Abstract: A piler conveyor system for screening debris such as tare dirt from materials such as beets as the materials are conveyed across a piler. The piler conveyor system generally includes a frame supporting an upper conveyor and a pair of lower conveyors. The upper conveyor is adapted to receive materials such as beets. As the materials are conveyed by the upper conveyor, debris such as tare dirt or the like will fall through screening openings in the upper conveyor and onto the lower conveyor. The lower conveyor may then dispense the debris through a debris opening. The materials will drop off the end of the upper conveyor and fall onto the second lower conveyor, which will convey the screened materials to be dispensed.

Abstract: A harvester that determines whether edible crowns are ready to be harvested and selectively harvests the edible crowns that are ready for harvesting. The harvester may include sensors, such as an imaging system, for detecting the edible crowns of individual broccoli plants. Image data from the imaging system may be provided as an input to a machine-learning model to determine a maturity (or immaturity) of the edible crowns. If the edible crowns are ready for harvesting, mechanical pickers harvest the edible crowns. For example, the harvester may include robotic arms having end effectors that cut the edible crowns from a remainder of the broccoli plant. The harvester may be configured to continuously harvest the edible crowns as the harvester moves about a field. In some instances, the harvester may include any number of robotic arms for harvesting the edible crowns across multiple rows of broccoli plants.

Abstract: A mechanized, non-disruptive plant touch, or contact, sensing system for detecting by touch, or contact, the precise location of plants and/or plant stems relative to a machine in motion, and then disengage the plant without significantly affecting the plant's health or development.

Abstract: A device for harvesting mushrooms from a mushroom bed involves a robotic arm configured to interchangeably deploy one of a plurality of different suction grippers, each of the suction grippers having a suction cup having a size and shape profile appropriate for gripping a cap of a mushroom, the cap having a size and shape profile within a predetermined range. A vacuum source in fluid communication with the suction gripper supplies negative air pressure to the suction gripper for retaining a cap of the mushroom to be harvested in the suction cup. A control circuit in electronic communication with the suction gripper and the vacuum source is configured to automatically adjust the negative air pressure in the suction gripper in response to harvesting requirements during a mushroom harvesting process.

Abstract: A method implemented using at least one processor includes receiving a plurality of images acquired from a plurality of image sensors disposed on a vehicle configured to engage an aircraft for ground operations. The method further includes determining at least one parameter about a potential obstacle based on the plurality of images and a machine vision algorithm. The method also includes generating an alert signal based on the at least one parameter, useful for avoiding collision of the aircraft.

Abstract: A soil detection and planting apparatus. The apparatus includes a vehicle and a controller coupled to the vehicle. The apparatus further includes a planting device coupled to the vehicle, the planting device configured to plant seeds or plants into a soil material. The apparatus includes a ground penetrating radar sensor coupled to the vehicle. The ground penetrating radar soil sensor is configured to scan the soil material up to a designated depth beneath a surface of the soil material, wherein the ground penetrating radar soil sensor is further configured to provide a sensor feedback signal to the controller with respect to an intrinsic characteristic of the soil material. The controller is configured to instruct placement of a seed or a plant into the soil material based on the feedback signal.

Abstract: Produce with a core planted in a field can be harvested and decored using a mechanical harvester. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The method includes moving the mechanical harvester through the row in the field; positioning the produce in the ground using the positioning apparatus; severing a substantial portion of the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground using the decoring device; lifting the produce from the ground; and transporting the produce to a processing unit or a storage unit using the transport assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting agricultural row crops having stalks.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid PX11423782 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid PX11423782 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper 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: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: A draper assembly for a crop pick-up has an endless draper belt assembly wrapped around a smaller front roller and a larger rear drive roller where the endless draper belt assembly is formed by four endless belts connected side by side at spaced positions along their length for common movement around the rollers. A tracking guide device is defined by a plurality of plastic guide elements mounted in a row on an inside surface of one belt at longitudinally spaced positions along the belt length which cooperates with a groove in the drive roller so that there are least two guide elements in the groove at any point in time. The guide elements are wider than their length and can be fastened through the belt so as to connect to the mounting of some of the fingers on the exterior of the belt.

