Abstract: An implement for clipping weeds in a field, where the weeds are standing taller than the crop. The implement comprises a plurality of rotatable blades on a frame, with variable height adjustment means to elevate the frame and position the blades above the crop but at a level sufficient to clip the upper portions of the weeds, The blades are powered by PTO-driven shaft segments, the segments connected by U-joints, wherein the implement further comprises alignment means for aligning the U-joints so that the frame can be folded for transport without damaging the shafts or U-joints.

Abstract: A disc conditioner to work soil in a forward direction including a main support structure, a secondary support structure that protrudes from the main support structure in the forward direction, a main disc assembly affixed to the main support structure, and a secondary disc assembly that is affixed to the secondary support structure and protrudes from the main disc assembly in the forward direction. The secondary disc assembly generates an oscillating soil and residue flow along a central axis of the disc conditioner that levels the soil.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a soil roughness measure. A transducer transmits an ultrasonic signal towards a soil surface and receives a first echo signal of the ultrasonic signal and a second echo signal of the ultrasonic signal. A first distance between the transducer and a first point on the soil surface is calculated based on the first echo signal of the ultrasonic signal. A second distance between the transducer and a second point on the soil surface is calculated based on the second echo signal of the ultrasonic signal. A soil roughness measure of the soil surface is determined based on a difference between the first distance and the second distance.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a frame, one or more row units coupled to the frame, one or more imaging devices coupled to the frame, and a controller. The one or more imaging devices are configured to capture images of a field beneath the agricultural system as the agricultural system traverses the field. The controller includes a processor and a memory, and processes the images captured by the one or more imaging devices. Processing the captured images includes determining a location of an implement line aligned with a first row unit of the one or more row units, determining a location of a center line of a first strip of a plurality of strips of the field, wherein the plurality of strips are separated by a plurality of rows of untilled land, determining a location of a tracking line, and determining whether the implement line and the tracking line are aligned with one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to an agricultural system having a tractor and an implement and a method of operating. A driveline is provided between a driving device (11.3) of a tractor (1) and a first functional element (12.3) of an implement (2), the driveline comprising a tractor driveline (14) and an implement driveline (17) connected through a power take-off connection (13). A driving force is provided to the first functional element (12.3) of the implement (2) through the driveline in a first mode of operation, thereby, a working tool (18) rotating in a first direction in response to the driving force. An operation problem is detected for the first functional element (12.3) by a sensor (19) provided in a tractor-implement control system. Reverse control signals are generated in a tractor controller (4) provided in the tractor-implement control system in response to the detecting of the operation problem for the first functional element (12.3).

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a field position and a transport position.

Abstract: Herein is described an electronic sensor and Artificial Intelligence (AI) system capable of optimizing agriculture processes in real-time. A number of wired or wireless optical, electrical, thermal, chemical, biological, or other sensors are deployed in a plant's locality, possibly for its full lifecycle. These sensors provide long-term, in vivo observations of both the plant's environment and the plant itself. A plant's interaction with light is measured by persistent, cloud-connected sensors, including a spectral reflectance sensor, Chlorophyll Fluorescence detector (ChFl), ChFl imager, and a near-IR imager. This sensor data enables the in-vivo characterization of a plant's health status and photosynthetic efficiency. A cloud-powered AI system uses machine learning algorithms to model the system, recommend agricultural process improvements, and identify abnormalities associated with plant disease or pests.

Abstract: A precision agriculture prescription system which provides precision agriculture prescriptions, by estimating fertilizer application rates and providing a prescription for spatial distribution of the selected product over a given field(s) with a goal of achieving an efficient use of budgeted fertilizer product(s). The system utilizes historical and forecast weather data, as well as remote sensing satellite imagery to maximize the grower's budgeted fertilizer products over his/her fields. This is done by assessing the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from 1-to-many satellite images of the given field(s). The system also leverages regional historical weather data to correlate prior seasons' growth patterns and climate effects, and regional weather forecast data to incorporate predictive climate impacts.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for spraying a fluid onto or near seeds may include a planter having a seed meter configured to dispense seeds from a hopper, a seed tube extending from the seed meter toward a furrow, and a rotationally-driven belt positioned within the seed tube. The belt may be configured for conveying the seeds from the seed meter through the seed tube to the furrow. The planter also includes a sprayer assembly having a nozzle configured to spray a fluid on or near the seeds dispensed from the seed meter. The system may further include a controller configured to determine a current speed of the belt relative to the seed tube and control the sprayer assembly based on the current speed of the belt such that the nozzle sprays the fluid at least one of onto or near each of the seeds.

