Abstract: The present invention provides a tillage point having a ground engaging structure configured to adjust with respect to the ground so that the tillage point can flexibly adapt to various field conditions. The ground engaging structure can comprise wings for increasing soil fracture below the ground surface and/or a cover board for moving soil along the ground surface. The ground engaging structure can variably adjust using an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, connected to linkage which can move the ground engaging structure through multiple angles about a pivot point during tillage operations. In addition, a controller can adjust the actuator to maintain an angle of the ground engaging structure according to a location on a prescription map.

Abstract: A draft load control system for an agricultural implement includes a row unit, a down force system configured to apply a force within or to the row unit, a draft load sensor disposed on the row unit and configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of a draft load on the row unit, and a controller that includes a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive the sensor signal from the draft load sensor indicative of the draft load on the row unit, and in response to the draft load exceeding a threshold range, perform a control operation, a monitoring operation, or both.

Abstract: A method to prevent drift in an agricultural implement. Drift is when one side of an agricultural implement is further behind or further ahead of the other side of the agricultural implement in a direction of travel. Drift can be controlled by increasing a downforce on the side that is further ahead, decreasing force on the side that is further behind, or a combination of both. The force can be a moment of force.

Abstract: An automated method for operating an automated seed sampling system having a seed loading station, a seed transport subsystem, and a seed sampling station generally includes sensing whether individual seeds are successfully isolated from a bulk of seeds at the seed loading station, and sensing whether the isolated seeds are properly positioned by the seed transport subsystem adjacent the seed sampling station in preparation for removing tissue from the isolated seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an on-the-go planting system utilizing soil organic matter data to prescribed seeding rate, hybrid/variety selection or soil treatment. The system weights at least two field attribute data types, such as soil organic matter data and normalized yield data to prescribe one or more outcomes. The system can also generate a yield potential value so as to prescribe the outcomes.

Abstract: A method to reduce bag rupture in an agricultural spray dispensed from a nozzle is disclosed. The method comprises dispensing the agricultural spray from the nozzle. The agricultural spray comprises water, at least one polymer, and at least one perforation-aid type adjuvant. The agricultural spray exhibits fewer fine droplets exhibiting a diameter less than about 150 ?m formed via the bag rupture approach to droplet formation.

Abstract: An agricultural implement comprises a container mounted on a frame arranged for movement across an agricultural field, which container is suited for storing a granular product to be deposited across the field. The agricultural implement additionally including a metering system arranged for metering the granular product in movement from a product exit of the container to a product discharge, typically in operative communication with a pneumatic conveying system, for eventual delivery to the agricultural field. The agricultural implement features a crushing system arranged for reducing a size of the granular product that is disposed in series with the metering system so as to be located between the product exit and the product discharge, such that metered quantities of the crushed granular product can be deposited into the ground as the agricultural implement is displaced in the forward working direction across the field.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic boundary closing method for an intelligent lawn mower. The method includes the following steps: starting a boundary teaching mode of the intelligent lawn mower; acquiring and storing starting point position information of the intelligent lawn mower; recording position information of the intelligent lawn mower in real time and determining whether the distance between the current position of the intelligent lawn mower and the starting point is less than or equal to a distance threshold; if the distance is less than or equal to the distance threshold, further determining whether an automatic boundary closing instruction input by a user is received; executing the automatic boundary closing instruction of the user, and generating boundary closing data by using an interpolation algorithm and storing the data; and ending the boundary teaching mode. The present invention also discloses an automatic boundary closing system for an intelligent lawn mower.

Abstract: The tie rod end includes a housing with an inner bore that extends along a central axis. A stud is partially received in the inner bore and has a shank portion which extends out of the inner bore for attachment with a gearbox. The tie rod end further includes an elastic boot body which extends from a first boot end, which is sealed with the housing, to a second boot end. A boot bearing, which is made of a plastic material, is secured with the second boot end. The boot bearing is in a dynamic sealing engagement with the shank portion of the stud. The boot bearing presents a plurality of radially inwardly extending and annularly-shaped ribs that contact the shank portion.

