Abstract: A sand bag shovel having an elongated rod connected to a connecting member and the connecting member attached to a scoop. The scoop has a pair of sidewalls and a front wall with tapered panels that form a peak. A funnel is used with the scoop that has a flange that extends outwardly from a top opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for tilling ground material. According to one embodiment, a tiller system is provided comprising two coiled conical blades that penetrate ground material to provide both forward propulsion and tillage of the ground material. An operator of the tiller system can adjust the angle at which the coiled conical blades penetrate the ground material to achieve an optimal balance of forward propulsion, stability, and tillage of the ground material.

Abstract: A robotic gantry (10) for conducting farming operations. The robotic gantry has a bridge (12) which is moved by propulsion mechanisms (14), one or more farming implements (16), a controller (38), and one or more devices (28, 30) to provide position information for the robotic gantry as it moves back and forth along a plurality of crop rows (40). The robotic gantry is connected to a power supply system (20) and, optionally, to a liquid supply system (22), which may be implemented as festoon systems. The controller is automated, self-navigating, and activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of the propulsion mechanisms, and deploys, retracts, activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of one or more of the farming implements. The height of the frame may be adjusted by height adjustment frames (18) to accommodate crops of different heights and at different times during a growing season.

Abstract: A haymaking machine includes a chassis supported directly or indirectly on the ground by wheels and a working device connected to the chassis. The chassis includes a coupling device to which two hitching pieces are articulated each bearing a hitching pin for the hitching to the respective lower arms of a tractor. Each hitching piece cooperates with a respective return device. Each return device storing energy when the corresponding hitching pin moves, relative to the coupling device, upward from a first position. Each return device is able to release that energy to the corresponding hitching pin by returning the hitching pin toward the first position. Each return device stores energy when the corresponding hitching pin moves, relative to the coupling device, downward from a second position, and each return device can release that energy to the corresponding hitching pin by returning the hitching pin toward the second position.

Abstract: A depth adjustment for an agricultural seed planting implement has a register with notches and a handle that engages pairs of the notches to control the depth of a seed trench opening assembly. The handle has a first handle orientation and a second handle orientation for each pair of notches and provides two different depth settings for each pair of notches in the register.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus for metering and treating granules such as seeds and granular crop additives. The apparatus comprises a metering device rotatably mounted on a spray chamber, the spray chamber connected to a conveyance device intake such as an auger. The metering device is rotatable between first (use) and second (transport) positions.

Abstract: A zeroing adjustment for a depth control system of an agricultural seed planting implement has an adjustable link to compensate for the variable effects of tolerance stack-up and wear, so that all planting units of the implement can be adjusted to a common zero ground penetration setting from which depth settings can be made.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for selecting an agricultural input. First and second inputs are in communication with a seed meter. A selection apparatus constrains the seed meter to deposit only one of the input sources such that the seed meter is enabled to alternate between depositing the first and second inputs. Processing circuitry controls the selection apparatus to alternate between the first and second inputs.

Abstract: A seed meter is provided for planting multiple types of seed and rapidly switching between the types being planted in a single planting pass of a planting session of row-crop planting. The seed meter has a split seed meter reservoir with a pair of seed meter chambers flanked by or next to a pair of seed disks. Activation and deactivation of the seed disks within the seed meter are synchronized to selectively deliver one type of seed from one of the seed meter chambers for delivery out of a single seed tube of the seed meter, which may provide absolute and instantaneous on-the-go seed switching within a single row from each seed meter.

Abstract: A sealing gasket made of a resilient rubber material or rubber-like material. The sealing gasket is formed as a rotationally symmetric body with a substantially constant cross-sectional profile. The cross-sectional profile includes: a first sealing part located furthest away from a center of rotation of the body and a second sealing part located radially inside the first sealing part, as viewed in the radial direction. An open space is defined by the first and second sealing parts. The second sealing part essentially curves through an angle away from the center of rotation. A seed housing can include such a seal and a seeder can include such a seed housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to continuous dry particulate matter injection device (1), and more in particular to a device for use in a fertigation application in which a soluble matter, such as a fertilizer, is suspended and/or dissolved into the irrigation water in order to use the irrigation system and irrigation water as a delivery system for the soluble matter, in particular a soluble fertilizer. To this end, the device comprises at least one feed device (2), suitable for feeding particulate matter, and connected, by a first connection pipe (3), to the top of a vertically positioned slurry mixing chamber (5), located under the first connection pipe (3), and a pressurized mixing tank (12), connected to the bottom of the slurry mixing chamber (5) by a second connection pipe (8). The device is operated in a continuous cycle.

