Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus can include an aeration rotor comprising at least one set of aeration tines configured for movement in a planetary motion about an axis. The apparatus can further include the aeration rotor being configured to remove soil plugs from a ground surface and break the soil plugs into soil particles when the aeration rotor is rotated.

Abstract: A hitch module adapted to be coupled to a frame of a work machine or towed assembly. The hitch module includes a carrier assembly having a first plate and a second plate coupled to one another. The first and second plates are spaced from one another by a first distance, where both plates define a pivot axis. A guide assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotally coupled to the carrier assembly about the pivot axis. The guide assembly has a first guide plate and a second guide plate coupled to and spaced by a second distance from one another. A hitch assembly is disposed at least partially between the first and second plate of the carrier assembly and the first and the second guide plate. The hitch link assembly is pivotal about the pivot axis and movable along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations.

Abstract: A device for a vehicle, in particular a tractor, with a hydraulic actuating unit for regulating the operation of a towing unit on the vehicle comprises at least one speed detecting unit with two distance determining sensors positioned one after the other in the direction of travel of the vehicle and directed toward the ground and an analysis unit as well as data communications connections to a vehicle operating system and a hydraulic operating system associated with the hydraulic actuating unit.

Abstract: An agricultural planting machine is described. In one example, the machine comprises a trench opener configured to open a trench, and a trench depth sensing system comprising a ground-engaging component and a trench depth sensor configured to generate a signal indicative a displacement of the ground-engaging component by directly sensing a surface of the ground engaging component. In one example, an agricultural planting machine comprising a trench opener configured to open a trench, and a trench depth sensing system comprising a ground-engaging component and a capacitive sensor comprising a transmitter element driven by an input signal to generate an electric field and a receiver element configured to generate an output signal based on a capacitive coupling between the transmitter and receiver elements, wherein the capacitive coupling changes based on movement of the ground-engaging component within the electric field.

Abstract: A seed dispersion unit for distributing a plurality of seeds includes a single inlet for the plurality of seeds, a chamber in communication with the single inlet, and a plurality of outlet conduits in communication with the chamber. Each of the plurality of outlet conduits is configured to transfer a portion of the plurality of seeds from the chamber. An annular base defines a portion of the chamber. Each of the outlet conduits extends radially from the base.

Abstract: A seed metering system for selectively metering a plurality of seeds includes an outlet of a source of seeds. A singulating meter is in selective communication with the outlet. A bypass conduit is in selective communication with the outlet. The seed metering system is operable in a first mode of operation in which the outlet communicates with the singulating meter to singulate the plurality of seeds. The seed metering system is further operable in a second mode of operation in which the outlet communicates with the bypass conduit and the plurality of seeds is not singulated.

Abstract: A seeding system includes a storage tank operable to store a plurality of seeds and a dispersion unit configured to disperse some of the plurality of seeds amongst a plurality of conduits. The dispersion unit includes a sensor. A meter is operable to transfer the some of the plurality of seeds from the storage tank to the dispersion unit. The sensor is operable to produce a signal to control the transfer from the storage tank to the dispersion unit.

Abstract: In a method of operating a seed cart, a compartment is provided defining a volume for receiving a commodity. A distribution manifold is provided including two sets of passages, the distribution manifold being associated with the compartment to selectively receive a commodity in one or both of the two sets of passages. A fan is operated to create an air stream. The air stream from the fan is divided into a plurality of primary tubes. An inlet divider plenum is provided having two outlets in communication with each one of the primary tubes. The flow of air from each of the plurality of primary tubes is divided amongst the two corresponding outlets with a corresponding movable vane within the inlet divider plenum such that an airflow ratio between the two sets of passages is controlled in response to the position of the vane.

Abstract: A rotational joint is provided for an agricultural machine having hinged frame sections, each frame section carrying one or more plumbing lines for moving a carrier fluid. The rotational joint includes first and second joint parts. Each joint part has a coupler defining a flow passage leading to an interface opening. The joints parts are coupled to allow for relative rotation about a rotation axis passing through the interface openings. In at least one angular orientation of the joint parts, the flow passages of the couplers are in fluid communication.

Abstract: A product distribution system includes a product on demand pick-up assembly including a hopper. The hopper is configured such that an air stream flowing into the pick-up assembly entrains product therein and conveys product downstream through a plurality of conduits. The product distribution system further includes a container for storing product prior to delivery of product to the pick-up assembly and a meter and conveyor assembly configured to move product from the container to the pick-up assembly hopper such that an amount of product greater than a predetermined quantity is maintained in the pick-up assembly hopper during operation of the system.

