Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for creating and implementing three-dimensional guidance paths for use in conjunction with more or one agricultural vehicles operating in an area of operation.

Abstract: A target steering angle is detected, where the target steering angle is associated with an implement steering system for tracking a planned implement path. A data processor determines whether or not the implement steering angle is at or near a maximum steering angle toward a lateral upslope of ground. The data processor determines whether the implement is aligned with the planned implement path. A controller or data processor adjusts a target vehicle steering angle of the vehicle to guide the implement toward the lateral upslope in alignment with the planned implement path such that the implement tracks the planned implement path if the implement steering angle is at or near the maximum steering angle.

Abstract: A controller is operatively connected to a dispensing system and configured to change the dispensement of an agricultural input from the dispensing system in different predetermined locations within at least one predefined test plot in a management zone of an agricultural field. The predetermined locations have been randomized and replicated for quantifying the agronomic response in a statistically valid manner.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining corrected population based on a meter drive signal. Systems, methods, and apparatus are additionally provided for determining a stability metric based on a meter drive signal. A method for monitoring a seed application rate of a seed planter includes measuring a rotation of a seed disc of a seed meter, measuring a performance value corresponding to the seed meter, and calculating the population value based on the rotation and the meter performance value.

Abstract: A riding mower is provided with a front frame, a rear frame on which a drive unit is mounted, a rollover protective structure (ROPS). A first coupling part couples one front frame and one rear frame. A second coupling part couples a rear end of the front frame and a supporting column of the ROPS. A third coupling part couples the supporting column and the rear frame. The riding mower utilizes at least one triangular structural element defined in part by the first, second and third coupling parts.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling operation of an autonomous robot. In one aspect, the autonomous robot is a lawnmower and the system comprises: an autonomous robot lawnmower comprising a housing, a transceiver, and a central processing unit; an external device in operable communication with the autonomous robot lawnmower, the external device having a transceiver for sending signals to the autonomous robot lawnmower and a display; and wherein in response to user input, the external device is configured to modify settings related to operation of the autonomous robot lawnmower.

Abstract: A jackshaft and grain elevator arrangement is disclosed for agricultural combines. A grain elevator has a housing, a drive sprocket within the housing, a driven sprocket within the housing, and a chain within the housing. The chain is wrapped around the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, and a plurality of paddles are attached to the chain. A shaft is fixed to and extends through the drive sprocket to drive rotation of the drive sprocket. A first pulley outside the housing is fixed to the shaft to receive power from an engine of the combine and is configured to transmit that power to the shaft. A second pulley outside the housing is fixed to the shaft to receive power from the shaft and is configured to transmit that power to a first crop processing device.

Abstract: A grain unloading system for a combine harvester comprises an unloading tube having a discharge outlet and a helical auger situated in the unloading tube and operable to convey grain towards and through the discharge outlet. A dribble control door serves to inhibit the leakage of grain from the tube when the auger is in a non-operative mode. The door is pivotally connected to the tube adjacent the discharge outlet so as to be pivotally moveable between a closed position and an open position. A lever arm is fixed at one end to the dribble control door, and at the other end to a gas spring which is mounted to the tube. The gas spring is pressurised so as to provide a closing moment to bias the dribble control door into the closed position. The geometry of the lever and gas spring is such that the closing moment increases as the dribble control door moves from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: An integrated fan and axle arrangement for an agricultural machine having a an impeller may include a front axle assembly and a fan housing. The front axle assembly supports one or more front wheels of the agricultural vehicle. The impeller rotates within the fan housing to provide an air flow within the agricultural vehicle. A laterally extending portion of the fan housing may form part of the front axle assembly, such that the laterally extending portion of the fan housing may provide structural rigidity to the front axle assembly for the support of the one or more front wheels.