Abstract: A system for controlling a grass cutting reel assembly of a turf-care vehicle. The system includes: a reel cylinder motor operable to rotate a reel cylinder of a grass cutting reel assembly of a turf-care vehicle at a desired rotational rate of speed to provide a controllable frequency of clip for the reel assembly; an automated height of cut control system operable to control a position of a front roller of the reel assembly to provide a controllable height of cut for the reel assembly; and a controller system operable to control the reel cylinder motor and the height of cut control system to provide a particular frequency of clip and a particular height of cut stipulated by one of a plurality of cutting scenarios programmed into the controller system and selected via a user interface of the controller system that is accessible by an operator onboard the turf-care vehicle.

Abstract: A fixed-line trimmer head for a rotary trimmer device includes the upper portion having a periphery, wherein the upper portion has a plurality of openings spaced from the periphery; and a plurality of mechanisms. Each mechanism can hold a strip of line and includes a post portion disposed through one of the openings in the upper portion, and a flange disposed at one end of the post portion and sandwiched between the upper portion and lower portion of the trimmer head to prevent vertical movement of the mechanism. The post portion includes two line channels, each line channel defining a passageway to receive the same strip of line, wherein at least one of the line channels is curved such that any portion of the strip of line being received through the passageway of that line channel is bent at that portion of the strip of line away from the second line channel while passing through that at least one line channel that is curved.

Abstract: A farm work machine (1) operable in a variety of work modes includes a communications unit (5) that reads farm work information for a selected target farm work sector from a database of a management center storing the farm work information for each farm work sector, a work mode setting unit (46) which sets work modes, a work mode comparison unit (53) that effects comparison between a set work mode set by the work mode setting unit and a registered work mode included in farm work information read from the database, and a display data generation unit (55) that generates display data in order to display, on a display, the read farm work information and a result of the comparison effected by the mode comparison unit.

Abstract: A spreader system for discharging residue from an agricultural combine to a ground surface. The spreader system including a direction detector and a spreader operatively connected to a rear end of the agricultural combine. The direction detector is configured to detect direction changes of the agricultural combine and to produce a signal representative of the direction change. The spreader includes one or more impellers and a housing, with the impellers being operatively connected to the housing for rotating therein. The housing having an inlet for receiving a flow of residue, an outlet coupled to the housing for discharging the flow of residue, and one or more residue flow directors. The residue flow directors are configured to alter the flow of residue from the agricultural combine, the system being configured to alter the flow of residue dependent upon the signal.

Abstract: A harvesting machine having a guide mechanism adapted to direct a flow of crop residue from a threshing mechanism along one of three paths corresponding with three respective processing modes, the guide mechanism having a first deflection door and a second deflection door. An actuator and a first resilient element are coupled to the deflection doors, such that all three processing modes can be attained by contraction and extension of the actuator.

Abstract: A drive system for a self-propelled harvesting machine includes a drive engine designed as an internal combustion engine, a first driven pulley driven by the drive engine that at least one drive pulley of a working mechanism via a drive belt. The drive system also includes at least one first and one second hydraulic unit. The drive belt is drivably connected to a pulley that is enclosed in sections by housing elements. The housing elements are disposed opposite one another and are fixed relative to the pulley. The first hydraulic unit and the second hydraulic unit are disposed on the housing elements and, the first hydraulic unit and the second hydraulic unit are drivably connected to a shaft that extends through the pulley.

Abstract: A drive system for a self-propelled harvesting machine includes a drive engine, designed as an internal combustion engine, a transfer gearbox driven by the drive engine that includes a first driven pulley which is disposed on a drive shaft for driving at least one drive pulley of a working mechanism using a first belt, and at least one hydraulic pump for driving a further working mechanism. A second output pulley is assigned to the transfer gearbox and drives the at least one hydraulic pump using a second belt.

