertilizing ports to prepare the ground for planting in defined strips leaving the majority of ground only lightly disturbed. To achieve these goals, the apparatus is comprised of two frames, a lower one that contains the blades that break the ground crust ahead of the tiller tines that grind the soil into finer particles for planting. The lower frame also has a rear flap that levels and marks the tilled soil and also supports seed boxes with a mechanism that allows the seeder/seeders to set seed at a constant depth on uneven ground.

Abstract: A three-point quick hitch comprises a first arm and a second arm. A first adjustable attachment point couples to the first arm, and a second adjustable attachment point couples to the second arm. The first adjustable attachment point adjusts independently from the second adjustable attachment point; thus a control module includes two separate controls, one for each adjustable attachment point. A third attachment point couples between the first arm and the second arm, and an attachment mechanism to attach the three-point quick hitch to a working vehicle.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester including a feeder. The feeder is pivotally mounted to an intermediate frame with respect to a first axis of motion. The intermediate frame is pivotally mounted to a header mounting frame with respect to a second axis of motion. Pivoting around the first axis of motion and the second axis of motion allows a fore-aft movement and a lateral tilt movement. At least one lateral tilt actuator is provided to actuate the header mounting frame in the lateral tilt movement. At least two fore-aft actuators are provided for extending between a first set of mounting positions at the feeder and a second set of mounting positions at the header mounting frame to actuate the header mounting frame in the fore-aft movement.

Abstract: A method and a system in an agricultural machine for the coordination of agricultural machines when refilling substance intended to be disseminated over an agricultural field by generating coordination data indicative of an optimum refill location, comprising a level sensor arranged for generating level data, said level data indicating a volume of a substance in a substance reservoir; a position sensor for generating and storing position data and storing or reading a preplanned route; a communication device arranged for transmitting and receiving data; characterised by: a coordination device generating coordination data, based on said level data, said preplanned route and said position data; and transmitting said generated coordination data via the communication device to a refill vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and uses of controlling the flowability of a population of plant seeds and dust drift therefrom by placing individual seeds in contact with particles of a flowability enhancing agent that is made up of at least one species of wax that adheres more firmly to the said plant seeds than a compound or composition that comprises a substance that is or includes a mineral earth component.

Abstract: Viewed in the direction of travel, fertiliser coulters and swivel-mounted seed coulters 13 are arranged at coulter arms 40 on the frame 6 of a pneumatic precision seed drill. Between them there is a working device designed as a roller 15, which is designed for the re-compaction of the soil thrown up by the fertiliser coulter 12, the pre-compaction of soil between the working device 14 and seed coulter 13, and as a depth guidance roller for the precision seed drill.

Abstract: A planter system includes a planter having an unloading valve and a controller. The unloading valve is fluidly coupled between an inlet and an outlet of a pump. The unloading valve is configured to receive a fluid at a supply pressure, to supply a first portion of the fluid from the inlet to a hydraulic planter system at an unloading pressure less than the supply pressure, and to recirculate a remainder of the fluid to the pump via the outlet. The controller is communicatively coupled to the unloading valve and to the pump. The controller is configured to control the pressure of the fluid supplied to the inlet and to control the unloading pressure of the first portion supplied to the hydraulic planter system.

Abstract: A planter system includes a planter having an unloading valve and a controller. The unloading valve is fluidly coupled between an inlet and an outlet of a pump. The unloading valve is configured to receive a fluid at a supply pressure, to supply a first portion of the fluid from the inlet to a hydraulic planter system at an unloading pressure less than the supply pressure, and to recirculate a remainder of the fluid to the pump via the outlet. The controller is communicatively coupled to the unloading valve and to the pump. The controller is configured to control the pressure of the fluid supplied to the inlet and to control the unloading pressure of the first portion supplied to the hydraulic planter system.

Abstract: The fertilizer dispenser apparatus has contoured wheels and tines extending radially therefrom, enabling preparation of the surface area to be treated. The tines enable the targeted site to be exposed prior to fertilization. Then, a trigger mechanism is engaged and a metering auger dispenses a controlled amount of fertilizer. The surface treatment enables the fertilizer to be inserted into the soil onto the root system of the plant targeted for growth. After fertilization, the apparatus in maneuvered to cover the newly applied fertilizer with available soil. A manually operated version is powered by the motion of the wheels, whereby the user engages the trigger mechanism and using the forward and rearward motion of the apparatus, dispenses a metered amount of fertilizing agent to a specific area. Also, the surface treatment results in less handling of fertilizer, and a reduction in the amount of wind-blown fertilizer needed.