Abstract: An agricultural crop harvester (1) includes a tank in which harvested crops are stored, a stored amount calculation section (51) that calculates a current stored amount of harvested crops stored in the tank, a communication section (61) which receives drier operation information indicative of a drier operational status transmitted from a drying facility 7, a work management section 62 that determines completion timing of a harvesting work based on the current stored amount and the drier operation information, and a notification section 63 which notifies the completion timing.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for securing a header to an agricultural vehicle has latching pins located on opposite sides of a centerline of the vehicle. The latching pins are movable between latched and unlatched positions from the same side of the machine. As one example, the harvester is an agricultural combine harvester and the header mounts to a feederhouse. The latching mechanism can be mounted to the feederhouse and moved into and out of engagement with the header to retain or remove the header.

Abstract: Described herein is rail assembly 302, which may comprise rail 322 mechanically coupled to oscillating members 305 and 307. In operation, oscillating members 305 and 307 may reciprocate about vertical axes 352 and 353 of vertical shafts 309 and 311, respectively. Reciprocation of the oscillating members may cause rail 322 to travel in arcuate paths 802 and 804. Arcuate paths 802 and 804 may be located in a two-dimensional plane which is perpendicular to vertical shafts 309 and 311. Rail 322 may impart a force on the trunk of a vine so as to dislodge the fruit from the vine.

Abstract: A finger support (204) for a drum conveyor (112), the drum conveyor (112) comprising an elongate drum (122) that is hollow and a plurality of fingers (124), wherein the plurality of fingers (124) are supported at one end within the elongate drum (122) and extend outward through apertures in a wall of the elongate drum (122), the finger support (204), the finger support (204) comprising a base plate (300) configured to be mounted on a surface of the elongate drum (122); a cover plate (304) fixed to the base plate (300); and a swivel member (302) disposed between the base plate (300) and a cover plate (304); wherein the swivel member (302) is constrained by the base plate (300) and the cover plate (304) to rotate with respect to the base plate (300) and the cover plate (304) about an axis (318).

Abstract: A folding crop header having an articulated, elongate crop divider defining upper and lower crop divider edges and having first and second crop divider sections, the crop divider including at or adjacent a said lower crop divider edge a hinge permitting pivoting of the first and second crop divider sections relative to one another about a first axis; and the crop divider including a linkage permitting pivoting of the first and second crop divider sections relative to one another about a second axis at or adjacent the said upper crop divider edge; and additionally permitting displacement of the first and second crop divider sections relative to one another in a displacement direction that is skewed relative to the second axis, the hinge being decouplable.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a harvesting header (22) of a harvesting machine (10) having a running gear on which a feeder housing (20) is mounted. A front side of the feeder housing has a header mount (21) that moves relative to the feeder housing and on which the harvesting header (22) is detachably fastened. An automated coupling mechanism (32) is provided to link a driven shaft (33) from the harvesting machine to a drive shaft (34) of the harvesting header as the header is connected to the harvesting machine. The drive connector (45) connected with the header mount (21) is movable relative thereto during the attachment of the harvesting header to axially align the driven shaft and drive shaft as the harvesting header approaches the feeder housing during the attachment to accommodate differing header drive shaft orientations.

Abstract: An feederhouse is disclosed for attaching a header to an agricultural combine. A sill plate is attached to the feederhouse, wherein the sill plate supports a support beam of the header during operation of the header. A mounting hook with a hooked end is supported for forward and rearward movement with respect to the sill plate. A locking pin is configured to lock the mounting hook at either of a first position and a second position with respect to the sill plate. When the support beam is supported by the sill plate and the mounting hook is locked in the first position, the header is disposed at a first angle with respect to the feederhouse. When the support beam is supported by the sill plate and the mounting hook is locked in the second position, the header is disposed at a second angle with respect to the feederhouse.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating usable crop from intermixed debris. The apparatus has: a) a conveying system configured to convey usable crop in a processing path from an upstream input location to a downstream output location; and b) a first separating system configured to cause separation of debris intermixed with usable crop as usable crop is conveyed in the processing path. A vacuum system downstream of the preliminary separating system is configured to: a) generate a low pressure volume which causes additional debris intermixed with usable crop to be drawn away from usable crop by vacuum; and b) cause drawn debris to be directed towards a collection location spaced from the output location while allowing usable crop to advance toward the output location.