Abstract: A system for distributing a plurality of seeds includes a storage tank operable to store the plurality of seeds. A first meter is downstream of the storage tank. A second meter is downstream of the first meter and is operable to individually meter the plurality of seeds. An outlet conduit is located downstream of the second meter. The first meter is configured to adjust the flow of the plurality of seeds in response to a signal from a sensor located between the first meter and the outlet conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides a row planting unit for a planter having a seed tube with an outlet arranged to drop seed between a pair of opener discs. Adjacent planting units (on the planter) each have vacuum operated seed metering units each including a seed disk. The operation of disks is synchronized but the seed openings offset from each other for alternate seed placement in adjacent rows. The outlet of each seed tube is located between the discs and, more specifically, arranged to drop seed in close proximity to a drop location where the bottom edges of the disks are in contact. The invention extends to a method of planting seed in a close staggered planting configuration, with seeds in adjacent rows dropped alternately and the row planting units located on the planter with closer spacing than what is used when seeds are planted substantially in line by adjacent row units.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine comprises, in one example, a seed delivery system configured to deliver seeds to at least one trench by two or more substantially gravity-drop channels, and a seed metering system comprising a rotating meter element configured to singulate seeds from a seed source into the two or more channels.

Abstract: A seeding machine includes a main frame and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit includes a row unit frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the row unit frame, a furrow opener coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow opener having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and moves soil, and a furrow closer coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow closer having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and presses soil. The seeding machine also includes a seeding adjustment system including a soil removal device, a moisture sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the moisture sensor corresponding to the detected moisture level, and an actuator configured to change a position of the soil removal device based on the signal received by the controller.

Abstract: A seed firmer for pressing seeds into soil during planting. The seed firmer includes a mount for attachment to a row unit of a planting machine. An arm defines a ground-facing surface having at least one point of contact with the ground, including a rearmost ground contact point with respect to a direction of forward travel during planting operation. The ground-facing surface has a transition section directly trailing a rearmost ground contact point, the transition section can extending upwardly from the rearmost ground contact point with a radius no less than 25 mm. Also, in some constructions the rearmost section of the ground-facing surface defines a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical height that is no less than 1.2:1.

Abstract: A seeding machine includes a main frame, and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit has a row unit frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the row unit frame, and a furrow opener coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow opener having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and moves soil. The row unit also includes a furrow closer, the furrow closer having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and presses soil. The seeding machine also includes a downforce adjustment system for adjusting an amount of downforce applied to the row unit, the downforce adjustment system including a moisture sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the moisture sensor, and an actuator configured to change the amount of downforce applied to the row unit based on the signal received by the controller.

Abstract: A furrow following device includes an attachment bracket having a portion provided for attachment to a row unit of a planting machine. An arm is provided with a ground-facing surface for engagement with the soil during planting. A mount of the furrow following device has a first portion coupled to the attachment bracket, and a second portion at least partially defining a pivot connection with the arm. The pivot connection provides relative rotation between the arm and the mount. The mount is a compliant mount provided with a spring that exhibits an elastic bias force as the arm is raised toward the attachment bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that reliably, economically, and precisely delivers liquid fertilizer and chemicals during agricultural operations, such as during planting, tillage, and cultivating. The system includes a system of tubes delivering liquid to each row and a flow meter on each feed line to sense the flow rate and report the status of the flow to each row back to an operator's device.

Abstract: An attachment for a power lawnmower enables cutting wet grass and includes a cross bar adapted to be supported by the forward end of the lawnmower. An elongated support member has a front frame portion and a rear frame portion, where the rear frame portion is secured transversely to the cross bar and extends forwardly therefrom. A rigid bracket is connected transversely to the front frame portion of the elongated support member and cantilevered above the ground. A flexible member has a first side secured along the rigid bracket and has a second side extending below the rigid bracket. The flexible member is adapted to contact the wet grass during forward movement of the lawnmower in order to remove moisture from the wet grass.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine is described. In one example, the machine comprises a header, a feed system configured to feed material from the header through a threshing section along a conveyance path, the feed system including a conveyance mechanism that conveys the material from the header to a rotating feed mechanism, and a drive system configured to rotationally drive the feed mechanism during a first state to convey the material along the conveyance path, and to reverse rotation of the feed mechanism during a second state. In one example, a drive system comprises first and second drive mechanisms, and a coupling mechanism configured to selectively couple one of the first or second drive mechanisms to an output mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a rotating feed mechanism in an agricultural harvesting machine.