Abstract: A seed treatment applicator for applying a liquid seed treatment to an agricultural seed within a treatment chamber. A multi-port valve allows a first liquid source and a second liquid source to be fluidly connected to the multi-port valve. Multiple liquid sources may contain the same liquid treatment, mixed differently to have different densities. A liquid pump, such as a static rate pump, is fluidly connected downstream of the multi-port valve or directly connected to a liquid source. A modular control stick comprises a frame mounted to the treatment chamber, a mass flow meter mounted to the frame and fluidly connected downstream of the liquid pump and configured to generate a measured mass flow signal relative to a real time mass flow rate of the liquid seed treatment; and a flow meter transmitter operably connected to the mass flow meter and configured to generate a switch signal when comparison of the measured mass flow signal deviates from a reference value corresponding to a desired flow rate.

Abstract: An agricultural planting or seeding implement includes a frame, at least one row unit, one or more imaging devices, and a processor. The at least one row unit includes a seed trench opening assembly extending along an opening line and configured to open a seed trench, a seed deposition assembly configured to deposit a seed in the open seed trench, and a seed trench closing assembly extending along a closing line and configured to close the seed trench. The one or more imaging devices capture images of a field behind the agricultural planting implement as the agricultural planting implement traverses the field.

Abstract: A dual-disk seed meter for a planter may include a housing defining a first seed chamber configured to receive first seeds of a first seed type and a second seed chamber configured to receive second seeds of a second seed type. The seed meter may also include a first seed disk rotatable within the housing to convey the first seeds from the first seed chamber, a second seed disk rotatable within the housing to convey the second seeds from the second seed chamber, and a drive assembly configured to simultaneously rotate the first and second seed disks. In addition, the seed meter may include a seed deflector movable relative to the first seed disk and/or the second seed disk to control which of the seed types is discharged from the housing based on a selected seed type to be delivered by the seed meter.

Abstract: A bracket assembly is provided for row unit planters for withstanding draft forces created by high speed and no tillage planting. The upper and lower link arms of the bracket assembly are pivotally connected to the front and rear mounting plates using full-length crossed shafts or shortened stub spindles. Tapered bearing races and tapered bushings are utilized at each end of the link arms to minimize wear and maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for analyzing the soil rooting zone for agricultural crops in high resolution to determine the mechanical resistance and related physical, mechanical and hydrological properties, and uses of this information in crop production. Uses include crop selection, real time seeding rate determination, field management prescriptions, yield prediction, assessment of root lodging risk, and real time planting depth determination.

Abstract: A fertilizer cage apparatus comprising an elongated body that has an upper end and a lower end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an elongated channel. The elongated body further comprises a spike portion and a central portion. The spike portion is at the lower end, and a broadening region adjacent the spike portion. The central portion has a base wall and at least one axially outward wall projection. At least one of the base wall and the at least one axially outward wall having at least one opening. The base wall defines a central portion of the inner elongated channel with the axially outward wall projection defining a longitudinal channel of the inner elongated channel. The fertilizer cage receives a fertilizer spike within the central portion. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: An equipment skid is aligned on the frame of an agricultural product applicator defining substantially mutually perpendicular fore-aft, transverse and vertical axes of the frame, by utilizing an alignment system having a vertically extending frame mounting surface defined by the frame, and a vertically extending skid mounting surface defined by the skid. The frame and skid mounting surfaces are adapted for mating connection with one another to substantially align the skid with the frame along a substantially vertical mounting plane. A pair of laterally-spaced, juxtaposed, vertically extending skid alignment features are defined by the frame mounting surface, and a skid-mounted alignment block extending from the skid mounting surface is adapted for insertion between and into operative engagement with the pair of skid alignment features for aligning the skid with the frame on the vertical mounting plane.