Abstract: A harvester assembly is described that comprises a feeder assembly, a bottom floor assembly, and a crop collection channel positioned therebetween. The rear portion of the bottom floor assembly is capable of variable movement in order to facilitate the passage of crop material through the crop collection channel with a reduced risk of clogging or plugging of the channel. The harvester assembly can be integrated into an agricultural harvester such as a baler or combine.

Abstract: Starch from the aquatic plant duckweed (Spirodela Polyrhiza) is fermented to produce an organic protein meal for feedstock. Fermentation is accomplished first by grinding the collected duckweed (lemna) then by the addition of 2 enzymes (e.g., Alpha Amylase and Glucomylase) in a cooker. Yeast is added in the fermenter to produce ethanol. The solids are centrifuged out after distillation of the ethanol through a stripper column. After the ethanol is stripped the solids are centrifuged out and the remaining thin stillage is recycled back to the aquatic plant growing area. This high nitrogen organically produced thin stillage provides 100% of the nitrogen needed to grow the Aquatic plant, so the process can be made 100% self-sustaining and certified organic.

Abstract: A machine for cutting the tips of the leaves off agave plants to prepare the plants for the subsequent removal of the core. The machine includes a chassis defining a platform having: a rear end having a structural frame supporting arms that project rearwards, wheel rims that rest on the ground being secured to said arms; a front end having a structural frame having arms extending frontwards, a tractor-coupled drawbar being secured to said arms; and an arm that connects to the power take-off and is secured in the upper part of the structural frame. The machine includes a supporting base which can slide under the action of hydraulic elements, and is mounted on a pair of parallel rails and is arranged transversely across the platform. Additionally, the machine includes a hydraulic system with control inputs, actuated by the operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end-effector device and automated selective thinning system. The system includes vision acquisition hardware, kinematic targeting and heuristic programming, a robotic arm, and a pomologically designed end-effector. The system is utilized to improve efficiency for the fruit-thinning process in a tree orchard, such as peach thinning By automating the mechanical process of fruit thinning, selective fruit-thinners can eliminate manual labor inputs and further enhance favorable blossom removal. Automation used in conjunction with a heuristic approach provides improvements to the system. The system may also be configured as a robotic arm or as a handheld system by including a battery and switching microcontroller with handle or wrist straps. Handheld thinning devices that are mechanical in nature may also be part of the system.

Abstract: A tree canopy treatment system includes: a supply unit configured to heat a fluid; and a treatment unit in fluid communication with the supply unit, the treatment unit configured to move independently from the supply unit. A method of treating a tree includes positioning a temperature transmitter proximate to the tree; and lowering a treatment unit over the tree and the temperature transmitter, the treatment unit configured to move independently from a supply unit, the treatment unit in fluid communication with the supply unit.

Abstract: Provided are a plant management system and a plant management method, which do not entail a substantial workload, cost, construction period, or installation space; enable a system to be easily constructed, altered and expanded; have a small maintenance load; enable processing systems to be distributed and arranged in geographically separate locations and in locations where connecting the processing systems is not easy; and are capable of preventing the occurrence of large-scale problems. A plant management system 100 has: a plurality of processing systems 140, 150; and memory tags 112, 122, wherein processing systems 140, 150 include reader-writers 142, 152, 153 and processing devices 141, 151, and, by writing plant management data into the memory tag 112 by means of the reader-writer 142 and then reading the plant management data by the reader-writer 152 of the processing system 150, the plant management data is transferred between the processing systems 140, 150.

Abstract: A combined heat and power system for greenhouse carbon dioxide enrichment purifies carbon dioxide from exhaust gas of the combined heat and power system generating and supplying power and heat by combusting fuel and supplies the purified carbon dioxide to a greenhouse. The combined heat and power system includes a unified pipe system configured to simultaneously transmit hot water and carbon dioxide through a single pipe by dissolving the purified carbon dioxide in a heat transmission medium, a storage system configured to store the carbon dioxide transmitted to demand destinations along with the hot water, and supply unit configured to supply the carbon dioxide transmitted to and stored in the demand destinations depending on a heat and carbon dioxide load condition of a demand destination.