Abstract: A control sensor assembly for an agricultural harvester is provided. The control sensor assembly includes a linkage for connection to a header height control system, a bushing, a mount and a sensor mounted to the mount. The bushing includes a first end connected to the linkage and a second end housing a magnet. The mount includes a body having a through hole extending from a first surface to a second surface opposite the first surface for receiving the bushing and a first rotational stop about the first surface and adjacent the through hole. The sensor is spaced from the second end of the bushing. The control sensor assembly according to the subject application is designed to provide an improved mount for the control sensor assembly that utilizes a single mount to perform multiple functions.

Abstract: In a swather a support arm is attached to the header to carry the heavy hydraulic hoses which are connected to the tractor for supplying the drive fluid to the hydraulic system of the header. The support arm is articulated so as to accommodate the up-and-down and twisting movement of the header relative to the tractor during harvesting action and this supported to prevent collapse when the hoses are disconnected from the tractor manifold. The support arm is attached at the rear to the tractor preferably at the wheel strut by a releasable ball joint coupling. From the coupling at the wheel strut, there is a free portion of the hydraulic hoses which extends to the manifold at the tractor where the ends of the hoses are attached to manually graspable handle portions which can be lifted away and the attached to a bracket on the support arm.

Abstract: A sickle drive incorporated into a generally flat package or enclosure or floor. The drive includes an epicyclic mechanism, including a rotatable input element in an upper region of a cavity of the enclosure, and an eccentric element below the input element rotatable eccentrically thereby. A drive arm is connected to the eccentric element for rotation about, and eccentric rotation with, the eccentric element, and extends to a pivot element which can be the only component extending upwardly from the enclosure or floor, such that the shaft will be pivoted by the eccentric movement of the drive arm. A knife arm connects to the pivot element and a sickle knife assembly which will be reciprocated by the pivoting action. A second epicyclic arrangement can be employed such that opposite forces generated by operation of the drive will be largely canceled.

Abstract: A hand-held cutting device (10) may include an elongated member (45) graspable along a portion thereof by an operator, a trimmer head (25) disposed at one end of the elongated member (45) and configured to be rotatable to perform a cutting function using trimmer line (70) held at a portion of the trimmer head (25), a power unit operably coupled to the trimmer head (25) to selectively cause rotation of the trimmer head, and a trim shield (65) disposed to extend away from the elongate member (45) to a position radially outward relative to the trimmer head (25) proximate to at least a portion of a path traced by a distal end of the trimmer line (70) eilligill when the trimmer head is rotated.

Abstract: A lawncare apparatus includes a main body, multiple wheels supporting the main body, a cutting blade disposed in the main body, a motor driving the cutting blade, an operating arm connected to the first end of the main body, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly is configured to prevent the switching device from being controlled in a mechanical way by the operation assembly or/and turning on the motor when the first member is moved towards the main body to a predetermined position relative to the second member.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvesting machine includes a cutting bar for cutting agricultural material, a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a bracket assembly for pivotably coupling the second frame portion to the first frame portion. The first frame portion includes a conveyor for moving cut material and a pair of supports. The first frame portion also includes a pin extending between the supports and secured to the supports. The second frame portion includes a conveyor for moving cut material. The bracket assembly includes a first portion and a second portion removably coupled to the first portion such that the pin is positioned between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A wind speed sensor includes a shroud that is elongate along a longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to a direction of travel of a mobile machine to which it is mounted. The wind speed sensor senses a magnitude of a crosswind component. An action signal is generated based upon the crosswind component sensed by the wind speed sensor. The action signal can be used to control a direction of residue discharge from the mobile machine.

Abstract: An agricultural combine including a residue spreading system that is steerable to influence distribution of the residue spreading system. The combine is provided with a sensor provided for emitting a wave signal through the residue when the combine is spreading the residue. The sensor is configured to measure reflections of the signal from a first zone of the residue and from a second zone of the residue. The spreading system is steered based on the reflections. The wave signal has a wavelength that is larger than 0.001 mm and that is smaller than 50 mm.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing a local electrical power source at a header of a combine harvester. An alternator is mechanically coupled to a header backshaft. The header backshaft is mechanically coupled to a drive mechanism of the combine harvester to cause rotation of the header backshaft which, in turn, causes the alternator to generate electrical power. A power supply circuit transferred electrical power from the alternator to one or more electric devices mounted on the header. In some implementations, the header does not include any physical cables between the combine and the header.