Abstract: Celery can be commercially harvested by removing the top portion of the celery plant to leave the bottom portion of the celery plant attached to the stem in the ground. After removing the top portion of the celery, the celery is cut above the stem to separate the plurality of individual petioles. The separated individual petioles are then washed, and packaged into a sleeve. The top portion of the celery plant, the separation of the plurality of individual petioles, as well as the washing of the individual petioles are performed in the field in which the celery plant was grown.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting lettuce provides one or more harvesting heads that move between harvesting and discharge positions of the harvester. Each harvesting head separates a head of lettuce from its stem and core. Each harvesting head has specially configured fingers that secure the head during harvesting. The fingers move between open and closed positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stripping leaves from heading plants grown in rows. The device, which is movable in a direction of movement, comprises at least two rotary shafts, on which leaf strippers extending substantially transversely to the shafts are provided. The shafts extend substantially in the direction of movement of the device, such that leaves that grow under a head are removable from a stalk of a plant, in particular broccoli and cauliflower, between the shafts by the leaf strippers. The shafts, which lie in a virtual plane, include an angle between each other, such that front ends of the shafts are spaced further apart than rear ends of the shafts. The leaf strippers are finger-like projections, and the finger-like projections located near the front ends of the shafts are longer than the finger-like projections located near the rear ends of the shafts.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting a produce with a stem/core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, and a cutting device and a transport assembly connected to the chassis. The cutting device is configured to cut the stem/core of the produce. The transport assembly is configured to transport the cut product using a movable first belt with a first set of produce grippers and a movable second belt with a second set of produce grippers. When the produce is held between the first set and second set of produce grippers, a portion of the first set of produce grippers opposes a portion of the second set of produce grippers. The opposing produce grippers are configured to compress and exert a force on the produce to hold the produce between the movable first and second belts.

Abstract: A harvester for brassicas, the harvester being movable along a plant row and comprising an endless conveyor orientated in the direction of the plant row, the conveyor being of generally tubular form defined by opposed rows of arcuate conveyor fingers movable from an open condition in which free ends of the opposed fingers are spaced so as to define a generally tubular configuration which is open at one side to a closed condition in which the free ends of the opposed fingers are adjacent to define a generally closed tubular configuration, the conveyor having an upper run and a lower run, the conveyor being configured at its forward end portion so that the fingers are in their open condition during transition from the upper run to the lower run and move downwardly onto a plant to be harvested so as to move foliage away from the plant head and to allow the plant head to enter the interior of the conveyor through the open side, with the fingers then moving to a closed condition to thereby capture the plant head w

Abstract: A broccoli plant characterized in having an exerted head having a crown higher than the leaf canopy and a harvestable head of at least about 200 grams when planted at a density of 40,000 plants per hectare, where the harvestable head comprises the top 25 centimeters of said stalk.

Abstract: A windrower with a frame that: a) has a front, a rear and laterally spaced sides; and b) is movable in an advancing direction. A processing mechanism is capable of: a) unearthing grown product; and b) separating foreign matter from the grown product as the frame is advanced. A cross conveyor assembly controllably discharges grown product from the processing mechanism to the underlying terrain. The cross conveyor assembly has a first discharge end and at least one section, including the first discharge end, that is selectively translatable laterally relative to the frame as the frame is advancing thereby to laterally change a location of the first discharge end and thus the lateral discharge location for the cross conveyor assembly at the first discharge end.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking mushrooms including a carriage, at least one picking head arranged to move back and forth horizontally, and a suction pad apparatus configured to grip mushrooms for picking. A movable camera or scanner may be arranged to image an area in which the mushrooms grow. A first member may be coupled to the picking head and arranged to move back and forth horizontally for moving the suction pad apparatus horizontally. A controlled parallelogram mechanism may lift and lower the suction pad apparatus and couple the suction pad apparatus to the first member, and which may be arranged to maintain a position of the suction pad apparatus irrespective of a height on which the suction pad apparatus is positioned.

