Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus can include an aeration rotor comprising at least one set of aeration tines configured for movement in a planetary motion about an axis. The apparatus can further include the aeration rotor being configured to remove soil plugs from a ground surface and break the soil plugs into soil particles when the aeration rotor is rotated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes metering agricultural product to a first header of an agricultural implement via a first meter module of a metering subassembly, receiving, at a processor, a first signal indicative of a first amount of agricultural material at the first header, and determining, via the processor, a first time relative to activation of the first meter module when the first amount reaches a target amount of agricultural product based at least in part on the first signal.

Abstract: A furrow tool configured to attach to a planting device includes a compressor including a body portion. A deflector is connected to the compressor. The deflector is made of a first material and configured to deflect seeds into the furrow after being released from a seed tube. The compressor is directly attached to the deflector and made of a second material having a separate structure from the deflector. The compressor is configured to compress the seeds into the furrow. An attachment mechanism is operatively connected to the deflector and configured to attach to the planting device.

Abstract: In order to obtain favorable cutting quality throughout a long-term, a rotating body has a brace that rotates integrally with a drive shaft of a mower, and a main body made of synthetic resin that is joined to the brace. The main body includes an upper body that is joined to the brace, a flange portion having a diameter larger than that of the upper body, a lower body having a diameter smaller than that of the flange portion, and an engaging structure with which the linear cutter is engaged. The upper body has, on the outer circumferential surface thereof, a plurality of outlets, from each of which one end of the linear cutter is pulled out. With the upper body integrally joined to the lower body with the flange portion therebetween, the linear cutter that is pulled out of each of the outlets is positioned above the flange portion.

Abstract: A lawn mower may include a blade housing configured to house at least one blade, an engine supported at least in part by the blade housing to selectively rotate the at least one blade, a handle assembly comprising at least one handle member for guiding operation of the lawn mower by an operator walking substantially behind the lawn mower, and a handle height adjustment assembly. The handle height adjustment assembly enables the handle member to be fixed in at least a first operating position or a second operating position each of which defines different handle heights for the handle member responsive to the handle height adjustment assembly being in a locked state, and enables the handle member to be rotated between the first operating position, the second operating position, and a folded position responsive to the handle height adjustment assembly being in an unlocked state.

Abstract: The stalk cutter device and method of use thereof obtains a desired length of plant stalk, particularly a cornstalk, from a desired distance from the ground. The stalk cutter device includes a pair of handles pivotally connected to a pair of pruning type of cutters. A support rod is mounted through the pivot connections of the cutters and extends laterally a desired distance from the lower cutter to support the device at the desired height to cut the desired portion of the stalk.

Abstract: An improved system and method for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester machine that generally includes a distance sensor, a vegetation pushing device that functions to displace vegetation, such as low-hanging tree branches, grass or other upward-growing vegetation which may obscure the sensor's detection of the tree trunk, and a controller in communication with the distance sensor, which system may be incorporated into existing tree harvesters such as those with mechanized tree shakers, and may also be incorporated into a catching frame vehicle or a nut sweeping vehicle.

Abstract: A system for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester, which includes a body, including a distance sensor mounted on the body, a boom movably connected to the body, a tree shaker head having two opposed jaws and rotatably connected to the boom and a programmable controller in communication with the distance sensor, the controller programmed to manipulate the angle at which the distance sensor measures distance as determined by a measured height at which the shaker head jaws will clamp a proximate tree.

Abstract: A clutch for a mower has an electric motor, a drive mechanism connected with the motor and an output mechanism connected with the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has a cam driven by the motor and a cam follower reciprocating along with the cam. Reciprocation of the cam follower switches the output mechanism between a transmission state and a non-transmission state.

Abstract: A baler includes a frame, a pickup mechanism, and a pre-compression chamber coupled to the frame rearward of the pickup mechanism. A material flow is defined at least between the pickup mechanism and pre-compression chamber. The baler includes a feeder system coupled to the frame along the material flow path and between the pickup mechanism and the pre-compression chamber. The feeder system includes a feeding mechanism for transferring crop received from the pickup mechanism to the pre-compression chamber. The feeding system includes a floor assembly and knife system. The floor assembly is pivotably coupled to the frame about a pivot to move between a raised position and a lowered position. The pivot is located rearward of the pickup mechanism and feeding mechanism such that the floor assembly and knife system pivot from the raised position to the lowered position in a direction downwardly and towards a rear of the baler.