Abstract: A cutting head for use with a cutting tool, such as a grass trimmer. The cutting head has a housing, a line spool and a supporting cap. One end of the housing is coupled to an end of a motor output shaft and another end has an opening. A line spool is disposed in the housing and rotates along with the housing. At least one end of a line wound around the line spool extends out of the housing. The supporting cap is rotatably disposed at the end of the line spool adjacent to the opening and is exposed to an exterior of the housing through the opening.

Abstract: A system having a frame, an auger operably coupled to the frame, an auger wrapper fixed to the frame and proximal to the auger, the auger wrapper having a curved surface with a first rigidity, and a liner attached to the auger wrapper, the liner comprising a second rigidity that is less rigid than the first rigidity.

Abstract: A reversible lawn mower blade assembly includes a lawn mower that has an output shaft. A hub is removably coupled to the output shaft such that the output shaft rotates the hub when the lawn mower is turned on. The hub has a plurality of protrusions thereon radiating outwardly from a center of the hub. A plurality of blades is provided and each of the blades is removably coupled to a respective one of the protrusions such that the hub rotates the blades when the lawn mower is turned on. Each of the blades has a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge. Moreover, each of the blades is reversible on the hub such that a selected one of the first or second cutting edges faces the direction of the hub's rotation thereby enhancing a service life of the blades with respect to cutting.

Abstract: A grass cutting mobile robot includes a body and a blade assembly connected to the body and rotatable about a drive axis. The blade assembly includes blades, a housing to hold the blades, a coupling latch configured to lock the housing to a drive shaft of the mobile robot, and a spring that connects the blade to the coupling latch. The housing is configured for coupling to an actuator so that the housing is rotatable about a drive axis, and receives a shaft that connects the housing to the actuator. The shaft includes a groove or an undercut therein. The coupling latch is rotatable within the housing to move an engagement end towards, or away from the groove or undercut. The engagement end is positionable within the groove to lock the housing to the actuator.

Abstract: A lawn mower, wherein the cutter system of the lawn mower needs to judge whether the start pulse and the start signal of the cutter switch are valid at the same time under the condition that the seat switch is closed, and the cutter system will be started, only the two conditions are met at the same time, thus not only improving the safety when the cutter system is started, but also the startup of the cutter system can be completed automatically, saving time and labor, and reducing the operator's operation difficulty.

Abstract: A field map generating system includes: a crop data obtaining unit that obtains crop data over time; a position information obtaining unit that obtains position information, indicating a harvesting position of the crop, over time; polygon constructing units that construct a polygon on the basis of a work width and speed of a harvester, for each piece of crop data obtained by the crop data obtaining unit; data assigning units that assign crop data or crop information based on the crop data to the constructed polygons; a position information assigning unit that assigns position information to the constructed polygons; and field map generating units that generate a field polygon map, which is an aggregate of the polygons, by aggregating the polygons.

Abstract: Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.

Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. The grain cart also has a hitch for allowing the grain cart to be towed. The discharge portion is forward of the hitch when in the operating position. Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, increased forward and side reach, additional storage capacity of the hopper, increased discharge rate from the hopper, and a more compact transport position.

Abstract: A grain cleaning system in an agricultural harvester, that includes a chaff pan with a pivotal axis near an end of the chaff pan. The chaff pan has a dual locking system coupled thereto for holding the chaff pan in two different positions. The dual locking system has a first over-center locking arrangement and a second over-center locking arrangement. The first locking arrangement is used to hold the chaff pan in an upward position when the first locking arrangement is locked. The first locking arrangement includes a first linkage element; and a second linkage element. The second locking arrangement holds the chaff pan in a locked downward position when the second locking arrangement is locked. The second locking arrangement includes a first linkage element; and a second linkage element. The first linkage element of the first locking arrangement is also the first linkage element of the second locking arrangement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to activate, modify, and sanitize the surfaces of granular, powdered, or seed material placed in a continuous flow of a low-temperature, reduced-pressure gas plasma. Said plasma may be created with radio-frequency power, using capacitive-inductive, or a combination of both types of discharge. The plasma is generated at pressures in the 0.01 to 10 Torr range. RF frequency ranges from 0.2 to 220 MHz, and correspond to a plasma density between about ne×108?ne×1012 or 0.001 to 0.4 W/cm3. Inserts and electrodes may be temperature controlled to control process conditions. RF discharge may be pulsed or modulated by different frequency in order to stimulate energy exchange between gas plasma and process material. The apparatuses may be grounded, biased and mechanically activated (e.g., vibration, rotation, etc.).