Abstract: An improved machine and method for harvesting and processing an upstanding crop, such as celery, in situ, the machine comprising a self driven vehicle supporting a plurality of harvesting and processing units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stripping the leaves from heading plants grown in rows. The device, which is movable in a direction of movement, comprises at least two rotary shafts, on which leaf stripping means extending substantially transversely to said shafts are provided. The shafts extend substantially in the direction of movement of the device, such that the leaves that grow under a head can be removed from a stalk of a plant, such as in particular broccoli and cauliflower, between said shafts by the leaf stripping means.

Abstract: A harvest aid machine and method of use is provided comprising a machine having a main chassis. The main chassis includes a roof, a lateral conveyor belt, a chute for storing empty harvest containers and worker stations. The harvest aid machine is powered by a motor and moves using a directional wheel and two rear wheels. Workers load empty containers onto the chute and after the containers slide down the chute, the empty containers rest in a storage station accessible by additional workers. When a worker is ready to harvest a crop, the worker removes the container from the chute and places harvested crops inside the container. The worker then places the harvested crop filled container onto a worker station. After the worker collects multiple harvested crop filled containers, the worker pushes the containers onto a conveyor belt system, adjacent to the worker station, that runs laterally on the machine.

Abstract: A harvest aid machine and method of use is provided comprising a self-powered vehicle having a main chassis upon which a crate storage unit may be mounted. The harvest aid machine has improved maneuverability and may have a near zero-point turning radius. Crate storage unit may comprise a platform for receiving packed crates and a second platform for receiving empty crates. Alternatively, crate storage unit may include a chute assembly for receiving empty crates and/or a roller table for receiving packed crates. A harvest aid machine may further include harvest modules that may be removably mounted to a main chassis and are width-adjustable such that the harvest modules are adaptable to different crop row spacing, and optionally different crate sizes.

Abstract: Lettuce can be commercially harvested by removing the bottom portion of a head of lettuce to obtain only the top portion of the head. After the top portion of the head is obtained, a center section of the top portion of the head is removed to leave a cup-shaped portion of the head. The bottom portion of the head is removed and the center section of the top portion is removed in the field in which the head is harvested.

Abstract: A harvesting device for the mechanical harvesting of vegetables and the like, the harvesting device having a pair of circular supports which rotates on an axle disposed in a housing. The circular supports are positioned on opposite sides of a picking path defined by a void in the housing and through which the vegetables pass as the harvester moves. Each circular support having at least one picking element extended into the picking path.

Abstract: The pick-up device 1 disposed in the direction of travel in front of a harvesting machine 2 for cucumbers has a circulating conveyor belt 11 having upward jutting spikes 12 made of rubber or elastomeric plastic and further has an associated circulating cover belt 18 having upward jutting transverse moldings 22, which are tilted forward in the direction of circulation. Directly behind the place at which the spikes 12 reach with their tips the lowest point of their path of circulation, a cutting device 24 is active, which cut off the cucumber plants raised with the spikes 12. A sensing roll 30 resting on the ground 9 controls the height position of the pick-up device in such a way that the blades 27, 28 of the cutting device 24 and the tips of the spikes 12 do not penetrate into the ground 9, but always maintain a short distance from the ground. This configuration ensures an operation which is not disturbed by plant pile-up and even permits use in plasticulture.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact fruit-vine harvester and separation system in which the harvested fruit travels along a vertical plane inside the harvester during processing, followed by a single turn for output. The system includes a machine and related methods for harvesting vine-borne crops. The machine provides for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and machine-sorted along a straight path before making a single turn prior to exit. The machine incorporates a blower and/or suction system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, vegetation and debris, and an optional roller to prevent clogging of the suction system.

