Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a row unit having a main body and a shank and a ground working tool operatively connected to the shank, the shank extending from the main body. The agricultural implement further includes an arm extending rearwardly from the main body of the row unit. There is a basket assembly including a first and a second rolling basket on opposite sides of an end of the arm, wherein the first and the second rolling basket are independently rotatable to break up clumps of soil. The first and the second rolling baskets each have an annular ring at an open outer end.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ reconditioning of a media used in an effluent treatment bed is disclosed, in which passage of effluent has become impeded by clogging matter within the media, the bed having been planted with vegetation having roots extending into the media. The apparatus includes a frame supporting a superstructure operable to be disposed above a surface of the bed when in operation, a pair of spaced apart arms having distal ends extending downwardly from the frame, and an agitator extending between the pair of arms and having tines for sub-surface tilling of the media. The agitator is coupled to a drive system operable to cause rotation thereof. A lifter bar is disposed between the arms above the agitator such that when the frame is advanced through the bed the lifter bar passes through the bed below a primary root zone of the vegetation lifting and separating the primary root zone while the agitator tills the media below causing clogging matter to be separated from the media.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in an aeration tine that includes a mounting portion removably connectable to an aeration apparatus and defining a central axis; and a curved blade portion that extends longitudinally from the mounting portion to a tip of the aeration tine and that is operable to fracture soil and form an aeration pocket. The curved blade portion includes a concave first edge and an opposed convex second edge, wherein the concave first edge includes (i) a proximal first edge portion, (ii) a distal first edge portion proximal the tip of the aeration tine, and (iii) a middle first edge portion between the proximal first edge portion and the distal first edge portion, the middle first edge portion closer to the central axis than both the proximal first edge portion and the distal first edge portion.

Abstract: Draft control mechanism (400) for an implement coupled to vehicle hitch (50) is provided. Draft control mechanism (400) includes a sliding assembly (402), a first end cover (404), a housing (406), a second end cover (407), at least one resilient and shock absorber arrangement 408 and an adjustable assembly (410). The first end cover (404) is connected to housing (406). The second end cover (407) is connected to the housing (406) and disposed opposite to the first end cover (404). The resilient and shock absorber arrangement (408) is adapted to dampen a shock load received by the implement. The resilient and shock absorber arrangement (408) is provided between sliding assembly (402), and at least one of second end cover (407) and adjustable assembly (410). At least one of the adjustable assembly (410) and the sliding assembly (402) is configured to be moved with respect to the housing (406) to vary the draft of the implement.

Abstract: A reversible seed trench appurtenance for a row unit of an agricultural planter. The seed trench appurtenance includes an upper portion and a trailing portion. The upper portion is received within a mounting bracket attached to the row unit of the planter. The seed trench appurtenance is movable between a normal operating position in which the trailing portion extends into the seed trench. When the row unit is reversed in a direction opposite the forward direction of travel, the seed trench appurtenance moves from the normal operating position to a reversing position in which the trailing portion is vertically above the normal operating position thereby avoiding damage to the seed trench appurtenance and the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for automatically sensing and spraying plants and/or plant precursors as they are planted or otherwise distributed on and/or within the ground is disclosed.

Abstract: Agricultural seed planting systems include a processing unit, a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame for opening a furrow in soil, and a sensor in communication with the processing unit and adapted to sense a characteristic associated with seed planting. The sensor may generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic and the processing unit may receive the signal. In some aspects, the sensed characteristic may be either a soil characteristic or a seed characteristic. Information associated with the sensed characteristic can be saved in memory for future use and to assist with more effective planting in the future.

Abstract: A control system for use on a peanut harvester using a conveyor to elevate and relocate the peanut pods and attached plant material. The control system inputs the ground speed in the direction of travel and the conveyor speed, and outputs to an electronic flow control valve that is part of a hydraulic circuit between a hydraulic motor that drives the conveyor and a connection point that provides hydraulic power to the hydraulic motor. The control system uses an algorithm that compares the ground speed and the conveyor speed and varies the output to the flow control valve so that the conveyor speed is maintained at a defined percentage of ground speed. The defined percentage of ground speed is a user-controlled variable that can be adjusted on the go through the user interface portion of the control system.