Abstract: A debris clamping rake device clamps and picks up debris such as leaves, twigs, sticks, and the like while raking. The device includes each of a pair of heads having a plurality of tines coupled to and extending from a respective base section of the head. Each of a pair of handles has a respective base end coupled to an associated one of the heads such that each handle extends from the associated one of the heads. Collars are laterally positioned and pivotally coupled together such that the collars pivot in parallel planes with respect to each other. The handles are inserted through the collars wherein the handles are pivotally coupled with the main sections of the heads being positionable in substantially parallel spaced relationship defining a first gap between opposed respective first surfaces of the heads and defining a second gap between opposed respective second surfaces of the heads.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, an agricultural vehicle may include first and second harvesting devices connected to the agricultural vehicle. The agricultural vehicle may include a sensor which detects whether the agricultural vehicle is traveling in an operational or non-operational direction. The agricultural vehicle may include a lift controller in communication with the sensor and the first and second harvesting devices. The lift controller may automatically reposition the first and second harvesting devices into non-operating positions when the lift controller determines an intention to move the agricultural vehicle in a non-operational direction.

Abstract: A robotic work tool system (200) comprising a charging station (210) and a robotic work tool (100), said robotic work tool (100) comprising a position determining device (190) for determining a current position and at least one deduced reckoning navigation sensor (195), the robotic work tool (100) being configured to determine that a reliable current position is possible to determine and in response thereto calibrate at least one of the at least one deduced reckoning navigation sensor (195).

Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle. The header includes a header frame and an elongate sickle knife mounted along a leading edge of the header. The header further includes an actuator for reciprocally moving the elongate sickle knife in its longitudinal direction relative to the header frame between a first position and a second position over an intermediate position. At least one accumulator extends between the header frame and the elongate sickle knife to accumulate energy during a first movement of the elongate sickle knife from the intermediate position towards at least one of the first position and the second position, and to release accumulated energy during a second movement of the elongate sickle knife opposite to the first movement.

Abstract: A blade disk in a lawn mower is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in an up-down direction. A blade protection section for protecting a cutter blade mounted on the blade disk is provided integrally on the blade disk, and the cutter blade has a distal end portion located beneath the blade protection section.

Abstract: A gardening tool such as a grass trimmer is provided with a tool head, a motor for driving the tool head, a front housing for accommodating the motor, a trigger switch for activating the motor, a trigger operable to control the trigger switch, a battery pack for providing electric energy to the motor, a circuit board for electrically connecting the motor to the battery pack, and a rear housing for accommodating the circuit board. The rear housing forms a housing chamber for accommodating the trigger switch, the circuit board, and wires between the circuit board and the trigger switch.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes: a blade disk rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in an up-down direction; and a plurality of cutter blades mounted on the blade disk. The blade disk includes a plurality of blade mounting sections having corresponding ones of the cutter blades mounted thereon, and a circumferential high-rigidity section for increasing rigidity of the blade disk between the blade mounting sections. The blade mounting sections are located on, and spaced from each other along, an imaginary reference circle concentric with a rotation center of the blade disk, and the circumferential high-rigidity section is located in such a manner as to interconnect the plurality of blade mounting sections along the reference circle, the circumferential high-rigidity section being formed in a generally concave-convex configuration by being depressed and protruded in a facewise direction of the blade disk.

Abstract: A harvester header including a plurality of stripper devices for separating a corn ear or a seed head from a stalk. Each stripper device comprises a left deck plate, a right deck plate, a stalk puller, and at least two crop conveyors. The stalk puller is adapted to separate the corn ear or seed head from the stalk when the corn ear or seed head engages the left and right deck plates. Each of the crop conveyors of each stripper device is arranged between two adjacent stripper devices. The crop conveyors comprise a movable closed transport surface for conveying the separated corn ears or seed heads by moving the closed transport surface in a direction of conveyance which is parallel to the closed transport surface. The transport surfaces of the crop conveyors are arranged at a level below blocking surfaces of the deck plates adjacent to the crop conveyors.

