Abstract: Implement apparatus may be configured to displace ground material. For example, an implement may include an extension member coupled to a roller apparatus. The roller apparatus may include a cylindrical portion and a plurality of ground displacing elements. The ground displacing elements may be configured to extend into a ground surface to disperse ground material when the roller apparatus is engaged with the ground surface as the vehicle traverses the ground surface.

Abstract: A furrow closing system for an agricultural seed planter provides soil closing and soil pressing that are controlled by independent adjustable down force or pressure systems that react to a common frame element or backbone. The adjustable down force systems may be manually controlled, electronically controlled and/or part of a closed loop system. A down stop, which may also be adjustable, may be used to limit the maximum force of the adjustable down pressure systems.

Abstract: Data is collected from sensors related to the opener assembly for seeders, such as for discs and hoe drills, in order to better determine how the opener assembly reacts while operating in various conditions and to more precisely control operation of the opener assembly. Accordingly, a control system and a sensor array are utilized to provide automatic and continuous down pressure adjustments (according to a certain user specified range) at various speeds to substantially maintain a relatively constant seed depth. The sensor array could also be monitored and controlled by an operator to control settings (such as with respect to seed depth and/or opener down pressure) of the seeding implement from the cab to provide manual down pressure adjustments at various speeds. In various aspects, seeding speed and/or tractor speed may also be parameters controlled via the sensor feedback according to a certain user specified range of sensor variation.

Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement including, an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank, the inductor box including, an inductor segment comprising a particulate material supply chamber configured to guide the particulate material toward a fluidization chamber, and an air supply chamber configured to receive airflow from an airflow supply, wherein the inductor box is configured to direct the airflow from the air supply chamber to the particulate material supply chamber through a first airflow path and through a second airflow path remote from the first air path

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vibrator for seed delivery system that operates to vibrate seeds within the delivery system to enable the seeds to move through the system and into row meters that place the seeds into the desired location within a trench over which the discharge system is positioned. The vibrator is attached to an induction, box and includes a housing in which an impeller is rotatably mounted. The impeller is driven by incoming air flow used to direct the seeds through the induction box, and includes a number of different sized vanes thereon. The rotation of the vanes creates mechanical vibrations in the induction box and directs a pulsed air flow through the induction box to minimize the bridging of seeds with one another within the induction box.

Abstract: An agricultural air cart assembly is provided with individually controlled product distribution lines which allows for balanced pressure and even dispersal of air through different distribution lines of different lengths running to different sections or row units of a seeder or drill, Independently controllable, first and second product metering systems regulate the rates at which product flows from the storage compartment into the first and second distribution lines, respectively. Independently controllable, rotatable fans are operatively connected to corresponding first and second distribution lines and are configured to generate optimized air flows in the first and second distribution lines which entrain and carry the product downstream toward corresponding row units at balances pressures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for planting and treating seedlings of an agricultural plant. In particular, the apparatus is adapted for planting and treating sugar cane seedlings. The apparatus comprises means for moving the apparatus over a field with soil in which the seedlings are to be planted. Further, it comprises a tray for holding a plurality of seedlings and a furrow opener for automatically creating a furrow in the field when the apparatus is moved over the field. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a spraying device for applying a fertilizer, an insecticide, a fungicide, and/or a nutrient to the furrow. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a furrow compactor that is adapted to close the furrow with soil and to compact the soil surrounding the seedling in the closed furrow. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of this apparatus for planting a seedling of a graminaceous plant, in particular the seedling of a sugar cane plant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a twin-row planter configured to plant different seed types in different zones of an agricultural field. The planter may be a bulk-fill planter having multiple row segments with a pair of row units and a corresponding pair of seed meters at each row segment respectively receiving seeds of a first and a second type from centrally located compartments of a bulk fill tank(s) for planting in the different zones. A control system controls the planter to plant seeds of the first and/or second seed type based on which zone of the field the planter is planting at a given time. The control system primes the seed meters, making them ready for seed release, and maintains both seed meters at each row segment in a primed condition with the different seed types to allow for rapid switching between seed type deliveries when the planter reaches different zones of the field requiring different seed types.

