Abstract: A disk for use with a tillage machine includes a body portion rotatable about an axis of rotation. The body portion has a circumferential edge and a concavity with a first radius defined from a point on the axis of rotation. A hub portion is continuous with the body portion and presents an abutment face having a concavity with a second radius defined from a point on the axis of rotation. An aperture extends through the abutment face and is centered about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A disc harrow implement has gang assemblies each having aligned disc gangs carried by a support bar. Each disc gang has disc blades spaced along an axis of the disc gang. The disc gangs of each gang assembly are coaxially aligned to create a line of substantially equally spaced disc blades. A plugging detection system alerts an operator if one or more of the disc gangs are rotating at a rotational speed that is slower than rotational speeds of the remaining disc gangs. The plugging detection system includes a gang rotation sensor for each of disc gangs. Each gang rotation sensor is configured to measure the rotational speed of the connected disc gang. A control module compares the rotational speed of each disc gang to the rotational speed of the disc gangs and generates an output that indicates when a disc gang is rotating more slowly that the other disc gangs.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a main frame assembly, a track assembly coupled to the main frame assembly, and a toolbar coupled to the main frame assembly. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a caster wheel assembly including a linkage assembly coupled to the toolbar, an actuator, and a caster wheel. The caster wheel is pivotally coupled to the linkage assembly to enable the caster wheel to caster relative to the linkage assembly while the toolbar is in a working position and in a raised position. In addition, the actuator is configured to control a vertical position of the caster wheel relative to the toolbar. The actuator has a first end and a second end, and the second end is positioned between a bottom link and a top link of the linkage assembly.

Abstract: Agricultural machine with lateral folding frames (10, 10?) and a central frame (9) having plates (11) linking same to a fixed tongue (2) placed on the machine's longitudinal symmetry axis. To said plate (11) are articulated arms (12), coplanar to (9) and (2). Each free end (13) of arm (12) is connected to its respective lateral side frame (10, 10?), and on each arm (12) is articulated on (15a) a respective hydraulic piston (15) whose other end is articulated in (15b) to a telescopically displaceable tongue section (2?). The containers or hoppers (4) are arranged on the support area provided by the running gear (3) linked to the central frame (9) and portion of fixed tongue (2). The hydraulic pistons (15) achieve the folding of the lateral frames (10, 10?) to a travel disposition, offering said machine in its folded condition a minimum width less that 4 meters, compatible with the road travel regulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system for determining a trajectory to be followed by an agricultural work vehicle, when working a field, said system comprises: a mapping unit configured for receiving: i) coordinates relating to the boundaries of a field to be worked; and ii) coordinates relating to the boundaries of one or more obstacles to be avoided by said work vehicle; wherein said one or more obstacles being located within said field; a capacity parameter unit configured for receiving one or more capacity parameters relating to said working vehicle; a trajectory calculating unit configured for calculating an optimized trajectory to be followed by said work vehicle; wherein said optimized trajectory is being calculated on the basis of said coordinates received by said mapping unit; and one or more of said one or more capacity parameters received by said capacity parameter unit.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for coating flowable contact-tolerant granules, such as seeds, includes a rotating wheel having peripheral apertures so when the granules are dropped onto the central portion, they bounce and contact other granules and are impelled by centrifugal force to fall through the peripheral apertures down a narrowing funnel preferably (but not necessarily) having a different rotation rate. The coating is spread by gentle granule-to-granule contact and contact with any coating material on the wheel and in the funnel. The granules then flow into an inclined conveyor belt, an inclined auger, or other conveyor, which rolls the granules as they are conveyed upwardly, so that the coating is further spread by gentle granule-to-granule contact.

Abstract: A closing wheel assembly used in planting or other agricultural endeavors. The closing wheel assembly is configured to allow each individual wheel to both vary in angle having an increased pitch so as to more effectively pinch the soil (or other ground cover) so as to fully cover the newly planted seed. The closing wheel assembly is used in connection with a planter so as to more effectively close the trench formed by the planter and fully cover the newly planted seed. The closing wheel generally includes an arm extending behind the planter and over a first closing wheel. The present invention comprises a second closing wheel provided behind the first closing wheel where the second closing wheel may be positioned at a different angle and provided at an approximate 5° pitch to effectively pinch the soil back in place after planting.

Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural planter in which the seed disc is rotatably mounted within a seed meter housing. As the seed disc rotates, the apertures in the disc rotate along a seed aperture path through a horizontally adjacent seed pool area. The seed disc includes cavities disposed along the seed aperture path to agitate the seeds in the seed pool area. A singulator having multiple co-planar singulator surfaces is biased against the seed side surface of the seed disc.