Abstract: A lawncare apparatus includes a main body, multiple wheels supporting the main body, a cutting blade disposed in the main body, a motor driving the cutting blade, an operating arm connected to the first end of the main body, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly is configured to prevent the switching device from being controlled in a mechanical way by the operation assembly or/and turning on the motor when the first member is moved towards the main body to a predetermined position relative to the second member.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle (10) may include a frame (60), a steering assembly (30), a brake assembly (110), and a mechanical brake linkage assembly (120). At least a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel (32) of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may include a first steering lever and a second steering lever (34), where the first and second steering levers are operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels respectively to facilitate turning of the riding lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels responsive to positioning of the first and second steering levers. The brake assembly may be operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels to enable brakes to be selectively applied to the first and second drive wheels.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester including a sensor for measuring a position of an object in surroundings of the harvester. The sensor is connected to a processor for defining at least two different danger zones respectively corresponding to at least two different sets of harvester driving parameter values. The processor can determine actual harvester driving parameter values, and the processor can compare the actual harvester driving parameter values with the different sets to select a matching set and to select a corresponding one of the danger zones. The processor outputs a warning signal if the position is in the corresponding danger zone.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine has a machine body and a discharge spout attached to the machine body for overloading crop via a crop stream to a trailer. And electronic spout control and a discharge spout drive arrangement displaces the discharge spout relative to the machine body based on drive commands of the electronic spout control for guiding the crop stream to a target hit point at the trailer. A first sensor arrangement generates sensor information by optically identifying a reference feature at the trailer and detecting the position of the reference feature and/or space orientation of the reference feature. The second sensor arrangement generates sensor information by detecting a space orientation of the machine body, the discharge spout or both. The electronic spout control generates its drive commands for guiding the crop stream based on the sensor information.

Abstract: A straw chopper (42) for a combine harvester (10) is provided with a housing (54-60) that has an inlet (72) and an outlet (74), a rotor (46) with suspended chopping blades (48) that is arranged in the housing (54-60), adjustably arranged counter-blades (62) and a straw dam (64). The adjustments of the straw dam (64) and of the counter-blades (62) are coupled to one another.

Abstract: A cleaning shoe for an agricultural machine includes a chaffer supported for movement relative to a chassis, a sieve positioned below the chaffer and supported for movement relative to the chassis. The cleaning shoe also includes a first link, a second link, and a drive shaft. The first link includes a first end and a second end coupled to the chaffer. The second link includes a first end and a second end coupled to the sieve. The drive shaft rotates about a shaft axis and includes a first cam and a second cam. The first cam is coupled to the first end of the first link, and the second cam is coupled to the first end of the second link. Rotation of the drive shaft drives the first link to reciprocate the chaffer and drives the second link to reciprocate the sieve. The second cam is angularly offset relative to the first cam by a phase angle less than 180 degrees about the shaft axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the collection of a windrowed crop are described. In an exemplary implementation, conditions data is accessed and used to estimate the moisture content of a windrowed crop. The estimated moisture content is used to create an optimal collection prescription for the operation of baling equipment to collect the crop. During the collection of the crop, the moisture content of the crop is measured and compared to the estimated moisture value. The system may then revise the optimal collection prescription based on the measured moisture value. This process can then be repeated until all of the windrowed crop is collected.

Abstract: A mulching assembly includes a vacuum that may be positioned to facilitate the vacuum to suck debris from a support surface. A handle is coupled to the vacuum such that the handle may be gripped. A mulcher is coupled to the vacuum and the mulcher mulches the debris. A canister is provided that may be positioned on the support surface. The canister is fluidly coupled to the vacuum such that the canister may receive the mulched debris from the vacuum.

Abstract: A lawn care assembly for removing debris from a lawn includes a roller that may be urged across a support surface. A plurality of spikes is provided. Each of the spikes is coupled to the roller. Each of the spikes may pierce debris on the support surface thereby facilitating the debris to be removed from the support surface when the roller is urged across the support surface.

Abstract: A tree shear capable of reducing an opening degree of handles thereof, includes a shearing part, a first handle and a second handle. The shearing part includes a first blade and a second blade pivoted with each other. The first handle is connected with a first blade, the second handle has a front section and a rear section sleeved with each other, and the front section is connected with the second blade. A link rod has an end pivoted with the first handle and other end pivoted with the rear section of the second handle. While the two handles are opened, the link rod affects the front section of the second handle to move relative to the rear section of the second handle, so as to adjust a length of the second handle to reduce the opening degree of the two handles.