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a container containing a medium and a plant source. The medium may be a binder, and the container may further contain an additive bound to the binder. The medium may be pollen. Agricultural methods are also included.

Abstract: A multiple cell horticulture propagation tray arranged in rows of star-shaped cells forming a substantially rectangular shaped tray having the cells formed therein, combined with inserted cylindrically shaped growing media plugs comprising primarily of peat moss with an amount of biochar, and enveloped to retain moisture within the growing media plugs

Abstract: A conveyor system (4, 5) moves vertical poles (2) in an agricultural facility between a growing area (20) and a workstation (W). Each pole carries plant growing containers (3) at multiple levels (H1-H9). An irrigation reservoir (30) may be mounted atop each pole. Irrigation lines (31-33) from the reservoir may be individually metered (35) at each level to compensate for differing water pressure with height. Sensors (40) in the reservoir and at each level of the poles may provide a controller (36) with data input. The controller may impose different growing conditions in different areas of the facility, including vertically different grow areas (20A, 20B), and controls pole movements and locations selectively to provide a sequence of poles at the workstation ready to harvest on a demand schedule. The workstation may have multiple heights (W1, W2, W3) for tall poles that increase plant density per facility footprint.

Abstract: A control system includes a shell including an enclosed area, one or more carts moving on a track within the enclosed area, an air supplier within the enclosed area, one or more vents connected to the air supplier and configured to output air within the enclosed area, and a controller. The controller is configured to: identify a plant on the one or more carts; determine a humidity recipe for the identified plant; control the air output from the one or more vents based on the humidity recipe for the identified plant; receive an image of the plant the in one or more carts captured by the imaging sensor; and update the humidity recipe for the plant based on the captured image of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention is a shade apparatus with central hub an shade components.

Abstract: Lignin formulations for making light-selective mulch, methods of making such lignin formulations, light-selective mulches comprising substrates treated with lignin formulations, and methods of making such light-selective mulches. Some methods involve preparing aqueous lignin formulations that can be used as coatings that, in turn, can be applied to a substrate, such as a paper web, to form a biodegradable, light-selective mulch. Some such mulches blocks at least some light in the ultraviolet and blue/green ranges (350 nm to 500 nm) of the visible light spectrum to inhibit weed growth below the mulch, while also transmitting light in the red/infrared ranges to heat the soil below the mulch.

Abstract: A plant cover device may include an enclosure having an upper end, a lower tubular end opposite the upper end, and a medial seam coupling the upper end and the lower tubular end. The upper end may include panels coupled together to partially define a plant-receiving cavity therein. Each of the panels may have a major mesh surface, and a panel seam extending along a peripheral edge of the major mesh surface, adjacent panels being coupled together at respective panel seams. The lower tubular end may include a major mesh surface and having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being coupled to the medial seam. The lower tubular end may also partially define the plant-receiving cavity therein. The enclosure may have a curved flexible support carried by the medial seam, and a pole extending vertically from a surface to an apex of the enclosure.

Abstract: A tree box for growing and transporting a tree includes sidewalls and a removable bottom panel. The bottom panel can be removed prior to replanting the tree. In some embodiments portions of the tree box are formed of a plastic material.

Abstract: Nutrient compositions for plant growth are disclosed. A nutrient composition includes primary macronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, secondary macronutrients including calcium and sulfur. A nutrient composition may include micronutrients and additional secondary macronutrients, such as magnesium. Nutrient compositions including such nutrient sources exhibit advantageous plant growth. Hydroponic nutrient composition, water soluble powder, and plant growth mediums containing the nutrient composition, as well as methods of using the nutrient compositions, are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a coherent growth substrate product formed of man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF), comprising the steps of (i) providing MMVF; (ii) providing an uncured binder composition; (iii) providing an additive; (iv) forming a mixture of the MMVF, the uncured binder composition and the additive; (v) curing the uncured binder composition in the mixture to form the coherent growth substrate product; wherein the uncured binder composition comprises at least one hydrocolloid; and wherein the additive is a micro-organism, fungus, biologically-active additive or combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of irrigation is disclosed. The method comprises supplying water to an inclined irrigation pipe provided with a plurality of drippers. The water is supplied such that a pressure at a highest level of the inclined irrigation pipe is at most 90 cm H2O.

