Abstract: A chop mechanism for a sod harvester can include a motor for rotating a cam to lift a chop frame. The cam can include a ready position in which it remains until a chopping action is started. The cam can be rotated from the ready position to a drop position in which the cam no longer supports a follower mounted to the chop frame. After the cam reaches the drop position, the rotation of the cam can be stopped to position the cam in a safe position to prevent the follower from striking the cam as the chop frame descends. Then, rotation of the cam can be resumed to return the cam to the ready position to await the next chopping action. The rotation of the cam from the ready position to the safe position and from the safe position to the ready position can be performed at different rates.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the depth of cut of a sod or other vegetation cutting or surface planer device achieved through the use of two pairs of vertically aligned slidably engaged plates on parallel planes, one pair of plates attached to the depth limiting device of the sod cutter and the other pair attached to the rigid frame of the sod cutter, in each pair of plates, the plate that is oriented closest to the other assembly is arranged to be in between the other pair of plates, each plate in a pair containing the same number of a plurality of banks of matching orifices in a specific pattern that coincide with the specific matched pattern of orifices in the other pair of plates and fixed in relative vertical position to each other by linchpins inserted through aligned orifices in each of the pairs of plates.

Abstract: An Agricultural vehicle has a frame supported by a front pair of wheels and a back pair of wheels, wherein the back pair of wheels are steerable and wherein each wheel of the back pair of wheels is connected to the frame via a respective intermediate support element that is pivotable with respect to the frame in such a manner that the back pair of wheels are movable between a first position wherein the back pair of wheels defines a first track width and are positioned at a first distance from the front pair of wheels, and a second position wherein the back pair of wheels defines a second track width and are positioned at a second distance from the front pair of wheels, wherein the first track width is larger than the second track width and wherein the first distance is smaller than the second distance.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar, for controlling operative height of a toolbar and sections of a toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position. A ground engaging wheel and an actuator are coupled to the toolbar. In one embodiment, a fluid control system is responsive to a command signal to modify the actuator pressure such that the actuator pressure corresponds to a desired pressure.

Abstract: A tine harrow has a plurality of harrow tines mounted on and downwardly depending from a harrow frame. The tines are configured to be moveable between a lowered position and a raised position, and at least one tine lowerable or raiseable to a different relative position in relation to a surface of a field than others of the tines. The ability to lower and raise individual tines or rows of tines to different positions in relation to a surface of a field provides more effective response of the tine harrow to changing land conditions. The positions to which individual tines or rows of tines are lowered or raised may be selectively set to further enhance effectiveness of the response of the tine harrow to changing land conditions.

Abstract: A soil opener comprises first and second soil-cutting members. The first member has a first soil-engaging surface inclined at a first angle to a perpendicular to the soil surface when viewed along a travel direction, the first angle being greater than zero, and at a second angle to the travel direction when viewed along a perpendicular, the second angle being greater than zero. The second member comprises a rotating disc and has a second soil-engaging surface that faces away from, and in a substantially opposite direction to, the first soil-engaging surface, the second soil-engaging surface being inclined at a third angle to a perpendicular when viewed along the travel direction, the third angle being greater than zero and in the same sense as the first angle.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for planting seed. A system includes a row unit configured to open a planting trench. A first seed meter has a first coding scheme and receives a first seed type from a first hopper having the first coding scheme. A second meter has a second coding scheme and receives a second seed type from a second hopper having the second coding scheme.

Abstract: Reforestation capsules composed of biodegradable materials are operable to be used in aerial reforestation operations. Capsules may contain one or more seedlings, compacted fertilizer, soil, and/or nutrients. Capsules include a flight platform component and cone tip component. The capsule structure survives impact and may serve as additional nutrient for the seedling(s). A housing unit sized and configured to contain and dispense capsules can be mounted or otherwise housed in an aircraft to deliver capsules.