Abstract: An assimilation lamp device (1) for stimulating plant and crop growth comprises a central lamp unit (10), comprising a body (14) and a plurality of LEDs (12) mounted to an under surface of the body (14), wherein the body (14) is made of a thermally well conducting material, for instance aluminum, and acts as a heat sink for the heat generated by the LEDs. The body (14) is provided with cooling fins or lamellae (41). The assimilation lamp device further comprises air stream generating means (42) such as a fan for generating a downward air stream (43) in heat exchanging contact with the cooling fins or lamellae, so that heat is removed from the respective cooling block and used to increase the temperature of said downward air stream (43).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing trees and bushes from the ground includes a frame configured for attachment to a vehicle. A first device is attached to the frame and configured to grasp a tree or a bush. A second device is attached to the frame and configured to cut, below ground, roots of the tree or bush grasped by the first device.

Abstract: A timber-working device has a frame, including a feed axis having first and second sides. A drive system independently feeds stems along the feed axis, and has a first rotary drive having a first wheel acting against a first stem on the first side, and a second rotary drive having a second wheel acting against a second stem on the second side. The device has at least two distance measurement devices, each side of the feed axis having an associated distance measurement device. Each generates measurement signals indicative of the length of stems fed along the feed axis, at least one of them indicative of rotation of one of the rotary drives. A processor receives the respective measurement signals, and for each of the first and second stems, determines the length of at least a portion of the stem fed by the drive system based at least in part on the respective measurement signals.

Abstract: A drip emitter is provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. Water enters the emitter from the supply tube, flows through a tortuous path flow channel, and flows through an emitter outlet. Water then enters an outlet bath formed between the emitter and supply tube and flows out through a supply tube outlet. The outlet bath is defined by a boundary wall extending from the emitter base, and a partition separates the outlet bath into two sub-baths. A copper member is mounted to the emitter within one of the sub-baths in the outlet bath to inhibit plant root intrusion into the emitter outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a solar driven irrigation apparatus for converting contaminated water contained in a contaminated water body into distilled water and using said distilled water for irrigating the vegetation grown on the said irrigation apparatus, the solar driven irrigation apparatus comprising a cover in the form of a geometrical projection comprising a wall, an opening, a semi-permeable mesh, a soil layer and a chamber. The present invention also related to a process for irrigating natural vegetation using the solar driven irrigation apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for an environmental services platform for providing optimized irrigation plans, water management and use analysis, automated irrigation. scheduling via network connected irrigation controllers, and other automated environmental services. According to some embodiments, a user may input site survey data regarding a selected irrigation site to a network-connected environmental services platform. The environmental services platform may correlate and analyze the input site survey data with large scale sets of relevant data (e.g. soil data, geographic data, plant data, weather data, solar radiation data, etc.) to provide services associated with the platform.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to systems and methods for aeroponic plant growth involving closed loops of growing units linked by plumbing sections. The system comprises N growing units, where N is an integer greater than 1; and N?1 supply plumbing sections that each connects one of the growing units to another, such that a linear array of N growing units linked by supply plumbing sections is formed. The system further comprises one drain plumbing section connecting the Nth growing unit to the first growing unit, so forming a closed loop of N growing units linked by N?1 supply plumbing sections and the drain plumbing section; and an electronic cyclic sequencer. Each of the growing units comprises an enclosure containing a submersible pump and a spray manifold, the electronic cyclic sequencer being operatively connected to each of the N submersible pumps.

Abstract: An epiphyte growing system includes a plant container, a pre-shaped substrate plug and an epiphyte plant. The plant container and the pre-shaped substrate plug together define one or more groove-shaped spaces between a circumferential wall of the plant container and an outer wall of the pre-shaped substrate plug. Those one or more spaces are void of substrate material, and spiral downward along the circumferential and outer wall for one or more air roots of the epiphyte plant to grow there along.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for producing elite lines of corn exhibiting improved resistance to TARSC. Also provided in the present invention are corn plants exhibiting TARSC resistance resulting from such methods, and methods for breeding corn such that the TARSC resistance traits may be transferred to a desired genetic background.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for generating haploid organisms are described.

