Abstract: An adjustable hand trowel comprising a handle, a blade-neck assembly comprising a blade and a neck, and an adjustable fastener system is disclosed herein. The adjustable fastener system provides a secure method of fastening the blade-neck assembly to the handle wherein the adjustable hand trowel is able to withstand forces typically exerted when using a trowel for digging and wherein the user may readily dig in confined spaces. The disclosed adjustable hand trowel further allows a user to adjust the relative position of the blade and handle using an adjustable fastener system that may be operated using one hand. The adjustable hand trowel may thereby allow the user to dig in an ergonomic and efficient manner in applications that would otherwise be unsuitable for ergonomic and efficient digging.

Abstract: A suspension set for an agricultural implement has a first arm; a holder provided to be attached to a portion of the chassis of the agricultural implement and comprising an attachment point for receiving said first arm to allow pivoting of said arm in relation to the attachment point; a first flange associated with said arm opposite to the attachment point; and at least a disc associated with the arm by means of said first flange; wherein said holder comprises a second attachment point to receive a second suspension arm to allow pivoting of said second arm in relation to the second attachment point, wherein the second arm may be inserted in said second attachment point; and said first flange may be replaced by a second flange when said second arm is inserted, wherein said second flange is associated with said first and second arms and with said disc; wherein the insertion of the second arm and the replacement by the second flange provides a pantographic movement to said disc.

Abstract: An automated spring force adjustment assembly for a seed planter includes a screw. Also included is a spring wound around an outer surface of the screw. Further included is a nut in threaded engagement with the outer surface of the screw and in contact with the spring. Yet further included is a motor operatively coupled to the screw to rotatably drive the screw, rotation of the screw translating the nut, translation of the screw adjusting the compression of the spring.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for an agricultural implement consisting of a hydraulic cylinder that exerts a force on a component of the implement. A pressure reduction valve located between a hydraulic power source and the hydraulic cylinder maintains pressure to no more than a preset maximum to protect the hydraulic cylinder by routing excess hydraulic fluid back through a hydraulic line into a reservoir. A pressure relief valve with a preset maximum pressure greater than that of the pressure reduction valve is located between the pressure reduction valve and the hydraulic cylinder, and is connected to the reservoir through a dedicated return line. If hydraulic fluid pressure in the circuit increases to greater than the maximum of the pressure reduction valve, hydraulic fluid is diverted back to the reservoir through the pressure relief valve and a dedicated return line.

Abstract: An agricultural baler including a frame and a quarter turn attached to the frame. The agricultural baler further includes a transport lock associated with a lateral end of the quarter turn for locking the quarter turn in a transport position. The transport lock includes a lock plate with a first hole receiving a first fastener at one pivot location, a second hole receiving a second fastener attached to and extending from a respective lateral end or the frame, and a third hole for receiving a latch pin extending from another of the respective lateral end or the frame. The transport lock further includes a biasing arrangement for biasing the third hole in the lock plate toward the latch pin when the latch pin is positioned within the third hole.

Abstract: A seed spacing system for a seed planter is provided. The seed spacing system includes a plurality of row units of the seed planter, each of the row units having a seed planting device configured to dispense seeds at a specified interval. Also included is at least one position sensor for monitoring ground speed of the seed planting device, each seed planting device individually adjustable based on the speed detected by the position sensor.

Abstract: An automated depth control adjustment assembly for a seed planter includes an adjustable mechanism. Also included is a beam arrangement operatively coupled to the adjustable mechanism and adjustable upon manipulation of the adjustable mechanism. Further included is an electric motor operatively coupled to the adjustable mechanism to drive the adjustable mechanism, manipulation of the adjustable mechanism adjusting the beam arrangement to control seed planting depth.

Abstract: A powered material broadcast spreader apparatus. The apparatus may include a granular material hopper having one or more upwardly extending walls that partially enclose an interior volume of the hopper. A first wall may define an opening passing outwardly from the interior volume. The apparatus may also include a motor surrounded by the one or more walls, and a motor cover having a contact surface congruent with a mating inner surface of the first wall. The motor cover is configured to form a motor compartment adapted to effectively isolate the motor from the interior volume, while permitting access to the motor from outside the hopper via the opening in the first wall.