Abstract: A metering system is proposed for an agricultural distributor for dispensing granular or granulated material with which a vertical cell wheel arrangement in combination with an adjustable cell wheel floor achieves great variability of the adjustable metering volumes with reduced drive energy requirement.

Abstract: An apparatus applies product and includes a pivotal platform solely supported through bushings formed of compressible material. The ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step pivoting a composite block to engage with an engagement of the transmission proportioner arm. A gate is opened utilizing a control lever pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block to either engage or avoid a tang of an adjustment guide. A drive belt system includes a variator having first and second sheaves having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin is moved by pivoting a lever. A spray tip sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion parallel to the axis in a redirection position.

Abstract: The present application relates to selective harvesting of agricultural objects, such as asparagus spears. One described example relates to a harvester that includes at least one set of independently controllable cutter arm assemblies that rotate about a common axis to harvest individual asparagus spears.

Abstract: A trimmer head, comprising: a casing 21, 22, a supporting device 31, 32 for a cutting wire spool, which supporting device (31, 32) is arranged within the casing (21, 22) and movable between an engagement position, wherein it is rotatingly solid with the casing (21, 22), and a free position, wherein it is not rotatingly solid with the casing (21, 22). The head further comprises coupling means 41,42, which are so configured as to make the casing (21, 22) and the supporting device (31, 32) rotatingly solid with one another in the engagement position, engagement means (43) which are so configured as to allow displacement of the supporting device (31, 32) from the free position to the engagement position and release means (51, 52) configured for moving the supporting device (31) from the engagement position to the free position, said release means (51, 52) being activated under the effect of the centrifugal force due to rotation of the trimmer head.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting stalks processed by a combine harvester, for measuring stalk diameters, and for displaying harvest metrics and yield data to a user based on stalk locations and stalk diameters.

Abstract: A method for determining calibration data for a grain-loss sensor on a combine harvester includes measuring grain-loss quantities, which were left behind by the combine harvester during a harvesting operation, and measuring sensor grain-loss values by the grain-loss sensor during the harvesting operation. Reference marks are assigned to the measured grain-loss quantities and the measured sensor grain-loss values and the calibration data for the grain-loss sensor are determined on the basis of a reconciliation of the measured grain-loss quantities with the measured sensor grain-loss values according to the reference marks.

Abstract: A corn ear harvester which comprises two deck plates and two gathering chain devices. The gathering chain devices each comprise an endless chain which forms a chain loop which comprises a straight operational part; a corn ear paddle and paddle connector which connects the corn ear paddle to the chain. The device further comprises a corn stalk channel having a deck plate channel section extends between the deck plates and a gathering chain channel section between the gathering chain devices. The deck plate channel section is too narrow for a corn ear to pass through. The corn ear paddles are arranged adjacent to a deck plate on the side of the ear blocking surface of said first deck plate and the endless chains of the gathering chain devices are arranged adjacent to the deck plates on the opposite side.

Abstract: A harvesting system for harvesting stemmed plants having elongated stems and including bulbous growth disposed at the top of the sterns. The harvesting system includes a harvesting unit having a plurality of gripping elements; a cutter for harvesting the plants; and a divergent zone defined by gripping elements for vertically aligning the harvested plants. The harvesting unit further includes a transfer zone defined by gripping elements having another cutter for cutting the harvested plants to selected size, and includes a rotating brush for removing unwanted foliage from the harvested plants, a pair of belts disposed aft of the transfer zone for receiving selectably sized, harvested plants from the transfer zone and a belt-like table disposed aft of the pair of belts for receiving the selectably sized harvested plants from the pair of belts for packing and shipping the plants from the field.