Abstract: A seeding boot, for a seeding apparatus mountable on a tyne, or adjacent a soil-opening disc, of a tillage implement, has a hollow boot body mountable adjacent the lower end of the tyne or lower portion of the soil-opening disc. A seed distributor in the boot body has a seed inlet connectable to a source of seeds; at least one seed outlet spaced laterally from the tyne or soil-opening disc; and at least one fertiliser or chemical distributor located rearwardly of the tyne or the soil-opening disc. The seed outlet(s) are provided at, or adjacent, the distal ends of laterally-extending hollow wings, which extend from the seed distributor.

Abstract: A method for row crop cultivation in an agricultural plot includes providing a cover crop on a majority of the agricultural plot prior to planting a row crop, and applying an herbicide to the cover crop within a plurality of row crop planting stripes. The method also includes using an herbicide application device to limit application of the herbicide to the plurality of row crop planting stripes, planting row crop seedlings within the row crop planting stripes, and preserving the cover crop between the plurality of row crop planting stripes during cultivation of the row crop.

Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank. The inductor box includes an inductor segment comprising a particulate material supply chamber configured to guide the particulate material toward a fluidization chamber, and an air supply chamber configured to receive airflow from an airflow supply. The inductor box is configured to direct the airflow from the air supply chamber to the particulate material supply chamber through a first airflow path and through a second airflow path remote from the first air path.

Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank. The inductor box includes an inductor segment comprising a particulate material supply chamber configured to guide the particulate material toward a fluidization chamber, and an air supply chamber configured to receive airflow from an airflow supply. The inductor box is configured to direct the airflow from the air supply chamber to the particulate material supply chamber through a first airflow path and through a second airflow path remote from the first air path.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing a tank of an agricultural air distribution system includes an air source configured to supply pressurized air and a plenum having an inlet fluidly coupled to the air source and configured to receive a flow of pressurized air. The plenum includes a face element positioned opposite from the inlet relative to a direction of flow of the pressurized air through the plenum. Moreover, the face element includes a pressurization port configured to direct the flow of pressurized air to the tank and at least one outlet port configured to couple to at least one hose to supply the pressurized air to an agricultural implement.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a seed reservoir and a seed meter having a metering member with a seed side facing the seed reservoir, a non-seed side opposite the seed side, and a plurality of apertures. The seed meter is operable by pressure differential between the non-seed side and the seed side to adhere seeds to the seed side and move seeds from the seed reservoir. A conduit has a venturi with a throat disposed adjacent the metering member. The throat presents an opening directed toward the seed side and the plurality of apertures. The opening is configured to receive a seed adhered to one aperture of the plurality of apertures. An air pressure source is configured to provide greater than atmospheric air pressure on the non-seed side such that during operation of the row unit an air stream passes through the one aperture toward the opening.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a seed reservoir and a seed meter having a metering member configured to rotate about an axis. The metering member has a seed side facing the seed reservoir, a non-seed side opposite the seed side, and a plurality of apertures. The axis is normal to a surface of the seed side. The seed meter is operable by pressure differential between the non-seed side and the seed side to adhere seeds to the seed side and move seeds from the seed reservoir. The row unit also includes a positive pressure air source and an air outlet fluidly coupled to the positive pressure air source. The air outlet is disposed on the seed side and aimed to discharge an air stream towards one aperture of the plurality of apertures. The dischargeable air stream has a directional component parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A mower can be adaptively controlled to optimize efficiency based on loads experienced by motors that drive the cutting blades. If the load is below a threshold, the ground speed of the mower can be increased. The mower's performance can also be monitored to identify characteristics of an area being cut and then such characteristics can be used to further enhance the efficiency of the mower.

Abstract: Aspects of a lawnmower and in particular a robotic lawnmower are disclosed herein. Specifically, the lawnmower may include a passive cleaning assembly for removing detritus from the housing, the passive cleaning assembly being moveably mounted on said housing. Movement of the lawnmower with respect to the ground may cause a cleaning portion of the passive cleaning assembly to move with respect to the housing and thereby remove detritus from the housing. In one aspect, the lawnmower may be configured such that, during use, the cleaning assembly is moved with respect to the housing thereby causing a scraping edge of a cleaning portion of the cleaning assembly to move with respect to the housing and thereby scrape detritus off the housing. In another aspect the lawnmower may comprise a sliding member having a ground-engaging surface that is positioned so as to face towards and to slide over the ground during such movement of the lawnmower over the lawn.