Abstract: A harvester assembly is described that comprises a feeder assembly, a bottom floor assembly, and a crop collection channel positioned therebetween. The front and the rear portion of the bottom floor assembly are capable of independent, 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: An extractor apparatus for moving grain from a grain bag has a frame mounted for movement along the ground in a rearward direction, and an upright oriented main auger attached to a rear end of the frame. A knife extends rearward from the main auger to cut the grain bag. A feed auger extends horizontally right and left of the intake end of the main auger, and is configured to auger grain to the intake end of the main auger. A disintegrator shaft is mounted rearward of the feed auger and parallel to the feed auger, and a plurality of disintegrator blades are spaced along a length of the disintegrator shaft and extend outward from the disintegrator shaft. A drive system is operative to rotate the main auger, feed auger, and disintegrator shaft. The length of the disintegrator shaft can be adjusted to suit the width of a particular bag.

Abstract: A cutting assembly is described that comprises two oppositely facing sidewalls and two loading systems, each loading system comprising a transverse member that extends between and through the sidewalls, and two trays of knives. Rotation of a transverse member causes the associated tray of knives to move between a loaded and an unloaded position, wherein the loaded position the knives protrude into a crop collection channel of a harvester for the cutting of crop material.

Abstract: The invention discloses a pair of high-torsion electric pruning shears, which include an enclosure (1), wherein a direct current brushless motor 9 is fixedly mounted in the enclosure (1); a socket (8) is connected to a rear end of the direct current brushless motor (9); a front end of the direct current brushless motor (9) is connected with a ball screw (7) through a gearbox (10); a trigger (2) is fixedly mounted on a lower surface of the enclosure (1); a sensing unit is also arranged in the enclosure (1) over the trigger (2); and a shear part driven by the ball screw (7) is mounted at the front end of the enclosure (1). The high-torsion electric pruning shears have the beneficial effects of simple structure and high practicability.

Abstract: Horticultural lighting may be provided by radio-controlled luminaires with integrated sensors. A distance from a bottom of the luminaire to a plant canopy is determined via the ultrasonic sensor at a predetermined interval. Upon determining that the distance from the bottom of the luminaire to the plant canopy is not at a predetermined distance, the distance is adjusted to the predetermined distance. The light spectrum over time on the plant is adjusted by varying a wavelength of the luminaire over a predetermined time period based on wireless instructions received from a master controller.

Abstract: Provided is an edible plant, alive and growing in a container comprising a porous, solid medium or a solid mixture of porous media, transported from its growing area to a food vendor. Also provided is a food vendor selling the above edible plant. Additionally provided is a method of providing an edible plant to a food vendor. Also, a rigid container suitable for plant growth is provided, further comprising a porous solid medium or a solid mixture of porous media inserted therein, wherein the medium is capable of supporting plant growth.

Abstract: In plant cultivation, it is common in many cases to grow certain crops under film covers, in greenhouses (100), or under other roofings (200). Depending on the climate zone and crop, this can be used for example to supply heat by retaining the sunlight or by means of additional heating. The invention relates to a plant cultivation roofing (10) made of film material or plate material having temperature-dependent radiation transparency, wherein a plastic layer in or on a plate or at least one film layer having temperature-dependent radiation transparency provides a gradual or a two-step or multi-step transparency reduction for rising temperatures in a temperature range from 20° C.

Abstract: An air water agricultural system includes: an agricultural green house defining an air inlet, an air outlet and a water supply inlet therein; a gaseous water recovery apparatus defining a vapour inlet communicated with the air outlet of the agricultural green house, a vapour outlet, and a liquid water outlet communicated with the water supply inlet of the agricultural green house; and a power source communicated with the gaseous water recovery apparatus.

Abstract: A modular anti-soil-compaction apparatus, comprising a matrix of substantially flat, modular panels (100), each panel (100) comprising two opposing faces surrounded by edges, at least one aperture (104,105) passing through the faces, and modular panel connection means located on at least one pair of edges; each panel (100) being engageable with at least one adjacent panel (100) by respective connection means.

Abstract: Fabrics suitable for a wide variety of uses, including coverage of crops, crop planting sites, or both, are disclosed. The fabrics may comprise at least one spunbond layer comprising filaments including a filler. The at least one spunbond layer may comprise a basis weight of least about 12 grams-per-meter-squared and the at least one spunbond layer may comprise an average transmittance value within the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) across wavelengths 400 nm to 700 nm comprising about 37% or less. Methods of enhancing crop growth are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector. In the method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector, four corners are connected to a lower end of support lines coupled to be disposed vertically downward from a plurality of airships, and sunlight is reflected by a reflector unfolded into a tetragonal shape in the air, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflector plate is maintained at an angle to remain perpendicular to an incident angle of sunlight to shield, or redirect, the land surface from incident sunlight.