Abstract: This invention is a dual function tree pruner and fruit harvester that use the same equipment for pruning and for harvesting. The Fruit Tree Pruner and Harvesting Machine features: a Self-Propelled-Vehicle (SPV), computer controlled robotic arms, a Digital Imaging System (DIS), a Radar Ranger System (RRS), Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Guidance System, Geographic Information System (GIS), a Power Pruner or Power Stem Cutter as appropriate, a fruit vacuum system, a fruit catcher, a fruit handling system, and a fruit bin loader. The operation is automated and the operator monitors and sets parameters. The Fruit Tree Pruner and Harvesting Machine can prune a tree to a predetermined profile. The tree can be shaped per the orchard's requirements. The invention utilizes data obtained during the pruning process to find the fruit, and to remove the fruit while maintaining the fruit quality suitable for the fresh market.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming a bale from loose material are disclosed. A feeder feeds loose material to a bale former. The bale former forms a bale from loose material. A feeding-side output shaft drives the feeder. A forming-side output shaft drives the bale former. An input shaft drives both output shafts. A torque measuring arrangement measures a value indicative of the input torque provided by the input shaft. If the input torque value exceeds a given torque threshold, a control unit triggers the bale former for reducing the torque consumption taken from the forming-side output shaft.

Abstract: An agricultural baler. The agricultural bailer includes a baling chamber, a first plunger, a second surface opposing the first plunger, and a track assembly. The baling chamber comprises a first wall and a second wall. Each of the first wall and the second wall comprises a slot extending along a length of the baling chamber. The first plunger is moveable within the baling chamber and is configured to compress a compressible material into a bale. The second surface is configured to support the compressible material within the baling chamber. Each of the first plunger and the second surface comprises a slot aligned with the slots of the first wall and the second wall. The track assembly comprises a gated channel and is disposed within the slots of the first wall, the second wall, the first plunger, and the second surface such that the track assembly substantially surrounds the baling chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system for storing commodities is provided. The system may include a tarpaulin. The tarpaulin may further have an internal strapping. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for storing commodities is provided. The method may include providing a tarpaulin. In one embodiment, the method for storing commodities may include configuring the tarpaulin to provide internal strapping.

Abstract: A chopper mechanism for chopping stalk-like plant wherein the chopper mechanism includes a plurality of chopping elements that are removably mounted on the pair of chopper drums via associated holders. The chopping elements are mounted on the chopper drums circumferentially spaced apart and define a predetermined radial angle (?) therebetween. Each of the chopping elements having a pair of substantially parallel cutting edges spaced apart by substantially parallel mounting surfaces. One of the cutting edges is selectively engaged in the chopping while the other cutting edge is enclosed within the holder. The parallel cutting edge of the chopping elements facilitates in reversing each chopping element depending on the degree of abrasion of the cutting edge.

Abstract: The invention provides a closed system for collecting, mulching and storing natural yard waste in a manner that saves time and labor. Storage of the natural yard waste is enabled by use of off the shelf bags instead of customized bags that must be later dumped into a generic storage housing. The system is empowered by a device that is attachable to such off the shelf bags and fully uses their volume so that maximum storage is achieved.

Abstract: An air blower that is operable to produce an airflow wherein the air blower has a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation the air blower produces an airflow having a temperature that is approximately equal to that of its surroundings. In the second mode of operation, the air blower produces an airflow that has a temperature that is greater than that of its surroundings. The air blower consists of a motor providing mechanical energy to an electrical alternator. An ignition module is present being operable to start the motor. A first heating element and second heating element are present within the airflow path of the air blower. A bypass module is operable to select the first mode or second mode of operation. An insulated discharge tube is operable to direct the airflow produced by the blower motor.

Abstract: A method for position based management of a plurality of plants being arranged in a controlled environment and subject to light emitted by at least one artificial lighting arrangement. Also, a corresponding mobile electronic device and to a computer program product for position based management of an artificial lighting arrangement arranged to control growth of a plurality of plants in a controlled environment.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method of growing one or more plants can be implemented wherein the one or more plants establish a canopy that shades an intra-canopy volume of the one or more plants from direct illumination. The method can include coupling a light source with a light distribution device; disposing the light distribution device in a position to directly illuminate the canopy region of the one or more plants and to directly illuminate the intra-canopy volume of the one or more plants.