Abstract: An in-ground plant container with watering-well that is open at both ends and is functional and decorative. The above ground portion in this present embodiment has a round bowl shaped water well and broad rounded lip for ease of gripping and placing in an appropriate sized hole. The bowl of the watering-well keeps the plant container above ground. The bottom, below ground portion, has vertical fins for lateral stability in the soil. This embodiment also has an outer horizontal flange at its base for prevention against vertical lifting due to soil movement and for permanent placement. The above ground portion of the plant container watering-well can be wider than the base and replaces the organic soil-watering-well. This in-ground plant container with watering-well is for conserving water, and the containment of water contaminated by pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Abstract: A planter in the form of a tower planter having an internal vertical composting capability is provided. The planter has a hollow, vertical, outer cylindrical barrel with a plurality of openings formed about its cylindrical side. A hollow inner cylindrical composting tube having a plurality of perforations formed in its cylindrical wall is provided. The space formed between the inner tube and barrel wall is filled with growing medium such as potting soil. The inner tube is filled with compost material. A plurality of worms is added to the inner tube compost material. Water is added to the inner tube and barrel on a daily basis. Plants are inserted into the outer barrel side openings. A removable container is placed at the bottom of the tube and barrel, said container adapted to capture water draining out from the tube and barrel, as well as periodically receiving compost from the compost tube.

Abstract: An in-ground plant container with watering-well that is open at both ends and is functional and decorative. The above-ground portion of this present embodiment has a circular watering-well bowl that is surrounded by a removal-able twist-ring rim that is both functional and decorative. The twist-ring along with several aspects of this embodiment work together to keep the plant container's watering-well bowl above ground-level. The bottom, below-ground portion, has vertical fins to prevent lateral rotation of plant container from repeated twist-ring removal and re-attachment; and two attached horizontal flanges also help to prevent upward and downward movement. The non-organic watering-well bowl replaces the organic soil-watering-well. This in-ground plant container with watering-well is for conserving water, and the containment of water contaminated by pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Abstract: A foldable trellis device in accordance with the present invention includes a predetermined trellis configuration having first and second symmetrical portions with substantially similar dimensions and design features. The foldable trellis device further includes pivoting connecting elements to pivotally connect the two portions to allow the two portions to “close” such that front surfaces of respective first and second portions become engaged, or to allow the first and second portions to manually positioned to vertically resist gusting winds. To increase the stability of the foldable trellis device when wind gusts are relatively strong and from varying directions, a stabilizing member is pivotally connected to the first and second portions to form a wind resistant configuration when taking a top elevation view of the foldable trellis device.

Abstract: A plant cage assembly includes a cage has a plurality of members. Each of the members is movably coupled together such that the cage is positionable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The cage may surround a plant when the cage is positioned in the deployed position thereby facilitating the cage to support the plant. The cage may be stored when the cage is positioned in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A modular portable light hanger that can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled to a tray stand by one person without using any tools or hardware, each corner of the stand preferably interconnecting with a light hanger corner pole, and the four corner poles interconnecting with perimeter poles forming a substantially rectangular or square perimeter, providing structure about which equipment such as light fixtures, air moving fans, ducting, etc. may by suspended.

Abstract: A grow light includes a plurality of cool white LEDs, a plurality of warm white LEDs, and a driver electrically coupled to the cool white LEDs and the warm white LEDs. An intensity level and spectral composition of the radiant energy emitted by the grow light may be tuned or configured by varying a ratio of the quantity of cool white LEDs to the quantity of warm white LEDs, by varying a spatial arrangement among the cool white LEDs and the warm white LEDs, or by varying a level of current provided to some or all of the cool white LEDs and the warm white LEDs.

Abstract: A screen installation comprising a screen cloth assembly (22) with a screen cloth (7) and at least one flat strip (21) fastened to the screen cloth, as well as screen sections (8, 18), to opposite edges of the screen cloth, at least one screen section of which has an undercut chamber (20) and a longitudinal opening (23) that opens into this chamber, wherein the strip is accommodated in the chamber of the at least one screen section so that the screen cloth fastened to it can extend outwards from it through the longitudinal opening of the screen section. The strip (21) is fastened at a distance from the adjacent free edge of the screen cloth (7) in the form of a free screen cloth flap (19). The screen cloth flap extends from the strip and via the longitudinal opening (23) of the at least one screen section (8, 18) outwards from it.

Abstract: A device for protecting an area against terrestrial gastropods includes at least one barrier that includes a base for securing the barrier to the periphery of the area to be protected, a ceiling wall connected to the base, a grid extending along and spaced apart from the ceiling wall, a space between the ceiling wall and the grid, and at least one blocking means for preventing the gastropods, of the size category targeted by the barrier, from crawling in the said space. Barriers targeting small gastropods can be integrated into barriers targeting large gastropods.

Abstract: A logging information system includes a felling machine that includes a first global positioning system receiver and a sensor configured to measure an orientation of a felling head operably connected to the felling machine, and an information system controller operable to estimate a cut tree location based on a measured global position of the felling machine and a measured orientation of the felling head of the felling machine.