Abstract: An improved system of determining the speed at which an agricultural vehicle is traveling is disclosed. A control system for the sprayer receives feedback signals from multiple sensors, where each feedback signal may be utilized to determine the speed at which the sprayer is traveling. An operator interface, such as a touch-screen terminal, is provided to receive input from the operator for selecting one of the feedback signals. Each of the feedback signals has certain operating conditions under which they are more or less reliable. The operator may select one of the feedback signals from which the speed of the sprayer is determined according to the present operating conditions. The speed determined from the selected feedback signal is then used by the sprayer to control and record application of product to the field.

Abstract: A device for spreading active agents comprising: a boom, which is arranged pivotably about a rotation axis; a sensor arrangement for the detection of an angular velocity of the boom about the rotation axis; a sensor for the detection of an angular position of the boom; a control unit processing output signals from the sensor; and an actuator, acting on the present angular position of the boom based on control signals from the control unit. For the determination of an angular position of the boom, the control unit calculates an angular position of the boom in relation to a reference plane by integration of the angular velocity and merges the angular position calculated by means of the angular velocity, with the detected angular position to determine the present angular position of the boom to return the boom to a desired angular position.

Abstract: A brush cutter includes a center deck that is pivotally coupled to a first wing deck and a second wing deck. Each deck has a hydraulic cutting assembly. A mounting portion can be attached to a front carrier portion of a drive vehicle. The brush cutter has a hydraulic manifold operably coupled to each cutting assembly and configured to be operably coupled to a hydraulic system of the drive vehicle. The manifold includes valves that control the flow of drive fluid to the hydraulic cutting assemblies. Sensing arrangements signal the valves to shut off the drive fluid to the wing decks if the wing decks pivot upward from a lowered position to a first angular position. The sensing arrangements can optionally signal the drive vehicle's hydraulic system to reduce the flow of drive fluid to the hydraulic manifold for each wing deck that pivots upward to the angular position.

Abstract: A height of cut control system on a mower deck includes a linear actuator connected to the lift linkage. A height of cut dial has a plurality of operator-selected desired cutting heights, and a deck height control is connected to the electronic controller that commands the linear actuator to lower or raise the mower deck to the desired cutting height when the deck height control is in a down position or an up position. A deck height display provides visual feedback to the operator showing if the actual height of the mower deck is off the desired cutting height. If the actual height is at least a specified amount off the desired cutting height, the electronic controller may automatically adjust the mower deck by commanding the linear actuator to move the mower deck to the desired cutting height.

Abstract: The present invention relates to harvesting platforms of the type that are carried on the front end of an agricultural combine. More specifically, it relates to flexible draper platforms having both a flexible cutterbar assembly and a flexible draper assembly that enable the platform to accommodate uneven terrains across the width as it advances through the field.

Abstract: An energy management system for an agricultural vehicle arrangement includes an electric power supply unit for the supply of a large number of electrical consumers with electric power, and a consumption monitoring unit for the determination of a total energy demand dependent on an actual operating state of the electrical consumers. The consumption monitoring unit undertakes an estimate of the electric power supply available from the electric power supply unit and compares it to the determined total electric power demand in order to reduce the electric power supply to the electrical consumers as a function of assigned supply priorities when the available electric power supply is exceeded by the determined total energy demand. The consumption monitoring unit undertakes a dynamic adaptation of the supply priorities as a function of a changing cooling demand of a vehicle unit that is cooled by means of at least one of the electrical consumers.

Abstract: A spreader arrangement for an agricultural harvester includes a pair of spreader discs, at least one cover plate and a windrow chute. The spreader discs are generally horizontally arranged and rotatable in a counter rotating manner. Each cover plate is positioned at a location above a respective spreader disc, and is operable to inhibit a flow of crop material to the respective spreader disc when positioned above the respective spreader disc. The windrow chute has an entrance end positioned below the pair of cover plates and above the pair of spreader discs, whereby crop material is discharged from the top of the cover plates into the windrow chute.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester with a crop processing apparatus. The crop processing apparatus is configured for separating crop material from crop residue and for discharging crop residue therefrom. The agricultural harvester includes a duct for directing a stream of crop residue downstream in the agricultural combine in a generally downward direction, a pair of laterally spaced spreader devices positioned downstream of and below the crop residue duct for distributing crop residue laterally, and deflectors spaced outwardly of the spreader devices and oriented generally in a vertical plane. The deflectors are mounted at a first upstream edge relative to the flow of the crop residue stream and extend downstream. The deflectors have an upper edge curved toward the spreader devices to an increasing extent away from the upstream edge.