Abstract: A conditioner roller vibration sensing mechanism having first and second rotatable conditioner rollers spaced apart in close proximity to each other and between which cut crop can be directed as the rollers rotate during operation. The first roller is shiftable with respect to the second roller for adjusting the spacing between the rollers. The rollers vibrate when the rollers are spaced in such close proximity to each other that they contact each other as they rotate. An arm pivotally mounted to a frame supports the first roller, and the frame supports the second roller. The arm is movable to shift the first roller with respect to the second roller. An accelerometer is operatively coupled to the rollers for sensing the vibration created when the first and second rollers are positioned so close to each other to contact each other.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for detecting loose soil having an arm with a first end and a second end. A detector wheel is engaged with the second end of the arm. A spring is configured to bias the arm or the detector wheel in a first direction. An alarm is configured to emit a signal when the movement of the arm or the detector wheel in the first direction exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Crop is routed past a sample window on an agricultural combine harvester. Light it is impinged on the crop from an illumination source and reflected radiation is directed to a sensor. The output of the sensor is indicative of various constituents in the harvested crop. The illumination source is controlled based on the temperature proximate the crop sample.

Abstract: A harvested material receptacle for a harvester is disclosed. The harvested material receptacle includes a hopper that is open at the top with a substantially polygonal opening cross-section and extension elements arranged in pairs opposite each other. The extension elements are each pivotably articulated about a substantially horizontally running pivot shaft at the edge of an opening of the hopper to transition the extension elements from a substantially closed transport position into an open receiving position and vice versa, wherein the extension elements that are opposite one another lie sandwich-like on each other when in their transport position.

Abstract: A grain cleaning system for a combine harvester having a transmitter adapted to transmit a base signal at a known frequency and one or more spaced receivers for detecting signals of a different frequency as reflected from airborne grain and other materials within the duct of the grain cleaning system. An Electronic Control Unit modulates the base signal and the reflected signals to obtain Doppler signals or frequencies from which an average particle velocity is determined. The particle velocity is used as an input parameter for the generation of control signals for the adjustment of various working units of the combine harvester including, by way of example, the fan and sieves.

Abstract: An impact sensor is mounted in a duct of a grain cleaning system above an upper sieve. The impact sensor has an upstream-facing impact-sensing surface with respect to a cleaning airstream, and is configured to transduce impact events and generate impact signals therefrom. An electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to generate control signals based upon a particle energy value that is determined from the impact signals. The control signals may serve to adjust various working units of a combine harvester including, by way of example, a cleaning fan and sieves.

Abstract: In a combine harvester, the driveline coupling mechanism is configured to couple the header driveline to a jackshaft (22) extending from the feeder (8). The mechanism includes a pendulum arm (36) that is pivotably connected to the header (1). An actuator (45) is furthermore provided for driving a pivoting motion of the pendulum arm (36) about a pivot axis (37) oriented transversely with respect to the jackshaft. At the end of the pendulum arm, a bearing hub (30) is mounted including a shaft portion (32) that is rotatably coupled to the header driveline at one end and that includes one part (60) of a clutch at the other end. The second part (62) of the clutch is mounted on the jackshaft (22). The pivoting motion of the pendulum arm (36), driven by the actuator (45), closes or releases the clutch.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for harvesting and diluting crops during night time or under low illumination conditions using ground- or aerial-robot/unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV).

Abstract: A reel for use in an agricultural header has an axis of rotation and comprises a bat and a finger. The bat is mounted to rotate around the axis of rotation to gather crop, and has a non-circular cross-sectional profile. The finger is mounted to the bat to rotate with the bat around the axis of rotation to gather crop. The finger comprises a tine and a clamshell mount to which the tine is coupled and that surrounds the bat to mount the finger to the bat against rotation about the bat.