Abstract: A broom and rake combination tool for sweeping and raking includes first and second plates and first and second rods. The first rod is hollow and is coupled to and extends from a top of the first plate. A recess is positioned in a bottom of the first plate. A channel is positioned in the first plate and extends from the top to the recess. The second plate is complementary to the recess. The second rod is coupled to and extends from the second plate through the channel into the first rod. The second rod is slidably positionable relative to the first rod. A plurality of bristles is coupled to the first and second plates and is opposingly positioned to the first rod. A plurality of teeth is coupled to a side of the first plate. The bristles and the teeth are configured, respectively, to sweep and rake a surface.

Abstract: A spool for a trimmer head has a structure for guiding a pair of separate trimmer line pieces through a core of the spool. The spool includes separate trimmer line channels formed through the core, each channel receiving one of the trimmer line pieces. A spool cover is positionable adjacent to the spool to enclose the channels. The spool cover includes a pair of cantilever springs extending therefrom for releasably securing the trimmer line pieces within the channels.

Abstract: A stand on mower with multiple cutting units including a front cutting unit positioned behind a pair of front wheels extending laterally outwardly from a vehicle frame, and a pair of rear cutting units positioned behind the front cutting unit and extending laterally outwardly from under the vehicle frame. Each cutting unit is connected to a lift arm that raises and lowers the cutting unit between a mowing position and a transport position. A standing operator platform is positioned between a pair of traction drive wheels behind the pair of rear cutting units, with the platform positioned below the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A cutter retention assembly includes a mowing deck coupled to a mower. A spindle, rotated by the mower, extends from the mower downwardly relative to a top wall of the mowing deck. A spindle housing extends from the mowing deck around the spindle with a coupling portion of the spindle extending from the spindle housing. A lip extends radially outward from the spindle outside of the spindle housing. A retainer is coupled to the spindle housing around the spindle defining a collar. The collar is positioned adjacent to and aligns with the lip such that the lip will be retained within the mowing deck by the collar upon catastrophic failure of the spindle. A cutter is coupled to the spindle, exposed in the mowing deck, and rotates with the spindle. The cutter is thus retained adjacent to the mowing deck upon the catastrophic failure of the spindle.

Abstract: An agricultural working apparatus, for the separation of ground vegetation, in particular a mulching, mowing or a milling apparatus, includes at least one cutting device, having a cutting rail, and at least one adjusting device for the adjustment of the cutting rail. The cutting device has at least one connecting piece, which is arranged laterally in the transverse direction and by means of which the cutting rail is connected to the adjusting device.

Abstract: An improved grain unloader for unloading grain from a grain storage bin of a grain harvesting combine is terminated by a hood having a lower grain exiting opening terminating the unloader wherein the hood reversibly moves laterally outwardly for directing the trajectory of the grain flowing therefrom. The hood has a lower grain exiting opening terminating the unloader wherein the hood includes an upper stationary slanted wall and a lower extendable hood portion, wherein the upper stationary slanted wall directs the grain downwardly when the hood is retracted and downwardly, and outwardly when the hood is extended. A linear actuator is attached between the hood and the unloader. Drawer slides connect the unloader and the hood for movement of the hood.

Abstract: A residue deflector is disposed in a combine body, and positioned along an airflow path to guide residue from an exit end of a cleaning shoe and a threshing and separation assembly, to a residue chopper. The deflector is configured with a plurality of spaced fingers so that air can pass through the deflector between the fingers.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis; a threshing and separating assembly carried by the chassis; and a chopper assembly carried by the chassis that receives crop material from the threshing and separating assembly. The chopper assembly includes at least one movable chopping knife; a plurality of counter knives movable between a first knife position and a second knife position, the plurality of counter knives configured to cooperate with the at least one chopping knife to cut crop material when in the first knife position; a shear bar movable between a first bar position and a second bar position; and a linkage assembly connected to the plurality of counter knives and the shear bar such that the linkage assembly is selectively actuable to simultaneously move the plurality of counter knives and the shear bar between their respective first and second positions.