Abstract: A harvesting head height control circuit (162) for controlling the height of an articulated harvesting head (104) that is supported on a combine harvester (102) during harvesting in an agricultural field includes an ECU (164) configured to raise and lower the portions of the articulated harvesting head. The ECU (164) receives signals indicating the magnitude of a rearward force acting upon the articulated harvesting head and automatically changes the commanded operating height of the articulated harvesting head (104).

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to the harvesting of sugar-bearing ground crops such as sweet sorghum, in cold regions. The sugar crop harvester with various adaptations described is comprised of operational components, or features, that minimize the damage done to the crop during harvesting, particularly those things that result in deterioration of sugars prior to processing. The harvester includes several operational components that are well suited for processing sweet sorghum, particularly the dividers, base cutters, feed conveyor, de-trashing roll, brush rolls, hurler drums, de-bridging thrash roller, air blast, toppers and bin. Other components of the harvester are designed for easy maintenance. The operational components can be used with either a whole-stalk style harvester, or a chopper-style harvester.

Abstract: A harvester and processor for peanuts that comprises a drag type machine to be towed and actuated by a conventional tractor, which has various double assemblies to harvest lined up peanuts and process them through various steps of cleaning, up to the separation of the cleaned grains that are stored in an embedded tipper bucket, and to perform all this, said machine contains a chassis (1), that on its bottom side is supported by wheels (3), while on its top side is integrated with a plate body (4) forming a mono block structure for the assembling of all the embedded assemblies, starting with the frontal hitch pole (5) integrated with the transmission assembly (6) which is responsible for the actuation of various parts of the machine, specially two harvesting conveyor belts (8), anti-jamming receptive boxes (9), threshing cylinders (10), and in these cylinders starts the cleaning process together with the vibrating sieves (11) and the ventilation assembly (12), being that the cleaned fruits are delivered to a r

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis, at least one ground engaging traction member connected to the chassis, a cleaning system held by the chassis and configured to clean crop material, and an elevator supplied with the crop material. The elevator includes a housing having a crop material inlet that receives the crop material, a boot portion that forms a bottom of the housing, and a plurality of paddles configured to convey the crop material through the housing and away from the boot portion in a generally vertical direction. The elevator further includes a hinged wall section that includes a flexible steel sheet and a UHMW material plastic or other durable wear resistant flexible material overlying the sheet and facing an interior of the elevator. The hinged wall section may be a boot door or a head door.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a header with an infeed assembly including a driving element configured to rotate; a hollow tube rotationally coupled to the driving element and having a plurality of openings formed therein; and at least one finger unit rotatably held within the hollow tube. Each finger unit includes: a finger hub having at least one pivoting aperture formed therein and at least one driving aperture formed therein; a pivoting finger pivotally held within the at least one pivoting aperture and configured to at least partially extend out of one of the openings of the hollow tube during rotation; and a driving finger fixedly held within the at least one driving aperture and configured to at least partially extend into one of the openings of the hollow tube to rotate the finger unit by the hollow tube.

Abstract: The subject application provides a windrow pickup header including an improved windrow hold down device. The windrow hold down device includes a channel member extending across a width of a windrow pickup header chassis, a unitary retention plate carried by the channel member, a first plurality of tines secured to the channel member by the unitary retention plate, and a second plurality of tines pivotably secured to the channel member and selectively engageable with the unitary retention plate to place the second plurality of tines in a non-pivoting stowed position. The unitary retention plate combines multiple tine retention functions into a single part thereby reducing materials costs as well as the labor required to assemble the windrow hold down device.