Abstract: A non-intrussive monitoring terminal that monitors operating states of an irrigation system and transmits related data to a remote irrigation monitoring system. The monitoring terminal may be installed on any irrigation system without connecting to the irrigation system's existing control system, electrical system, or water distribution system and includes a housing that may be attached to a water pipe or other component of the irrigation system; a sensor mounted in the housing that senses vibrations of the irrigation system and generates a corresponding sensor signal; and an electronic circuit electrically coupled with the sensor to evaluate attributes of the sensor signal to determine operating states of the irrigation system.

Abstract: A ceiling-mounted moisture distribution apparatus provides a housing mounted to a ceiling surface for supporting a plant container and discharging a liquid directly onto a plant. The housing has an elongated aesthetic design for hanging the apparatus in home and office settings. The housing mounts to a ceiling through an apertured flange. The apparatus concentrically supports a plant container from a ring mount for distributing moisture in a controllable manner directly onto plant. The apparatus also comprises an elongated housing that forms an inlet hole for receiving a liquid from an external liquid source. The housing has an outlet hole that is disposed generally below the inlet hole and above the plant for discharging the liquid onto the plant through pressure or gravity induced flow. A tube carries the liquid from the inlet hole to the outlet hole. Additionally, a valve at the tube regulates the discharge of the liquid.

Abstract: A plant cultivating apparatus includes a body that defines a cultivation chamber, a cultivation bed disposed on the cultivation chamber and configured to move relative to the body, a nutrient storage configured to store nutrient solution, a pipe configured to supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation bed, a bed checker configured to detect movement of the cultivation bed, a level checker configured to detect a level of nutrient solution in the cultivation bed, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the bed checker and the level checker and to adjust the nutrient solution supplied to the cultivation bed. The cultivation bed includes a signal connector that is disposed on one surface of the cultivation bed corresponding to the bed checker and the level checker and that is selectively connected to the bed checker and the level checker according to whether to move the cultivation bed.

Abstract: A system for hydroponic plant growth is disclosed. The system includes a semi-enclosed container, wherein the semi-enclosed container includes a floating sheet. The floating sheet includes a plurality of first openings, wherein the floating sheet is adapted to be placed on surface of nutrient solution. The semi-enclosed container also includes a plurality of containers. The plurality of containers includes a plurality of second openings. The plurality of containers is adapted to be received into the plurality of first openings of the floating sheet. The semi-enclosed container also includes a plurality of air stones, configured to be operatively coupled to an air pump. The plurality of air stones is configured to supply a pre-determined amount of air into the nutrient solution via the air pump.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing apparatus may include a housing, a water reservoir, and a lighting system. The housing may include a bottom surface and an open top surface. The apparatus may also include a pump, the pump comprising an inlet and an outlet, and a sprayer coupled to the outlet of the pump. Also, the apparatus may include a support structure configured to fit into an open top surface of the housing. The support structure may define a plurality of openings. The apparatus may include at least one cover plate configured to fit over the support structure in the open top surface of the housing.

Abstract: A Vertical-Hive Green Box (or V-Hive Green Box) is a modular cultivation system utilized in a modular Vertical Farm or Plant Factory, as well as a warehouse-type or greenhouse-type of vertical farm or plant factory. The V-Hive Green Box includes growing boards, lighting boards, and an irrigation system arranged within a frame structure to maximize the quantity of crops that can be grown within an available volume of space in a modular Vertical Farm unit, warehouse or greenhouse per unit time. The V-Hive Green Box can also include aquaculture boards that can be used for aquaculture of aquatic fish and plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a longitudinally split immature filler separated from a rhizome(LSITR), a cluster of multiple in vitro shoots (CMIT), a cluster of stem segments containing shoot primordia (CSSSP) and an in vitro Tiller of Miscanthus x giganteus (Giant miscanthus) and thier uses in propagating Miscanthus x giganteus (Giant miscanthus).