Abstract: A method of mapping an area to be mowed with an autonomous mowing robot comprises receiving mapping data from a robot lawnmower, the mapping data specifying an area to be mowed and a plurality of locations of beacons positioned within the area to be mowed, and receiving at least first and second geographic coordinates for first and second reference points that are within the area and are specified in the mapping data. The mapping data is aligned to a coordinate system of a map image of the area using the first and second geographic coordinates. The map image is displayed based on aligning the mapping data to the coordinate system.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for effecting a load-bearing interconnection between a header and a feederhouse of a self-propelled harvester is provided. The mechanism has a hook element secured to one of the header and feederhouse, the hook element having a limb defining an edge of a jaw opening with a inwardly tapering edge for longitudinally aligning and receiving a transverse pin secured to the other of the header and feederhouse. The limb has a non-vertical face configured to engage the other of the header and feederhouse and align such in the transverse direction as the feederhouse is lifted to engage the pin and jaw opening.

Abstract: Automated rotary brush harvesters that reduce or prevent damage to fruit or other crops (“produce”) when they are removed from trees or bushes, and methods of using such harvesters are disclosed. The harvesters may include a brush having flexible radiating members (e.g., filaments or bristles) for removing crops from trees or bushes and a conveyor paired therewith for receiving the produce from the brush. The brush and conveyor may be angled to aid in collecting the produce and preventing damage to the produce. The conveyor may be configured to deliver the produce to one or more bins, which may be mounted on a bin elevator system.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket (54) which serves as a hub for a larger second sprocket. An annular extension member (70) is secured to the outer periphery of first sprocket (54) to prevent relative axial movement. The annular extension (70) comprises teeth (77,81) on both an inner edge (76) and an outer edge (80). The inner set of teeth (77) may be rounded so as to mate and lock with the profile of teeth of the first sprocket (54). The outer set of teeth (81) provide the larger second sprocket and engage with a chain (56).

Abstract: A header for a combine harvester has a primary implement and a secondary implement with a roller unit. The roller unit has a frame element, an outer roller set with a rotatably supported roller and a central roller set with a rotatably supported roller. The central roller set is guided on the frame element to be lowerable relatively to the external roller set.

Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a compound angle joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. When in a transport position, the upper auger assembly portion is offset from the lower auger assembly portion by a transport offset angle such that the upper auger assembly portions folded across the front of the grain cart in a non-obstructive and non-protruding manner.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to weighing a bale formed by a round baler. One or more load cells, but not including load cells at each support of the baler, are used to obtain a measurement of the baler containing the bale and a measurement of the baler empty. Factors related to the slope of the surface on which the baler is located, the size of the bale, and the shape of the bale are used to adjust the measured weight of the bale.

Abstract: A method and system for operating an agricultural baler, that includes measuring at least one physical input parameter associated with a compression profile of crop material in a bale chamber of the baler; analyzing the compression profile of the crop material, dependent upon the measured at least one physical input parameter; and adjusting at least one physical output parameter of the baler which affects the compression profile of the crop material in the bale chamber.

Abstract: A bale density adjustment system for adjusting the density pressure on bale during formation comprising: a bale chamber, at least a first density adjuster, at least a first weight sensor, at least a first diameter sensor, at least a first operator interface, and a controller, in operable communication with and configured to process digital and/or analog information from the at least first weight sensor, the at least first diameter sensor, the at least first density adjuster, and the at least first operator interface.

Abstract: An agricultural baler has a plunger for compressing harvested material to a bale in a chamber, a crank mechanism connected to the plunger for the purpose of driving the plunger, wherein the crank mechanism comprises at least one first crank and at least one second crank, a drive mechanism for driving the first crank and the second crank, wherein the drive mechanism is configured such that, when the first and second crank are driven, the first crank and the second crank rotate in opposite directions.

Abstract: A canopy treatment system to treat plants is disclosed. In one implementation according to examples of the present disclosure, a method comprises moving a canopy treatment system proximate to a plant to be treated, the canopy treatment system including a hot fluid generating system and a canopy, the canopy defining a treatment region and in fluid communication with the hot fluid generating system. The method further comprises lowering the canopy relative to the hot fluid generating system to position the canopy around the plant with the plant within the treatment region of the canopy; and heating the plant within the canopy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retaining an informational tag to a container are provided. In some embodiments of the disclosure, a container is provided with a retaining member on a rim thereof. The retaining member can have in inlet opening, with an inlet channel having inwardly tapering walls that terminate at an outlet aperture. The outlet aperture can have a zigzagging configuration for compressing the tag.