Abstract: A harvester for brassicas, the harvester being movable along a plant row and comprising an endless conveyor orientated in the direction of the plant row, the conveyor being of generally tubular form defined by opposed rows of arcuate conveyor fingers movable from an open condition in which free ends of the opposed fingers are spaced so as to define a generally tubular configuration which is open at one side to a closed condition in which the free ends of the opposed fingers are adjacent to define a generally closed tubular configuration, the conveyor having an upper run and a lower run, the conveyor being configured at its forward end portion so that the fingers are in their open condition during transition from the upper run to the lower run and move downwardly onto a plant to be harvested so as to move foliage away from the plant head and to allow the plant head to enter the interior of the conveyor through the open side, with the fingers then moving to a closed condition to thereby capture the plant head w

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated 08550815. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line 08550815, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line 08550815 with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line 08550815, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The pick-up device 1 disposed in the direction of travel in front of a harvesting machine 2 for cucumbers has a circulating conveyor belt 11 having upward jutting spikes 12 made of rubber or elastomeric plastic and further has an associated circulating cover belt 18 having upward jutting transverse moldings 22, which are tilted forward in the direction of circulation. Directly behind the place at which the spikes 12 reach with their tips the lowest point of their path of circulation, a cutting device 24 is active, which cut off the cucumber plants raised with the spikes 12. A sensing roll 30 resting on the ground 9 controls the height position of the pick-up device in such a way that the blades 27, 28 of the cutting device 24 and the tips of the spikes 12 do not penetrate into the ground 9, but always maintain a short distance from the ground. This configuration ensures an operation which is not disturbed by plant pile-up and even permits use in plasticulture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the mechanical harvesting of ground crops. More particularly, the invention provides an adjustment mechanism for altering the distance setting between centers of at least one pair of driven revolving pairs (such as helixes) on site as needed to suit changing conditions encountered during harvesting. The present invention achieves the above objects by providing an improved harvester attachment for row-planted ground crops, particularly vegetables, or the like the harvester comprising a framework supporting at least one revolvably driven helix, or the like, pairs, each helix having a front support bearing disposed slightly above ground level, the helix pairs extending at a slope upwards and rearwards, i.e.

Abstract: A harvesting device for mechanical harvesting of vegetables and the like. A pair of circular supports rotates on an axle disposed and are disposed in a housing. The circular supports are positioned on opposite sides of a picking path defined by a void in the housing and through which the vegetables pass as the harvester moves. Each circular support having at least one picking element extended into the picking path.

Abstract: A novel garden bean cultivar, designated SB4355, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivar SB4355, to the plants of garden bean line SB4355 and to methods for producing a garden bean plant by crossing the cultivar SB4355 with itself or another garden bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a garden bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the cultivar SB4355.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated 08270930. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line 08270930, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line 08270930 with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line 08270930, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel brassica plants, in particular to novel cauliflower plants. In one embodiment, the novel cauliflower plants provided herein comprise a long stem and are suitable for mechanical harvesting. The application also further discloses seeds the cauliflower plants of the present invention and parts thereof, for example pollen, ovules and curds. The application also further discloses methods of using a plant of instant invention, such as methods of producing a cauliflower curd of the instant invention, and methods of harvesting the curds of plants of the instant invention.

Abstract: A harvesting device for mechanical harvesting of vegetables and the like, the harvesting device having a pair of circular supports rotates on an axle disposed and are disposed in a housing. The circular supports are positioned on opposite sides of a picking path defined by a void in the housing and through which the vegetables pass as the harvester moves. Each circular support having at least one picking element extended into the picking path.

Abstract: An apparatus that moves through fields of leafy vegetables and trims harvested heads of leafy vegetables. The apparatus includes a body and a plurality of supports coupled to the body for movement relative thereto. The supports are configured for supporting pieces of leafy vegetables. The apparatus further includes a plurality of cutters coupled to the body that are arranged serially and a transport system for moving the supports past the cutters. A collector is included for collecting leaves cut from the vegetables.