Abstract: A threshing concave frame assembly for crop separating operations in a combine harvester is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the concave frame includes a first side member and a second side member opposing each other, wherein the first and second side members each have an interior surface and exterior surface. In addition, a crop threshing bar member is disposed between the interior surface of the first side and second side members of the concave frame. In particular, the crop threshing bar member includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are secured to the interior surface of the first and second side members of the concave frame.

Abstract: Weed seeds are destroyed in the chaff from a combine harvester by repeated high speed impacts caused by a rotor mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds in a direction centrifugally away from the rotor onto a stator including angularly adjustable stator surfaces around the axis. The weed seed destructor is driven with a straw management system from an output shaft of the combine harvester so that the full power required for both passes through a belt which includes more than four longitudinally extending v-belt ribs and reinforcing cords located in a base band above the ribs at uniformly spaced positions across the width of the belt so that a replacement drive pulley on the output shaft has a width not significantly greater than a conventional output pulley which it replaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for induction of plant growth (increase in plant biomass) in a greenhouse. More specifically, the method relates to supplying NOx gas within a specific concentration range in the atmosphere of the greenhouse and maintaining the NOx concentration, thereby stimulating plant growth (including crop growth).

Abstract: A vertical farming layer structure comprising: an underlying support for supporting a plurality of farmed plants; a light-reflective upper surface positioned above and facing the underlying support, the light-reflective upper surface being adapted to reflect light by diffuse reflection; and a plurality of light-emitting devices positioned between the underlying support and the light-reflective upper surface, each light-emitting device being positioned to emit light along a respective optical axis oriented towards the light-reflective upper surface such that light emitted from the light-emitting device is at least partially diffusely reflected off of the light-reflective upper surface to reach the plants supported on the underlying support.

Abstract: A tray system for use in horticultural or agricultural operations comprising a ducting assembly for de-stratification and a drainage system for consolidating excess water and nutrients.

Abstract: A plant factory includes a culture room, a lighting assembly, a CO2 concentration generation controlling module, an air conditioning module, a nutrient supplying module and a controlling module. The plant factory controls the lighting assembly to meet the lighting requirement of the different types of plants at each growth stage and the different types of plants at each growth stage are in the optimal growth state and grow in a predetermined manner of meeting the corresponding growth schemes. The plant factory improves planting efficiency and realizes lean production to achieve the zero inventory target meeting plant production characteristics.

Abstract: A device having a fertilizer base that is configured to be operable for distributing fertilizer to a surrounding soil. A collapsible or retractable umbrella is into engagement with the fertilizer base, wherein the umbrella is configured to provide shade for the plant. A bottom portion of a shaft section engages the fertilizer base and a top portion of the collapsible or retractable umbrella. The shaft section includes a tilting shaft that is operable to be tilted to provide partial or full shade to the plant proximal to the fertilizer base according to a sun's orientation or the plant's required amount of sunlight. An adapter coupling is configured to facilitate the engagement or separation of the shaft section with the fertilizer base and allow a user to add fertilizer to the cartridge area without uninstalling the device.

Abstract: A natural invasion promoting method that is environmentally friendly, easy to carry out, can cope with a wide range of areas and inclined surfaces, achieves efficient natural invasion, and can satisfactorily promote greening on a soil surface of interest, and a spraying material used in the method are provided. A natural invasion promoting method including: spraying a spraying material containing live algae on a soil surface; breeding the live algae; and also directly or indirectly catching flying seeds or spores by a tacky substance secreted on surfaces of the live algae or a catching structure composed of the live algae to promote greening on the soil surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modeling ways to best design pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitters are provided. The systems and methods are designed to help reduce activation pressure while maintaining a substantially constant, desirable flow rate in an irrigation system. Various parameters that impact the activation pressure and the flow rate can be adjusted to assist in finding optimal designs. The parameters can at least include one or more of resistances in a flow path, resistances in a membrane cavity, a membrane, or placement of a membrane with respect to a membrane cavity. Optimal designs for such emitters based on the discloses systems and methods are provided, including at least one exemplary embodiment in which a length of a flow path is substantially reduced as compared to known emitters.