Abstract: A sugar-cane harvester comprising a frame (1) adapted for mounting a set of sugar-cane harvesting devices (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10), the frame (1) being formed by a set of tubular parts linked mechanically to one another. This has the objective of providing an exoskeleton-type frame (1), which has good strength and is capable of receiving all the components that form the industrial system of a sugar-cane harvester.

Abstract: An auger finger assembly. The assembly includes an excenter shaft configured to be mounted inside a rotatably driven tubular auger body and parallel and excentric to a central rotation axis of the auger body. The assembly further includes a plurality of auger fingers, each extending along a central longitudinal axis, and a plurality of finger holders mounted adjacent to each other on the excenter shaft along the direction of the rotation axis. Each of the plurality of finger holders includes an axial finger bearing at least partly enclosing the excenter shaft and a radial finger seat configured to hold a respective one of the plurality of auger fingers at an inward end. Along a direction of the rotation axis, the radial finger seat of each of the plurality of finger holders at least partly overlaps with the axial finger bearing of an adjacent one of the plurality of finger holders.

Abstract: A grain-moving arrangement is disclosed for agricultural combines. An elevator is configured to move grain in a first direction along an elevator path, within an elevator housing, and to receive grain from a first auger at a first location on the elevator path. A grain-moving device is configured to receive power from the elevator in order to move grain received from a second auger in a second direction along a device path, within a device housing, to an outlet of the device housing. Grain moved along the device path to the outlet of the device housing passes through the outlet of the device housing to a second location on the elevator path that is upstream of the first location on the elevator path, with respect to the first direction.

Abstract: A device and method for tracking and marking bailed forage material is provided. The moisture content of forage material entering the intake of a processing machine is measured prior to the forage material being transferred to a baling chamber of the machine. As the forage material passes through the machine, the locations of discrete portions or flakes of the forage material are linearly tracked so that each portion may receive pre-selected markings indicative of measured parameters of each portion. A plurality of sensor stations is incorporated within the machine to track the locations of the portions of material. After the forage material is baled, a marking station generates markings applied to each bale which corresponds to the observed parameters for the corresponding discrete portions. Observed parameters may include moisture content for each flake, an amount and type of conditioning inoculant applied to each flake, among others.

Abstract: A bale bagging apparatus and method are provided. The bale bagging apparatus includes a bale feeding station, a bale chute, a bale bagging station, and a transportation system that transports a bale to be bagged from the bale feeding station through the bale chute and into the bale bagging station. The bale bagging station includes a bag receptacle, a first opening, and a bag retrieval assembly. The bag receptacle is positioned on a side opposite of the first opening from the side of the first opening on which the bale to be bagged is to be transported. The bag retrieval assembly retrieves a bag from the bag receptacle through the first opening. The bag retrieval assembly positions a first end of said bag around at least a portion of the bale chute before the bale to be bagged is transported through the bale chute by the transportation system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for the production of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). More specifically, the invention described herein relates to a method and a system for the continuous in vitro culture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, preferably including steps of harvesting and/or passaging. Further, the invention relates to culture conditions suitable for said continuous cultivation method and system. Another aspect of the invention is a sterile inoculum comprising AMF-colonized root material and other propagules, like AMF spores. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to the use of AMF-colonized root material for continuous production of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi material in liquid culture medium.

Abstract: The battery-powered blower includes a housing assembly including a first housing portion having a first inner surface, a second housing portion having a second inner surface, and connected to the first housing portion, and a third housing portion connected to the second portion. The third housing portion has a side outer surface configured to receive a battery. The battery is mountable to the side outer surface of the third housing portion. The second housing portion in connection with to the first housing portion forms an inner chamber therebetween. A fan is provided in the inner chamber to facilitate airflow through the housing assembly and out an outlet, and a motor is provided intermediate to the second housing portion and the third housing portion. The center of gravity with respect to the overall blower is provided proximate to a handle portion.