Abstract: A mower can be adaptively controlled to optimize efficiency based on loads experienced by motors that drive the cutting blades and/or based on vertical movement that a mower deck is experiencing. If the load is below a threshold, the ground speed of the mower can be increased. If the vertical movement or load exceeds a threshold, the ground speed can be reduced. The mower's performance can also be monitored to identify characteristics of an area being cut and then such characteristics can be used to further enhance the efficiency of the mower. A density map can be created based on monitored load, vertical movement and possibly other characteristics as a mower is cutting a particular area. The density map can be employed by any mower that is subsequently used to cut the same area.

Abstract: A mower deck can include roller assemblies that prolong the life of bearings by more evenly distributing the roller's load to the bearings. The roller assembly can include a roller that is secured between opposing bearings via a tapered shaft of the roller and a correspondingly tapered collar that is housed within the corresponding bearing. The interface between the tapered shaft and the tapered collar causes the collar to be secured snugly within the bearing while also providing even distribution of the roller's load to the bearing.

Abstract: The innovation described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to a handle attachment device that can allow a user to operate the control lever arms of a zero turn radius vehicle with one hand. The handle attachment device can be configured to attach to control lever arms on a zero turn vehicle. The arrangement of the handle attachment device allows a user to grip the handle attachment device and steer the zero turn vehicle with one hand.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting vehicle comprising a hydraulic power system comprising a plurality of hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders. At least a pair of elevating work platforms, with an equal number positioned in opposition on each side of the vehicle, with each elevating work platform operated by independent hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower. A front chain drive system powered by a first hydraulic motor transporting an empty harvest bin from a front deck into a filling position to interface with a rotating hydraulic driven bin filler system. A rear chain drive system powered by a second hydraulic motor transporting a filled harvest bin onto a rear deck. A fill sensor associated with a harvest bin interfaced with the rotating hydraulic driven bin filler system to lower in place over the associated harvest bin. The fill sensor automatically raises the rotating hydraulic driven bin filler system and operates the chain drive systems.

Abstract: When using a cross auger assembly on a crop harvesting header with a flexible frame having end frame sections pivotal relative to a centre frame section, mounting devices are coupled between the bearing housings at opposing ends of the cross auger assembly and the outer ends of the end frame sections. Each mounting device includes a first mounting structure fixed relative to the outer end of the end frame section, a second mounting structure fixed to a portion of the respective bearing housing, and a flexible mounting arrangement between the mounting structures to accommodate variation in lateral positioning of the bearing housings relative to the ends of the flexible frame as the flexible frame flexes over varying ground contours without requiring a telescoping shaft arrangement on the cross auger assembly.

Abstract: A combine for harvesting chick peas includes a first rotatable shaft having components that cut a crop and pass the cut crop in a rearward direction, and a drum that includes an outer shell with stationary threshers and a cut crop opening, a rotatable central mount, a plurality of rotatable threshers. Each of the rotatable threshers is attached to the central rotatable mount and in line with a stationary thresher. A plurality of cutters is attached to the outer shell, a flame source projects a flame into the drum, and a water source projects water into the drum. The cut crop passes into the cut crop opening, to be further cut by the plurality of cutters and threshed by the plurality of rotatable threshers, such that the flame and water are projected onto the cut crop, resulting in a processed crop and detritus that is separated from the processed crop.

Abstract: A grain processing assembly having a feeder assembly with a discharge end that is adjacent and above an opening in a thresher assembly.

Abstract: A bale wrapper apparatus includes a table for supporting the bale and rotating the bale about a first axis; a film dispenser including a film holder and a pre-stretcher unit; a drive device for driving relative rotation between the table and the film dispenser about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and a control unit that controls the pre-stretcher unit. The control unit is configured to control the pre-stretcher unit such that during rotation of the bale, the amount of pre-stretching applied to the film alternates between a first elongation level and a second elongation level. The first elongation level is greater than the second elongation level, such that a part of the film that is pre-stretched at the second elongation level is positioned on a corner of the bale, and a part of the film that is pre-stretched at the first elongation level is positioned on an end face or a side surface of the bale.