Abstract: A grain harvesting articulated combine includes a forward crop processing power unit (PPU), a rear grain cart, and an articulation joint that connects the PPU with the rear grain cart. The articulation joint includes a grain auger assembly running from the PPU to the rear grain cart for transferring clean grain from the PPU to the rear grain cart and has a forward end at the PPU and a rear end adjacent to the rear grain cart. The grain auger assembly is housed within a tube with a rotating auger housed therein. A grain yield sensor is carried by the rear grain cart and is located adjacent and to and beside the grain auger assembly wherein the auger housed therewithin throws grain against the grain yield sensor. The auger is terminated by a rotating paddle assembly that throws the grain against the grain yield sensor.

Abstract: A delivery device is located at an inlet side of the cleaning shoe in a combine harvester. The delivery device is controlled in order to control a feed rate of grain that is fed to the cleaning shoe. One or more controllable subsystems are controlled based upon the feed rate.

Abstract: A user interface element includes a plurality of moveable outer points on a circular line and a fixed inner point inside the circular line, the fixed inner point being connected to each of the outer points by a straight line such that each pair of adjacent straight lines and a portion of the circular line between the adjacent straight lines defines a section of the graphical user interface element. The user interface is configured to, in response to interaction from the user, move any of the outer points along the circular line and independently of the other outer points to thereby change the size of two or more of the sections. Each section corresponds to one of a plurality of crop processing parameters, such that changing the amount of area within any section results in an adjustment to an operation of a crop processing system.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for automatically controlling a height of an implement of an agricultural work vehicle relative to a ground surface may include monitoring, with one or more computing devices, the height of the implement relative to the ground surface. The method may also include determining, with the one or more computing devices, an implement height error by comparing the height of the implement with a predetermined target height. The method may also include calculating, with the one or more computing devices, a proportional signal based on the implement height error raised to a power greater than one. The method may also include adjusting, with the one or more computing devices, the height of the implement relative to the ground surface based on the proportional signal.

Abstract: A grass collection chute fastener includes a lever that tensions a strap that engages the grass collection chute and mower deck. A hook attached to the strap is insertable into a hole adjacent a side discharge opening of a multi-blade mower deck to secure the grass collection chute over the side discharge opening by rotating the lever to an over center position.

Abstract: A cotton harvester with a hydraulic manifold and at least one hydraulic motor mechanically coupled to a drum and fluidly coupled to the hydraulic manifold, the hydraulic motor configured to selectively rotate the drum. Wherein, the hydraulic manifold is configured to selectively provide any one of a braking force and a torque to the drum through the at least one hydraulic motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a harvesting machine comprising a shaking mechanism operable to shake fruit or nuts from a tree or bush; a deflection plate for directing the fruit or nuts to an area away from the base of the tree or bush; and a device for moving fruit or nuts from the base of the tree or bush to the area away from the base of the tree or bush. The deflection plate may be positioned at an angle of between 0° to about 75° relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: A battery-operated mower is described that includes a chassis supporting a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, a battery pack, a first electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the first drive wheel and second electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the second drive wheel; one or more electric blade motors; an electric cooling fan in fluid communication with at least one of the first electric drive wheel motor and second electric drive wheel motor; one or more controllers for controlling the rotational speed of the first electric drive wheel motor, the second electric drive wheel motor, and the blade motors; and a left control actuator in communication with a first throttle sensor and a right control actuator in communication with a second throttle sensor, wherein the first throttle sensor and second throttle sensor are in communication with the one or more controllers.

Abstract: A mower having a chassis, wheels for moving the mower in a mowing plane, and a cutting deck. The mower includes a parking brake having at least one brake member secured to the cutting deck. The cutting deck is mounted on the chassis so as to be able to move between at least one mowing position and a position in which the mower is stopped, in which the brake member comes into contact with at least one wheel of the mower so as to immobilize the wheel. The invention is intended in particular for use with mowers of the walk-behind or ride-on type, and with robotic mowers.

Abstract: A forage harvester configured to chop harvested material and including at least one conditioning unit for conditioning the chopped harvested material is disclosed. The conditioning unit may transfer from its active position (in which operatively connected with other working units) to its passive position (in which the conditioning unit is released from the operational connection). In the passive position, the condition unit may be removed from the entirety of the forage harvester. The forage harvester further includes at least two track drives arranged on opposing ends of a front axle of the forage harvester. The forage harvester includes a free cross-section positioned on a removal side of the forage harvester through which the conditioning unit, in its passive position, can be removed laterally from the rest of the forage harvester, as well as removed above the track drive assigned to the removal side.