Abstract: Drip irrigation emitters having low activation pressures, desirable flow rates, and are configured to clog less than existing emitters are provided. The disclosed emitters include membrane cavities that are devoid of a channel and a land to help advance fluid through the cavity, to an outlet, and to an outside environment. Instead, the membrane cavities have various shapes and configurations that, in conjunction with a depressed membrane, help to drive fluid out of the membrane cavity and to an outside environment. The shapes of the membrane cavities include a sinusoidal configuration, a cylindrical shape configuration, and a flat bottom configuration. Various features of such emitters, and methods of using the same, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of delivering a consumable to an irrigation area may include determining application characteristics for applying the consumable to the irrigation area based on irrigation area characteristics of the irrigation area, generating an irrigation schedule for the irrigation area based on consumable characteristics of the consumable and the application characteristics, and transmitting the irrigation schedule to a local control to selectively activate one or more water outlets to the irrigation area based on the irrigation schedule.

Abstract: A stackable modular planter includes an open top plant box with a base and four side walls adapted to receive a growing medium and plants. The open top plant box has a first width. An irrigation box below the open top plant box base has a second width larger than the first width. The irrigation box can be filled with irrigation fluid. An open top hopper on one side of the open top plant box on top of the irrigation box can receive irrigation fluid which drains into the irrigation box. An overflow drain aperture in the irrigation box lets excess irrigation fluid flow. When a plurality of the stackable modular planters are stacked above another planter, excess irrigation can flow from the overflow aperture into the hopper of the planter below.

Abstract: An aeroponic growing system having an overall non-rectilinear arboreal structure and appearance, and made of a reservoir base containing a reservoir for holding plant nutrient solution, at least one hose having a plurality of solution spray openings located thereon, one end of each of the at least one hose connected to one of a pump connected to the reservoir for holding plant nutrient solution, a plurality of growing baskets having both internal and external portions, a support structure comprising a plurality of growing basket openings, and sufficient internal space for housing the hoses, the internal portion of the growing baskets, and to permit the solution spray openings to provide plant nutrient solution to the internal portion of the growing baskets is described.

Abstract: A tray is provided for growing microgreens. The tray has a tray housing defining a fluid reservoir, and the tray has tray walls enclosing the fluid reservoir. The tray further has a tray floor defining a bottom of the fluid reservoir within the tray housing, and substantially parallel internal walls extending substantially vertically from the tray floor within the fluid reservoir. Each internal wall has an internal wall height smaller than a tray wall height of each of the tray walls. Internal reservoir gaps are provided between each end of each internal wall and an adjacent inner surface of a tray wall such that a segment of the tray floor separates each wall of the plurality of internal walls from the plurality of tray walls. Also provided is a kit for growing microgreens including the tray, a mat, and a lid.

Abstract: A tower assembly for use with an overhead conveyor of a hydroponic vertical farm system. The tower assembly includes a tower frame, a face plate, and a connector. The tower frame has a top portion opposite a bottom portion. The face plate is configured to be removably attached to the tower frame. When the face plate is attached to the tower frame, the face plate is configured to support at least one plant as the at least one plant grows. The connector is attached to the top portion of the tower frame. The connector is configured to be removably attached to the overhead conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cultivated watermelon plants comprising CGMMV resistance due to introgression of QTLs from a CGMMV resistant donor of the species Citrullus colocynthis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an artificial plant seed and to its use for plant propagation, in particular, for the propagation of cannabis plants.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Rudbeckia plant having a compact growth habit and large, rich yellow blooms with a dark brown center.

Abstract: A new and distinct lettuce variety NUN 08230 LTL is disclosed as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof. NUN 08230 LTL is a mini romaine lettuce variety comprising resistance to Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) Isolates Bl:16-27, 29, 32, 34, and 36EU, Nasonovia ribisnigri Biotype Nr:0, and Lettuce Necrotic Spot Virus (LNSV).