Abstract: A baler apparatus has a cylindrical bale-forming chamber defined by a set of compression elements positioned around the circumference of the bale-forming chamber, and drive means configured to drive rotary movement of the compression elements. At least one of the rotary compression elements is configured to provide a reduced level of traction relative to a bale in the bale chamber, as compared to at least the majority of the other rotary compression elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-adaptive control system for feeding mouth opening of a round bale bundling machine and a controlling method thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a baling press for baling cotton gin trash and other particulate biomass feedstock. The baling press generally comprises an infeed chute assembly, a compression ram assembly, an extrusion chamber assembly, a strapping storage and dispensing assembly, and a strapping insertion assembly. The present invention also relates to methods of producing a bale with the baling press and a bale generated by said baling press and described methods.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a baling press for baling cotton gin trash and other particulate biomass feedstock. The baling press generally comprises an infeed chute assembly, a compression ram assembly, an extrusion chamber assembly, a strapping storage and dispensing assembly, and a strapping insertion assembly. The present invention also relates to methods of producing a bale with the baling press and a bale generated by said baling press and described methods.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a baling press for baling cotton gin trash and other particulate biomass feedstock. The baling press generally comprises an infeed chute assembly, a compression ram assembly, an extrusion chamber assembly, a strapping storage and dispensing assembly, and a strapping insertion assembly. The present invention also relates to methods of producing a bale with the baling press and a bale generated by said baling press and described methods.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a baling press for baling cotton gin trash and other particulate biomass feedstock. The baling press generally comprises an infeed chute assembly, a compression ram assembly, an extrusion chamber assembly, a strapping storage and dispensing assembly, and a strapping insertion assembly. The present invention also relates to methods of producing a bale with the baling press and a bale generated by said baling press and described methods.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a baling press for baling cotton gin trash and other particulate biomass feedstock. The baling press generally comprises an infeed chute assembly, a compression ram assembly, an extrusion chamber assembly, a strapping storage and dispensing assembly, and a strapping insertion assembly. The present invention also relates to methods of producing a bale with the baling press and a bale generated by said baling press and described methods.

Abstract: A grow light system for growing plants. The grow light system can have a carrier board assembly containing a plurality of apertures and a plurality of LED modules removably engaged with the carrier board in the apertures and forming a gap between LED module and the carrier board. The grow light system can be configured to draw air through the gap over the LEDs and along the heat sink fin to reduce the temperature of the LED module. A plurality of the LED modules can be connected in series and the carrier board can include a dedicated receptacle for a single LED module that is not connected in series with the remaining LED modules.

Abstract: A drive manipulation member is configured to be allowed to move to a drive position when an interlock member is at a first position and to be prohibited from moving to the drive position when the interlock member is at a second position. The drive manipulation member is supported rotatably about an axis with respect to the second housing, and is provided with first and second portions extending from the axis in different directions. The first portion is configured to be manipulated by the user. The second portion is provided with a switch operation portion configured to operate a switching unit and an interlock engaging portion configured to engage with or contact with the interlock member. The switch operation portion and the interlock engaging portion are located at different positions from each other in a direction parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A hedge trimmer may include a housing provided with a handle configured to be gripped by a user, a pair of shear blades extending forward from the housing; a motor housed in the housing and configured to drive at least one of the pair of shear blades; and an electric circuit unit housed in the housing and configured to control power supplied to the motor. The handle may be provided at an upper portion of the housing in rear of the motor, and the electric circuit unit may be located under the handle in the rear of the motor.

Abstract: Plants are grown in grow trays. The grow trays are placed on a shelf that has rollers mounted on a top side of the shelf and a first stop at a first end of the first shelf. The first shelf is tilted so that grow trays placed on the first shelf will tend to roll towards the first stop at the first end of the first shelf. A plurality of light panels is mounted on the light support system at various locations over the shelf so that a first subsection of the grow trays will be illuminated by the light panels and a second subsection of the grow trays will not be illuminated by the light panels.

Abstract: A sowing unit is provided including water-absorbing material, an enclosure and a seed. The water-absorbing material is vermiculite, which is a hygroscopic negatively-charged material capable of binding a positively charged nutrient ion selected from NH4+, L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine. Further, there is least one hole in the water-absorbing material arranged to hold one or more seeds.

Abstract: The present invention is for a potted plant support apparatus for use with a container, plant stake and net, cage or trellis support. The apparatus is adjustable to fit a height of a container and is mounted on an exterior of the container, wherein the apparatus holds a stake exterior to the container, and further wherein an optional attachment means or clip may be affixed removably to the stake and an optional trellis may be affixed removably to the clip and configured to surround an area above and exterior to the container and to enclose and support a potted plant within the trellis. The apparatus comprises an upper stand and a lower stand which removably engage with each other by means of interlocking teeth, and may further comprise an optional lock to secure the upper stand and the lower stand to each other when removably engaged.