Abstract: A baler including a frame, a compression system coupled to the frame, the compression system at least partially defining a compression chamber, a feed pan at least partially defining a pre-compression chamber, where the pre-compression chamber is in operable communication with the compression chamber, a first driven output shaft rotatable about a first axis of rotation, a second driven output shaft rotatable about a second axis of rotation, a lifting fork movable with respect to the pre-compression chamber and at least partially positionable therein, where rotation of the first driven output shaft, the second driven output shaft, or any combination thereof causes the lifting fork to move with respect to the pre-compression chamber, and where the first driven output shaft is operable independently of the second driven output shaft.

Abstract: Weed seeds are destroyed in the chaff from a combine harvester by repeated high speed impacts caused by a rotor mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds in a direction centrifugally away from the rotor onto a stator including angularly adjustable stator surfaces around the axis. Thus the discarded seeds rebound back and forth between the rotor and the stator to provide a plurality of impacts. The seeds are carried axially of the rotor by a controlled airstream so that they move to an axial discharge location where a discharge fan is mounted. The angle of the discharge around the rotor axis can be changed to direct the seeds to the side of the combine away from a straw chopper, towards the guide fins of the tailboard of the chopper, or into the housing of the straw chopper.

Abstract: A combine including a cutting wheel for harvesting crop, a separating system for threshing the harvested crop to separate grain from residue, at least one of a yield monitor or a loss monitor, a crop cleaning system including a cleaning fan, and a controller coupled to the at least one of the yield monitor or the loss monitor. The controller controls the crop cleaning system, and is configured to determine at least one of a throughput from the yield monitor, or a loss from the loss monitor, compare the determined throughput or loss to a respective throughput threshold or loss threshold, and control a speed of the cleaning fan based on the throughput or loss comparison.

Abstract: A grain cleaning system in a combine harvester including a pair of side walls, a rear wall that extends between the side walls, a sieve that oscillates in a fore and aft path between the side walls, a fan unit for generating a cleaning airstream, and an outlet for discharging residue from a grain cleaning process. The outlet is framed in part by a lower edge of the rear wall. An aperture is provided in the rear wall to provide a means of air relief to enhance the fore to aft flow of the cleaning airstream. Optionally, an auxiliary fan may be provided to drive air through the aperture.

Abstract: A high strength sieve which is lightweight and durable without having to add springs, and without requiring a high level of force to effect adjustment of the louvers. The high strength sieve utilizes hollow tubes to support the louvers. Providing hollow tubes (i.e., rather than solid wires) allows for larger diameter holes to be used in the frame. This provides for increased bearing surfaces, as well as provides for better tolerances. This reduces the movement of the tubes within the holes. Preferably, the tubes are mounted in the frame through holes which are extruded, thereby providing for increased bearing surfaces and a tighter fit. The extruded holes also provide a natural lead-in for the insertion of the tubes (i.e., during assembly of the sieve). Alternatively, solid wires can be provided extending through the extruded holes instead of hollow tubes.

Abstract: Substrates for mushroom growth comprise bokashi growth mediums. Bokashi growth mediums comprise acid and chitin sources. Bokashi growth mediums may further comprise an inoculant. Exemplary inoculants provided include a bokashi tea. Methods of providing a substrate for mushroom growth. Methods of growing a mushroom.

Abstract: An angled edging apparatus or tool includes a spade connected to a handle at an angle. The angled edging apparatus allows a user to establish and maintain an edge or boundary around a garden with a minimum amount of effort and time.

Abstract: A lighting device suitable for promoting plant growth, said lighting device comprising: —(i) a first group of LEDs comprising a plurality of LEDs adapted to generate a first emission spectrum having a peak between 450-460 nm (royal blue light); (ii) a second group of LEDs comprising a plurality of LEDs adapted to generate a second emission spectrum having a peak between 630-670 nm (crimson light); (iii) a third group of LEDs comprising a plurality of LEDs adapted to generate a third emission spectrum having a peak between 720-740 nm (cherry red light); (iv) a fourth group of LEDs comprising a plurality of LEDs adapted to generate white light; wherein the intensity of the light output generated by each group of LEDs is adjustable independently of the other groups.