Abstract: A land preparation tool includes a tool body, wherein the tool body comprises a cutting surface, a mounting surface disposed along a side of the body opposite the cutting surface, a first angled surface that sweeps backward from the cutting surface toward the mounting surface, and a second angled surface that is disposed on a side of the cutting surface opposite the first angled surface and sweeps backward from the cutting surface toward the mounting surface. The tool further includes a blade disposed on the same side of the tool body as the cutting surface and on an end of the tool body opposite the first and second angled surfaces and a channel disposed into the mounting surface and extending into the tool body. The mounting surface includes a nonplanar profile.

Abstract: A leafy plant trimmer that is operable by a single person has a basket that is rotated in relation to a stationary sling in order to trim plants placed within the basket. The basket and the sling are housed within a trimmer body that is pivotally connected to a pivot stand. The trimmer body can be rotated between a product loading position for filling the basket and an in-use position for trimming the plants within the basket. A motor housed in the trimmer body spins the basket through a drive shaft. The motor is electrically connected to a timer such that the trimmer can be operated at designated time intervals. Trimmings are expelled from the trimmer body through a debris hole and collected below. A first receptacle attachment and a second receptacle attachment are positioned below the trimmer body and allow a receptacle to be positioned for collecting the trimmings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling of a growth cycle for a plant being arranged in a controlled environment and subject to light emitted by at least one artificial lighting arrangement. The invention also relates to a corresponding system device and to a computer program product.

Abstract: A raised bed garden enclosure includes a cylindrical aspect and a walkway aspect leading to the center of the cylindrical aspect. The cylindrical aspect is formed of vertically disposed staves held together by a band around the outer surface of the cylindrical aspect of the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant biotic agent phenotyping platform comprising a container hermetically sealed with a lid delimiting an internal space divided into two spaces: -a lower internal space which comprises at least one temperature control means immersed in a temperature transfer liquid; and -an upper internal space, the surface of the temperature transfer liquid being the border between the lower internal space and the upper internal space; the lid comprising at least one orifice which is adapted to fit a pot and at least one pot whose bottom part is contained in the upper internal space and which is adapted to receive plant seeds and soil parasite and to enable development of such soil parasites and plants. The invention also related to the use of this platform for screening plant resistance or tolerance to soil parasite.

Abstract: The bending apparatus assists growers by bending the canopy over giving more light to the lower parts of the plant. The end result makes for bigger and more vigorous plants because more light reaches more parts of the plants that typically would be cut off in traditional horticulture. By simply tying string to the plant down to the ladder and to the clothesline tightener, the user is able to have complete control over the plants growth. The ability to lower the canopy at a slower rate than just tying the plant down is what really sets my invention apart from all the others. The ladder and clothesline tightener is what gives the user complete control over their plant and how they want the plant to grow.

Abstract: An LED lighting fixture has a plurality of LED units, each of the plurality of LED units has a color and a beam angled associated therewith. The LEDs with different colors are used at different times during a plant's growth cycle to increase the growth of the plant with reduced energy consumption and heat generation. The LEDs may also be put on a strip and all illuminated at the same time.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the Alpha Planter provides total protection to new seedlings and small plants purchased for the purpose of growing and maturing for the early development of plants.

Abstract: A universal fit flexible tree trunk guard fabricated from a medium to high density silicone rubber material for protecting the trunk of a tree or an ornamental shrub from strikes from lawn care equipment or from interactions with wildlife. A plurality of hole members are provided along the upper and lower edges of the trunk guard. This rectangular sheet can then be wrapped around the trunk, the diameter of the thus-formed cylinder adjusted to fit the tree or ornamental shrub to be protected. Mechanical fastening means can then be used, at registering hole members, to secure the trunk guard in a cylindrical form. Additionally, the interior surface, i.e. the surface that is facing the trunk of the tree or ornamental shrub, can be provided with a plurality of spaced bosses that maintain an air space between the surface of the tree trunk and the trunk guard.

Abstract: A device for propping a tree includes at least one prop for propping said tree. The at least one prop includes a first element arranged to be at least partially pushed into the ground, a second element arranged to be connected to the trunk of the tree, and means for linking the first element and the second element to allow the articulation of the second element relative to the first element.