Abstract: Provided are a method of regenerating a rubber tree that can stably regenerate the rubber tree from a tissue including a node, axillary bud or apical bud derived from a mature rubber tree, a young rubber tree, or a plantlet of a rubber tree; and a method of propagating a rubber tree that can stably acquire large numbers of clone seedlings of the rubber tree. Included is a method of regenerating a rubber tree including an induction step of culturing a tissue including a node, axillary bud or apical bud of a rubber tree in an induction medium containing a plant growth hormone and a carbon source to form a shoot.

Abstract: An irrigation drip emitter, and methods relating to same, are provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. The emitter defining an inlet, outlet and flow passage extending between the inlet and outlet. In one form, the emitter includes a root growth inhibiting member disposed in the outlet of the emitter. In another form, the emitter includes stepped flippers for controlling fluid flow through the emitter. In yet another form, the emitter includes disconnected or freestanding outlet walls disposed in the outlet for preventing the outlet from collapsing under increased fluid line pressure without creating dead ends where grit can build-up. In other forms, the emitter defines one or more recess within which inserts may be disposed so the emitter and insert collectively define a fluid flow passage. Related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A drip irrigation emitter includes first and second members and a deformable membrane. The membrane is located between the members, and pins that are located on the first member are received within holes formed in the second member. End portions of the pins that project out of the holes are deformed and by that press the first and second members together and compress the membrane.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing water usage in irrigation. The disclosure also extends to apparatuses, methods, systems, and computer program implemented products for regulating the use of water over a computer network by generating irrigation protocols and sending those protocols wirelessly over the computer network. An irrigation controller includes a first radio, a control unit, and a second radio. The first radio is configured to wirelessly communicate with a wireless node to receive irrigation data for a location or an account corresponding to the irrigation controller. The control unit is configured to issue instructions to control flow of water through an irrigation system based on the irrigation data received via the first radio. The second radio is configured to communicate wirelessly with one or more remote irrigation adapters or sensors, wherein the second radio is configured for long range communication.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing water usage in irrigation. The disclosure also extends to apparatuses, methods, systems, and computer program implemented products for sensing the flow of water in an irrigation system. The disclosure presents embodiments of improved control units for optimizing water use and additional environmental conditions by optimizing water usage through flow detection. A wireless flow sensor device includes a battery, an ultrasonic flow sensor, a radio, and a sensor controller. The battery is configured to store and provide electrical energy to power the wireless flow sensor device. The ultrasonic flow sensor is configured to perform flow measurements to determine a rate of water flow in an irrigation system. The radio is configured to transmit flow measurement reports to a base station. The sensor controller is configured to control timing of flow measurements and flow measurement reports.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently controlling irrigation and leaching of crops (52) using a pulse detector (60) and digital controller (74) of a water source is disclosed. Irrigation was controlled by using a detector (60) for the water exiting a crop (52) designed to generate a pulse when a predetermined volume of water passes through the crop (52). The grower determines the number of pulses that optimizes the grower's object of minimizing wasted irrigation water or optimizing leaching of the crop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sprinkler control system (10) for controlling at least one sprinkler (12). A programme system (14) which determines a sprinkler area (16) of the sprinkler (12) using an area chart (18) is provided.

Abstract: A plant watering apparatus for automatically watering plants. The plant watering apparatus includes a receptacle configured to support fluid therein. At least one tube is removably positioned within the receptacle for distributing fluid from the receptacle to a plant. The tube includes filler material therein configured to absorb the fluid from the receptacle so as to draw the fluid into the tube, wherein the absorption along with gravity cause the fluid to flow through the tube towards the plant. The tube includes a nozzle on an open end thereof that disperses the fluid flowing through the tube to a desired plant. The receptacle can be placed at a higher elevation than the plant so as to provide for gravitational flow of fluid through the tube and toward the plant.

Abstract: A hydroponic cultivation apparatus grows a plant by circulating a nutrient solution. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus includes: a hydroponic container configured to hold the nutrient solution; a support portion configured to support the plant; a nutrient solution supply unit configured to supply the nutrient solution to the hydroponic container; a nutrient solution discharging unit configured to discharge the nutrient solution from the hydroponic container; and a budding enhancer supply unit configured to supply a budding enhancer to the plant. Thereby, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus makes the plant produce a bud.

Abstract: The invention relates to growing medium structures comprising Sphagnum moss, to a foam-laid method for their manufacture and to the use thereof in horticulture, landscaping and forestry applications.