Abstract: The invention relates to containers for cultivating plants, especially herbs. The containers distinguish themselves, in particular, by the fact that plants can be supplied with water over a longer period of time without the culture substrate becoming waterlogged. In addition, the container is comprised of at least one pot in the form of a first part and a second part made of ceramic with at least one step. The second part has, one after the other, an unglazed base, a first pipe section that is not glazed, at least on the inside, a glazed disk with a hole and a glazed second pipe section; the cross section of the first pipe section is smaller than the cross section of the second pipe section.

Abstract: System for growing plants especially strawberry and like plants that require cross-pollination to produce fruit and includes: providing a vertical stack of spaced, symmetrical growing stations each having a plant tray; placing plants to be grown on the plant trays; rotating the stack about its vertical axis while causing the plants to be contacted by a pollinator which cross-pollinates the plants; exposing the plants to growth promoting light sources during periods of plant growth; watering the plants at selected intervals; and cropping the plants when mature, for example, by picking mature strawberries.

Abstract: Methods of installing and using a horticulture lighting controller having a substantially rectangular shaped housing with an in-operation removable front cover panel, the methods preferably comprising mounting the fully assembled lighting controller to a mounting surface without first having to remove any component of the controller, remove a front or outer cover of the controller, perform any wiring connections on a backside or backplane of the controller chassis, or pre-wire any connections whatsoever, and then removing the front cover panel to connect the controller to a power supply circuit.

Abstract: Cultivation system (1) comprised of an endless cultivation track (2), that includes a number of support members (5) on which that is to be grown is moved along the cultivation track's length under illumination from a plurality of lighting units (7). A specific feature present cultivation system is that at least one of the lighting units (7) is arranged to be movable to and from a position (9), where it is intended to provide light, to and from a position at at least one support member (5) in which the lighting unit may be connected at the support member (5) and that movement of the lighting unit (7) may occur with the support member (5) to and from an arbitrary position along the cultivation track's length.

Abstract: A method for encouraging maturation and growth of a plant includes a provision of at least one stroboscopic lamp disposed adjacent the plant. The stroboscopic lamp is cycled through at least one on-period and at least one off-period for a predetermined cycling time. The plant is exposed to strobed high-intensity light during the at least one on-period, and not exposed to strobed high-intensity light during the at least one off-period. A maturation rate and the growth of the plant are thereby encouraged. A related system includes the at least one stroboscopic lamp and a controller for controlling the stroboscopic lamp according to the method, for encouraging maturation and growth of the plant.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system and method for a plant factory based on TV white spaces (TVWSs) are disclosed. The monitoring and control system for the plant factory includes a sensor assembly installed inside and outside a plant factory and measuring an environmental state, an actuator assembly installed inside the plant factory and creating a growing environment, and a central data processing assembly assigning a TV white space (TVWS) channel to the sensor assembly and the actuator assembly, receiving the environmental state from the sensor assembly through the TVWS channel, generating a control signal controlling the actuator assembly to meet a predetermined conditions for an internal environment of the plant factory for an optimal state of growth of crops in response to the environmental state, and transmitting the control signal to the actuator assembly through the TVWS channel.

Abstract: A system for use in inducing rainfall is provided. The system includes an aircraft configured to travel through an ambient environment at a first temperature, and a precipitation system coupled to the aircraft. The precipitation system is configured to form a particle from a substance in the ambient environment, and is configured to discharge the particle at a second temperature lower than the first temperature such that moisture in the air condenses on the particle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved trellis system for use with low-lying row crops such as berries, tomatoes, peppers, peas, tomatoes, garlic and the like. The trellis systems of the present invention include a pair of end frames provided at opposite ends of a crop row, and one or more intermediate support frames provided along the row, all of the frames being constructed for easy insertion into and removal from the ground. Retaining lines are removably stretched between the end frames, and engaged with receivers on the intermediate frames without having to thread the lines through the receivers. One of each pair of end frames includes a plurality of tightening devices for applying tension to the retaining lines. The trellis systems of the present invention may be easily installed, removed, stored and reused.

Abstract: Tree anchoring apparatus has a plurality of interlocking anchor units with each anchor unit having connection means that allow the anchor unit to be secured to at least one adjacent anchor unit, an anchoring point provided for each anchor unit, and a cable or strap securable to at least one of the anchoring points. The plurality of interlocking anchor units are transportable disengaged from one another and can be interlocked with each other in situ to jointly provide a surface for supporting an overburden of soil. The cable or strap can be used to secure the interlocked anchor units to a root ball of a tree located there above.