Abstract: A power wedge device includes a base, a screw-type cone wedge mounted to the base and including a threaded cone portion that tapers to a pointed tip. A motor is mounted to the base and coupled to the screw-type cone wedge to rotatably drive the threaded cone portion. A counter-rotational member is coupled to the base and is configured to ground the screw-type cone wedge so as to prevent the screw-type cone wedge from spinning the motor and the base.

Abstract: A sap collecting device for harvesting sap from a tree while minimizing damage to the tree. The sap collecting device includes a housing having a hollow interior volume, a first end, and a second end, wherein the first end includes an opening thereon. The first end can be placed flush against a portion of a tree having a small hole drilled therein. The housing is secured to the tree via a fastener that extends through the housing from the second end thereof. The first end further includes a gasket thereon for producing a fluid tight seal. A spout extends outward from the housing and includes an open end such that sap that flows into the housing can exit via the spout. The spout has one or more ridges on the exterior thereof so that a vacuum hose of a vacuum system can be connected to the spout.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a drip irrigation system with triangulated drip emitters configured to uniformly distribute wetting patterns. The drip irrigation system may be wrapped with a protective filter fabric for the length of the distribution line prolonging the life of the distribution lines and emitters by preventing soil and root intrusion and protecting the drip tubing from abrasions, cuts, or pinching. The drip irrigation system may be a unified device that is configured to be rolled, placed, positioned, etc. over a desired area, wherein the drip irrigation system may be coupled to a single water inlet and output water at a plurality of uniformly distributed drip emitters.

Abstract: An emitter (120) forms a flow path that runs to a discharge part (250) from an intake part (220) for receiving an irrigation liquid in a tube. The flow path includes a flow volume control part (240) which includes: an end surface (243) including a concave inclined surface that faces a film (300) for receiving the pressure of the liquid inside the tube; a hole (244) that opens at the center of the flow volume control part (240) and connects to the discharge part (250); and a groove (245) crossing the inclined surface and running to the hole (244). When the film (300) adheres to the inclined surface as a result of the pressure of the irrigation liquid inside the tube, the flow volume of the irrigation liquid inside the emitter (120) is controlled so as to be a volume that can pass through the groove (245).

Abstract: A method of underground watering utilizes a pouch-like container product made by joining a first sheet having SAP particles adhered to a first surface with a second sheet to form a container partially filled with such particles. The application of pressure, for example by passing the product through a roll nip, facilitates joining of the sheets and causes the particles to break through at least the one of the sheets to create an opening whereby free volume is created to permit the particles to expand when in contact with a liquid. The resultant product is used to collect, store, and dispense water-containing liquids into the soil for watering of agricultural plants, trees, and the like. A composite underground watering element is also included in an embodiment of the invention. The inventive products may also be used as a pad, including a propagation pad, to collect, store, and dispense water-containing-liquids into plant vessels to provide watering of plants.

Abstract: A plant cultivation device includes a case, a temperature control module, and a circulation fan. A cultivation room is formed in the case. The temperature control module includes a piezoelectric chip and a heat exchange assembly. The heat exchange assembly includes a heat conduction plate and multiple fins are formed on the heat conduction plate. One surface of the piezoelectric chip is in the cultivation room and attached on the heat conduction plate. The other surface of the piezoelectric chip is outside of the cultivation room. The circulation fan is attached on the heat exchange assembly. A horizontal component of an airflow direction of the circulation fan (300) is in the same direction as a horizontal component of a normal direction of each fin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated CL2562968H. Also included are seeds of canola CL2562968H, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola CL2562968H and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola CL2562968H with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola CL2562968H.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for in vitro micropropagation of plant material comprising the steps of multiplication and elongation of shoots developed from plant propagules. The invention further comprises a process for the production of clonal seedlings plants on a large-scale ready for field development as replacements of traditional clonal gardens by ‘in vitro’ biofactories.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV008343. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV008343, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV008343 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV008343 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV008343.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV010962. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV010962, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV010962 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV010962 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV010962.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV013498. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV013498, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV013498 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV013498 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV013498.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV017219. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV017219, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV017219 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV017219 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV017219.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV019537. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV019537, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV019537 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV019537 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV019537.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV023446. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV023446, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV023446 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV023446 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV023446.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV028364. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV028364, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV028364 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV028364 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV028364.