Abstract: A coupler including an annular body having an annular body outer surface and an annular body inner surface connecting opposed annular body first and second faces, the annular body inner surface bounding an internal opening communicating between the opposed annular body first and second faces; the annular body having opposed annular body first and second ends which connect the annular body outer and inner surfaces and the annular body first and second faces to define a radial slot which communicates with the internal opening; the annular body sufficiently resiliently flexible to provide an adjustable radial slot width of the radial slot; and a plurality of spaced apart teeth radially inwardly projecting from the annular body inner surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for coating a plant, comprising the following steps: a) providing a clean plant with a stem and roots; b) coating at least a lower portion of the stem and the roots with a layer of material; and c) arranging the roots to function as support for the stem. The invention also relates to a plant. The advantage of the invention is that the stem is supported by the roots without the use of pot and earth or other separate support elements.

Abstract: A municipal garden sweeper includes a mobile frame, a control box arranged on an upper portion of the mobile frame, a first exhaust pipe, and a second exhaust pipe arranged on left and right sides of the control box. The first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe are configured to suck up and collect external garbage. A first exhaust fan is arranged on a connecting portion of the first exhaust pipe and the control box. A second exhaust fan is arranged on a connecting portion of the second exhaust pipe and the control box. The first exhaust fan and the second exhaust fan are configured to respectively provide power for the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe to suck up the external garbage.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes opposing arms pivoted to a frame, two opposing feed rollers installed in the arms as the only feed rollers for feeding a tree through the throat, hydraulic motors driving the feed rollers and at least two pressure-medium lines operating the hydraulic motors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conducting water in a ground surface, comprising a nonwoven layer introduced into the ground (6), which nonwoven layer has at least one conduit strand (4) provided with passage openings (5) for conducting water. In order to create advantageous construction conditions, it is proposed that the nonwoven layer forms a grid (1) made of intersecting arrays of grid strands and comprises a nonwoven web (3) extending along the conduit strand (4), and that at least one array of grid strands formed of nonwoven strips (2) adjoins the nonwoven web (3).

Abstract: Features of relatively low pressure microporous (and preferably plant-responsive) irrigation tubes are combined with features of relatively high pressure drip emitter tubes to produce a hybrid irrigation tube. Methods for using and manufacturing the hybrid irrigation tube are also disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable watering pot comprises a framework, a container, and a spout. An inside of the framework is hollow. The container is detachably mounted in a hollow portion of the framework, the container is made of a soft waterproof material, and an inlet is disposed on a top of the container, and a lid is disposed on the inlet for sealingly connected with the inlet. An outlet is disposed on a side of the container, the spout is disposed at one side of the framework, the outlet is connected to the spout through a connecting device, and the spout is rotatably connected with the framework and can form a seal for the outlet. The present invention can make the container shrinkable by the above structures, and therefore the watering pot can be conveniently stored and space can be saved.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating an irrigation system to account for variations in flow rates caused by field elevation changes, pipe friction losses, water emitter nozzle wear, pressure-regulator inaccuracies, and other factors. A calibration map is created to account for the flow rate variations and then consulted to control operation of the irrigation system.

Abstract: A planter water, oxygen and fertilizer measuring cup and soil penetrating tube apparatus is disclosed. The planter tube apparatus includes an upper reservoir and an angled lower dispensing tube. The upper reservoir includes a base and an upstanding wall, defining a volume, with a lower opening defined in at least one of the base and the upstanding wall in fluid communication with the volume. The angled lower dispensing tube extends from the upper reservoir. The angled lower dispensing tube is angled relative to the base of the upper reservoir. The angled lower dispensing tube has an outer surface and an inner channel, extending between a proximal end and a distal end, with a plurality of openings being positioned therebetween and extending through the outer surface and into the inner channel. A combination planter and planter tube apparatus is disclosed, as is a method of use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a growing system that includes a hollow grow tower with planting units configured to hold plants disposed on the tower exterior where the planting units have a passage that extends into the tower interior. The tower also includes a drain port at one end and a water-dispensing nozzle at the other end. The nozzle includes outlet apertures in fluid communication with the interior of the tower where one or more of the nozzle outlet apertures may be square. An enclosure surrounds the tower, and one or more light sources are mounted on the enclosure to direct light towards the tower. The tower and enclosure can be connected to a suspension frame that suspends the entire system off the ground. The system may include a closed-loop irrigation system and a multi-tank cleaning system. System variables, such as water flow, temperature, lighting, and water nutrient level can be computer controlled.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SVTM1082 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTM1082 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 present invention relates to a Cucumis melo seed designated 34-777 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Cucumis melo plant produced by growing the 34-777 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the melon cultivar, represented by melon variety 34-777 RZ.