Abstract: A planting device is provided. The planting device includes a base, at least one supporter, a light module and a fan. The base includes a planting slot. One end of the supporter connects to the base. The light module has a plurality of first light units and a plurality of second light units, each first light unit 131a and each second light unit have a first color light with a first wavelength and a second color light with a second wavelength, and the first wavelength and the second wavelength are difference, the plants receive the first color light of the first light units and/or the second color light of the second light units to generate gas. The fan corresponds to the plants for blowing the gas, and the other end of the supporter connects to the light module or the fan.

Abstract: A method of treating a tree, the method includes positioning a temperature transmitter proximate to the tree; and lowering a treatment unit over the tree and the temperature transmitter, the treatment unit configured to move independently from a supply unit, the treatment unit in fluid communication with the supply unit.

Abstract: A modular plant growth and support fencing assembly and method for supporting plant extremities during growth of the plants which provides the dual function of containing a plant growth medium in a plant tray; and supporting the plant upper extremities through a framework of intersecting legs and ribs arranged at different heights. The plant tray contains soil growth medium, liquids, and plants. The tray has a generally convex bottom surface that causes the liquid to flow towards multiple drain holes at the depressed perimeter region. A pattern of cuboids and channels on the bottom surface of the tray facilitate drainage of liquid and enhance oxygenation of roots. A fence mounts above the plant tray that has intersecting legs, ribs, and connectors at predetermined levels along the height of the legs to fasten the plant upper extremities, i.e., stem, bud, and other parts of plant growing above the tray.

Abstract: Vertical growing uses a plurality of shelves to support plants. The system provides nitrogen and light to help grow the plants placed on the shelves. The system also circulates air that is filtered and mixed with the nitrogen before being distributed to the plants. The filters can remove odors from the circulating air.

Abstract: Vertical growing uses a plurality of shelves to support plants. The system has an air filtration and ultraviolet (UV) air purification system. The purified and filtered air is mixed with nitrogen, which is directed towards plants. The system can include lights to help grow the plants placed on the shelves. The filters can remove odors from the circulating air.

Abstract: The prevent invention discloses a defrosting machine column fixed support with an inclined flat leg, including a defrosting machine (1), a connecting support (2), a pedestal bolt (3), and a pedestal (4). The connecting support (2) includes an anti-tilting guide barrel (21), a fixed pillar (22), a rib plate (23), and a connecting plate (24). The pedestal (4) includes a pedestal plate (41) and a flat leg (42). The pedestal bolt (3) is used for fixedly connecting the connecting support (2) with the pedestal (4). The pedestal plates are hit into the soil so as to solve digging difficulties and low efficiency of a small diameter mounting deep hole with high accuracy requirements; each pedestal plate is respectively vertically provided with two intersecting flat legs in an inclined mode, thus balancing forces in each direction and stabilizing the defrosting machine column.

Abstract: Described herein is a pillar knitted crop netting comprising widely spaced knitted pillars and crop netting materials comprising a region(s) having such construction. Also described herein are crop nettings comprising yarns defining apertures to form the netting wherein said apertures have a plurality of sides formed by yarn sections and at least one of those yarn sections may be relatively slack when the netting is held taut in lengthwise and widthwise directions. The above nettings may have advantageous hail passage performance.

Abstract: A method known as the High-Low System (HiLo) is disclosed as a process for destroying early-stage tropical disturbances and having the steps of establishing a Command Center, spraying cold water from large aircraft (High) and large ships (Low), and dispatching a wide array of jet aircraft at high altitude (Ultra High) emitting hot exhaust gases within the area of tropical disturbance. A preferred embodiment for this system includes dispatching roving fleets of ships during hurricane season, pre-positioning large cargo aircraft, pumping water from depths to obtain Fahrenheit temperatures of approximately 40 degrees for the High Phase and approximately 55 degrees for the Low Phase. The High and Low Phases aim to reduce air and surface water temperatures while the Ultra High Phase strives to reduce the sharp contrast of rising warm tropical air meeting the starkly contrasting cold upper atmosphere temperature.