Abstract: A dual bale lifting device. The dual bale lifting device includes a frame with a vertical member mounted to one end. The frame is configured to be mounted to a vehicle, such as a tractor. A first spike is rigidly mounted onto one end of the frame and a second spike is mounted onto a slidable element, which is situated within a track of the vertical member. The slidable element is vertically adjustable within the track. A latch is positioned on the vertical member and is configured to lock the slidable element in an upward position. When the latch is released, the slidable element and second spike thereon are lowered under the force of gravity.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine including a chassis, and a threshing section carried by the chassis. The threshing section includes a rotor, a plurality of frame assemblies adjustably positioned proximate to the rotor, a plurality of concaves and an adjustment mechanism. Each concave is carried by a corresponding frame assembly. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the frame assemblies. The plurality of frame assemblies are X frame assemblies, with X being 2 or larger. The adjustment mechanism has at least one actuator, with there being Y actuators, with Y being 1 or larger. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust each of the X frame assemblies to different positions with Y actuators, where Y is less than X.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes an auger assembly including an auger having an auger shaft defining an axis of rotation and a flighting carried by the auger shaft, the auger being configured to rotate the flighting in a sweeping path about the axis of rotation; and an auger trough placed adjacent to the auger to hold crop material in the sweeping path and having a bottom below the sweeping path. The auger trough has a first portion on a first side of the bottom and a second portion on a second side opposite the first side of the bottom, with the second portion of the auger trough having an end directed toward the first portion in a direction of the sweeping path.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for maintaining proper tension in the one or more fluidly movable belts during the tailgate closing process of a baling cycle. Sensors are used to obtain position data of the bale density system and tailgate system. This information is used by a controller, which then calculates if an adjustment to the speed of the tailgate is necessary to maintain proper tension in the movable belts.

Abstract: An agricultural baler. The agricultural baler includes a baling chamber including a first segment, a plunger, and a baling chamber. The agricultural baler further includes a controller and a pre-compression chamber configured for gathering crop material, periodically forming a slice of the crop material, and pushing the slice towards the baling chamber into the first segment of the baling chamber. The agricultural baler further includes a slice-presence-detecting sensor disposed in an upper region of the first segment of the baling chamber, the slice-presence-detecting sensor comprising an output operationally connected to the controller. The plunger is configured for reciprocally moving in the baling chamber to compress slices of crop material into a bale. The controller is configured for adjusting a synchronization between the periodically forming and pushing of the slice in the pre-compression chamber and the reciprocally moving of the plunger.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a frame; a threshing and separating system carried by the frame; a cleaning system carried by the frame; a mounting surface carried by the frame; and a residue system including a chopper carried by the frame and supplied with crop material from the threshing and separating system and/or the cleaning system. The chopper includes a chopper frame mounted to the mounting surface and having at least one shaft opening formed through; a chopper shaft held in the at least one shaft opening that is configured to rotate and is carried by the frame independently of the chopper frame; at least one rotating knife carried by the chopper shaft; and at least one stationary knife held in the chopper frame.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, a lawn sweeper for being towed by a lawn tractor including a body, a rotatable brush mounted to the body, and a motor for rotating the brush independently of the rotation of at least one wheel of the lawn sweeper. The lawn sweeper further includes a remote control for being operated by a user of the lawn tractor to control the motor. In another aspect, a lawn sweeper having a pair of wheels rotatable about a wheel axis, a body shiftable between raised and lowered positions relative to the wheels, and brush mounted to the body and rotatable about a brush axis. The brush axis is substantially vertically aligned with the wheel axis when the body is in the raised position and the lowered position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable, modular growing system with interchangeable parts comprising interlocking frames, a reservoir that sits on the ground, said reservoir further comprising a small obtrusion for viewing water levels and adding water, a planting guide or weed cover, a clear or “cold frame” cover with vents, a perforated flat panel that sits in the bottom of the connected frames and on top of the reservoir; and one or many wicking tubes. This invention relates to indoor and outdoor gardening, and novel ways of carrying out one or both. Disclosed is a novel modular device and system that carries out all stages of growing of the growing process indoors or outdoors and is suitable for small spaces. The system and device is ideal for home gardening as well as more industrial locations where space is limited such as restaurants as well as many other places. The modular system is comprised of a series of components that may be utilized to form raised beds, container gardens, cold frames and seed starters.