Abstract: A seaweed farming system (100) for farming of seaweed in a water body is described herein. In an embodiment, the seaweed farming system (100) includes a seaweed farm operating assembly (102) which further includes a harvesting unit (106) to separate vegetative portion of seaweed from mature seaweed. The mature seaweed can grow on a plantation substrate (110). The seaweed farm operating assembly (102) also includes a seeding unit (108) to receive the vegetative portion of the seaweed from the harvesting unit (106) and to sow the vegetative portion of the seaweed in a fresh plantation substrate.

Abstract: Method for producing hybrid Brassica seed comprising a ratio of four female rows to one male row. The rows are 14-30 inches in width. After pollination, the male rows are destroyed. This method increases the pollination rate of the female rows compared to current methods and reduces or eliminates the entanglement of female and male plants in the field.

Abstract: The cotton variety ST 4949GLT is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety ST 4949GLT with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of ST 4949GLT and to plants of ST 4949GLT reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from ST 4949GLT.

Abstract: The cotton variety ST 4848GLT is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety ST 4848GLT with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of ST 4848GLT and to plants of ST 4848GLT reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from ST 4848GLT.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-626 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-626 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-626 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-629 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-629 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-629 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-630 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-630 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-630 RZ.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid FORONTI and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid FORONTI 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 the bean line designated SV6533GR. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line SV6533GR, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SV6533GR 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 SV6533GR, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated SV6894GB. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line SV6894GB, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SV6894GB 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 SV6894GB, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated SV6139GR. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line SV6139GR, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SV6139GR 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 SV6139GR, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Spinacia oleracea seed designated 51-341 RZ and 51-342 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including very late bolting, slow growing, a semi-erect plant habit, a small leaf blade size and resistance to downy mildew (P. farinosa f. sp. spinaciae) races Pfs1 to 15. The present invention also relates to a Spinacia oleracea plant produced by growing the 51-341 RZ or 51-342 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the spinach cultivar, represented by spinach variety 51-341 RZ and 51-342 RZ.

Abstract: Turfgrass varieties with desirable looking turf when mowed infreqently are provided. Also provided is a method of producing a turfgrass plant having desirable looking turf when mowed infrequently. The turfgrass plants of the present invention display green leaf chlorophyll concentrations above 1.8 mg/g and a field insitu CM-1000 chlorophyll meter reading of 341.7 or higher, as well as high general turfgrass quality ratings. The turfgrass plants of the present invention retain a dark green color even when scalped back by infrequent mowing.

Abstract: A robotic attacher retrieves a preparation cup from the left side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches and detaches the preparation cup to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching and detaching the preparation cup to the right front teat, the left front teat, the left rear teat, and the right rear teat.

Abstract: A robotic attacher retrieves cups from the left side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the left front teat, a second cup to the right front teat, a third cup to the left rear teat, and a fourth cup to the right rear teat.

Abstract: A robotic attacher retrieves a preparation cup from the right side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches and detaches the preparation cup to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching and detaching the preparation cup to the left front teat, the right front teat, the right rear teat, and the left rear teat.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system comprises a milk collecting system, a teat cup holder, and a cleansing hose system. The milk collecting system comprises a teat cup, a milk collector, and a milking hose system connecting the teat cup to the milk collector. The teat cup holder stores the teat cup of the milk collecting system such that a nozzle of the teat cup holder substantially aligns with an opening of the teat cup. The cleansing hose system connects the nozzle of the teat cup holder to one or more cleanser sources and operable to backwash at least a portion of the milk collecting system by injecting a cleanser from one or more of the cleanser sources through the nozzle and into the teat cup.

Abstract: A litter box assembly for holding cat litter may include a first litter box and a second litter box being stackable with the first litter box. The first litter box may include a first bottom having an downward extending first disk with an aperture, and the second litter box may include a second bottom having a downward extending second disk with an aperture. The first disk may not align with the second disk while the first litter box is stacked with the second litter box.

Abstract: An anti-odor material for animal litters derived from the use of an odor-retardant agent including phosphorotriamides in powder form, and related process of manufacture. The anti-odor material may include a particulate support; and a crystallized layer of the odor-retardant agent coating a surface of the particulate support. The process for producing the anti-odor material may include heating the odor-retardant agent in a powder form to at least an odor-retardant agent melting point Tm to melt the powder form and produce a melted odor-retardant agent; mixing the melted odor-retardant agent with the particulate support for association thereof to produce the anti-odor material; and cooling the anti-odor material to a temperature below the odor-retardant agent melting point Tm to transform the melted odor-retardant agent into a crystallized odor-retardant agent. The anti-odor material may be mixed with an absorptive substrate to produce the animal litter.