Abstract: A capsule (1) for insertion into a bore of a porous element to apply treatment substance to the interior of the element and having a container (2), with at least one internal cavity (3) for receiving treatment substance and an outer stop flange (8), and a plug (4) received in and fixed to the container through a common interconnecting land (5). A first container shank portion (6) that extends from a first insertion end (1A) of the capsule and up to the area of the interconnecting land has a uniform, generally cylindrical shape, a second container shank portion (7) extending away from said container first shank portion, from the area of the inter- connecting land towards the outer stop flange, at least at an inner surface (7B) thereof has an outwardly slightly diverging, conical shape and at an outer surface (7A) thereof, separated a short distance from the outer stop flange has a first circumferential beveled edge (9) serving as a transition to an outer increased diameter section (7C).

Abstract: A soft plant pot including a body (1) having a receiving space (13) with an upper opening. The receiving space (13) can receive a plant. The body (1) includes a bottom wall (12) having a drain hole (121) for draining water. An annular ring (124) is formed on an inner face of the bottom wall (12) and surrounds the drain hole (121). The annular ring (124) includes a notch (123) to define an arc-shaped section (122). The arc-shaped section (122) has a height above the inner face of the bottom wall (12) to create a gap between the bottom wall (12) and the plant. The notch (123) and the gap allow gas and fluid to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A multiple cell horticulture propagation tray arranged in rows of star-shaped cells forming a substantially rectangular shaped tray having the cells formed therein, combined with inserted cylindrically shaped growing media plugs comprising primarily of peat moss with an amount of biochar, and enveloped to retain moisture within the growing media.

Abstract: In an air conditioning apparatus, mixed ambient gas obtained by mixing carbon dioxide with ambient gas in a mixing unit communicating with outlets and, moreover, adjusting temperature and humidity of the mixed ambient gas is supplied to a plant substantially uniformly through the outlets installed in the vicinity of the plant, which makes transpiration of leaves of the plant uniform, and further allows air conditioning control to be performed only over the vicinity of the plant and carbon gas concentration to be managed on the same.

Abstract: A protective device of a dispenser supply hose comprising a trolley (4) which is movable on a soil (200) to be irrigated, which trolley (4) can be associated with a supply hose (2) of a fluid (100); said device further comprises a protective element (9) intended for said supply hose (2), which protective element (9) is interposed between the soil (200) and said supply hose (2), and accumulating means (8) of the protective element (9) suitable for extending said protective element (9) during an extension step of said supply hose (2) and to recover said protective element (9) from said soil (200) during a recovery step of said supply hose (2).

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, a serial communication bus is provided between a control unit of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module.

Abstract: A control system for a low-volume irrigation system includes a plurality of valve controllers for opening and closing valves; an irrigation system controller for controlling the valve controllers in accordance with an irrigation plan; and a graphical user interface for allowing a user to interact with the irrigation controller and to create the irrigation plan. The graphical user interface displays an irrigation zone list, an irrigation set list, and an irrigation plan field. The user interface has drag and drop functionality that permits an irrigation zone listing from the irrigation zone list to be dragged and dropped into any of the irrigation set listings in the irrigation set list and that permits an irrigation zone listing or an irrigation set listing to be dragged and dropped into the irrigation plan to create irrigation steps within the irrigation plan.

Abstract: A seed-growing apparatus is disclosed. The seed-growing apparatus can comprise at least a first reservoir configured to contain a first liquid. The seed-growing apparatus can also comprise at least a first seed pod, the first seed pod including a first surface having a first permeability. The first surface can be configured to be in contact with the first liquid when the first reservoir contains the first liquid.