Abstract: Machines and methods designed for use in harvesting vine-borne crops that is particularly suited for use in wet fields with narrow rows. The machines are relatively compact, and provide for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and sorted along a straight path of a single vertical plane. The machines and methods incorporate a blower and adjustable conveyor system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, trash, vegetation and debris from the crop without re-depositing such removed refuse on the cleaned crop. The machines and methods also provide an upward airstream that blows through the mesh/openings of the conveyors to provide agitation for recovery of additional crop from previously-shaken vines.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact fruit-vine harvester and separation system in which the harvested fruit travels along a vertical plane inside the harvester during processing, followed by a single turn for output. The system includes a machine and related methods for harvesting vine-borne crops. The machine is relatively compact, and provides for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and machine-sorted along a longitudinal axis before making a single turn prior to exit. Harvested fruit passing through the machine drops by as much as 18 inches less than in other harvesters, thereby reducing the potential for fruit damage. The machine incorporates a combination blower and suction system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, vegetation and debris, and an optional roller to prevent clogging of the suction system.

Abstract: The present invention includes machines and methods designed for use in harvesting vine-borne crops that is particularly suited for use in wet fields with narrow rows. The machines are relatively compact, and provide for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and sorted along a straight path of a single vertical plane. The machines and methods incorporate a blower and adjustable conveyor system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, trash, vegetation and debris from the crop without re-depositing such removed refuse on the cleaned crop. The machines and methods also provide an upward airstream that blows through the mesh/openings of the conveyors to provide agitation for recovery of additional crop from previously-shaken vines.

Abstract: The harvester frame is supported by laterally adjustable wheels. A hitch draft tube connects the frame to a tractor. A transverse horizontal shaft is journaled on a frame mast. A header frame rear is attached to the horizontal shaft. Ground engaging wheels support the header front. Two spaced apart helix assemblies on the header frame are rotated to remote fruit from plants. The helix forward ends work at ground level. Helix rear ends are elevated. A header lift bar is journaled on the horizontal shaft. A header lift cylinder pivots a free end of the lift bar into engagement with the header frame and lifts header wheels from the ground. Conveyors convey crop material from the helix assemblies to a fruit cleaning assembly with a forward end attached to the frame mast. Separated and cleaned fruit is received from the cleaning assembly and discharged from the harvester.

Abstract: A harvesting device for mechanical harvesting of vegetables and the like. A pair of circular supports rotates on an axle disposed and are disposed in a housing. The circular supports are positioned on opposite sides of a picking path defined by a void in the housing and through which the vegetables pass as the harvester moves. Each circular support having at least one picking element extended into the picking path.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper varieties designated 9954288, SBR 99-1274 and SBY 99-1273. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet pepper hybrid 9954288, pepper line SBR 99-1274 and pepper line SBY 99-1273, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing a plant with itself or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of the invention, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A method for increasing production of hybrid seed of bee-pollinated crops, such as alfalfa and soybean at predetermined hybridity levels. Hybrid seed is produced using female and pollenizer plants at a selected ratio of female plants to pollenizer plants. The female plants and the pollenizer plants are intermingled in the hybrid seed production field. Prediction of percentage of hybridity at various female to pollenizer ratios allows for selection of a ratio of female plants to pollenizer plants to provide seed at a test percentage of hybridity. The percentage of hybridity may be increased post-harvest by employing techniques using seed properties such as size differential, color or density to remove a higher percentage of non-hybrid seed. The hybrid seed product is maximized at various hybridity levels. Planting according to subrows allows for separate harvesting of intermingled crops. Testing the hybrid seed product provides verification of percentage of hybridity.

Abstract: Solanum pimpinellifolium plants which are exceptionally high in fruit lycopene content (˜300-390 ?g lycopene/g fresh fruit) are disclosed herein, which may be used in plant breeding to make the tomato plants of the present invention. The invention also discloses genetic markers, which are associated with the trait which may be used in marker-assisted selection for development of plants, lines, or varieties with the trait.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact fruit-vine harvester and separation system in which the harvested fruit travels along a vertical plane inside the harvester during processing, followed by a single turn for output. The system includes a machine and related methods for harvesting vine-borne crops. The machine is relatively compact, and provides for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and machine-sorted along a longitudinal axis before making a single turn prior to exit. Harvested fruit passing through the machine drops by as much as 18 inches less than in other harvesters, thereby reducing the potential for fruit damage. The machine incorporates a combination blower and suction system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, vegetation and debris, and an optional roller to prevent clogging of the suction system.