Abstract: A tree sap collecting device having at least one hollow main conduit extending between a first end adapted to be inserted into a tree and a second end. The main conduit has an external surface and at least one protuberance extending outwardly from the external surface. The at least one protuberance occupies a circumferential extent on the external surface that is less than a circumference of the external surface. The at least one protuberance engages a collection tube upon said collection tube being mounted to the external surface.

Abstract: A segmented variable drip irrigation system, comprised of a first horizontally disposed conduit and a second horizontally disposed conduit encompassing the first horizontally disposed conduit. The first horizontally disposed conduit passes through a forward end section, a middle section and exits through a rear end section of the second horizontally disposed conduit. The second horizontally disposed conduit contains a drain mounted to its end, at least one flow control valve and a plurality of drip emitters connected to the second horizontally disposed conduit.

Abstract: A coupler for connection and assembly of an irrigation system is revealed. The coupler includes a base, a connecting portion and a retaining member. The base is for mounting the connecting portion and the retaining member. The connecting portion is arranged with a first channel and a second channel. The second channel is used to receive an insert that is connected to sprayers or hoses. The coupler features on that the second channel above the retaining member is arranged with a seal ring. While the insert is pressed downward axially, the insert is first against the seal ring so as to prevent water flow from being sprayed out of a gap of the second channel between an inner diameter of the connecting portion and an outer diameter of the insert.

Abstract: An irrigation device for promoting deep root growth of a plant. The irrigation device may comprise: a tube and a hose. The device may comprise one or more copper elements or a copper coating. The irrigation device may also be adapted to emit an odor and/or comprise one or more measurement marks.

Abstract: An automated irrigation purge system utilizes a pressure purge method of discharging compressed air from a reservoir through selected irrigation zones with feedback from pressure switches to determine when to open and close each zone valve. No programming or user interaction is required beyond starting the system. The system can operate with a wide variety of irrigation systems, with varying number of zones, pipe lengths, pipe diameters, number and variety of sprinkler heads or outlets, and terrain slope. The system tracks the pressure transition time from high pressure to low pressure for each zone as it is blown out. When the current transition time is within a specified range from the previous transition time, the system knows the water has been sufficiently purged from that zone. The purge system can protect the irrigation system from high-pressure conditions, handle multiple error conditions, and maintain water valve settings during power loss.

Abstract: A plant cultivation device includes a plurality of boxes, a connection unit, and an end section unit. Each box is provided in an inner space thereof with a cultivation chamber and a light source housing chamber. The plurality of boxes are arranged in a line. The connection unit mutually connects two adjacent boxes. The end section unit is mounted to an end section of a box which is arranged in an end of the line. The end section of the box is unconnected to the connection unit. Each box includes a ventilation opening for ventilating the cultivation chamber, and a ventilation port for air cooling the light source housing chamber. Each of the connection unit and the end section unit includes a first ventilation passage through which air flows into the ventilation opening, and a second ventilation passage through which air flows into the ventilation port.

Abstract: To provide a high-shelf hydroponic cultivation system equipped with a solar panel whereby an area under the solar panel can be effectively utilized and plants can be stably grown. In the high-shelf hydroponic cultivation system equipped with a solar panel according to the present invention, a cultivation tank is placed under the solar panel and plants P1 and P2 are hydroponically cultivated. Thus, an area under the solar panel 10 can be effectively utilized. Moreover, since the plants P1 and P2 are hydroponically cultivated in the high-shelf hydroponic cultivation system equipped with the solar panel, the plants P1 and P2 with high quality can be efficiently and stably cultivated. Furthermore, since the cultivation tank is placed at a specific height from the ground surface, a burden on an operator can be reduced, and the productivity of the plants P1 and P2 can be increased.