Abstract: An efficient scalable networkable grow light system ensures that a DLI suitable for optimal plant growth without causing heat stress is met by selectively illuminating lighting elements of determined wavelengths, and adjusting intensity of the lighting elements, and adjusting the height of an assembly containing the lighting elements, if sensed ambient light is inadequate to meet the DLI. A hoist adjusts height to provide full illumination without causing heat stress, while reducing inefficiency due to excessive distance. If sensed ambient lighting is sufficient to meet the DLI, supplemental lighting is not activated.

Abstract: It is provided a plant infiltration device for infiltrating plants with an inoculum and method of using same, the device comprising a frame having one or more tray racks adapted for receiving at least one tray of plants to be infiltrated; an automated manipulation mechanism mounted to the frame and operable to displace the plant trays within the device; a plurality of inoculum reservoirs mounted to the frame and containing one or more inoculum fluids; an infiltration tank mounted to the frame and within which the plant trays are received when disposed in the infiltration position; and a vacuum generating device in communication with the infiltration tank to apply a negative pressure within the infiltration tank, thereby opening pores of the plant leaves immersed in the inoculum within the infiltration tank and causing the inoculum fluid to infiltrate into the plant leaves.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for injecting fluids into a tree.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a mobile gardening station is provided and includes a first vertical support member, a second vertical support member, the first and second vertical support members held in parallel to one another and in substantially the same elevation, a wheeled base structure affixed to the first and second support members, a top support structure affixed to the first and second support members, and a plurality of rails attachable between the first and second vertical support members, the rails arranged substantially orthogonally relative to the first and second vertical support members and equally spaced apart in pairs along a substantially vertical plane. Each rail pair supports at least one hanging planter box, the at least one planter box connected to the upper rail in a pair of rails by at least one hanging connector, and resting against the lower rail in the pair of rails.

Abstract: A system for storing and cultivating plants and enhancing usable area or space is provided. One or more racks are provided for housing plants, such as potted plants, in arrays extending in at least a vertical direction. Lighting is provided to provide ultraviolet and infrared radiation in the system. At least one rack is selectively moveable with respect to at least one lighting element, such that proximity between plants and at least one lighting element may be selectively varied.

Abstract: A netting material having a length dimension and a width dimension much smaller than the length dimension comprises a flap folded from a fold region of the netting material along a longitudinal fold line at a distance from a longitudinal edge of the netting. The flap therefore comprises at least two layers of the netting material folded together. One or more eyelets are provided in the flap.

Abstract: A combination of a tree removal device and working vehicle for coupling the device thereon such that the combination is arranged for slicing tree roots is disclosed. The working vehicle has a front element which is pivotable relative to a frame of the vehicle about a lateral axis in front of a forward end of the frame. The tree removal device includes an attachment portion for coupling to the front element and a knife element having a blade portion. The blade portion has front and rear edges arranged for engaging the ground in respective forward and backward directions of movement of the vehicle which are sharpened so as to perform a cutting action in the respective direction of movement when the blade portion engages the ground. Furthermore, the knife element is pivotable relative to the attachment about an axis in a vertical plane that divides the vehicle into symmetrical halves.

Abstract: A sprinkler assembly is disclosed, having a flow control valve accessible from an exterior of the assembly, a backflow preventer valve that prevents water and debris from being sucked into a sprinkler when water pressure stops, and a safety valve that prevents watering when the sprinkler is missing from the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an irrigation hose intended for irrigating soils and made of a material comprising a thermoplastic, the irrigation openings being produced by means of a laser. The invention likewise relates to a method and an installation for producing such an irrigation hose for this purpose.

Abstract: An irrigation system that includes a plurality of interconnected spans that are supported by tower structures. Each tower structure includes a drive assembly with a drive controller controlling its speed, and a heat dissipation assembly mounted to the applicant conduit carrying an applicant, such as irrigation water. The heat dissipation assembly provides cooling via conductive heat transfer to remove heat generated by the drive controller during operation.

Abstract: An irrigation system that includes multiple interconnected spans that are supported by multiple tower structures. Each intermediate tower structure and end tower structure may include a dual-controller drive assembly that may include both a fixed-speed drive controller controlling the speed of movement of the dual-controller drive assembly when the fixed-speed drive controller is selected and a variable-speed drive controller controlling the speed of movement of the dual-controller drive assembly when the variable-speed drive controller is selected, and one or more selector switches configured to either manually, based on manual operator input, or automatically, based on automatic sensor input, select between the fixed-speed drive controller and the variable-speed drive controller.