Abstract: A new and distinct lettuce variety NUN 09152 LTL is disclosed as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof. NUN 09152 LTL is a green multileaf lettuce variety comprising resistance to Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) Isolates Bl:16-37EU and Nasonovia ribisnigri Biotype Nr:0.

Abstract: A new and distinct lettuce variety NUN 09153 LTL is disclosed as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof. NUN 09153 LTL is a green multileaf lettuce variety comprising resistance to Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) Isolates B1:16-37EU and Nasonovia ribisnigri Biotype Nr:0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new broccoli variety. The broccoli plant of the present invention includes a broccoli plant identified by Accession No. FERM BP-22393 or a progeny line thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing one or more cannabinoid compounds, expanding cells that produce the compounds, cannabinoid compounds produced by the methods, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the cannabinoid compounds, and methods of producing and utilizing the compounds and compositions.

Abstract: A new watermelon line designated ‘WL0005’ is described. ‘WL0005’ is a watermelon line exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: A watermelon plant that produces fruit having (i) ultra-firm flesh and/or liquid-retaining flesh and (ii) soluble solids of at least about 6 brix.

Abstract: A new and distinct melon variety NUN 16019 MEM is disclosed as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 16019 MEM is a non-sutured Cantaloupe melon variety with long shelf life comprising resistance to Fusarium oxysporum melonis Race 0, Race 1, and Race 2, Podosphaera xanthii Race 1, Race 2, and Race 5, Golovinomyces cichoracearum Race 1, and Aphis gossypii.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety designated ‘E15T41376’ is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid tomato ‘E15T41376’, to the plants of hybrid tomato ‘E15T41376’, and to methods for producing other tomato lines, cultivars, or hybrids derived from the hybrid tomato ‘E15T41376’.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusing curd and a method for fusing curd. The curd is fused in the apparatus, which is configured to form a curd stack in a container that has a temperature comprised within a temperature range that favors acidification of the cheese curd in the curd stack. The formation of the curd stack compresses the cheese curd in the curd stack, which causes the curd stack to express whey as the acidification of the curd takes place and as the syneresis process takes place. The curd stack is subjected to a vacuum, which assists in the removal of air from the curd stack. The curd stack has a continuous casein matrix, which allows for a cheese block obtained from the curd stack to be milled into cheese curds, which have substantially similar dimensions and very few fines.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved systems for maintaining a litter box and removing used litter. The systems provide a raised surface for a litter box that is accessible to a cat; easier to access for cleaning; and provides storage for litter and associated supplies. When not being cleaned, the litter box is hidden from view. Advantageously, the system has a furniture-like appearance so it can be placed in a variety of interior spaces within a home without detracting from the décor.

Abstract: A control module that may be configured to detect animal activity of a pet at a waste pad, litter box, or feeding station. The control module comprises a sensor system having a camera. The control module is configured to analyze pet information and generate user data based on the pet information. Additionally, a mobile device is configured to detect animal activity within a field of view. The mobile device is configured to analyze pet information and generate user data based on the pet information.

Abstract: A control module that may be configured to detect animal activity of a pet at a waste pad, litter box, or feeding station. The control module comprises a sensor system having a camera. The control module is configured to analyze pet information and generate user data based on the pet information. Additionally, a mobile device is configured to detect animal activity within a field of view. The mobile device is configured to analyze pet information and generate user data based on the pet information.

Abstract: A control module that may be configured to detect animal activity of a pet at a waste pad, litter box, or feeding station. The control module comprises a sensor system having a camera. The control module is configured to analyze pet information and generate user data based on the pet information. Additionally, a mobile device is configured to detect animal activity within a field of view. The mobile device is configured to analyze pet information and generate user data based on the pet information.

Abstract: A transportable combination pet carrier and pet bed that can be dually used for travel or in the home. The case includes a pet bed that is located within the case, allowing for the pet to recline on the pet bed. The case may also include: 1) a sufficient amount of breathable and porous material, such that the pet does not suffocate when contained in the case, including when the case is fully closed and secured for transport; and 2) soft internal siding.