Abstract: A soilless plant growing system is described. The system includes a receptacle for retaining airborne water droplets, fog or mist, a plant supporting tray positioned within or upon the receptacle, a water reservoir, and a water droplet, fog or water mist generator that directs such to plants in the tray. The water reservoir includes provisions to automatically supply water to the generator.

Abstract: The invention introduces a flexible growth model of hydroponics including frame, growing modules and growing medium. The frame acts as a skeleton to provide support for the whole growing modules. The growing module is made of flexible materials to hold the hydroponics growing medium. The invention also provides a model of flexible hydroponic system, through which store less water (through the way of storing less water in each individual flexible growing modules). It effectively reduces the needed water pumped to the plants. The system can connect up to 48 growing modules, by using this system, users can save the needed water and nutrients ½ less than the present flood and drain system.

Abstract: A vertical aeroponic garden utilizes removable growing panels that support plants undisturbed from germination through harvest. The panels are removable, with the supported plants, and can be delivered to a grocery location for harvest by a consumer. A frame system is configured to support one or more growing panels in a vertical orientation. The growing panels define an aeroponic chamber in which a fluid delivery system supplies a nutrient rich atomized solution to the root structure of the plants.

Abstract: A new and distinct Guzmania hybrid names ‘ROUCHE’ characterized by solid growth habit; funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 50 cm in height (above the pot when flowering); numerous, green color foliage (measuring about 35 to 50 cm length and about 4 cm in width). Superior floral bract production; bracts are red in color (ranges from RHS 47B to 48A), compound inflorescence, measuring about 20 cm in height and about 25 cm in diameter; and long-lasting habit.

Abstract: A method comprises extending a robotic attacher under a dairy livestock positioned in a milking stall, wherein the robotic attacher comprises a nozzle that is positioned generally on the bottom of the robotic attacher during a first operation. The method further comprises rotating the robotic attacher during a second operation such that the nozzle is positioned generally on the top of the robotic attacher.

Abstract: A milking box comprises a stall portion having a longitudinal axis. A backplane is positioned in the stall portion and moves toward the rear of the stall portion along the longitudinal axis in response to pressure applied, and toward the front of the stall portion in response to pressure removed. A robotic attacher extends from the rear of the stall portion and between the hind legs of a dairy livestock. A controller determines the position of the backplane relative to the rear of the stall portion and determines a positional offset that increases as the dairy livestock moves toward the front of the stall and decreases as it moves toward the rear of the stall. The controller further communicates a signal to move the robotic attacher along the longitudinal axis. The amount of movement is determined at least in part according to the positional offset.

Abstract: A milking robot comprises a robotic arm, a camera coupled to the robotic arm, a camera-facing nozzle coupled to the robotic arm, and a controller. The robotic arm extends in a longitudinal direction between the hind legs and from the rear of a dairy livestock located in a milking stall. The camera-facing nozzle sprays a protective layer of the camera with a cleanser. The controller communicates a signal instructing the camera-facing nozzle to spray the camera with cleanser.

Abstract: A system includes a milking stall to accommodate a dairy livestock and a robotic attacher. The robotic attacher extends under the dairy livestock and comprises a nozzle. The robotic attacher is operable to rotate such that, during a first operation, the nozzle is positioned generally on the bottom of the robotic attacher, and during a second operation, the nozzle is positioned generally on the top of the robotic attacher.

Abstract: The invention relates to a teat cup cleaning unit comprising a distribution unit which has an inlet and at least two outlets for a cleaning liquid. The distribution unit has a calming chamber and a distribution chamber. The calming chamber is connected to the distribution chamber via an opening. The inlet opens into the calming chamber. A cleaning liquid leaves the distribution chamber through the passages leading to the outlets.

Abstract: A device suitable for attachment to a milking platform at a “milking position” has a strippings viewing area and a light source, which is operable to illuminate in a suitable manner the strippings viewing area to enhance the visibility to an operator of any mastitis symptoms in use and/or to illuminate the udder to facilitate inspection or treatment. The light source may also be operable to give continuous or intermittent colour signals to the operator and the device might also include an alpha-numeric area. The device might form part of a leg separator and/or sprayer and/or milk hose support. A milking platform with such a device is also claimed.