Abstract: The discovery is in the field of plant breeding and improvement, related specifically to a hybrid field corn seed production method that utilizes floret development variant donors as female inbreds or modified inbreds. The methods increase yield in a production field and speeds and aids production. Also provided are field corn ears with the floret development phenotype and seed from the ears.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a root-knot nematode resistance marker for tomato plants; a novel root-knot nematode resistant tomato plant; a method for producing a root-knot nematode resistant tomato plant; and a screening method for a root-knot nematode resistant tomato plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) Cichorium plants and especially to cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) green chicory plants; cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) radicchio rosso plants; cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) red leaved chicory plants, cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) Treviso plants, cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) white chicory plants, cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) sugar loaf plants, cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) Belgian endive plants, cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) witloof plants, cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) Catalogna plants, cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) C. intybus var. foliosum plants, cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) C. endivia plants and cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) C. intybus L. var. sativum plants. The present invention further relates to methods for identifying cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) Cichorium plants and mitochondrial nucleic acid sequences providing cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in Cichorium plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the watermelon line designated SV2524WY. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of watermelon line SV2524WY, and to methods for producing a watermelon plant produced by crossing a plant of watermelon line SV2524WY with itself or with another watermelon 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 watermelon line SV2524WY, including the fruits and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 03529 TOF.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated SV1137GF. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line SV1137GF, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SV1137GF 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 SV1137GF, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid SHY6RH1365 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid SHY6RH1365 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn 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 parts of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-193 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae Regel) races B1:1 to B1:31 and CA-I to CA-VIII, currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, and root aphids (Pemphigus bursarius), and which has a medium head size, medium sized outer leaves, and moderately incised leaves. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-193 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-193 RZ.

Abstract: A liner for a litter box comprising a disposable liner positioned within the litter box, where the disposable liner is folded to accommodate an exact size of the litter box, and where the disposable liner includes a top surface; a bottom surface; a set of folded sides surrounding a center portion; and a set of corners, where each corner includes a cut and a fold, where the cut allows the folded side to stand erect while the fold tucks the corner behind the proximal folded edge. The liner further includes a fastener to secure the liner within the litter box.

Abstract: A self-propelled stall cleaning apparatus has a frame assembly, a pair of drive wheels, a motor attached to the assembly for driving the drive wheels and a motor driven collector head. The collector head has a pivoting fork with tines for collecting manure and debris. The fork picks up the manure and debris and tosses it onto a sifting conveyor. The sifting conveyor separates the manure from the bedding and delivers the manure to a lift conveyor which drops the manure into a collection bin. The collection bin is moveable from a stowed position to a dumping position and then back to a stowed position.

Abstract: Litter compositions are provided comprising sodium bentonite and various fillers. These litter compositions have substantially the same clumpability properties as a composition consisting of only the sodium bentonite.

Abstract: A litter and litter making method producing cat litter from a carbohydrate starch-containing cereal grain, e.g., corn, based admixture extruded from a single screw or twin screw extruder forming pellets having a clumping agent formed during extrusion composed at least in part of carbohydrate polymer binder. Each pellet is extruded under conditions that cause formation of carbohydrate polymer binder clumping agent at least some of which is water soluble. One preferred method of extruding cat litter causes starch dextrinization to occur such that at least some of the carbohydrate polymer binder clumping agent in each pellet is formed of dextrin. Each pellet can be coated such as with a smectite that preferably is bentonite. During use, pellet extrusion formed clumping agent in a pellet wetted with urine dissolves and flows in between and along adjacent pellets causing them to clump together without the presence of any clumping agent additive.

Abstract: A litter and litter making method producing cat litter from a carbohydrate starch-containing cereal grain, e.g., corn, based admixture extruded from a single screw or twin screw extruder forming pellets having a clumping agent formed during extrusion composed at least in part of carbohydrate polymer binder. Each pellet is extruded under conditions that cause formation of carbohydrate polymer binder clumping agent at least some of which is water soluble. One preferred method of extruding cat litter causes starch dextrinization to occur such that at least some of the carbohydrate polymer binder clumping agent in each pellet is formed of dextrin. Each pellet can be coated such as with a smectite that preferably is bentonite. During use, pellet extrusion formed clumping agent in a pellet wetted with urine dissolves and flows in between and along adjacent pellets causing them to clump together without the presence of any clumping agent additive.

Abstract: A recirculating pet fountain includes a pet food holder receiving pet food providing material that can be a growable pet food that provides food edible by a pet using the fountain. The holder receives water from the fountain at least wetting and preferably watering growable pet food causing germination or growth that produces pet edible food. During fountain operation, some water recirculated by the pump is diverted to the food holder. The holder can be a pocket formed in the fountain cover or basin in water flow communication with filtered water discharged from the pump. The holder can include a drain so excess water can be returned and can have a cap substantially covering the holder, including when not in use. Growable pet food in the holder, such as seeds, buds, roots, shoots, sprouts, plants, and the like can germinate and grow when nourished with water provided to the holder.