Abstract: A mesh-based wireless network 10 of sensor/actuator devices I, D, T for an agricultural production area involves battery-powered sensors and actuators deployed under or within the foliage for broadcast communication with at least one repeater R according to broadcast time slots. The repeaters R are mounted above the vegetation canopy so as to be powered by solar panels. The repeaters R form a mesh network for routing data and commands to and from the sensors and actuators and at least one gateway GW. The gateway communicates over a cellular network with a remote agricultural management server 14 and database 16.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process and system for controlling a genus of valve, typically in a pipe network. The genus of valve is herein referred to as a modulation assisted valve (MAV). The process and system of controlling said MAV's comprises a multitude of embodiments of such MAV's as deployed in a plurality of network configurations of pipes, such networks of pipes further interconnected with means of modulating the fluid forces encountered by such MAV's so as to assist in the actuation of such MAV's. The coordinated modulation of fluid forces within embodiments of pipe networks enables MAV's that are connected in common with the same pipe network to be controlled and actuated with reduced electrical energy consumed by said MAV's.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an interface unit interfacing with an irrigation controller, comprising: a housing; a controller configured to instruct an interruption of a watering schedule executed by the irrigation controller, the interruption based on one or both of sensed temperature and sensed rainfall amount, and based on one or both of user entered temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; a switching device coupled with the controller, and configured to cause the interruption in response to signaling from the controller; and a user interface comprising: a plurality of user input devices configured to provide signaling to the controller based upon user's engagement, and configured to allow the user to define the temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; and a user display comprising a display screen; wherein the controller is configured to cause the display screen to display a plurality of pictorial representations that in combination convey whether irrigation is being interrupted.

Abstract: A hydroponic fluid container is disclosed that includes a body having a bottom wall defining an aperture and an internal surface and at least one sidewall defining an internal surface, the internal surface of the at least one sidewall and the internal surface of the bottom wall defining a fluid-holding cavity, the internal surface of the bottom wall extending inwardly and downwardly, at a gentle slope, from a distal end of the internal surface of the at least one sidewall toward the aperture. The container also includes a drain in fluid communication with the aperture and a valve disposed therein. Additionally, the container has at least one support leg spacing an exit portion of the drain in an interposing relationship with a portion of the bottom wall and a distal end of the at least one support leg.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to the field of plants, in particular to the fields of plant breeding and plant genetics. More particular, the disclosure concerns inventive methodology that may be useful in improving plant properties. In particular the invention may be useful in removing linkage drag. Also provided are plant and plant parts obtained with the method disclosed herein.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH18HB and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH18HB with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH18HB through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH18HB or a locus conversion of PH18HB with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH1V69 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1V69 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1V69 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1V69 or a locus conversion of PH1V69 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH1W4Z and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1W4Z with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1W4Z through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1W4Z or a locus conversion of PH1W4Z with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH1M77 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1M77 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1M77 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1M77 or a locus conversion of PH1M77 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X03F652 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X03F652 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03F652 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03F652, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03F652. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03F652.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X08F032XR and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08F032XR with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08F032XR through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08F032XR, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08F032XR. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08F032XR.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X70F220 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X70F220 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X70F220 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X70F220, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X70F220. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X70F220.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X70F222 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X70F222 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X70F222 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X70F222, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X70F222. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X70F222.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X70F225 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X70F225 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X70F225 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X70F225, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X70F225. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X70F225.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X80F124 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X80F124 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X80F124 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X80F124, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X80F124. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X80F124.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X85F784 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X85F784 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X85F784 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X85F784, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X85F784. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X85F784.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X90F448 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X90F448 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X90F448 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X90F448, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X90F448. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X90F448.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95F581 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95F581 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95F581 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95F581, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95F581. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95F581.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH18GP and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH18GP with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH18GP through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH18GP or a locus conversion of PH18GP with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2DVF and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH2DVF with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2DVF through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH2DVF or a locus conversion of PH2DVF with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH26NC and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH26NC with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH26NC through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH26NC or a locus conversion of PH26NC with another maize variety.