Abstract: A box-like enclosure for transporting cut flowers and plants is provided. The box has an upper wall, four side walls, and an open lower end. The box can be of predetermined cross-sectional dimensions sized to receive a container for holding cut flowers with a clearance fit. The box can a plurality of openings for increased air flow within the box and for a user to engage with their hands when moving the box alone or the box and enclosed container. An air gap is provided above the top of the flowers. The enclosure can be made as a flat blank of suitable water-resistant material which can easily be assembled when needed.

Abstract: A method for planting a plant propagule with a root forming end and a shoot forming end, comprising the steps of providing a growth substrate and an elongated tubular hollow member (2), inserting the root forming end of the propagule into the hollow member (2) such that the shoot forming end does not enter the hollow member (2); and withdrawing the hollow member (2) through the growth substrate in the direction opposite of the shoot forming end, whereby the propagule is planted in a hole (3) in the substrate left by the hollow member (2), with the root forming end located within the substrate and the shoot out of the substrate. Associated devices are also provided.

Abstract: A plant growing media and a method to make the media is disclosed. The disclosed media allows improved water absorbance, even distribution of nutrients and a constant pH.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a transparent heat-insulating cover element (1), in particular for greenhouse covers, comprising a base body (10) comprising at least two parallel panel-shaped elements (5) being spaced apart from each other and at least one lateral edge profile (18, 18a, 19 19a) forming, in combination with the base body (10), at least one cavity (12) which is essentially sealed against the external atmosphere, wherein the base body (10) is, on at least one of its outer surfaces (9, 11) which is averted from the at least one cavity (12), force-fit joined with, preferably bonded to, a glass layer (14, 16).

Abstract: This disclosure involves advancements in grafting, trellis design, and an implement to raise and lower cold-sensitive vines between a raised growing position and a lowered position where the vine is buried in a trench and covered to protect it from the cold. The implement relieves the operator from the otherwise laborious task of protecting the cold sensitive vines. The apparatus allows the cold-sensitive vine to be buried into a trench without removing the vine from the fruiting wire. The implement directs the fruiting wire with a vine cordon attached thereto into a trench to protect the cordon from cold temperatures. The apparatus causes the vine trunk to bend to accommodate the position of the vine cordon.

Abstract: A method of managing treatment of crop is disclosed. The method comprises: monitoring a first parameter describing a daily shrinkage of a plant part of the crop, and a second parameter describing daily growth rate of a plant part of the crop. The method further comprises calculating a plant status function based on a value of the first parameter and a value of the second parameter, and operating a crop treatment system responsively to the plant status function.

Abstract: A planter insert and planter insert assembly. In an embodiment, the planter insert assembly includes a planter housing with an upper portion and a bottom reservoir portion with a bottom interior surface; a tray defining a containment space for plant support media, wherein the tray is disposed within the upper portion of the planter housing, the tray having a bottom surface with a plurality of perforations allowing for insertion of at least one wicking member, the tray further having a sidewall including a bottom portion, wherein the bottom surface of the tray depends from the bottom portion of the sidewall; and a tray support disposed within the bottom reservoir portion of the planter housing, the tray support having a top surface, wherein the tray is supported only by the tray support when the bottom surface of the tray is positioned on the top surface of the tray support.

Abstract: A hydrophobic system is presented having a stand with a base and a frame, a growing tube wrapped around the stand having a plurality of opening and a hose extending through the length of the growing tube.

Abstract: A system for indoor plant cultivation is disclosed. The system is low cost, simple system that may be used for example at homes, in restaurants, and in schools to grow vegetables and flowers.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR0603TC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR0603TC and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR7962TH and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR7962TH and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH164736. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH164736, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH164736 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH164736.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH165077. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH165077, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH165077 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH165077.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH167881. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH167881, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH167881 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH167881.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH169497. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH169497, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH169497 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH169497.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH174607. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH174607, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH174607 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH174607.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH164592. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH164592, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH164592 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH164592.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH160973. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH160973, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH160973 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH160973.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH160503. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH160503, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH160503 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH160503.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH159621. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH159621, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH159621 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH159621.