Abstract: The instant disclosure provides Hydrangea plants and methodology for producing Hydrangea plants having any combination of the traits double flower, mophead inflorescence, and cold-period independent flowering. Illustrative Hydrangea plants include (1) cold-period independent flowering with mophead inflorescence; (2) cold-period independent flowering with double flowers; and (3) cold-period independent flowering with mophead inflorescence and with double flowers.

Abstract: A stevia cultivar, designated ‘817096’, is disclosed. The invention relates to the plant parts of stevia cultivar ‘817096’, to the plants of stevia ‘817096’ and to methods for producing a stevia plant produced by crossing the cultivar ‘817096’ with itself or another stevia variety, including methods using marker assisted breeding. The invention further relates to hybrid stevia seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar ‘817096’ with another stevia cultivar.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR9544TH and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR9544TH and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV3301HW and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV3301HW 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: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid PX-11459057 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid PX-11459057 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: Hybrid tomato varieties ‘H1292’ and ‘H1293’ are described. The ‘H1292’ and ‘H1293’ tomato varieties are ground-culture hybrid tomato varieties suitable for machine harvest, and are adaptable to the climactic conditions of regions such as California, USA, and Italy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pepper plant showing the trait fruit formation in the absence of fertilisation wherein said trait is obtainable by introgression from a plant grown from seed that was deposited with the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 41678, NCIMB 41680, or NCIMB 41684. The invention further relates to progeny of the plant, propagation material for producing the plant, to fruits of the plant and to a food product comprising the fruit or parts thereof.

Abstract: A glyphosate-tolerant annual soybean (Glycine max) variety, in one example known as soybean variety ‘210342’, seed used to produce the soybean, and methods of using the soybean plant and the seed are provided. Weed control in areas planted with the disclosed soybeans can be achieved by direct application of glyphosate herbicides.

Abstract: A low population, drought-tolerant annual soybean (Glycine max) variety, in one example known as soybean variety ‘210197’, seed used to produce the soybean, and methods of using the soybean plant and the seed are provided.

Abstract: A rice cultivar designated 133009 is disclosed. Seeds of rice cultivar 133009, plants of rice cultivar 133009 and methods for producing a rice plant by crossing line 133009 with itself or another rice cultivar are also disclosed. Hybrid rice seeds and plants are produced by crossing rice cultivar 133009 with another rice cultivar with a different genome.

Abstract: A new and distinct Lepidium ruderale plant named ‘DLEPEMBEAD’ characterized by upright growth habit. Foliage is distinctively pinnatisect, crispate and durable; colored near RHS Green 137B. Plant height commonly averages 90 cm, and foliage produced is an average length of 8 cm long.

Abstract: A stevia cultivar, designated ‘807086’, is disclosed. The invention relates to the plant parts of stevia cultivar ‘807086’, to the plants of stevia ‘807086’ and to methods for producing a stevia plant produced by crossing the cultivar ‘807086’ with itself or another stevia variety, including methods using marker assisted breeding. The invention further relates to hybrid stevia seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar ‘807086’ with another stevia cultivar.

Abstract: A stevia cultivar, designated ‘814011’, is disclosed. The invention relates to the plant parts of stevia cultivar ‘814011’, to the plants of stevia ‘814011’ and to methods for producing a stevia plant produced by crossing the cultivar ‘814011’ with itself or another stevia variety, including methods using marker assisted breeding. The invention further relates to hybrid stevia seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar ‘814011’ with another stevia cultivar.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: A versatile pet transporter can be wheeled, carried by hand, or restrained on a car seat. The handle for wheeling is telescopic, retractable, and recessed when not in use, obviating any danger from the handle in a car. Seat belts pass through six different flanges, anchoring the transporter to a car seat in all directions. The transporter may be fitted with a litter box and readily replaceable litter packages, a fan, sound monitoring, and other features.

Abstract: System and method directed to the art of pet kennels, more particularly collapsible pet kennels, are provided. A collapsible pet kennel having a first framework and a second framework both rotatably attached to a base framework, a first swing arm pivotably attached to the first framework and removably engageable with the second framework, a second swing arm pivotably attached to the second framework and removably engageable with the first framework, and a covering which encloses the pet kennel. The pet kennel is capable of being collapsed without removing the covering.