Abstract: An animal litter, process for preparing the animal litter and a method for removal of animal waste using the animal litter are provided. The animal litter generally includes corn cob, a lubricant, and a cohesiveness agent. The animal litter is in the form of discrete plural particles which tend to agglomerate when wetted.

Abstract: A bed for at least one animal is provided. The bed includes a strip of belting having a front end, a back end, and opposing sides, an animal bed having a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The first fluid chamber is provided within the strip of belting and includes a first width extending between a first side and a second side of the first fluid chamber. The second fluid chamber is provided within the strip of belting and includes a second width extending between a first side and a second side of the second fluid chamber. A first fluid supply tube is in fluid connection with the first chamber, and a second fluid supply tube is in fluid connection with the second chamber, wherein the first and second chambers are fluidly isolated from one another. A method of preparing for use a bed for at least one animal is also provided. In addition, a system for using a bed for at least one animal is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pet feeder, in particular, to a feeder having a remote control function, and more specifically to an entertaining feeder. In view of problems such as currently, pet hardly participates in an entire feeding process, so that the need of pet hardly matches manual feeding, and pet cannot obtain a sense of delight and a sense of achievement in the feeding process, an entertaining feeder is provided. Feeder is mainly formed by a feeding body and a controller, where feeding body mainly includes a food container provided with a food leaking hole, a bracket, and a food tray; and the controller mainly includes a control signal transmitter and a controller positioner. By using the controller formed by combining the controller positioner and the control signal transmitter, pet itself can be urged to operate control signal transmitter and trigger a control signal receiver.

Abstract: A clip-style equine twitch device comprising a clip head and in-line tether holes, each threaded with a section of rope or cord to form an adjustable loop that can be applied to the horse and then securely clipped to an anchor point, and a method of use thereof.

Abstract: An animal alignment support system includes a rod rotatably mounted on an animal enclosure and a rotation mechanism coupled with the rod to rotate the rod about a radial axis of the rod between a raised position and a lowered position. The system includes two horn cradles coupled with the rod and spaced apart from one another along the rod. At least a portion of each of the horn cradles extends downward and forward from the rod. In the raised position, the horn cradles are raised above a height of horns of an animal, thereby allowing the animal to pass below and move in front of the horn cradles. In the lowered position, at least a portion of each of the horn cradles is positioned below and behind the horns of the animal positioned within the animal enclosure, preventing the animal from backing up or lowering or turning its head.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dog restraining apparatus comprise a dog collar and a collar positioning assembly. The collar is configured to attach to a leash at a location behind the dog's head when the collar is secured around the dog's neck. The collar positioning assembly includes an alignment strap having ends attachable to the collar at respective collar attachment locations such that the alignment strap is extendable across the dog's nose bridge when the dog collar is secured around the dog's neck The collar attachment locations may be adjustable along the collar. The alignment strap may have a continuous or non-continuous bead of elastomer disposed on its interior surface to frictionally engage the dog's nose. The collar positioning assembly may be readily detachable from, and re-attachable to, the collar. Attachment of the strap ends may be facilitated by intervening structures such as strap end loops, O-rings and releasable collar attachment loops.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a dog collar and leash system. The system may comprise a collar structure. The collar structure may include an elongated flexible strap having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an elongated central portion extending from the first to the second end portion. A closing structure may establish engagement of the first and second end portions to define a closed loop. The system may include a leash structure comprising a housing and a reel supported in the housing. A cord may be spooled on the reel. A spring may be mounted in the housing to provide a biasing force on the reel. A handle portion may be disposed at a free end of the cord. The system may include a keeper structure comprising a first keeper element to retain the handle portion in fixed relationship with the collar structure when the cord is fully spooled.