Abstract: An enhanced, diploid pollenizer watermelon plant and method used to maximize the yield of triploid seedless watermelons per area. The enhanced pollenizer watermelon plant of the invention is either a hybrid variety, an open-pollinated variety or a synthetic variety, that exhibits the characteristics of small leaves and fruit with a brittle rind that splits when the fruit is overripe or breaks when relatively small physical forces are applied. In one embodiment, the watermelon plant of the invention is also characterized by extended flowering duration, thereby increasing the number of triploid watermelon flowers that are pollinated and set fruit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants TND950 (phph) SRC, Narrow Leaf Madole (phph) SRC, Narrow Leaf Madole SRC, CMS TND950 SRC, CMS Narrow Leaf Madole SRC, and CMS KY171 SRC, and hybrids PD7305 SRC, PD7309 SRC, PD7312 SRC, PD7318 SRC, and PD7319 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-950 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-950 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-950 RZ.

Abstract: New watermelon varieties designated ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, and ‘Red Amber’ are described. ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, and ‘Red Amber’ are watermelon varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: Disclosed are alfalfa varieties with low or reduced lignin content, including an alfalfa seed designated CW 096043 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122473, an alfalfa seed designated CW 103009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122475, an alfalfa seed designated CW 099079 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122474, an alfalfa seed designated CW 090075 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122471, an alfalfa seed designated CW 054004 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122470, an alfalfa seed designated CW 093009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122472, and an alfalfa seed designated CW 104015 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122476.

Abstract: Disclosed are alfalfa varieties with low or reduced lignin content, including an alfalfa seed designated CW 096043 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122473, an alfalfa seed designated CW 103009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122475, an alfalfa seed designated CW 099079 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122474, an alfalfa seed designated CW 090075 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122471, an alfalfa seed designated CW 054004 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122470, an alfalfa seed designated CW 093009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122472, and an alfalfa seed designated CW 104015 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122476.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato hybrid DRTX0018 and tomato line TRS-XI15-0287GMS. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DRTX0018 and tomato line TRS-XI15-0287GMS and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a tomato plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DRTX0018 and tomato line TRS-XI15-0287GMS comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: A pet cushion includes a main body and a passage structure. The passage structure is connected to a surface of the main body, and includes at least two passage main bodies and at least one passage connecting portion. The at least one passage connecting portion is connected to an end of each of the at least two passage main bodies. A material of the at least one passage connecting portion is the same as a material of the at least two passage main bodies.

Abstract: An elevated feeding tray apparatus includes an elevated base; a plurality of legs extending from the elevated base, each of the plurality of legs including a foot portion, the foot portion defining a stylized representation of a foot of an animal; and a tray positioned at a top of the elevated base and defining a bowl.

Abstract: A pet costume is provided to accommodate a pet and provide insulation for said pet. The pet costume comprises a torso portion. The torso is provided with an aperture to accommodate the torso of the pet, and the aperture is provided with a lacing system to tighten and fasten the aperture to the pet. A hood is attached to the top of the torso and accommodates the head of the pet. An aperture is provided in the hood to allow the face of the pet to access the environment. One or more sleeves are attached to the bottom of the torso and accommodate the legs of the pet.

Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a set of cans comprising at least two cans of which one can contains a specific scent, each can including a tab providing a dog a means to express choosing of the can, and transmitter for transmitting the information of whether the dog has expressed the can with the specific scent or a can with no said specific scent and an apparatus comprising at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processing core, cause the apparatus at least to store the transferred information of multiple expressions, process the stored information in order to calculate at least how many of the multiple expression are correct, and display the results of the processed data.

Abstract: A base of an animal training includes a dispenser that comprises a storage compartment configured to store rewards and to dispense rewards, a base signaling module configured to generate a reward signal, and a base wireless module configured to receive a dispense signal. A first target is detached from the base at a first target location at a first fixed distance from the base. The first target comprises a first target signaling module, a first sensor, and a first target wireless module. A second target is disposed at a second location, wherein the second location is a fixed distance from the base and comprises a second target signaling module, a second sensor, and a second target wireless module. The base further comprises a system configuration module, the system configuration module configured to access and modify configuration information of the dispenser, the first target, and the second target.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards an animal entertainment apparatus. The apparatus includes a wire element and a moveable base configured to move about the wire element in a first direction towards the first end and in a second directions towards the second end. The wire element includes a first end and a second end. The second end is located at an opposing end from the first end. The moveable base includes an outer housing, which includes at least two mating pieces. The moveable base includes a motor configured to power the moveable base to traverse the wire element.